bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the ground movement risk on an urban cartographic scale Example of QUEMADO (Eastern Rif, Morocco)
Authors: Mohamed Rfifi , Lahsen Ait Brahim
Published: February 2018

The morphostructural examination of QUEMADO slope, contributes to distinguish the vulnerability indications that refer to the ground movements. They are supported by the combination of geological, geo morphological, hydro geological parameters. In addition, the seismic activity that is known in this area increases the vulnerability of the coastal areas. Thus, many cracks and locatable indices in the studied area constitute a witnesses of movement risk that threat directly the projects, the installations and the urban constructions of Al Hoceima city, in proximity of the studied cliff.

The present study is consecrated to achieve a comparative study of the evaluated risk “ground movement” by two methodological approaches. The qualitative approach which is most usually employed, and the quantitative approach that requires a scientific effort of adaptation and reproducibility. The risk evaluation is based on using four data components; mainly the topographical slope, the lithology, the geomorphology and the ground occupation. The results were interpreted by a discrete analysis of the unstable areas through the land reconnaissance
Relevant lessons learned from the earthquakes El Asnam, 10/10/1980 and Zemmouri, 05/21/2003 on the paraseismic prevention in Algeria
Authors: Ait-Meziane Yamina , Souici Rania , Lazzali Farah
Published: February 2018

In the field of seismic risk prevention in Algeria, the earthquake of El Asnam, 10/10/1980 is the triggering event and that of Zemmouri 21/05/2003 the accelerating element of the policy already in place. These two major events have been rich in information, as they are among the most studied internationally. The approaches and the development of methods for seismic risk reduction are based largely on feedback. The fundamental goal of seismic risk reduction is to avoid loss of life, which is mainly due to the partial or total collapse of structures. Exploiting lessons learned from past earthquakes is reflected in code requirements for new projects and approaches to vulnerability estimation for existing structures. In this paper, we give a description of the characteristics of the two events. The analysis of pathologies observed and the impact on the Algerian seismic code is discussed.
Characteristics of Spectral Responses for a Ground Motion from Mediterranean Earthquake – ZEGHANGHANE Station (6.3Mw) in Morocco, and its Influence on the Structures
Authors: Ahatri Mohamed , Baba Khadija , Touijrate Soukaina , Bahi Lahcen
Published: February 2018

The earthquakes are abrupt and sudden, and, in few seconds, they can lead to huge casualties. Nowadays, several approaches can be used to better know the seismic movement than we can expect when and where will have an earthquake. These approaches kind, always begins with a full study of the seismic action: the seismic birth, the wave formation and propagation, accelerometers and associated spectrum representation, etc.

The northern region in Morocco has an important seismic activity, indeed, this region has been struck during its history by many destructive earthquakes. In this paper, we present and discuss the Mediterranean earthquake, January 25, 2016, saved in ZGH station located in Zeghanghane near of Nador city, Morocco.

In this case, we determine the spectral response of the ground motion for ZGH station, and study his influence on the structures as well as make a comparison with the requirements of the Moroccan seismic construction regulations (RPS) 2000 revised in 2011.
Evaluating seismic reliability of Reinforced Concrete Bridge in view of their rehabilitation
Authors: Boubel Hasnae , Elmrabet Oumnia , Rougui Mohamed , Mouhat Ouadia , EL Mehdi Echebba
Published: February 2018

Considering in this work, a simplified methodology was proposed in order to evaluate seismic vulnerability of Reinforced Concrete Bridge. Reliability assessment of stress limits state and the applied loading which are assumed to be random variables. It is assumed that only their means and standard deviations are known while no information is available about their densities of probabilities. First Order Reliability Method is applied to a response surface representation of the stress limit state obtained through quadratic polynomial regression of finite element results. Then a parametric study is performed regarding the influence of the distributions of probabilities chosen to model the problem uncertainties for Reinforced Concrete Bridge. It is shown that the probability of failure depends largely on the chosen densities of probabilities, mainly in the useful domain of small failure probabilities.
The Rehabilitation effects on the thermal behaviour of Algerian earthen built heritage.
Authors: Darda Bencheikh , Madani Bederina
Published: February 2018

The earthen built heritage presents today a state of deterioration due to the climate changes that put it seriously at risk, through the degradation of its envelope building materials. These degradations lead its occupants to rehabilitate it by using modern building materials. This paper focuses on the rehabilitation of vernacular earthen architecture and its influence on the thermal behaviour of ksourian houses in sub-arid zones. It is based on a comparative study that combines the site measurements and the numerical simulation by Energyplus. Two courtyard houses, constructed of an adobe brick, were evaluated, one in its initial shape and the other rehabilitated. The results shows that the rehabilitation of the envelope made on this house did not influence its thermal qualities significantly; a very small difference justified on its internal thermal behaviour was recorded in cold period and almost minor during summer.
Proposal of industrialization process of dredged sediments
Authors: Rachid Hadj Sadok , Nadia Belas , Mahfoud Tahlaiti , Omar Belaribi , Fatima Taieb , Khalil Belguesmia , Omar Safer
Published: February 2018

Our study will focus on life cycle assessment (LCA) of dredged sediments in its environment from sediment extraction to waste treatment. This tool is part of an environmental management approach, to compare the environmental loads of the different stages of the life cycle of the same product and to deduce which stage of the scenario is the most polluting in environmental terms. Optimize the modeling of industrialization process of dredged sediments using the SimaPro 8.2.3 software to propose a model that is the most respectful of the environment. We will focus on the environmental impacts; we will try to propose the most environmentally friendly scenario to exploit these dredged sediments in the field of building construction.
Parametric Modelling and Traditional Architecture: Improving the thermal comfort of the traditional courtyard house in Morocco
Authors: El Harrouni Khalid , Ben Aicha Mouhcine , El Harrouni Rime
Published: February 2018

The traditional courtyard house of the Mediterranean Basin has been viewed as a complex regulating system that creates a microclimate which historically worked, and still works, in a passive way to provide acceptable thermal comfort in summer. The internal courtyard is generally described as a positive factor that can moderate extreme outdoor climatic conditions. However, some researches have shown that the courtyard could become a negative factor from the energy efficiency point of view. For this purpose, this paper is based on a research study exploring sustainable characteristics of Moroccan traditional housing and its climatic adaptation, delving into the Rabat-Salé case study. A traditional courtyard model is used as a case study to analyze the indoor thermal comfort without using mechanical heating and cooling systems. The thermal behavior of the rooms surrounding the courtyard is analyzed under a temperate and humid climate of Rabat-Salé medina. The simulation modelling is carried out to analyze the effectiveness of different parameters to improve the indoor climate during summer and winter, including the façade orientation, the air infiltration, the surroundings, the ceiling height, the walls and roof/ceiling insulation and the shading devices. Tools for climatic design, Mahoney’s tables, Givoni and Szokolay bio climatic diagrams have been also used to improve design strategies in terms of thermal comfort.
Stability of tillians and impact on the road network: case of the outside basin of Ouergha (Morocco)
Authors: JAOUDA I. , AKHSSAS A. , OUADIF L. , BAHI L. , LAHMILI A.
Published: February 2018

The study concerns the cartography of the spatio-temporal evolution of the embankments of the road network of the Oued Ouergha watershed using data from the Landsat images on the one hand, and the modeling of soil stability processes. On the other hand. This region experiences an intense destabilization linked to the combination of several natural factors, such as the brutality and the abundance of the precipitations and the outcrop on the marls and limestones of Cretaceous. Human intervention in this vulnerable environment accentuates its fragility through the clearing and degradation of vegetation cover. The analysis of satellite data has shown that the most degraded soils are not necessarily those with the highest rate of erosion over the past fifteen years and that some well-developed soils are unstable areas after clearing and their non-rational exploitation. Human intervention and the choice of road routes sometimes, combined with climate change, remain the most important factors in weakening and increasing the vulnerability of the slopes. The results obtained made it possible to identify and monitor vulnerable zones at the Ouergha watershed scale, where interventions are needed to limit the processes of slope degradation and their impact on the various road access routes in the region.
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by the flora and benthic macrofauna of the Bouregreg estuary wetland
Authors: Khamar M. , Cherkaoui E. , Nounah A.
Published: February 2018

Estuarine systems account for a high proportion of wetlands in Morocco due to the development of the river system. These estuarine and coastal Moroccan environments are as rich in fauna and flora as their European equivalents and present much originality. However, these coastal areas are generally highly urbanized and industrialized, and therefore subject to domestic and industrial discharges. The Bouregreg Estuary represents a good example of this situation, in view of this pollution (organic, chemical and biological) and the absence of fresh water supply upstream of the estuary after the dam was built, is increasingly unable of restoring the equilibrium of this ecosystem. This tide can instead ensure the polluting discharge downstream or upstream. Metallic contamination affects the different compartments of the estuarine ecosystem (sediment, water) and benthic species (fauna and flora). The objective of this study is to assess the accumulation and bioaccumulation of five heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr and Pb) at the sediment level of two dominant plant species (Artiplex portulacoides and Sarcocornia fructicosa) and three species of benthic macrofauna (Scrobicularia plana, Venerupis decussata and Hediste diversicolor) from the wetland of this estuary. This work will enable us to clearly understand the nutritional relationships between plant, animal, water and sediment species. The results of the analysis revealed that bioaccumulation varies from one species to another and from one metal to another. Thus, the levels of Lead and Chromium at Sarcocornia fructicosa are higher than those found at Artiplex portulacoides. Nevertheless, the latter accumulates better the other metals: Cu, Zn and Fe. While, the macrofauna shows a fairly large variation depending on the life style and sensitivity of species. Thus, Hediste diversicolor showed high levels of the various metals analyzed compared to Scrobicularia plana and Venerupis decussata.
Susceptibility assessment of landslides: A comparison of two GIS-based methods in the region of Al Hoceima (Eastern Rif, Morocco).
Authors: El Fahchouch A. N. , Ait Brahim L. , Raji O.
Published: February 2018

The evaluation of the degree of susceptibility to landslides has become a major concern in mountainous areas, it is a key component of manager policies efforts in disaster prevention, mitigate risk and manage the consequences. The region of Al Hoceima is one of most mountain regions in Morocco, and is highly exposed landslides events. For this reason, the area was selected in order to determine its susceptibility to landslides using two methods. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and to compare the results of multivariate (logical regression) and bivariate (landslide susceptibility) methods in Geographical Information System (GIS) based landslide susceptibility assessment procedures. In order to achieve this goal, the selected methods were compared by the Seed Cell Area Indexes (SCAI) and by the spatial locations of the resultant susceptibility pixels. We found that both of the methods converge in 80% of the area; however, the weighting algorithm in the bivariate technique (landslide susceptibility method) had some severe deficiencies, as the resultant hazard classes in overweighed areas did not converge with the factual landslide inventory map. The result of the multivariate technique (logical regression) was more sensitive to the different local features of the test zone and it resulted in more accurate and homogeneous susceptibility maps. This information may have direct applications in landslides susceptibility research programs and can assist decision-makers in the implementation of preventive management strategies in the most sensitive areas.
Elemental Chemical Analysis by X-ray Fluorescence of Calcarenite Stones Used in Historical Monuments Building of Rabat (Morocco)
Authors: El Rhaffari Y. , Hraita M. , Rahmouni A. , Samaouali A. , Boukalouch M. , Geraud Y.
Published: February 2018

A good knowledge of chemical properties, thermophysical and petrophysical parameters, makes it possible to understand the mechanisms of alteration of historical monuments, and to predict solutions limiting their evolution.

The main objective of this work is chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on calcarenite stones, often used as a building material for historical monuments of Rabat (Morocco), in order to identify the nature of the rock.

The elemental chemical composition shows high concentrations of CaO and SiO2, which confirms that the main phases of the calcarenite rock studied are calcite and quartz. These are the characteristic minerals of calcareous rocks.
Analysis of the Behaviour of Semi Rigid Steel End Plate Connections
Authors: Bahaz A. , Amara S. , Jaspart J.P. , Demonceau J.F.
Published: February 2018

The analysis of steel-framed building structures with full strength beam to column joints is quite standard nowadays. Buildings utilizing such framing systems are widely used in design practice. However, there is a growing recognition of significant benefits in designing joints as partial strength/semi-rigid. The design of joints within this partial strength/semi-rigid approach is becoming more and more popular. This requires the knowledge of the full nonlinear moment-rotation behaviour of the joint, which is also a design parameter. The rotational behaviour of steel semi rigid connections can be studied using the finite element method for the following three reasons: i) such models are inexpensive; ii) they allow the understanding of local effects, which are difficult to measure accurately physically, and iii) they can be used to generate extensive parametric studies. This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element model using ABAQUS software in order to identify the effect of different parameters on the behaviour of semi rigid steel beam to column end plate connections. Contact and sliding between different elements, bolt pretension and geometric and material non-linearity are included in this model. A parametric study is conducted using a model of two end-plate configurations: flush and extended end plates. The studied parameters were as follows: bolts type, end plate thickness and column web stiffener. Then, the model was calibrated and validated with experimental results taken from the literature and with the model proposed by Eurocode3. The procedure for determining the moment–rotation curve using finite element analysis is also given together with a brief explanation of how the design moment resistance and the initial rotational stiffness of the joint are obtained.
Simplified Model for the Hybrid Method to Design Stabilising Piles Placed at the Toe of Slopes
Authors: Dib M. , Kouloughli S.
Published: February 2018

Stabilizing precarious slopes by installing piles has become a widespread technique for landslides prevention. The design of slope-stabilizing piles by the finite element method is more accurate comparing to the conventional methods. This accuracy is because of the ability of this method to simulate complex configurations, and to analyze the soil-pile interaction effect. However, engineers prefer to use the simplified analytical techniques to design slope stabilizing piles, this is due to the high computational resources required by the finite element method. Aiming to combine the accuracy of the finite element method with simplicity of the analytical approaches, a hybrid methodology to design slope stabilizing piles was proposed in 2012. It consists of two steps; (1): an analytical estimation of the resisting force needed to stabilize the precarious slope, and (2): a numerical analysis to define the adequate pile configuration that offers the required resisting force. The hybrid method is applicable only for the analysis and the design of stabilizing piles placed in the middle of the slope, however, in certain cases like road constructions, piles are needed to be placed at the toe of the slope. Therefore, in this paper a simplified model for the hybrid method is dimensioned to analyze and design stabilizing piles placed at the toe of a precarious slope. The validation of the simplified model is presented by a comparative analysis with the full coupled finite element model.
Mechanical behavior of the reinforced concrete frame with masonry filling Comportement mécanique des portiques en béton armé avec remplissage en maçonnerie
Authors: Kettar Jalal , Baba Khadija , Nounah Abderrahman , Bahi Lahcen
Published: February 2018

Masonry is often used in the most of reinforced concrete structure constructions as a filling material that is important on structural characteristics. Structural contribution in the calculations was neglected or misunderstood, mainly due to the lack of a practical calculation methods and an appropriate regulatory tool.

The analysis of frames filled with masonry is very complex. This complexity is linked from one part to the difference in the nature of elements and its behavior that make up the masonry itself (brick and mortar) and their interaction, and on the other part, for the large dispersion that characterizes the bricks as well as the execution's quality parameters which make it difficult to define reliable criteria for the masonry. The objective of this work is to experimentally highlight the influence of the hollow brick masonry filler, commonly used in Morocco, on reinforced concrete frames subject to lateral stresses, to deepen understanding the seismic behavior of the masonry structures by evaluating the structural performance of a specimen wall. These experimental results will be compared to those found by modeling prototypes, using SAP 2000 software, based on various approaches and models as well as other results deduced from the other researchers. The experimental study was carried out according to standard NF EN 1052-3 on two reinforced concrete frames, of dimensions (2m X 1.6m), the one with the masonry filling, and the other without filling in order to determine the initial characteristic resistance to the shearing of the masonry walls. The obtained results showed that a filling has a beneficial effect on rigidity which can be doubled compared to an empty frame. in the same way the lateral resistance. But this effect is much contrasted; it depends a lot on the characteristics essentially of the materials (bricks and concrete). This is the main reason, which justifies the divergence of the results deduced from the nine models that we used.
Seismic behaviour of reinforced concrete frame with infill panels
Authors: Elmalyh Sanaa , Bouyahyaoui Azzeddine , Cherradi Taoufik
Published: February 2018

Infill panels are usually used in structures; therefore, it is very important to study their behaviour and their influence on bare frames. Several models had been proposed to understand the effect of the infill panels on structure. The aim of this work is to identify the effect of the presence of infill panels on bare frames. The diagonal stiffness and shear compression failure of the structure, the nonlinear behaviour of the infilled frame under axial loading and the relation between the strength, ductility and stress-strain of different previous experiments will be presented. Experimental research on the interaction between the steel frames and infill panels has been done to determine the behaviour of steel frames with different types of infill walls. Many frames with composite panels subjected to cyclic-loading were realized to determine the damping ratio, the static and dynamic response, strength and stiffness degradation of infill elements. The objective of this paper is to represent and analyze the hysteretic behaviour, failure modes, and the variation of different parameters of the infilled bare frame like stiffness, strength, ductility and loading displacement curves.
Effect of swelling mineral on geotechnical characteristics of clay soil
Authors: Mohammed Cherif Mechri , Amal Medjnoun , Ramdane Bahar
Published: February 2018

The shrinking and swelling is a very common phenomenon in the world, mainly in arid and semiarid areas. The construction on these soils often requires a study of the risk of swelling, in advance. The emergence of this phenomenon in soils is caused primarily by the presence of swelling clays and water. The risk is most significant when the rate of the expansive minerals, such as bentonite, is important. Several researchers have studied the relationship between the percentages of swelling minerals and soil swelling potential. The researchers have shown the difficulty of characterization, because of the complexity of the phenomenon under natural conditions, where several other phenomena occur, and which are not considered in laboratory experimentation. This article addresses the characterization of several soils, with different swelling rates from the physical, chemical and mechanical tests. It shows the relationship between the quantity of swelling minerals and some site conditions, such as water content and consolidation stress, on the ability of soil to swell. This work aims to establish empirical relationships between the percentage of swelling minerals and soil swelling potential.
Rock stability analysis – A case study
Authors: Lahmili A. , Ouadif L. , Akhssas A. , Bahi L.
Published: February 2018

The problems of the stability of the mineral-bearing structure ST2 at 560 m of depth in the east zone of Bou-azzer mine disturbs the advance of the exploitation. The geological and structural study based on field observations and the analysis of core drilling shows the presence of altered and fractured diorite surmounted by cobalt mineralization. Based on the empirical methods of Barton (Q-system) and Bieniawski (RMR) the bed rock is classified as poor quality. The analytical study made it possible to dimension supporting by bow-pieces and bolting. The existence of several types of discontinuities (fault, diaclases and joints) has made the realization of numerical simulation by the finite elements method very difficult. These discontinuities create a network of natural fractures which cut out the blocks in various forms likely to be detached or slip into the excavation, thus encouraging the infiltration of water creating pressure on the massif. The classical studies show their limits in practice for installation of supporting because they must take into account the characteristics of discontinuities. Hence a structural analysis of the massif is essential. The cracking survey of ST2 at 560 m of depth in the east zone of Bou-azzer mine at 560m of depth, and their processing by the DIPS software, showed the existence of three main families of discontinuity NW-SE with a dip of 75SW, NS subverticale and NE-SW with a dip of 57NW, and two families of minor joints NW-SE and NE-SW with successive dips of 40SW and 75SE. The analysis of fracturing surveys allowed us to evaluate the risks of falling blocks and the families of discontinuity responsible for them, and to limit the zones presenting a risk of slip and the families responsible for them. The importance of this study is of knowing how and where to put supporting to be opposed to the risk of fall and tilting of the blocks, caused by the network of discontinuities of the massif.
Concrete lozenges impact on the slope erodibility
Authors: Elbouanani Latifa , Baba Khadija , Ouadif Latifa , Lahmili Abdelaziz , Bahi Lahcen
Published: February 2018

Water erosion is a natural phenomenon, the severity of which is related to several parameters depending on the raindrop impact, the characteristics of the soil and the level of human intervention. The risk of water erosion occurs in both drainage basins and road and rail slopes. Indeed, this phenomenon can be aggravated causing major gullies and landslides. The PK 94 of the Taourirte-Nador railway line, located in the oriental region of Morocco, whose slopes are formed by silt-clay formations experiencing intense erosion. The Moroccan experience for the slopes protection of water erosion knows the use of several methods in particular; concrete arcades and methods based on biological engineering. The objective is to contribute to this subject by proposing the use of concrete lozenges technique. It have the advantage of reducing both the area at risk of erosion and especially the length of slope which is an important factor in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation RUSLE used to quantify the quantities of soil eroded.
Spatial correlation between the predictor variables and the weighting values calculated during the mapping of the environmental factors of mass movements in the Beni Idder region (northern Rif)
Authors: Ait Brahim L. , Jemmah A. I. , Bousta M. , El Hamdouni I. , Abdelouafi A. , El Mahsani A. , Lallout I. , Labraimi A. , Et Merouni F.Z
Published: February 2018

The Tleta of Beni Ider region located in the SW of Tetouan (Rif Septentrional) knows many mass instabilities. The diagnostic via the inventory, the mapping and the characterization of mass movements was made by using satellite imagery, aerial photography and field data coupled with existing documents (geological, geomorphological,…). The understanding of both their spatial distribution and the mechanism generating them, is very complex because of the existence of an important number of natural factors (geological, geomorphological, hydrological) in a relative mountainous landscape with deep valleys, steep slopes and significant elevation changes. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted to elaborate the landslide susceptibility map of the region taking into account interactions and causal relationships between the various natural parameters that tend to accentuate and aggravate the setting of landslides. The multidisciplinary database allowed us to evaluate the susceptibility thanks to a bivariate probabiliste model (Weight of Evidence). The obtained landslide susceptibility map is a major contribution to the development of urban development plans in the region.
Influence of seismic isolation systems and soil-structure interaction on the response of structures
Authors: Samah Hasrouri , Abdelhafid Ounis
Published: February 2018

The reduction of cyclic loading triggering major damage in urban areas is a major challenge in earthquake engineering. The processes of structural control especially control structures for passive isolation systems and earthquake sinks of energy, which consists in superimposing on the structure a device which modifies the rigidity or the damping of the structural system without the demand for an external energy source and without introducing energy for its operation, these devices with taking account the effect of soilstructure interaction are currently regarded as effective solutions to these problem by reducing the level of acceleration imposed on the structure and consequently forces shear and the relative displacements in the superstructure. This reduction of shear forces and displacements will limit the structural damage.
Developed approach to determine the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Mahmoud Serraye , Salima Amri
Published: February 2018

Several evaluation methods of the seismic vulnerability have been developed around the world. Which are very use ful from humanitarian and socioeconomic point of view. Generally these methods use knowledge obtained from previous earthquakes and they are basing on seismic intensity scales and on buildings direct observation. But the macroseismic intensity expresses the consequences of the seism, and not its physical characteristics of the structures. Contrary to this type of methods, an approach based on a nonlinear analysis (Push-Over method) is proposed in this work. It consists in modeling the excitation of the earthquake by a response spectrum and building's behavior by capacity curves. These capacity curves are obtained from numerical modeling performed by Opensees software. The superposition of the two curves, response spectra and capacity curve, makes it possible to determine the performance point and consequently to deduce the state of expected damage. To estimate the probability of damage of a building at a given level of solicitation (defined by Sd), we excites a group of buildings characterized by different parameters related to the geometry of the building and those are related to the materials used (concrete, steel) by seismic solicitation (Response spectrum - RPA 99). The performance point for each building is determined by a procedure defined in FEMA 440. We classifies the buildings according to the position of performance point on their curve which defines a damage state of ds (Mild, Moderate, Important or Ruin) according to the damage levels of Risk-UE. A statistical analysis is then made for each class to build the fragility curves.
Assessment of the tsunami hazard on Moroccan coasts using numerical modeling
Authors: Amine Meriem , Ouadif Latifa , Baba Khadija , Bahi Lahcen
Published: February 2018

Caused by earthquakes in the marine environment, tsunamis are often of particular violence. Pests, their damage far exceeds those caused by earthquakes earthquakes. In Morocco, seismic sensors in the national network often detect earthquakes in the marine environment. However, specialists minimize their threat given the peculiarity of the Moroccan ocean zone. The latter is characterized by the importance of the length of the faults and the depth of the seismic focus.

This work can be considered as a first approach to the study and understanding tsunamis. Although Morocco has known since historical times, earthquakes and tsunamis along its coasts.

This preliminary study is mainly intended to show the contribution of the numerical simulation of tsunamis, with a concrete application of the 1755 Tsunami of Lisbon based on the four source zones involving the five potentially tsunamigenic faults that are generally mentioned in the literature for this major event.
Superficial structures cartography of the Essaouira basin under ground (Morocco), by small refraction seismic: contribution of the static corrections in the reinterpretation of the speeds variations.
Authors: Dahaoui M. , Brahim L. AIT , El Adraoui A. , Abdelouafi A. , Dakki M. , El Imrani A.
Published: February 2018

The static corrections are a necessary step in the sequence of the seismic processing. This paper presents a study of these corrections in the Essaouira basin. The main objective of this study is to calculate the static corrections by exploiting the seismic data acquired in the field to improve the deep structures imaging. It is to determine the roof and the basis of the superficial layers which constitute the weathered zone while calculating the delays of seismic wave’s arrivals in these layers. The purpose is to cancel the effect of the topography and the weathered zone, in order to avoid any confusion when the seismic and geological interpretation. The results obtained show the average values of the static corrections varying between - 127 and 282 ms (double time), with existence of high values by location, particularly in the Eastern and North-Eastern of the basin, which meant the presence of altered zone with irregular topography and whose thickness and speeds vary laterally. In effect the variations of velocities in the fifty meters from the surface may introduce significant anomalies in seismic refraction, with heavy consequences when the interpretation or the drilling establishment. These variations are mainly due to lateral changes in facies and variations in the formations thickness. The calculation of the static corrections, revealed high values at certain areas (East and North-East), which will enable us to better orient the future campaigns in these zones. It is therefore necessary to concentrate the seismic cores drillings and the small refraction seismic profiles by tightening the seismic lines meshes in order to have the maximum values of static corrections and thereafter a better imaging of the reflectors.
Probabilistic Landslide risk assessment - Application to Eastern Rif (Morocco)
Authors: Mohamed RFIFI , Lahsen AIT BRAHIM
Published: February 2018

The present study is consecrated to the probabilistic mapping of the landslide risk at the local scale of an area that belongs to Al Hoceima city in the western Rif of Morocco. The study focuses mainly on the spatial analysis of multi sources data by using an environment GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and the application of the bivariate probabilistic model to qualify the risk susceptibility. The employed methodology is based on three stages. First, the evaluation of landslide susceptibility (S) by the analysis model cited before. Second, the identification and the estimation of the potential consequences (C) for the existing issues. Finally, the landslide risk (R) is evaluated by combining the susceptibility and the potential consequences map. This study requires the use of spatial analysis techniques. It also refers to the risk maps scale, generally reduced and being inappropriate at the urban project area. The obtained risk map defines four risk intensities with a spatial resolution of two meters.
Landslide susceptibility mapping using AHP method and GIS in the peninsula of Tangier (Rif-northern morocco)
Authors: Ait Brahim L , Bousta M , Jemmah I A , El Hamdouni I , ElMahsani A , Abdelouafi A , Sossey alaoui F. , Lallout I
Published: February 2018

The peninsula of Tangier (Northern Morocco) is submitted to a significant number of landslides each year due to its lithological, structural and morphological complexity; which cause a lot of damage to the road network and other related infrastructure. The main objective of this study is to create a landslide indexed susceptibility map of Tangier peninsula, by using AHP (Analytical Hierarchical Processes) model to calculate each factor’s weight. The work is made via GIS by using an ArcGIS AHP extension. In the current research, First of all, the four main types of landslides were identified and mapped from existing documents, works and new data which came from either remote sensing or fieldwork. Lithology, land use, slope, hypsometry, exposure, fault density and drainage network density were used as main parameters controlling the occurrence of the selected landslides. Then, afterward, each parameter is classified into a number of significant classes based on their relative influence on gravitational movement genesis. The validity of the susceptibility zoning map which is obtained through linear summation of indexed maps was tested and cross-checked by inventoried and studied landslides. The obtained landslide susceptibility map constitutes a powerful decision-making tool in land-use planning, i.e. New highways, secondary highways, railways, etc. within the national development program in the Northern provinces. It is a necessary step for the landslides hazard assessment in the Tangier peninsula in northern Morocco.
In situ measurement of CBR concrete modulus.Choice of the type of dam in morocco (static loads and earthquake cases).
Authors: Tlemçani M.K. , Ait Brahim L. , Tardieu B.
Published: February 2018

The Young's modulus of roller compacted concrete is rarely measured. However, it has a direct influence on the dam behavior and especially for static loads during earthquakes. In many cases, static and dynamic calculations are done with modules copied from other study. This dam was studied using in situ module measurements that contribute to a choice of the type of dam and the choice and the choice of materials from borrow pits near the dam.
Effect of pH and time on the treatment by coagulation from slaughterhouse of the city of Rabat
Authors: Boughou Nisrine. , Majdy Imane. , Cherkaoui Essediya. , Khamar Mohamed. , Nounah Abderrahman.
Published: February 2018

Water is an essential element in the agri-food industry. The resulting wastewater is often returned to the natural environment without prior treatment; which can be an important source of environmental pollution. Among these food processing industries, there are slaughterhouses that are classified as dangerous, unhealthy and inconvenient, so the treatment of their discharges is necessary before their spill. This article presents the results of the waste water treatment study of the Rabat slaughterhouse by coagulation-flocculation using ferric chloride and the effect of pH and retention time on the elimination of turbidity, Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and organic matter (OM). The results show that pH and retention time plays a major role in the elimination efficiency of these parameters. Thus, with a pH = 5.83, a significant reduction in COD and turbidity are observed after 90 min and 120 min of decantation.
Mass movement susceptibility mapping - A comparison of logistic regression and Weight of evidence methods in Taounate-Ain Aicha region (Central Rif, Morocco)
Authors: JEMMAH A I , AIT BRAHIM L
Published: February 2018

Taounate region is known by a high density of mass movements which cause several human and economic losses. The goal of this paper is to assess the landslide susceptibility of Taounate using the Weight of Evidence method (WofE) and the Logistic Regression method (LR). Seven conditioning factors were used in this study: lithology, fault, drainage, slope, elevation, exposure and land use. Over the years, this site and its surroundings have experienced repeated landslides. For this reason, landslide susceptibility mapping is mandatory for risk prevention and land-use management. In this study, we have focused on recent large-scale mass movements. Finally, the ROC curves were established to evaluate the degree of fit of the model and to choose the best landslide susceptibility zonation. A total mass movements location were detected; 50% were randomly selected as input data for the entire process using the Spatial Data Model (SDM) and the remaining locations were used for validation purposes. The obtained WofE’s landslide susceptibility map shows that high to very high susceptibility zones contain 62% of the total of inventoried landslides, while the same zones contain only 47% of landslides in the map obtained by the LR method. This landslide susceptibility map obtained is a major contribution to various urban and regional development plans under the Taounate Region National Development Program.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Polysubstituted 2-Aminopyrroles via a Multicomponent Domino Reaction
Authors: Shao Jiaan , Chen Wenteng , Ke Di , Shu Ke , Chen En , Yu Yongping
Published: February 2018

A highly efficient approach to polysubstituted 2-amino­pyrroles containing a coumarin derivative unit at the 5-position of the pyrrole ring was developed via a novel multicomponent domino reaction of glyoxal monohydrate derivatives, anilines, coumarin derivatives, and malononitrile. This transformation proceeded via an α-amino­ketone as the key intermediate.
Unconventional Conjugated Polymers Derived from a Common Set of trans-Enediyne Monomers
Authors: Qin Yang
Published: February 2018

This account describes our recent efforts in the design and synthesis of several series of unconventional conjugated polymers derived from a common set of trans-enediyne (tEDY) monomers. The journey started with a failed attempt, through acyclic diene metathesis of triene monomers, to prepare soluble polyacetylenes (PAs) having cross-conjugated side-groups on alternate double bonds along the main chain. At this seemingly dead end of the project, we found that the tEDY intermediates leading to triene monomers could undergo alkyne metathesis to generate soluble polydiacetylenes (PDAs). Such acyclic enediyne metathesis represents the first example of a solution synthesis of PDAs, in contrast to the conventional topochemical methods. By applying Glaser–Hay-type reaction conditions with selected tEDY monomers, polytriacetylenes were smoothly obtained; these possessed aromatic units directly attached to the polymer main chains, which significantly affected the electronic properties of the polymers. Furthermore, through hydroboration of the tEDY monomers, ‘boron-doped’ polyacetylenes (BDPAs) were prepared that can be considered as PAs with every fourth double bond replaced with a boron atom. These BDPAs represent the first boron main-chain conjugated polymers lacking aromatic units along the backbone, potentially enhancing electronic delocalization along the main chain.
Stellenwert von Endothelin-1 beim Glaukom – ein kurzer Überblick
Authors: Gugleta Konstantin
Published: February 2018

Dieser Review-Artikel fokussiert sich auf verschiedene Aspekte der Endothelinrollen bei einem Glaukom; auf die Beteiligung von Endothelin bei anderen, vor allem vaskulären okulären Erkrankungen wird in diesem Artikel nicht im Detail eingegangen. Endothelin ist ein ubiquitäres Molekül, das in praktisch allen okulären Geweben vorhanden ist. Seine primäre physiologische Rolle ist die Steuerung des Gefäßdurchmessers und somit die Regulierung der Gewebedurchblutung. Sowohl die Sekretion als auch die Effekte des Endothelins finden lokal statt; ein Teil des Endothelins gelangt zwar in die systemische Zirkulation, jedoch ist dieser Teil variabel. Somit ist die Messung des Plasmaendothelinspiegels im venösen Blut nicht ideal für die Einschätzung der Endothelinfunktion, sowohl bei einzelnen Patienten als auch in Studienkohorten. Im Kontext der Glaukompathogenese lassen sich die wichtigsten Funktionen des Endothelins im Auge in Regulation des Augeninnendruckes, Regulation der Durchblutung und Aktivierung der Gliazellen/Astrozyten im hinteren Segment, in der Netzhaut und im Sehnerv einteilen. Bei so einem breiten Spektrum der Funktionen, die direkt bei der Pathogenese des Glaukoms involviert sind, liegt es auf der Hand, dass künftige therapeutische Ansätze beim Glaukom eine pharmakologische Modulation des Endothelins beinhalten sollten. Zu diesem Zweck ist derzeit die entsprechende Anwendung der zur Verfügung stehenden Endothelinantagonisten durch ihr ungünstiges Nebenwirkungsprofil beeinträchtigt.
Mitochondriale Dysfunktion und Bedeutung von Coenzym Q10 beim Glaukom
Authors: Erb Carl , Konieczka Katarzyna
Published: February 2018

Die mitochondriale Funktion ist mit zahlreichen Aspekten der Gesundheit des Auges eng verknüpft. Ursächlich für mitochondriale Dysfunktionen scheint ein Ungleichgewicht zwischen der Bildung von Energie und der Menge an freien Radikalen zu sein. Dadurch kommt es neben einem Energiemangel zu einer erhöhten oxidativen Belastung der betroffenen Augengewebe mit der Folge einer Vielzahl von ophthalmologischen Beeinträchtigungen. Dabei wird zwischen primären und sekundären mitochondrialen Augenerkrankungen unterschieden. Primäre mitochondriale Erkrankungen wie bspw. die Leberʼsche hereditäre Optikusatrophie (LHON), die Retinitis pigmentosa und die chronisch progressive externe Ophthalmoplegie sind die Folge von direkten Schädigungen der mitochondrialen Funktion durch defekte Gene auf der mitochondrialen DNA (mtDNA) oder auf der nukleären DNA (nDNA). Demgegenüber sind sekundäre mitochondriale Dysfunktionen vor allem auf Umwelteinflüsse zurückzuführen. In jüngster Zeit häufen sich Hinweise darauf, dass auch mitochondriale Dysfunktionen bei vielen häufig auftretenden Augenerkrankungen wie dem Glaukom, dem „Trockenen Auge“, der diabetischen Retinopathie, der Katarakt und der altersabhängigen Makuladegeneration (AMD) eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Dieser Beitrag fasst den derzeitigen Kenntnisstand zu mitochondrialen Dysfunktionen und zur Rolle von Coenzym Q10 (CoQ10) als mögliche Therapieoption beim Glaukom zusammen.
Effect of magnetic coupling on non-radiative relaxation time of Fe3+ sites on LaAl1−x
Fe
x
O3 pigments
Authors: Novatski A. , Somer A. , Maranha F. G. , de Souza E. C. F. , Andrade A. V. C. , Antunes S. R. M. , Borges C. P. F. , Dias D. T. , Medina A. N. , Astrath N. G. C.
Published: February 2018

Inorganic pigments of the system LaAl1–xFexO3 were prepared by the Pechini and the Solid State Reaction (SSR) methods. Magnetic interactions and non-radiative relaxation time were analyzed by means of phase-resolved photoacoustic spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. EPR results show a change in the magnetic behavior from paramagnetic (x = 0.2 and 0.4) to antiferromagnetic (x = 1.0), which is believed to be a result of the SSR preparation method. Trends in the optical absorption bands of the Fe3+ are attributed to their electronic transitions, and the increase in the band's intensity at 480 and 550 nm was assigned to the increase in the magnetic coupling between Fe–Fe. The phase-resolved method is capable of distinguishing between the two preparation methods, and it is possible to infer that SSR modifies the magnetic coupling of Fe–Fe with x.
A quantum dynamics method for excited electrons in molecular aggregate system using a group diabatic Fock matrix
Authors: Yonehara Takehiro , Nakajima Takahito
Published: February 2018

We introduce a practical calculation scheme for the description of excited electron dynamics in molecular aggregate systems within a local group diabatic Fock representation. This scheme makes it easy to analyze the interacting time-dependent excitation of local sites in complex systems. In addition, light-electron couplings are considered. The present scheme is intended for investigations on the migration dynamics of excited electrons in light-induced energy transfer systems. The scheme was applied to two systems: a naphthalene-tetracyanoethylene dimer and a 20-mer circle of ethylene molecules. Through local group analyses of the dynamical electrons, we obtained an intuitive understanding of the electron transfers between the monomers.