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

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

Effect of Calcium/phosphorus Ratio on the Chemical and Structural Properties of Oxygenated Apatite Synthesized by Neutralization

Zinc oxide-based cements are commonly used to fill dental canals, but they have drawbacks such as poor bonding and bacterial infection. In this work, we propose a novel phosphocalcic apatitic cement/oxygenated apatite mixture, which can mimic the natural filling of dental canals. Oxygenated apatite is a type of apatite that contains molecular oxygen in their tunnels. We aim to evaluate the effect of the Calcium/Phosphorus (Ca/P) atomic ratio on the chemical and structural properties of the synthesized oxygenated apatite, as well as on the quantity of oxygen retained in their tunnels. We use the neutralization method to precipitate apatite from lime milk and orthophosphoric acid, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. We characterize the materials the materials by X-ray diffraction, infrared absorption spectroscopy, thermal analysis, adsorption-desorption of nitrogen, and elemental analysis. We obtain simple oxygenated apatitic phases with a Ca/P ratio ranging from 1.53 to 1.76, an oxygen insertion rate of 3.5x10-4 moles, and a chemical formula of Ca9,9(PO4)6(OH)2(O2)0,69(CO2)0,01. We find that the deviation from stoichiometry and calcination at 900°C lead to the formation of a biphasic mixture of PAH/β-TCP. The synthesized apatites have low crystallinity and high specific surface area, which decreases from 156.3 to 141.6 m2/g as the Ca/P ratio increases

Toxic heavy metals removal from river water using a porous phospho-calcic hydroxyapatite

The process of adsorption of copper ions on synthesized hydroxyapatites (p-HAp) by the wet route has been studied experimentally to make a comparison between the adsorption capacity of our porous phospho-calcic material and the phosphate hydroxyapatite. The specific surface of p-HAp was studied by BET, as well as the characterization of p-HAp by FTIR and XRD showed that the synthetic hydroxyapatite has an apatite phase of crystalline structure which is very interesting for the adsorption of metals. Heavy, the results of the adsorption study obtained that the mechanism of adsorption of Cu2+ ions was best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and obeyed the linear models of Langmuir isotherms, continued that the adsorption is done in the surface area of p-HAp. Langmuir model parameters reveal that, the adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ is fit with this model. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were also used to determine the adsorption kinetic. The experimental data were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that, the adsorption of Cu2+  ion onto the composite surface is a spontaneous and favored at neutral pH and at a temperature little higher than room temperature

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

Kinetics and Equilibrium Study for the Adsorption of Maxilon Blue Dye on Prosopis juliflora Fruit Seeds as a Low-Cost Adsorbent

The aim of this work was to investigate the adsorption capacity of Maxilon Blue dye using Prosopis juliflora fruit seeds as an adsorbent. The seeds of P. Juliflora were utilized as a low-cost adsorbent to remove the cationic dye, Maxilon Blue, from an aqueous solution in batch experiments, examining the effects of mass, pH, and contact time. Three error functions —coefficient of determination, Chi-square, and the sum of error squares — were employed to assess the adsorption data. The adsorption equilibrium was characterized using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The equilibrium data closely followed the Langmuir model, indicating a maximum adsorption capacity of 85.54 mg/g on a monolayer. To elucidate the adsorption mechanisms, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied. The kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption process conformed best to the pseudo-second-order model. Consequently, this study demonstrates that P. juliflora fruit seeds are an effective, economical, and eco-friendly adsorbent for the removal of Maxilon Blue dye from aqueous solutions