Cadi Ayyad University (Arabic: جامعة القاضي عياض jāmiʿat al-qāḍī ʿayyāḍ, French: Université Cadi Ayyad) is a university in Marrakesh and one of the largest universities in Morocco. One of its associated colleges, the École nationale des sciences appliquées de Marrakech (ENSA Marrakech), was created in 2000 by the Ministry of Higher Education and specializes in engineering and scientific research. Cadi Ayyad University was established in 1978 and operates 13 institutions in the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco in four main cities, including Kalaa of Sraghna, Essaouira and Safi in addition to Marrakesh.
This research employs the proximity framework to understand the factors that drive small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate with their competitors in innovative projects. It investigates how different proximity dimensions, geographical, organizational, social, cognitive, and institutional, shape coopetition among SMEs in constrained developing economies. To fulfill the research objectives, we carried out a qualitative research design based on an embedded single case study (Betronics project) in the Moroccan electrical and electronic industry. Semi-structured interviews served as the primary source for data collection. Secondary data from reports on the project and non-participant observations were also used for data triangulation. The findings show that a high level of social proximity and a medium level of cognitive proximity are the relevant factors directly contributing to the development of coopetitive relationships among SMEs engaged in innovative projects. Conversely, geographical and organizational proximities exhibit an indirect role in fostering coopetition, while institutional proximity appears to impede coopetition establishment among SMEs.
Purpose This study analyzes the effect of energy efficiency on social well-being in North Africa, incorporating a dual analysis: on the one hand, the mediating role of the energy rebound effect and, on the other hand, the moderating effect of green innovation. Design/methodology/approach The analysis covers a panel of four North African countries (2000–2022) and uses an integrated econometric approach: stochastic frontier analysis for energy efficiency, least squares dummy variable corrected for the rebound effect, structural equation modeling for mediation and fully modified ordinary least squares for moderation. Findings The results show that energy efficiency has a positive and significant effect on social well-being. The rebound effect plays only a limited mediating role in this relationship, while green innovation acts as a significant and positive moderating factor. This interaction highlights a synergy between reducing energy waste and developing sustainable technologies, thereby contributing to improving the well-being of the region's populations. Practical implications Optimizing energy efficiency is a strategic lever for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 7.3, which are necessary for current and future generations. Policymakers and investors should adopt strategies that encourage investment in global innovation in order to accelerate the energy transition process and limit the rebound effect. Originality/value This research makes an innovative contribution by filling an important gap in the literature, examining the extent to which the rebound effect serves as a mediator and green technologies function as a moderator in the relationship between energy efficiency and social well-being and highlighting their distinct mechanisms of influence within the underexplored context of the emerging region of North Africa. It opens up new empirical perspectives that can inform policymakers in their choices to increase investment in systemic green innovation in order to promote energy efficiency and limit the rebound effect, two elements necessary to accelerate energy transition policies.
This updated Moroccan guideline provides 17 expert recommendations for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis. Developed through a national consensus process, it aligns with international standards and includes a practical algorithm to support clinical decisions. It aims to improve diagnosis, fracture risk assessment, and treatment outcomes for women in routine care. These new recommendations update those published in 2007, in accordance with the most recent international guidelines. The initial framework and key thematic areas were defined by a national steering committee. The recommendations were subsequently elaborated, discussed, and validated by a multidisciplinary panel of experts. An independent reading group was also consulted to review and approve the final document. A structured consensus process using the Delphi method (four iterative rounds) was conducted to formulate 17 recommendations; they incorporate recent advances in the diagnosis, fracture risk stratification, and therapeutic management of osteoporosis. Major updates include the integration of fracture risk assessment tools, the revision of intervention thresholds, clarification of the respective roles of antiresorptive and anabolic therapies, and the updating of prevention and follow-up strategies. A practical algorithm is proposed to guide the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis in routine clinical practice.
Photosensitizers play a pivotal role as photoanode materials in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, systems that offer superior water-solubility and provide good optical absorption while allowing facile synthesis are highly sought-after. Here, a water-soluble dinuclear oxovanadium(V) Schiff-base complex (V-SBC) is synthesized, and its physicochemical properties and its photoconversion performance as a DSSC photosensitizer are examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, photoluminescence measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and electrical measurements. We show that the V-SBC exhibits a major V5+ oxidation state of coordinated vanadium ions and chemical bonds of the dinuclear structure, as resolved using crystallographic diffraction. The onset of optical absorption at about 2.43 eV and a 3.62 ns photoelectron lifetime is determined, while the defect-laden nature of V-SBC is evidenced by additional near-band edge and broad donor–acceptor or deep-level emissions of respective energies at about 2.36 and 2.20 eV. Photoconversion performances of DSSCs sensitized with the V-SBC and DSSCs co-sensitized with the V-SBC and aloe latex solid (ALS) are evaluated. Without specific optimization, the electrical characteristics of FTO/TiO2/V-SBC/Electrolyte/Pt/FTO DSSCs yield an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.204 V, a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 0.328 mA.cm–2, and a fill factor (FF) of 47.1
