The Middle Atlas Geological karsts forms: Towards Geosites characterization

International audienceRich limestone Jurassic formations and huge water reservoir are natural characteristics of the Middle Atlas Chain in Morocco, which, therefore, offers geodiversity of karst geosystems. The geological, tectonic and hydro-geo-morphological nature of the history of Atlas orogeny has affected the eastern part of the Middle, ensuring the evolution of karst features on various sites of this zone. This study presents some touristic offers specific to the Middle Atlas, particularly in terms of genesis, structures, and functions that could develop and promote public tourism offers. It argues that this development depends on future geological funds identification and classification as Geosites. On the basis of the patrimonial process characterising the Middle Atlas, this study suggests the creation of a Geopark in the Middle Atlas, within the framework of the evaluation criteria of the UNESCO. The implementation of this suggestion would contribute to the socioeconomic development of this region of Morocco

The Middle Atlas Geological karsts forms: Towards Geosites characterization

Rich limestone Jurassic formations and huge water reservoir are natural characteristics of the Middle Atlas Chain in Morocco, which, therefore, offers geodiversity of karst geosystems. The geological, tectonic and hydro-geo-morphological nature of the history of Atlas orogeny has affected the eastern part of the Middle, ensuring the evolution of karst features on various sites of this zone. This study presents some touristic offers specific to the Middle Atlas, particularly in terms of genesis, structures, and functions that could develop and promote public tourism offers. It argues that this development depends on future geological funds identification and classification as Geosites. On the basis of the patrimonial process characterising the Middle Atlas, this study suggests the creation of a Geopark in the Middle Atlas, within the framework of the evaluation criteria of the UNESCO. The implementation of this suggestion would contribute to the socioeconomic development of this region of Morocco

Cybersecurity in the Context of Moroccan Energy Companies

The aim of this research is to assess the level of maturity of Moroccan companies in the energy sector in terms of cybersecurity and to identify the factors influencing their abilities to implement effective security measures to address the risks associated with cyber-attacks. To achieve this, we have adopted an exploratory approach. A questionnaire was sent to energy sector companies in Morocco to investigate their cybersecurity practices. This entails examining the current security measures in place, security policies and procedures, as well as employee training programs. Furthermore, we are exploring the human and financial factors that can influence the ability of energy companies to implement effective security measures against cyberattacks. The results clearly indicate that most of these companies demonstrate a high level of maturity in terms of cybersecurity. However, several significant factors influence their ability to implement effective security measures. Among these factors, the lack of qualified personnel, the high costs associated with acquiring and implementing security technologies, as well as expenses related to training and awareness, can be mentioned

Cybersecurity in the Context of Moroccan Energy Companies

The aim of this research is to assess the level of maturity of Moroccan companies in the energy sector in terms of cybersecurity and to identify the factors influencing their abilities to implement effective security measures to address the risks associated with cyber-attacks. To achieve this, we have adopted an exploratory approach. A questionnaire was sent to energy sector companies in Morocco to investigate their cybersecurity practices. This entails examining the current security measures in place, security policies and procedures, as well as employee training programs. Furthermore, we are exploring the human and financial factors that can influence the ability of energy companies to implement effective security measures against cyberattacks. The results clearly indicate that most of these companies demonstrate a high level of maturity in terms of cybersecurity. However, several significant factors influence their ability to implement effective security measures. Among these factors, the lack of qualified personnel, the high costs associated with acquiring and implementing security technologies, as well as expenses related to training and awareness, can be mentioned

Lithostratigraphic, Paleoenvironmental Characterization and Correlations of the Albian–Turonian Deposits of the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin (Southeast Morocco)

Ten detailed sections have been logged and studied from the “Infra-Cenomanian’’ to the Cenomanian–Turonian deposits in the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin between Tazzouguerte and Anounizme(SE Morocco). They show variations in their lithology and microfacies that reflect changes in the depositional environment from the base to the top of the sedimentary record. Indeed, depositional setting grades from a fluvial environment marked by sandstone deposits of the Ifezouane Formation to an alluvial plain and coastal lagoon environment comprising an alternation of red clay, gypsum, and green marl beds of the Aoufous Formation and, finally, towards shallow to moderately deep marine environments with the deposition of the carbonates of the Akrabou Formation. Correlations between the studied sections show variations in the thickness of strata throughout the basin. The variations recorded in the so-called “Infra-Cenomanian” series may be related to the structuration of the basement. The Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate platform shows deeper marine and thicker sediments towards the east, while it thins towards the west until its disappearance in Anounizme. This reflects the global Cenomanian–Turonian transgression in the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin from the eastern Tethyan realm towards the west. The regional correlation of the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin with the Ouarzazate and Agadir basins shows an eastward thinning of the Cenomanian–Turonian marine deposits of Agadir. This suggests the presence of a paleorelief at the Anounizme locality. This could be the boundary between the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin, with Tethyan influence, to the east and those of Ouarzazate and Agadir, with Atlantic affinity, to the west

Lithostratigraphic, Paleoenvironmental Characterization and Correlations of the Albian–Turonian Deposits of the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin (Southeast Morocco)

Ten detailed sections have been logged and studied from the “Infra-Cenomanian’’ to the Cenomanian–Turonian deposits in the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin between Tazzouguerte and Anounizme(SE Morocco). They show variations in their lithology and microfacies that reflect changes in the depositional environment from the base to the top of the sedimentary record. Indeed, depositional setting grades from a fluvial environment marked by sandstone deposits of the Ifezouane Formation to an alluvial plain and coastal lagoon environment comprising an alternation of red clay, gypsum, and green marl beds of the Aoufous Formation and, finally, towards shallow to moderately deep marine environments with the deposition of the carbonates of the Akrabou Formation. Correlations between the studied sections show variations in the thickness of strata throughout the basin. The variations recorded in the so-called “Infra-Cenomanian” series may be related to the structuration of the basement. The Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate platform shows deeper marine and thicker sediments towards the east, while it thins towards the west until its disappearance in Anounizme. This reflects the global Cenomanian–Turonian transgression in the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin from the eastern Tethyan realm towards the west. The regional correlation of the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin with the Ouarzazate and Agadir basins shows an eastward thinning of the Cenomanian–Turonian marine deposits of Agadir. This suggests the presence of a paleorelief at the Anounizme locality. This could be the boundary between the Errachidia–Boudnib–Erfoud Basin, with Tethyan influence, to the east and those of Ouarzazate and Agadir, with Atlantic affinity, to the west

Cognitive Impairment and Basal Ganglia Functional Connectivity in Vascular Parkinsonism.

Patients with vascular parkinsonism have higher cognitive decline and more basal ganglia lesions. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of cognitive impairment with functional connectivity between the basal ganglia and cingulate cortex in vascular parkinsonism. Thirty patients (8 with vascular parkinsonism and 22 with Parkinson disease) and 23 controls were enrolled. The Mattis Dementia Rating Scale and the Stroop Task were used to assess cognitive decline. MR imaging examinations included T1-MPRAGE, FLAIR, and resting-state fMRI sequences. MPRAGE was segmented to obtain basal ganglia and cingulate cortex volumes. FLAIR was segmented to obtain white matter hyperintensity lesion volume. Resting-state fMRI sequences were used to compare basal ganglia functional connectivity with the cingulate cortex between patients and controls. Patients with vascular parkinsonism exhibited impaired attention, resistance to interference, and inhibitory control and an increased number of errors on the Stroop Task. They also had higher caudate nucleus and white matter hyperintensity lesion volumes, which were positively correlated (ρ = 0.75, P < .0001). Caudate nucleus functional connectivity with the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex was increased in patients with vascular parkinsonism compared with controls and patients with Parkinson disease, and it was positively correlated with the caudate nucleus volume (ρ = 0.44, P = .016). Caudate nucleus functional connectivity with the posterior cingulate cortex was decreased in patients with vascular parkinsonism compared with controls and negatively correlated with the number of errors on the Stroop test (ρ = -0.51, P = .0003). In patients with vascular parkinsonism, cognitive decline could be related to changes of caudate nucleus functional connectivity with the cingulate cortex at resting-state, which may be induced by ischemia-related remodelling

MRI volumetric morphometry in vascular parkinsonism.

Vascular parkinsonism is a difficult clinical differential diagnosis in elderly subjects. We aimed at identifying morphometric markers in the brain of elderly patients with vascular parkinsonism (VP) compared with age-matched patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls. In this multicenter prospective study, 46 patients (80 ± 5 years old; male 32) with parkinsonism (32 PD and 14 VP) and 29 controls (mean age 78 ± 3 years; male 21) underwent brain MRI on a 3-T scanner including T1 MPRAGE and FLAIR sequences. Volumetric morphometry was obtained using Morphobox software and compared between patients and controls. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis with computation of area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare diagnostic values. Caudate nucleus and white matter hyperintense lesions (WMHL) volumes appeared significantly higher in patients with VP. Normalized caudate volume of at least 0.67% and normalized WMHL of at least 1.11% identified patients with VP from patients with PD and controls with similar performances (p > 0.25). Caudate nucleus and WMHL volumes were positively correlated (ρ = 0.74, p < 0.0001), suggesting vascular disease related remodelling in elderly subjects. Caudate nucleus and WMHL MRI volumes might be used as additional markers to help identify patients with VP in the initial workup of elderly subjects with parkinsonian symptoms

Q5 Le Quaternaire, Limites et spécificités - Troisième partie

Colloque international organisé par le CNF-INQUA et l'AFEQ Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Paris, 1-3 février 2006