Digital Technology for Saudi Arabian Fashion Shows

Saudi fashion designers have encountered numerous challenges promoting their designs to the public in Saudi Arabia, especially women’s wear, due to religious and cultural regulations. The primary regulatory barrier is that women are not permitted to expose their bodies in the presence of men. Therefore, Saudi designers must deliver their fashion shows to a single gender audience. Furthermore, because there is no governmental process granting permission for these events, fashion designers are forced to take the risk that fashion shows at which they are exhibiting may be shut down. Therefore, this research investigated whether technology could assist fashion designers in promoting their designs, by replacing live fashion shows with digital versions. In order to evaluate the practicality of using technology developed for fashion shows in the context of Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to first resolve any religious, cultural and technical barriers that might restrict the potential acceptability of digital versions of live fashion shows. In this research, a mixed methods approach to data collection was employed, consulting stakeholders including cultural leaders, fashion designers, and consumers. The quantitative data instrument was a three-stage questionnaire, and the qualitative data collection involved two stages, i.e. interviews and observations. The data collected was used to create a framework to establish an outcome based on both a visualisation and a guideline. The visualisation covered the multitude of religious, cultural, and technical issues identified by the study. In addition, a guideline to recreate the fashion show method was developed for fashion designers to follow. The outcome of the framework was then evaluated to examine its validity. The visualisation was evaluated by focus groups, comprising consumers, cultural leaders and fashion designers, while the guidelines themselves were evaluated by fashion designers only. The results obtained from the research clarified that fashion designers are dissatisfied with the current fashion show options, because vital components that would support their success are not present. Therefore, the researcher navigated practices and behaviour in reference to cultural expectations, explored acceptable representations of female in public, developed an approach to modifying this and explored a variety of approaches to creating a visualisation, including using a bodysuit to permit exposure of certain areas of the body. This enabled the development of a replicable and relatively low-cost approach to creating a digital fashion show with guidelines to recreate it. The research concluded with a set of recommendations for fashion designers, allowing them to benefit fully from the digital fashion show. It also helped them to utilise the benefits of using a framework and guidelines to promote their collection in Saudi Arabia.Jeddah university represented by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau in Londo

Scientific Research: Publication and Visibility of Institutes and Countries in Relation to Development

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the role of scientific research in ranking universities at the international or African scale. The number and quality of of journals published by institutions as well as their presence in databases such as Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, etc., affect their visibility and reputation. Each researcher has an identifier (ID) and is evaluated based on  the publication number, total citations, Impact factor, etc. Findings on several databases show that China is the leader since the year 2000. In 2022, China published more than one million papers exceeding the US (702840 papers). Among African countries, Morocco ranks fourth behind Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria. The indexed journals on SCImago highlighted the urgent  for policy makers to develop IMIST (Institut Marocain de l’Information Scientifique et Technique) to improve the scientific information and communication system in Morocc

Differentiation of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycetes: Hypocreales) isolates by PCR-RFLP

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising biological control agent of several insect pests in agriculture. Molecular approaches (PCR, DNA sequence analysis and PCR-RFLP) were used in our research as tools for the identification of different B. bassiana isolates. Our work consisted in identifying the 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2 and 28S regions of B. bassiana ribosomal DNA. The DNA sequences of the amplified regions showed that the 18S rDNA is the most conserved unit, with a high homology (99.5%) between the isolates studied, while the 3’ end of the 28S rDNA has a great variability, which makes it possible to differentiate the isolates. The PCR-RFLP method was used to monitor isolates of B. bassiana and distinguish them in a target pest, Lygus lineolaris. This method involved two main steps. First, PCR was used to amplify a region of the 28S gene of B. bassiana. Second, this PCR product was digested using restriction endonucleases, and the fragments produced were compared using gel electrophoresis. Because of the high specificity and sensitivity of PCR-RFLP, it was possible to discriminate between B. bassiana isolates using spores scraped from the surface of an infected insect as samples.Le champignon entomopathogène Beauveria bassiana suscite de plus en plus d’intérêt en recherche et constitue une avenue intéressante en lutte biologique contre plusieurs insectes ravageurs en agriculture. Différentes approches (PCR, analyse des séquences d’ADN et PCR-RFLP) ont été utilisées lors de cette étude comme outils moléculaires d’identification de différents isolats de B. bassiana. Notre travail a consisté à identifier les régions 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2 et 28S de l’ADN ribosomal de B. bassiana. Les séquences d’ADN des régions amplifiées ont démontré que la région 18S de l’ADNr était la sous-unité la plus conservée, avec une homologie de 99,5 % entre les isolats étudiés, tandis que l’extrémité 3’ du gène 28S a accumulé beaucoup de variabilité et peut donc être utilisée pour différencier les isolats de B. bassiana. La technique PCR-RFLP a été utilisée pour réaliser le suivi d’isolats de B. bassiana chez un ravageur ciblé, Lygus lineolaris, et pour les distinguer. Cette méthode comprenait deux étapes. Premièrement, la PCR était utilisée pour amplifier une région du gène 28S de B. bassiana. Deuxièmement, ce produit de PCR était digéré à l’aide des endonucléases de restriction et les fragments produits ont été comparés en utilisant l’électrophorèse sur gel. En raison de la grande spécificité et sensibilité de la PCR-RFLP, il a été possible de différencier les isolats de B. bassiana en utilisant comme échantillons des spores prélevées à la surface d’un insecte infecté

Altitude effect on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of rosemary in the region of Talsint (Morocco).

The Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) is an evergreen shrub used worldwide for its aromatic and medicinal virtues. It plays an important role in the local economy of Talsint (Eastern Morocco). Even though, forest managers and decision makers are short of information and scientific indicators to accurately understand how the chemical composition of rosemary varies in the region. Hence, the aim of this work is to study the effect of altitude gradient over the chemical composition of the rosemary essential oil and its antioxidant activity.  In this study, eight samples of wild population of rosemary were collected from different altitudes in the High Atlas Mountains in the region of Talsint in order to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of their essential oils. The volatile profiles were determined by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), meanwhile, the antioxidant activity to scavenge the free radicals was pointed out by 1,1- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Based upon our analysis, the major constituents are 1,8-Cineole (50.60-64.27%), Camphor (1.77-14.12%), α-Pinene (6.61-9.02%), and Borneol (1.98-6.20%). Except the 1,8-Cineole, the altitude effect remains unclear for the other constituents. On the other hand, the essential oils of Talsint rosemary showed considerable antioxidant activity

Deciphering the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant: Antiviral Compound Efficacy by Molecular Docking, ADMET, and Dynamics Studies

This research was conducted to discover potential antiviral compounds effective against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 through computational screening methods. Our investigation encompassed nine established antiviral medications—Ritonavir, Remdesivir, Lopinavir, Ivermectin, Favipiravir, Ribavirin, Clofoctol, Chlorpromazine, and Artemisinin—and a flavone derivative, 2-(4-((6-hydroxyhexyl)oxy)phenyl)-4H-chroman-4-one (4c). These compounds were evaluated for their binding affinity to the Delta variant’s spike protein and their stability within the complex. We also examined their ADMET profiles and pharmacokinetic properties. he study found that all compounds exhibited strong binding to key amino acid residues within the spike protein’s active site, potentially inhibiting the enzyme’s function. Binding energy values ranged from -3.966 to -6.392 kcal/mol for the for the known drugs, with the flavone derivative exhibiting the highest binding affinity of -7.895 kcal/mol and an optimal ADMET profile. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of the 4c-spike protein complex. Our results indicate that the flavone derivative 4c is a promising lead for the development of novel antiviral therapies targeting the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2

Study of Reactive blue 203 removal by TiO2-P25 adsorption combined with photocatalysis for its degradation

The treatment of wastewater containing textile dyes is a major environmental challenge due to the complexity of the effluents and the diversity of chemical compounds involved. In this study, we explored adsorption and photocatalysis to improve the purification efficiency of these waters. Adsorption on TiO2-P25 proved particularly effective in removing RB203 dye, reaching equilibrium in around 180 minutes, with optimum conditions A 25mL volume containing of 40 mg/L dye, 0.125 g TiO2-P25, pH 3, stirring speed 300 rpm and temperature 25°C. Photocatalysis using TiO2-P25 has shown promising results under solar irradiation, particularly with TiO2-P25 recycling techniques to reduce costs and improve durability. This study proposes effective solutions for the treatment of wastewater containing textile dyes, with specific recommendations for their practical application in industrial facilities, and future prospects include the optimization of treatment conditions and the integration of these processes into wider systems for sustainable environmental management. Keywords: TiO2; RB203; Solar photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Adsorption, Water treatment

Multivariate analysis and A GIS-based method to assess surface water quality in the Sakia El Hamra River Near Laâyoune City, Morocco

In the Laâyoune Sakia El Hamra region of Morocco, characterized by scarcity, fragility, and uneven distribution of water resources, acute water stress is prevalent due to overexploitation, climate change, and the escalating degradation of water quality from human activities. The Sakia El Hamra River, a vital watercourse, is subjected to continuous pollution from domestic waste and untreated wastewater from Laâyoune city, impacting a section designated as a Ramsar site. This study aims to enhance understanding of these impacts within the region. A series of physicochemical parameters were monitored spatiotemporally at multiple points along the river, both upstream and downstream of the Sakia El Hamra dam. The findings indicate that while the reservoir water maintains acceptable quality, influenced by evaporation, the salinity levels do rise. Conversely, the downstream water quality exhibits excessive mineral concentrations, far surpassing acceptable standards, as evidenced by elevated electrical conductivity. Furthermore, significant pollution levels are confirmed by high measurements of biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen, and other contaminants.  The mapping of water quality indicators in the Oued Sakia El Hamra River, was achieved using a Geographical Information System (GIS) based on the Water Quality Information System and spatial analysis with Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation. The analysis reveals that the water quality downstream poses a substantial risk to the Foum El Oued aquifer and the local aquatic ecosystem, especially in zones affected by wastewater discharge and spring runoff. Mapping water quality will help to monitor and enforce standards and regulations to manage and control pollution

H-reflex amplitude asymmetry is an earlier sign of nerve root involvement than latency in patients with S1 radiculopathy

Abstract Background Based on our clinical experience, the H-reflex amplitude asymmetry might be an earlier sign of nerve root involvement than latency in patients with S1 radiculopathy. However, no data to support this assumption are available. The purpose of this study was to review and report the electrophysiological changes in H-reflex amplitude and latency in patients with radiculopathy in order to determine if there is any evidence to support the assumption that H-reflex amplitude is an earlier sign of nerve root involvement than latency. Results Patients with radiculopathy showed significant amplitude asymmetry when compared with healthy controls. However, latency was not always significantly different between patients and healthy controls. These findings suggest nerve root axonal compromise that reduced reflex amplitude earlier than the latency parameter (demyelination) during the pathologic processes. Conclusion Contrary to current clinical thought, H-reflex amplitude asymmetry is an earlier sign/parameter of nerve root involvement in patients with radiculopathy compared with latency.</p