University-Based Smart Cities: from collective intelligence to smart crowd-conscience

Quality of life, economic, knowledge and human capitals ‘development are the main challenges of the new wave of smart cities. Hybrid strategies of cost leadership and innovation need to be aligned mostly by highly deliberate university creative services.  Physical, intellectual and social capitals are loosely coupled to better understanding of the urban fabric and norms of behavior. It requires the creation ofapplications enabling data collection and processing, web-based collaboration, and “real-time†mining of the collective intelligence of citizens. The Internet of Things (IoT) has been viewed as a promising technology with great potential for addressing many societal challenges, filling the gap in terms of citizen's sensitivity measurement. At the physical level of its ecosystem, buildings are responsible for about 40% of energy consumption in cities and more than 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. With recent products available today, energy consumption in buildings could be cut by up to 70 percent, but it requires an integrated and collective adaptive framework to show how buildings are operated, maintained and controlled with the support of IoT-based innovation and solutions. The number of new IoT protocols and applications has grown exponentially in recent years. However, IoT for smart cities needs accessible open data and open systems, so that industries and universities can develop new services and applications. The main aim is to develop energy efficient frameworks to improve energy efficiency by using innovative integrated IoT techniques. These techniques could integrate technologies from context-aware computing, context-dependent user expectation and profile and occupants' actions and behaviors. This paper tend to present in what extent a case of university-based smart city would invest in IoT as both strategy and process in order to enhance efficiency, innovative education and attractiveness for its current and future citizens

An enhanced control strategy based imaginary swapping instant for induction motor drives

The main aim of this paper is to present a novel control approach of an induction machine (IM) using an improved space vector modulation based direct torque control (SVM-DTC) on the basis of imaginary swapping instant technique. The improved control strategy is presented to surmount the drawbacks of the classical direct torque control (DTC) and to enhance the dynamic performance of the induction motor. This method requires neither angle identification nor sector determination; the imaginary swapping instant vector is used to fix the effective period in which the power is transferred to the IM. Both the classical DTC method and the suggested adaptive DTC techniques have been carried out in MATLAB/SimulinkTM. Simulation results shows the effectiveness of the enhanced control strategy and demonstrate that torque and flux ripples are massively diminished compared to the conventional DTC (CDTC) which gives a better performance. Finally, the system will also be tested for its robustness against variations in the IM parameters

Study of the microstructure and texture heterogeneities of Fe–48wt%Ni alloy severely deformed by equal channel angular pressing

International audienceA Fe-48wt%Ni alloy was processed by severe plastic deformation using equal channel angular pressing process. A stacking of 9 sheets was introduced and pressed up to two passes into die with an inner angles of Φ=90º and outer arc of curvature ψ= 17° at room temperature following route A. The same material in bulk form was also ECAPed up to one pass. The microstructure and the texture were investigated by means of electron backscattered diffraction and X-ray diffraction, respectively. To evaluate the mechanical response, Vickers microhardness was carried out. The given analyses concern the as-received sample, the peripheral and the central plates of the pressed stacks and the upper, the middle and the lower parts of the pressed bulk material. The deformation was heterogeneous and variations in texture and microstructure, resulting from different efficiencies in the shearing process, were locally noted. For the stacks samples, the microstructure evolved from equiaxed grains of 9 μm with high fraction of high-angle grain boundaries (around 90%) to a heterogeneous fine grain structure with an average grain size of 3 m after two passes. On the contrary, for the bulk sample, the evolution wa

Small bowel volvulus with intussusception: an unusual revelation of neuroendocrine tumor

The primary malignant tumors of the small bowel are rare, representing 1 to 1.4% of all gastrointestinal tumors. We report a case of a 33 year-old women, admitted to our emergency department of visceral  surgery for acute abdomen. The clinical examination revealed diffuse abdominal distension, defenseless, the hernia orifices were free and the rectal examination was normal. The biological test showed no hydro electrolytic disorders with normal hemoglobin and normal renal function. The abdominal CT-Scan showed signs of bowel obstruction due to a volvulus with intussusception without ischemia. The patient was operated urgently; the exploration has revealed a small bowel obstruction in the ileum with volvulus, an intussusceptum associated with a retractile mesenteritis, and the hepatic exploration found no   metastases. The patient underwent a bowel resection taking away the intussusceptum with the  infiltrated mesentery. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological result has proved a  well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor with five free nodes. Through this observation, we aim to  highlight that an obstruction of small bowel with volvulus and intussusception could be exceptionally due  to a neuroendocrine tumor, this complication has enabled a relatively early diagnosis in the absence of metastases and a 6-month follow-up without recurrence is a  demonstration.Key words: Intestines, small, volvulus, intussusception, neuroendocrine tumor

Insights from magnetic resonance imaging of left ventricular non-compaction in adults of North African descent

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a recently recognized rare disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help to clarify the uncertainties related to this genetic cardiomyopathy. Despite the fact that many articles have been published concerning the use of MRI in the study of LVNC, there is a lack of data describing the disease in the North African population. The aim of our study is to clarify MRI findings of LVNC in North African patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In our retrospective cohort, twelve patients (7 male, mean age 53 ± 8 years) underwent MRI for suspected LVNC. Correlations were investigated between the number of non-compacted segments per patient and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), then between the number of non-compacted segments and left ventricular end diastolic diameter. The presence or absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was qualitatively determined for each left ventricular myocardial segment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Non-compaction was more commonly observed at the apex, the anterior and the lateral walls, especially on their apical and mid-cavity segments. 83% of patients had impaired LVEF. There was no correlation between the number of non-compacted segments per patient and LVEF (r = -0.361; p = 0.263), nor between the number of non-compacted segments per patient and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (r = 0.280; p = 0.377). LGE was observed in 22 left ventricular segments. No association was found between the pattern of fibrosis and non-compaction distribution (OR = 2.2, CI [0.91-5.55], p = 0.076).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The distribution of LVNC in North African patients does not differ from other populations. Ventricular dysfunction is independent from the number of non-compacted segments. Myocardial fibrosis is not limited to non-compacted areas but can extend to compacted segments.</p

Use of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of constrictive pericarditis: a Moroccan center experience

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis continues to be a clinical challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging provides excellent visualization of the pericardium. The aim of our study is to clarify the contribution of this non invasive exploration in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis in our center.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>we conducted a prospective study over a period of two years, since 2008, covering a series of patients (n = 11), mean age 44 ± 15 years, in whom constrictive pericarditis was suspected clinically and on transthoracic echocardiography. We studied its characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis showing pericardial thickening in all cases, measuring 8.2 +/- 2.6 mm on average, circumferential in 64%, and localized in 36%. The imaging data, particularly pericardial thickening and its topography, were confirmed by surgical exploration, and results were concordant in all cases.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool to establish constrictive pericarditis diagnosis.</p

An autosomal recessive leucoencephalopathy with ischemic stroke, dysmorphic syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa maps to chromosome 17q24.2-25.3

Background Single-gene disorders related to ischemic stroke seem to be an important cause of stroke in young patients without known risk factors. To identify new genes responsible of such diseases, we studied a consanguineous Moroccan family with three affected individuals displaying hereditary leucoencephalopathy with ischemic stroke, dysmorphic syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa that appears to segregate in autosomal recessive pattern. Methods All family members underwent neurological and radiological examinations. A genome wide search was conducted in this family using the ABI PRISM linkage mapping set version 2.5 from Applied Biosystems. Six candidate genes within the region linked to the disease were screened for mutations by direct sequencing. Results Evidence of linkage was obtained on chromosome 17q24.2-25.3. Analysis of recombination events and LOD score calculation suggests linkage of the responsible gene in a genetic interval of 11 Mb located between D17S789 and D17S1806 with a maximal multipoint LOD score of 2.90. Sequencing of seven candidate genes in this locus, ATP5H, FDXR, SLC25A19, MCT8, CYGB, KCNJ16 and GRIN2C, identified three missense mutations in the FDXR gene which were also found in a homozygous state in three healthy controls, suggesting that these variants are not disease-causing mutations in the family. Conclusion A novel locus for leucoencephalopathy with ischemic stroke, dysmorphic syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa has been mapped to chromosome 17q24.2-25.3 in a consanguineous Moroccan family

Incidences des incitations fiscales sur les performances économiques et financières des entreprises exportatrices : Cas du secteur des Industries Electriques et Electroniques

Cet article vise à comprendre les incidences des incitations fiscales accordées par l’Etat sur les performances économiques et financières des entreprises exportatrices. Ce travail se réfère à la littérature relative à l'effet de l'impôt sur la rentabilité de l'entreprise notamment les travaux de (Strulik Holger, 2003) et (Jochen Michaelis et Birk Angela, 2006). L’ajustement économétrique des indicateurs de la performance (bénéfice net et output) en fonction de ses déterminants montre l’impact négatif et statistiquement significatif du taux d’imposition sur la performance des industries électriques exportatrices. L’estimation par la méthode des moindres carrés généralisés (MCG) montre que la fiscalité affecte les résultats financiers de l’entreprise. En effet une variation du taux d’imposition de 1% entraînerait une baisse de 0.31% de l’output de l’entreprise. De même, une augmentation de l’IS de 1% entrainerait une diminution de 0.07% du bénéfice net. D’un autre coté, une approche basée sur une simulation de l’avantage fiscal en fonction des nouveaux taux d’imposition a démontré qu’une augmentation de l’IS de 10% affaiblie les rentabilités financières et économiques des entreprises exportatrices

L’audit interne des systèmes d’information au Maroc : une véritable synergie pour une cyber-sécurité

Internal auditing of information systems has a significant importance for organizations. The synergy between internal audit and information systems has created opportunities for more informed decision-making, improved risk assessment and, ultimately, better alignment with organizational objectives. Indeed, beyond its traditional functions, internal auditing has expanded to ensure compliance, security and efficiency of information systems within an organization, while reinforcing the resilience of information systems. The aim of our article is to draw on existing literature to demonstrate the impact of the internal audit function on the control of information systems security risks. To do this, we will first define the concept of internal audit and the evolution of its functions, present the background to the reinforcement of information systems security in Morocco, demonstrate how Computer-Aided Audit Tools and Techniques (CAATTs) support audit processes, and highlight the complementarity between internal and external audit in a continuous audit logic.&nbsp; We will then highlight a series of aspects linked to the development of the internal audit function's remit, and relate internal audit to the Information Security Management System, which helps the organization to manage well the risks linked to the security of information systems. Keywords: (3-5 Words)&nbsp;: Système de Management de la sécurité de l’information, audit interne, cyber-securité, Outils et Techniques d'Audit Assistées par Ordinateur. JEL Classification : H83, M42, M4. Paper type: article théorique &nbsp;L'audit interne des systèmes d'information revêt une importance significative pour les organisations. La synergie entre l'audit interne et les systèmes d'information a créé des opportunités pour une prise de décision plus éclairée, une meilleure capacité d'évaluation des risques et, finalement, un meilleur alignement avec les objectifs organisationnels. En effet, au-delà de ses fonctions classiques l’audit interne s’est élargi permettant ainsi d'assurer la conformité, la sécurité et l'efficacité des systèmes d’information au sein d'une organisation tout en renforçant la résilience des systèmes d’information. Notre article vise à démontrer à partir de la littérature existante l’impact de la fonction d’audit interne sur la maîtrise des risques liés à la sécurité des systèmes d’information. Pour se faire nous allons dans un premier temps définir le concept d’audit interne et l’évolution de ses fonctions, présenter l’historique relatif au renforcement du dispositif de sécurité des systèmes d’information au Maroc, démontrer comment les Outils et Techniques d'Audit Assistées par Ordinateur (CAATTs) soutiennent les processus d’audit tout en mettant en lumière la complémentarité entre l’audit interne et externe dans une logique d’audit continu.&nbsp; Puis nous allons mettre en exergue un ensemble d’aspects liés au développement des attributions de la fonction d’audit interne et mettre en relation l’audit interne et le Système de Management de la sécurité de l’information qui aide l’organisation à mieux gérer les risques liés à la sécurité des systèmes d’information. Mots clés : Système de Management de la sécurité de l’information, audit interne, cyber-securité, Outils et Techniques d'Audit Assistées par Ordinateur. Classification JEL&nbsp;: H83, M42, M4. Type de l’article&nbsp;: article théoriqu