UWA University Research Symposium 2024

-University Research Symposium (URS)-

12 th annual

U niversity R esearch S ymposium

Hybrid

(In-person on UWA campus, USA, and Virtually)

Co-SPONSOR

March 4-5, 2024

The University of West Alabama

LIVINGSTON, ALABAMA

12TH Annual University Research Symposium (URS)

Hybrid

(In-person on UWA campus, USA, and Virtually)

March 4-5, 2024

The UNIVERSITY of WEST ALABAMA

LIVINGSTON, AL

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

12th Annual University Research Symposium Schedule

March 4 and 5

All Time is Central Standard Time

March 3

March 4

9:00 am

9:30 am – 11:00 am

11:00 – 12:30 pm

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Virtual Poster Gallery Opens

Virtual Meeting (Zoom)

Welcome Remarks and Opening of the 2024 URS - Announcements

Virtual Poster Session – Competitive

Break - Poster Session remains open - Networking – Zoom breakout rooms

Undergraduate Oral Presentations Session A – Competitive

Undergraduate Oral Presentations Session B – Competitive

Graduate Oral Presentations Session C – Competitive

Graduate Oral Presentations Session D – Competitive

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Break

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

March 5

Graduate Oral Presentations Session E – Competitive

Graduate Oral Presentations Session F – Competitive

Professionals Oral Presentations Session G – Non-Competitive

Professionals Oral Presentations Session H – Non-Competitive

In-Person Meeting (UWA Campus) Livingston, AL

8:30 am Registration and poster setup

9:00 am – 11:30 am Poster session – Competitive

9:00 am – 11:30 am

11:30 am

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

5:30 pm – 5:45 pm

5:45 pm – 6:15 pm

6:15 pm – 7:00 pm

Graduate School and Career Expo Session

Group Photo (Webb Hall Front Steps)

Lunch and Networking (Bell Conference and Patio)

The poster session hall remains open.

Graduate Oral talks (Bell Conference)

Bell Conference Center

Opening remarks and welcome messages

Dinner

Keynote speech by Dr. Melanie McReynolds - Mechanisms of NAD+ homeostasis in aging and disease.

7:00 pm – 7:15 pm Awards Ceremony and Photos

March 15, 2024

Award announcement for virtual competition (by email)

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Melissa Haab UWA

Tracy Keener UWA

Mustafa Morsy UWA

Danielle Miller UWA

Chris Theriot UWA

Kaleigh Pate UWA

Anouar Alami USMBA

Saad IbnSouda Koraichi USMBA

SPONSORS

Georgia-Pacific LLC is an American pulp and paper company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of tissue, pulp, paper, toilet and paper towel dispensers, packaging, building products and related chemicals, and other forest products – largely made from its own timber.[2][3] Since 2005, it has been an independently operated and managed subsidiary of Koch Industries. As of Fall 2019, the company employed more than 35,000 people at more than 180 locations in North America, South America and Europe.

SPONSORS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) is a nonprofit health insurance company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The company was founded in 1936, provides coverage to over 3 million people and is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBS). BCBSAL employs nearly 5,000 people, which includes almost 3,500 people at its corporate headquarters in Birmingham.

SPONSORS

Alabama Power Company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a company in the southern United States that provides electricity service to 1.4 million customers in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. It also operates appliance stores. It is one of four U.S. utilities operated by the Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity

SPONSORS

The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) is vital to the UWA campus. Located in Webb Hall, OSPR is a service division assisting faculty, staff, and students seeking external funds through proposal development and aid in managing awarded grants. OSPR is here to facilitate and enhance the grant writing process with experience and oversight. We want to help you do something that matters!

SPONSORS

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded $1.5M in scholarships to The University of West Alabama (UWA). The project will directly benefit undergraduate students throughout the next six years. The project title is Biology Opportunities and Scholarships for Success II (BOSS II). Students accepted in the program will receive an annual scholarship of $8,500, renewable for up to 4 years. The UWA BOSS II scholarship is designed to support students financially and academically to complete their college degree within four years, leading to a career in biological or environmental sciences or joining graduate or professional schools.

SPONSORS

UWA CARES (Center for Achievement, Retention, and Enrichment Services) provides students access to centralized advising, mentoring, tutoring, workshops, open study hall, access to technology, and summer leadership camps. These services are provided free of charge to all students and are designed to assist students in overcoming barriers to achieving their academic goals. CARES uses a student-service-centered approach to provide support services, encourage participation in campus activities, and enrich the students’ overall campus experience. UWA CARES is located in Spieth Hall 200 and is funded through a US Department of Education grant.

SPONSORS

TEACH

The primary purpose of UWA-Teach is to increase the number of STEM teachers in Alabama and diversify the teacher workforce. UWA-Teach offers four-year degree plans that fully integrate students’ STEM content major requirements and UWA-Teach program requirements and allow students to obtain secondary STEM teaching certification while earning degrees in science, computer science, engineering, or mathematics. UWA-Teach prepares teachers with deep content knowledge and inquiry-based pedagogical strategies. The first two one-hour field-based courses allow students to try out teaching in a positive and supportive environment with no demand for a commitment to continue in the program. UTeach programs produce teachers at a lower cost than other leading programs, and our graduates stay in teaching longer, improve student performance in math and science, and influence students to enter STEM fields.

OTHER SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

• Sumter County Farmers Federation

• UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center

• UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute

MESSAGE FROM THE URS CHAIR

On behalf of the organizing committee, I am pleased to warmly welcome all participants to the 12th annual University Research Symposium (URS)! We are thrilled to have you join us for this exciting event, where we will come together to explore the latest advancements, share insights, and foster collaboration in the diverse sciences fields.

To all the budding scientists and researchers joining us from the twenty participating universities in seven countries, your attendance at the URS is a testament to your commitment to furthering science and improving the world. The range of people attending this event demonstrates how various human undertakings, including science and education, can unite people. Whether you are a presenter or attendee, your contributions are integral to the URS’s success, and we thank you for that. Throughout the conference, I urge you to seize this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow professionally while sharing your passion for excellence in science, research, and education.

I want to express my profound appreciation to the URS sponsors and exhibitors. Your contribution played a pivotal role in making the URS conference a success. Your support provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities for many students from UWA and around the globe. Further, I am delighted that Dr. Melanin McReynolds is our keynote speaker, and I look forward to her talk. Her science is fascinating, and I am confident she will be a role model and inspirational figure to many of our students.

I wish you all a productive and enriching experience at the URS. May your time here be filled with inspiration, collaboration, and transformative insights that propel us toward a brighter future in science and education.

Warm regards,

Mustafa Morsy Chair and co-founder of the University Research Symposium

MESSAGE FROM THE UWA PRESIDENT

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all attendees of the 12th annual University Research Symposium, taking place on March 4 and 5 on our beautiful campus, and virtually. The URS continues to be a cornerstone in providing invaluable experiences for our students, particularly undergraduates, aiding them in better preparation for graduate programs and enhancing their career opportunities.

We are excited that this year’s symposium was co-organized with the University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (USMBA), Fez, Morocco, providing a unique opportunity for students from both universities to connect and exchange scholarly and cultural knowledge. We are glad to welcome Dr. El Mestafa El Hadrami, USMBA vice president of research, and his team to UWA’s campus during the URS activities.

We are eager to share the remarkable accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff, and I extend my sincere thanks to all participants and mentors for their hard work in developing such stimulating and diverse research topics.

A special welcome is extended to our distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Melanie McReynolds from Pennsylvania State University, and to all graduate schools and exhibitors participating in the event.

In closing, I wish all participants a fulfilling and rewarding experience during this important conference. Thank you for your enthusiastic participation, and I look forward to the success of the 2024 URS, hoping it will mark the beginning of many more conferences on your research agenda.

Warm regards,

Ken Tucker President

IMESSAGE FROM THE COLLEGE DEAN

am delighted to extend a warm welcome to each of you joining us for the annual University Research Symposium in its 12th year at the University of West Alabama’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. This year, we are proud to showcase an impressive array of 103 presentations, delivered through traditional and virtual mediums, by our dedicated undergraduate and graduate researchers. Our symposium is a vibrant platform for the exchange of innovative ideas and groundbreaking research across all disciplines, reflecting our commitment to the advancement of scientific knowledge and its application for societal benefit.

David Epstein, in his insightful book “Range,” asserts that “We learn in practice, not in theory.” This philosophy is at the heart of our symposium, emphasizing the critical role of hands-on research and the application of the scientific method in cultivating a deeper understanding of our world. By engaging directly with complex problems and exploring diverse hypotheses, our presenters demonstrate the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry and its essential contribution to progress.

This year is particularly special as we welcome our collaborators from the University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Fez, Morocco. This partnership not only broadens the scope of our symposium but also highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling global challenges. Together, we celebrate the spirit of discovery and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that characterizes all fields.

The significance of inquiry-based instruction cannot be overstated—it is the foundation upon which the future is built, driving innovations that transform lives and shape our understanding of the universe. As we proceed with the presentations, let us embrace the opportunity to learn from each other and to inspire a continued dedication to scientific exploration and excellence.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey of discovery. Your participation and contributions are what make our symposium a cornerstone event for the scientific community.

Best wishes,

Jeffery Merida Dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

MESSAGE FROM THE COLLEGE DEAN

Dr. Melanie R. McReynolds, Ph.D.

is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Penn State University, holding the prestigious HHMI Hanna H. Gray Faculty Fellowship. Her research in the laboratory delves into the fascinating overlap between stress-induced metabolic aging and its implications for disease. Melanie is originally from Louisville, Mississippi and obtained her B.S. degree in Chemistry and Physics from Alcorn State University, actively participating in the NIH-funded Alcorn State to Penn State Bridges to the Doctorate Program. Through this scientific pipeline initiative and institutional partnership, she earned her M.S. degree in Biological Sciences. Dr. McReynolds successfully completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology at the Pennsylvania State University in 2017. Notably, Melanie’s exceptional contributions to the field have garnered recognition, including being named a Burroughs Wellcome Fund PDEP Awardee, HHMI Hanna Gray Fellow, and a Rising Star on the CellPress list of Top 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America during her impactful postdoctoral work at Princeton University. Dr. McReynolds is a biochemist with expertise in unraveling the link between metabolic stress and aging. With over a decade of research, mentoring, and teaching experience, she is enthusiastic about contributing to the broader scientific community. Currently, Melanie is establishing her independent research group, focusing on shedding light on metabolic aging and disease. Her return to Penn State brought her into the role of the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Early Career Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

POSTER PRESENTATIONS - COMPETITIVE

Zoom Link (9:30 am – 11:00 am) March 4, Moderator: Tracy Keener and Chris Theriot

1. Citric acid assisted -hydrothermal carbonization of solid waste from essential oils industry: optimization using I -optimal experimental design and removal dye application

Faiçal El Ouadrhiri1*, Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh2, Kakul Husain2, Abderrazzak Adachi1, Anouar Hmamou1, Ismail Hassan 2, Marwa Mostafa Moharam23, and Amal Lahkimi1

1 Laboratory of Engineering, Molecular Organometallic Materials and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.

2 Chemistry Department, College of Arts & Science, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Al-Dawaser, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.

3 Chemical and Electrochemical Processing Department, Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute (CMRDI), P.O. Box 87, Helwan 11421, Egypt.

Solid waste (SW) generated from the extraction of essen tial oils from medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) is an abundant and renewable resource, but proper recycling is necessary to prevent negative environmental impacts from improper disposal. This study focused on converting SW from essential oil (EO) extraction industry by citric acid-assisted hydrothermal carbonization (c -HTC) coupled with chemical activation into a carbonaceous material to remove organic pollutants. For this purpose, an I -optimal design coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was developed to investigate the relationship between the severity factor (SF) of the c -HTC process and citric acid dose (HTCcat) on carbon retention rate (CRR) and hydrochar mass yield (MY). Under optimal conditions (5.32 and 2 g for SF and HTCcat, respectively), an optimized hydrochar (HCop) was characterized by a CRR and MY of 71.02% and 56.14%, respectively. HCop was chemically activated by KOH solution (AHCop) and characterized by a specific surface area of 989.81 m2.g -1, a pore volume of 0.583 cm3.g -1, a higher heating value (HHV) of 37.3 MJ/kg, oxygenated surface functions such as -OH, -COOH, C-O and a methylene blue (MB) removal rate of 90.71%. In addition, modeling of the adsorption isotherms found that the Freundlich isotherm better describes the exper imental data, and the second-order model regulates the adsorption kinetics well. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of AHCop was 588.24 mg.g -1, with a separation factor of 0.625, indicating its potential for effectively removing organic pollutants. Together, these results provide crucial information on the possibility of using c-HTC to convert waste biomass into functional carbon materials to remove organic pollutants efficiently. Therefore, several studies must be carried out to discover other fields of application of this material.

2. The Impact of Using an Educational Robot as an Educational Game on Middle School Students' Motivation to Study the Concept of pH in Chemistry

Slimane Omari and Nadia Benjelloun

Research Laboratory in Computer Science, Automation, Signals and Cognitivism (LISAC), Faculty of Sciences

Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

This study aims to assess the effect of using an educational robot as an educational game on the motivation of middle school students in learning the concept of pH in chemistry. We involved 180 students in this research, divided into two groups: a control group of 94 students and an experimental group of 86 students. The results of the study demonstrate a significant incr ease in motivation within the experimental group, which utilized the educational robot as a learning tool. The academic performance of this group also improved, highlighting the effectiveness of integrating robotic technology into the educational process. This research contributes to the growing understanding of the positive impact of educational robots as an innovative means to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes, particularly in complex subjects such as chemistry. These findings encourage the adoption of innovative pedagogical methods to promote a motivating and effective learning environment.

3. Synthesis and Structural Characterization of New ChromoneIsoxazoles Hybrids Via 1,3 -Dipolar Cycloaddition

Youssra Kanzouai,1 Yassine Rhazi, 1 Mohamed Bakhouch,2 Ghali Al Houari, and 1 Mohamed El Yazidi1.

1 Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic and Molecular Materials and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar EL Mahraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, BP: 1796, Fes, Marocco.

2 Bioorganic Chemistry Team, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University Chouaïb Doukkali, P.O. Box 20, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco.

Chromone is a very broad family of heterocyclic compounds based on the benzopyrone skeleton with flexible biological profiles, simple structure and low health impact [1]. The molecule has demonstrated potent antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities [2]. The isoxazole molecule has attracted great interest. It is a multipurpose mole cule in pharmaceutical development with a large spectrum of biological properties: antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anti -HIV [3]. Based on the literature data, we were able to combine these molecules using 1,3 -DC reaction of 3 with 4a -d, which led to our cycloadducts 5a-d in a highly regioselective manner [4].

References

1. Raj, V.; Lee, J. 2H/4H-Chromenes A Versatile Biologically Attractive Scaffold. Frontiers in Chemistry, 2020, 8.

2. Antiviral Activities of 4H-Chromen-4-One Scaffold-Containing Flavonoids against SARS– CoV–2 Using Computational and in Vitro Approaches. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2022, 353, 118775.

3. Esfahani, S. N.; Damavandi, M. S.; Sadeghi, P.; Nazifi, Z.; Salari -Jazi, A.; Massah, A. R. Synthesis of Some Novel Coumarin Isoxazol Sulfonamid e Hybrid Compounds, 3D-QSAR Studies, and Antibacterial Evaluation. Scientific reports, 2021, 11 (1), 1 –15.

4. Kanzouai, Y.; Chalkha M.; Hadni H.; Laghmari, M.; Bouzammit, R.; Nakkabi, A.; Benali, T.; Tüzün, B.; Akhazzane, M.; El Yazidi, M.; Al Houari, G. Design, synthesis, in-vitro and in-silico studies of chromoneisoxazoline conjugates as anti -bacterial agents. Journal of Molecular Structure 1293 (2023).

4. Vulnerability’s Double Bind: Exploring Climate Change Effects on Gender-Based Violence in Morocco

Mohammed Zouiri

The Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Saïs of Fez, Morocco

This study investigates the complex interplay between climate change, genderbased violence (GBV), and deep-rooted traditional gender norms within the Moroccan household. Building upon the Heat Hypothesis proposed by Craig A. Anderson (2001), which establishes a positive correlation between rising temperatures and heightened levels of violence and aggression, this research advances a nuanced hypothesis. The study posits that the compounded impact of climate change-induced disasters, particularly escalating temperatures, and deeply ingrained gender norms significantly heighten women’s vulnerability to GBV. Moreover, the unique contribution of this study lies in the identification and exploration of a vulnerability double bind, wherein women face dual vulnerabilities stemming from the effects of climate change and entrenched gender norms. Climate change acts as the primary stressor, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, while traditional gender norms further compromise women’s resilience and exacerbate their susceptibility to GBV. Methodologically, this research employs semi-structured surveys, encompassing both close-ended and open-ended items, to gather data. This innovative approach introduces a qualitative dimension to a predominantly quantitative data collection procedure, enabling participants to articulate and elaborate on their experiences and perceptions. By combining quantitative metrics with qualitative insights, the aim is to enhance the credibility and depth of the findings.

Keywords: Climate Change, Gender-Based Violence, Gender Norms, Vulnerability.

5. Improved Stability and in vitro Bioaccessibility of Lutein in Emulsions Stabilized by Octenylsuccinylated Starch and Pea Protein Isolate

Yanqi Zhang, Samantha Simmons, Lingyan Kong, and Libo Tan

Department of Human Nutrition & Hospitality Management , The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

Objective: The utilization of lutein as a fortification in infant formula is limited due to its susceptibility to chemical deterioration under high temperature, oxygen, and light exposure. The study aims to develop a lutein emulsion stabilized by octenylsuccinylated starch (OSS) and pea protein isolate (PPI) to improve lutein's chemical stability and bioaccessibility.

Method: A simplex-centroid mixture design was used to evaluate the proportions of OSS, PPI, and water in the aqueous phase on the properties of the emulsions. Lutein was dissolved into olive oil to obtain a 0.1% (w/v) of lutein ester in oil solution, which was then combined with the aqueous phase at a fixed 70% oil volume fraction and homogenized at 20000 rpm to prepare emulsions. Visual appearance and emulsification index were used to indicate the successful formation of emulsion. The emulsion samples were tested for droplet size and distribution, in vitro infant bioaccessibility, thermal stability, and photostability after 7 days of storage at room temperature. Free lutein dissolved in olive oil was used as the control for all the tests.

Result: Homogenous lutein emulsions were formed by three compositions. The mean droplet size of the three samples was 0.98 ± 0.84, 1.33 ± 0.99, and 1.08 ± 0.92μm, respectively. The in vitro bioaccessibility for the lutein emulsions was 69%, 52%, and 63%, respectively; in control group, it was 56%. After 7 hours of thermal treatment, lutein retention in the three emulsions was 90%, 95%, and 100%, respectively, whereas that in control group was merely 69%. Following a 7-hour UV treatment, the three emulsions displayed retention rates of lutein of 82%, 94%, and 84%, respectively, while only 69% were retained in the control group.

Conclusion: OSS and PPI provide e nhanced physical and chemical stability of lutein emulsion that can be extended to formulate lutein -fortified infant formula.

Funding Source: USDA-NIFA

Keywords: Lutein, emulsion. Primary track: Food system.

6. Exploration of Mycovirus Content in Fungal Genomes

Hyunjun Lee1,2, Andrei Steindorff2, Asaf Salamov2, and Igor Grigoriev2

Mycovirus, a virus that infects fungi, has a significant role in the environment because of its impact on fungal hosts and various ecological applications, such as its use in biotechnology to control fungal infections in crops and forests. Yet, not much progress has been made. This research project aims to explore the diversity of mycovirus found on DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) web platform MycoCosm’s public database with over 2500 fungal genomes to better understand fundamental aspects of fungi, aligned with Fungal & Algal Program’s mission to explore the diversity of fungi. With more focus on the protein RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the mycovirus in fungal genomes, we aim to further determine and characterize the mycovirus. So, the goal for this project includes identifying the distribution of mycovirus in the fungal tree of life, characterizing each type of mycovirus, and ultimately connecting them with the respective fungal lifestyle.

1University of California, Berkeley; USA, 2Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

7. Qsar, Dft Studies, Docking Molecular and Simulation Dynamic Molecular of 2-Styrylquinoline Derivatives Through Their Anticancer Activity on Wild-Type Colon Cancer Cells P53hct 116.

Sara Zarougui1, Mohammed Er-rajy1, Abdelmoujoud Faris1, Hamada Imtara3, Mohamed El fadili1, Omkulthom Al kamaly 2, Samar Zuhair

Alshawwa2, Fahd A. Nasr4, Mourad Aloui1, and Menana Elhallaoui1

1LIMAS Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.

2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia

3 Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

4 Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Arab American University Palestine, P.O. Box 240, Jenin 44862, Palestine

A QSAR approach was performed on 54 new 2 -styrylquinoline derivatives as anticancer substances capable of inhibiting the p53 protein in the cell line HCT116++. The study was carried out by performing multiple linear regressions and artificial neural networks. After the division of the database into two groups (training and test sets) using the K-means method, we developed QSAR models with correlation coefficients of R2 = 0.90, �2��� = 0.89. The external validation, the applicability domain, and the Y -randomization test validate the obtained models. A DFT study was performed to determine the reactivity of the 2-Styrylquinoline derivatives using frontier molecular orbital analysis and analysis of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) [2]. Derivatives of 2 -4 styrylquinoline are studied for their synthetic accessibility and their similarity to drug. The obtained results show that all the evaluated compounds have similar properties to drug and are also accessible to synthesize. A molecul ar docking analysis was performed for three compounds: 14, 34, and 54, having various reactivities against the p53 HCT116++ protein (identified by PDB ID: 2GEQ). The results showed strong interactions between the three ligands and the 2GEQ protein, and based on these results, we performed a molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate the stability of our complexes. The MD demonstrates the thermodynamic stability of select compounds during 40 and 100 ns, with all three complexes showing a high level of structural stability.

Keywords: RLM, ANN, DFT Studies, Docking molecular, Simulation dynamic molecular.

8. Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of The Anti- Corrosive Activity of Quinazoline-Derived Heterocycles on Carbon Steel, in 1m Hcl Medium

Yassine Rhazi1, Mohammed El Mesky2, Youssra Kanzouai1, Fatima Nouayti1, Azize Arzine1, Asmae Nakkabi2, Mohammed Chalkha2, Mohamed Bakhouch3, Ghali Al Houari 1, and Mohamed El Yazidi*

1 Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic and Molecular Materials and Environment , Faculty of Sciences Dhar EL Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

2 Laboratory of Materials Engineering for the Environment & Natural Resources, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Moulay Ismail University Meknes, Boutalamine, Errachidia, Morocco

3Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco

The quinazoline and their derivatives are versatile heterocyclic compounds [1] and have attracted great interest due to the diversity of their biological activities, such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antiviral properties [2]. In recent years, it has been discovered that these heterocyclic compounds, which exhibit high biological activities, could be used as corrosion inhibitors in acidic environments, particularly in hydrochloric acid [3]. In this study, a new series of quinazoline-based alkylation were synthesized and characterized using FT -IR and NMR spectroscopy. The anticorrosion properties of these compounds were investigated in a 1M HCl solution.

Keywords: Heterocycles, Quinazoline, alkylation, corrosion.

References

1. Design, synthesis and Molecular modeling study of certain quinazolinone scaffold as anti-hepatocellular carcinoma." Bioorganic Chemistry 131 (2023): 106310.

2. R. Kharb, K. Haider, K. Neha, M.S. Yar, Aromatase inhibitors: Role in postmenopausal breast Cancer, Arch. der. Pharm. 353 (8) (2020) 1 –20, https://doi. org/10.1002/ardp.202000081.

3. Mitigation effect of quinazolin-4 (3H)-one derivatives on the corrosion behavior of mild steel in HCl." Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 627 (2021): 127188.

9. Survey of Nutritional Management in Cattle Extensive Farms from the Tropics ( Guayas, Ecuador)

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Av. 25 de Julio, Guayaquil 090104, Ecuador

There is limited research on characterizing livestock systems in Ecuador although cattle production represents an important income in the country. Moreover, no information exists about nutritional management in the coastal region, where scarcity of forage is common during the dry season. This study aimed at gathering information on diet strategies used by cattle farms, with the agreement of farmers. A cross -sectional survey by convenience was implemented on three livestock high-dense areas of Guayas province and applied to 16 farms from Balzar, 15 from Salitre, and 12 from Naranjal. The results showed that the largest and more variable -sized farms were found in Naranjal, with an average of 803 ± 1142 ha and half of the extension allocated pastures. The mean stock density of this region was of 2.0 AU/ha. Regarding pasture management, grazing days were 4.9 ± 11.9 days, 5.2 ± 2.1 days, and 7 ± 7.7 days in Balzar, Salitre, and Naranjal, respectively, and rotational programs were implementted in all farms from Bal zar, and most of Salitre (60%) and Naranjal (92%). In addition, the use of irrigation (40, 33, and 83%, respectively) and fertilization (7%, 27%, and 50%, respectively) was inconsistent between areas whereas all farmers used weed control either mechanical or chemical. Nutritional supplementation was not common although most of the farmers in Naranjal supplemented mineral salts (75%) and others in Salitre supplemented because of the availability of local byproducts (47% with rice stover). Also, most of the farms used breeds adapted to the region (Brahman in 25 farms) and were double-purpose with crossbred animals identified in all farms (Brangus, Braford or Girolando, among others). In summary, cattle farms from this study were usually a secondary economic ac tivity and have shown no special focus on animal nutrition, but mainly adapted to the adverse climatic conditions of the region.

Keywords: Ecuador, farm management, grazing cattle, tropical pasture, crosssectional study

José E. Lucas-López, José F. Sanabria -García, Eduardo AndradeMonserrate, and Paola López-Colom

10. Nutritional characterization of tropical pastures used in cattle farms during the dry season (Guayas, Ecuador)

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Av. 25 de Julio, Guayaquil 090104, Ecuador

Contact Author’s e-mail address: paola.lopecol@gmail.com

In the tropic region of Ecuador coexist two extreme seasons along the year, a rainy and a dry season that impact enormously the availability a nd quality of forage given to cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the pastures used in farms located in the Guayas province (coastal region) during the dry season (August to October) in 2023 and determine their biomass and nutritional composition (based on dry matter, DM). For this, three high -dense livestock areas (Balzar, Naranjal, and Salitre) were selected and 31 farms collaborated. A total of 54 pastures were sampled previous to grazing and 16 different species were identified, being by order Caribbean cupgrass (n=14), stargrass (n=10), Guinea grass (n=8), tanner grass (n=6), three samples of Tanzania and Cuba 22, Mombaça (n=2) and one sample of signal grass, elephant grass, gramalote, Mulato I, dallis grass, and jaragua. Regarding availability, biomass production was in average 12.7 Tm MS/ha and highly variable (between 0.7 and 53.9 Tm MS/ha) as well as rest period extremely differed between farms (from no resting in continuous grazing systems or minimum of three days up to 180 days under rotation). In the case of nutritional composition, similarly, DM also showed variations and was in average 29.9 ± 11.4 %. Regarding the rest of parameters, ash and crude protein were 12.1 ± 2.5 % and 7.3 ± 2.7 %, respectively, whereas the analyses of neutral- and acid-detergent fibers and lignin were more variable, with 62.7 ± 18.5 %, 44.8 ± 15.8 %, and 9.9 ± 7.1 %, respectively. These results show for the first time the diversity of pastures utilized, however, poor quality of pastures fed to cattle was generalized what might represent a risk for deficiencies in livestock in this region but would give room to improve their feeding and performance.

Keywords: bromatological analysis, forage quality, grazing cattle, tropics

José F. Sanabria-García, José E. Lucas-López, Wellington Coloma-Garcia, Paola López-Colom

11. Thermoelectric Properties of Heusler Ferrimagnetic Semiconductors CrVTiAl: A Theoretical Investigation using r2SCAN Functional

Slimane Mouchou1, Y. Toual1, A. Azouaoui12, N. Benzakou1, and A. Hourmatallah12

1Laboratory of Solid Physics, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences, BP 1796, Fez, Morocco

2Ecole Normale Supérieure, BP 5206, Fes, Morocco

This theoretical study explores the physical properties of quaternary Heusler ferrimagnetic semiconductor CrVTiAl. Using first-principles calculations, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the structural and electronic characteristics and determine the thermoelectric properties at different temperatures (300 K, 600 K, and 900 K) employing the r2SCAN functional. Furthermor e, we investigate the impact of various types of doping on thermoelectric performance and efficiency to identify the optimal electron or hole carrier concentrations for optimizing the performance of this Heusler compound. Our results demonstrate the tunability of thermoelectric properties of this Heusler, emphasizing the critical role of carrier concentration, and provide valuable insights for the design and improvement of thermoelectric properties for thermoelectric applications.

Keywords: Quaternary Heusler; Thermoelectric properties; Semiconductor ferrimagnetic; High Seebeck coefficient; r2SACN

12. The Effect Polyploidization on Phenotypic Characteristics of Blackcurrant ( Ribes Nigrum L.) Genotypes

Aleksandra Machlańska, Agnieszka Marasek-Ciołakowska, Stanisław Pluta, Łukasz Seliga, and Małgorzata Podwyszyńska

The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96 -100 Skierniewice, Poland

Polyploidization is one of the most important sources of gene tic variability in crop plants. Homogeneous tetraploids of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars 'Gofert' and 'Polares' were obtained via mitotic chromosome doubling at the National Institute of Horticultural Research (InHort) in Skierniewice, Poland. Their ploidy level was confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome count. The number of chromosomes was 2n=2x=16 for diploid cultivars and 2n=4x=32 for tetraploid clones, respectively. In the present study tetraploid clones of ‘Gofert’ and ‘Polares’ were eva luated in respect to their morphological and anatomical characteristic in the 5th and 6th growing season in a field experiment. Compared to diploid cultivars, tetraploids were characterized by poorer plant growth and vigor. They bloomed slightly later and less intensively than diploids. Leaves of induced tetraploids were smaller, had lower chlorophyll content, but they were thicker than in diploids. Stomatal size was bigger in tetraploid clones by 50% while stomatal density was negatively correlated with increased ploidy level. Anatomical structure of tetraploid leaf was also changed, the adaxial and abaxial epidermis, the layer of palisade and spongy mesophyll cells were thicker. In generative stage, tetraploids had larger flowers and their elements such as anthers, pistils compared to diploids. The number of flowers per racemes was similar but the racemes were shorted and thicker. Tetraploid clones were characterized by a larger diameter of pollen grains and lower viability compared to diploid cultivars. Be rry size was similar but tetraploid clones had lower seed set ability. In perspective, analyzed tetraploid clones will be used for blackcurrant breeding at polyploidy level, potentially leading to develop of new valuable hybrids.

Keywords: cultivars, polyploidization, autotetraploids, phenotypic variability

Acknowledgments: The research was carried out as part of the special -purpose subsidy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - Task 3.7: "Production of initial materials of blackcurrant with dessert-quality fruit, useful for trellising system cultivation and resistant to gall mite, leaf and shoot diseases".

13. Study on Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Chemically Profiled Essential Oils Extracted from Juniperus Phoenicea ( L.) By Use of In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Tarik Chelouati, Soufyane Lafraxo, Mohammed Bouslamti, Azeddin El Barnossi, Mohamed Chebaibi, Mohamed Akhazzane, Ahmad Mohammad Salamatullah, Hiba-Allah Nafidi, Mohammed Bourhia, Badiaa Lyoussi, and Ahmed Samir Benjelloun

Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Juniperus phoenicea (L.) is a medicinal plant that has been used in phytotherapy as a treatment of certain pathological infections. In this context, the present work aimed to valorize the essential oil of J. phoenicea seeds (EOGP) by studying its chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The EOGP was extracted by use of hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography (GC–MS). The antioxidant power was evaluated by three methods (TAC, DPPH, and FRAP). The antimicrobial power was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6633), Escherichia coli (K12), Bacillus subtilis (DSM6333), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC29906), Candida albicans (ATCC10231), Aspergillus niger (MTCC282), Aspergillus flavus (MTCC9606), and Fusarium oxysporum (MTCC9913). The GC/MS results revealed a total identification of 99.98% with a dominance of carvacrol (39.81%) followed by p-cymen-3-ol (34.44%) and o-cymene (13.60%). Findings showed that EOGP exhibited important antioxidant power as as etermine to be 2 μ m for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhy ra yl, hile as 2 . μ m for ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity was 720 mg AAE/g. The antimicrobial power on solid medium revealed that the inhibition diameters ranged from 11.30 ± 0.58 to 20 mm for the bacterial strains and from 9.33 ± 0.57 to 54.43 ± 0.29 mm for fungi. Notably, minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 18 to 9 μ m for bacterial strains an from . to . 9 μ m for fungal strains. Overall, our results demonstrated the importance of EOGP as a source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial medicines against clinically relevant pathogenic strains.

14. Synth esis of Novel 2-arylidenehydrazinel -5-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazol4(5H)- one and the Evaluation of their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

Houda Serrar1,2, Said Boukhris2, Amina Hassikou2, and Abdelaziz Souizi2

1Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular, and Environmental Materials.

2Faculty of Sciences Dhar Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco, Tofail University, PO Box 133, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment, Faculty of Science, Ibn.

3Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia

Thiazolidine is a class of heterocyclic compounds that deserves special attention due to its activity in medicinal chemistry [1]. Indeed, it has been reported that the thiazolidine-4-one ring is virtually present in various pharmaceutical products, as it has a broad spectrum of biological activities [2]. In addition, thiazoles and their analogues are endowed with analgesic [3], anti-inflammatory [4], cardiotonic [5], anticonvulsant [6], and anticancer [7]. The biological interest in thiazoles prompted us to prepare new thiazolidine derivatives by reacting derivatives via the reaction of epoxide 4 with substituted thiosemicarbohydrazides 3-a-f (Scheme 1). These new heterocyclic compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry.

The second part of this work focuses on the evaluation of biological activities (antimicrobial and antioxidant), given the importance of heterocyclic chemistry. In fact, Antimicrobial activity was found against five types of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii Pseudomonas aeruginosa), while the antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated on two fungal species of the genus Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii. while the antioxidant activity of the new heterocyclic products was assessed using three methods: Frap, H2O2 and Phosphomolybdenum assay.

Scheme 1: Synthesis reaction of new thiazolidine derivatives thiazolidine derivatives from epoxide 4

15. Synthesis and Characterization of a New Precursor of 1,2,3Triazolic Amino Alcohols via Click Chemistry

Younas Aouine1 and Anouar Al Alami2

1Faculty of Sciences, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir 80060, Morocco

2Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular Materials, and Environment (LIMOME), Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

1,2,3-Triazoles are present in a number of compounds with assorted biological activities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti -tubercular, and antiHIV properties. The copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is the most widely used method for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3triazoles from a wide range of organic azides and terminal alkynes. We described in this communication the preparation o f a new oxazolinic precursor of 1,2,3- triazolic amino alcohols. This preparation approach is based on the Cu(I)- catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and the obtained product was characterized on the basis of NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 15N and 2D 1H -15N HMBC) in addition to the elemental analysis and MS data.

Keywords: 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition; triazole; amino alcohol; click chemistry.

16. Study on the Mechanisms of Increased Tolerance of Apple Tetraploids to Drought Stress

Monika Marat, Danuta Wójcik, Krzysztof Klamkowski, Agnieszka Marasek-Ciołakowska, atarzyna cik, Małgorzata Podwyszyńska, and Waldemar Treder

The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland

The apple tree (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is one of the most important fruit crop plants, widely cultivated in the temperate climate zones of North America, Europe, and Asia. The main factors that threaten apple cultivation and cause losses in plant productivity and fruit quality, apart from pathogen attacks, are unfavorable environmental conditions, including limited water resources. Therefore, one of the priorities in breeding work is to obtain genotypes that are more tolerant to drought. Polyploidization is an important source of variability for plant breeding. Polyploids are often characterized by increased adaptability to biotic and abiotic stress factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the mechanisms of increased tolerance of apple tetraploids to drought stress. The plants were subjected to strong stress - complete suspension of irrigation. During the drought, leaf water potential was determined, and gas exchange and stomatal size and density were measured. Analyses of antioxidant enzymes activity and proline and MDA contents were performed, as well as the expression of genes related to resistance of apple to abiotic stresses. During the drought, water potential decreased in both diploids and tetraploids, but was higher in the leaves of tetraploid clones, as was th e intensity of photosynthesis and transpiration. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in the leaves of tetraploid forms was higher compared to diploid plants, which may be related to the increased efficiency of removing reactive oxygen species in the tissue s of tetraploid plants. During stress, higher proline content but lower MDA levels were observed in the leaves of tetraploids than in diploids. The expression level of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, APX and GPX) under water -deficient conditions was higher in tetraploids than in diploids.

Keywords: drought stress, apple tree, antioxidant enzymes, gene expression, polyploidization

17. Treatment of Textile Rejects by the Coagulation -Flocculation Process: Comparative Study of Cactus in the Form of Juice and Powder with Lime and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology.

Fatima Moussaoui, Abderrazzak, Faiçal El Ouadrhiri, Sara Tlemcani, Ahmed, and Bendaoud, and Anouar Hmamou

Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modelling and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.

In this work, we used a biodegradable flocculant extracted from cactus (Opuntia ficus-indiça), a plant abundant in various regions of Morocco, particularly Fez. We have employed a physico-chemical process (coagulation -flocculation) to treat textile waste. In this perspective, we are evaluating the effectiveness of lime in combination with cactus powder and cactus juice to reduce the turbidity of textile effluents. The objective is to identify the best coagulant -flocculant combination for maximum turbidity reduction. UV spectrophotometer analysis was used to assess textile effluent characteristics before and after treatment, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) parameters were determined. The model designed for optimal design was fitted to the experimental data, with high R² for both powder (R²=0.9998) and juice (R²=0.9998). The difference between the adjusted R² and the predicte d R² was minimal, for both powder (0.0023) and juice (0.0003), with a high F -value and a p-value below 0.05 in both cases, by treatment with juice or powder. The BoxBehnken Design of Experiment (BBD) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the coagulation -flocculation process. The results show that treatment with 0.8273 g/l lime, 32.45 ml/l cactus juice at a pH of 8.33 is the best combination, offering a significant reduction in turbidity (99.62%), COD (76.01%), BOD5 (93%), an d a notable decolorization (98.89%). Cactus juice in combination with lime has proved effective in reducing turbidity, so it is necessary to explore extending the reported work from laboratory scale to community pilot units, and eventually to industrial le vels.

UNDERGRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS SESSION A

Zoom Link (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) March 4, Moderator: Elghali Houari and Danielle Miller

18. Vaccine Hesitancy in the Era of COVID-19 in Morocco: Case Study

Fatima Zahra Chellat, and Karima E L Rhazi

Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez; Morocco

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now responsible for one of the most challenging and worrying pandemics of the 21st century. The speed and severity of the spread of the virus across the world have produced international mobilization with the development and implementation of numerous control strategies, such as social distancing, partial or total mobility restrictions which have shown to be potentially effective. Nevertheless, the catastrophic multiimpact consequences associated with the pandemic have intensified international efforts for the development of vaccines against SARS COV2. However, and despite all the efforts made to ensure su fficient availability and vaccination coverage, we have observed the presence and persistence of people hesitant about anti-SARS COV2 vaccination; who present doubts, concerns, and sometimes even reactions of refusal towards it. Following this observation, we conducted a prospective cross-sectional study; including 1000 people from the Moroccan population with data collection using pre -tested and validated questionnaires. Once the data was collected, we then proceeded to analyze all the individual, collective and contextual factors that can influence the vaccination decision. Also, and through the results obtained, we were able to develop a preventive strategy in a health crisis situation which will allow us to overcome reluctance regarding vaccination, to strengthen the confidence of populations in mass vaccination campaigns, in particular in preparation for possible future pandemics.

Keywords: Covid 19; Health crisis; Vaccination against SARS COV 2 ; Hesitation; Morocco.

19. A Comparative Genomics Approach Reveals a Local Genetic Signature of Leishmania Tropica in Morocco

Hasnaa Talimi12, Othmane Daoui1, Giovanni Bussotti3, Idris Mhaidi1, Anne Boland4, Jean-François Deleuze4, Rachida Fissoune2, Meryem Lemrani1*, and Gerald F. Späth3*

1Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector-Borne-Diseases, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco

2Systems and Data Engineering Team, National School of Applied Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tangier, Morocco; 3Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM 1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France; 4Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine (CNRGH), 91057, Evry, France.

In Morocco, cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishman ia tropica is an important health problem. Despite its high incidence in the country, the genomic heterogeneity of these parasites is still incompletely understood. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of 14 Moroccan isolates of L. tropica collected fro m confirmed cases of CL to investigate their genomic heterogeneity. Comparative genomics analyses were conducted by applying the recently established Pipeline GIP, which allowed us to conduct phylogenomic and PCA analyses, and to assess genomic variations at the levels of the karyotype, gene copy number, SNPs and INDELs variants. Read -depth analyses revealed a mostly disomic karyotype, with the exception of the stable tetrasomy of chromosome 31. In contrast, we identified important gene copy number variatio ns across all isolates, which affect know virulence genes and thus were likely selected in the field. SNP-based cluster analysis of the 14 isolates revealed a core group of 12 strains that formed a tight cluster and shared 45.1% (87,751) of SNPs, as well a s two strains (M3015, Ltr_16) that clustered separately from each other and the core group, suggesting the circulation of genetically highly diverse strains in Morocco. Phylogenetic analysis of the 14 Moroccan strains with published L. infantum genomes fro m isolates across the Middle East and Saudi Arabia confirmed the genetic difference of the 12 Moroccan core isolates from all other strains, and grouped the two divergent strains with isolates from Jordan and Lebanon, respectively. Our results indicate pot ential regional variations in SNP profiles that may differentiate Moroccan L. tropica from other L. tropica strains circulating in endemic countries in the Middle East. Our report paves the way for future research with a larger number of strains that will allow to correlate diverse and origins to defined genomic signals that may represent interesting biomarker candidates.

Keywords: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis; Leishmania tropica; Morocco; GIP; NGS

20. Evaluating the Impact of COVID -19 on Global Education in Anatomy and Physiology

Sneh Patel, Sean Mahajan, and Santanu De

Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University 3300 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, USA

Owing to the persistent Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID -19), the higher education sector was disrupted worldwide in several disciplines, specially those in healthcare as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that require active, experiential lea rning via practical application of concepts centering around Anatomy and Physiology. Dynamic instructional and technological interventions took place rapidly in an effort to minimize the adverse repercussions of moving away from traditional means of educat ion in these critical scientific fields. COVID -19 necessitated administrators, faculty, students, and interns at colleges, universities, medical/healthcare science programs and residencies to pursue teaching, learning, and assessment of Anatomy and Physiology courses/curricula through innovative strategies without compromising the quality or rigor of education. Adaptation and integration of remote/hybrid learning and teaching methodologies were essential, along with governmental as well as organizational interventions. Alternative synchronous and asynchronous approaches of e-pedagogy were implemented through simulation labs, virtual cadaver dissections and histological examinations, recorded video-lectures, online meeting platforms, and cutting-edge technological software and tools to maintain the quality of education while prioritizing everyone’s health and safety. Based on varying economic stability, different countries and regions dealt with the ramifications of COVID-19 on Anatomy and Physiology education differently. Our systematic review encapsulates, for the first time, original reports published around the globe from the past three years on such key implications of COVID -19 in Anatomy and Physiology higher studies, combined with relevant recommendations. This comprehensive analysis would help improve the content, delivery, efficacy, and sustainability of education in these clinically important subjects to facilitate better preparation for future pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, global anatomy education, global physiology education, lessons learnt, future recommendations

21. A New Eco-friendly and Highly Emitting Mn -based Hybrid Perovskite Toward High - Performance Green Down -Converted LEDs

Asmae Ben Abdelhadi

Faculty of Science Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

As luminescent materials, lead -free zero- imensional or anic inor anic metal halide perovskites have recently attracted special attention. Here, we have synthesized a novel lead-free manganese- based organic–inorganic hybrid halide (TPA)2MnBr4 where TPA= [(C3H7)3NH]+ (i.e., tri -n-propyl- ammonium). The single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) shows that (TPA)2MnBr4 crystallizes in the triclinic phase and P -1 space group, with the lattice parameters of a = 9.5444(2) Å, b = 10.1056(2) Å and c = 15.1835(3) Å. The powder XRD (PXRD) pattern confirms the synthesized perovskite's high purity and crystalline nature. Thermal analysis indicates that it is stable up to 220 °C, while the EPR experiments confirm the tetrahedral environments of the Mn2+ ions. In this compoun , n r 2 tetrahe ral units are isolate by lar e T or anic cations, resulting in a unique 0D structure. This zero -dimensional perovskite emits extremely strong green light under UV excitat ion, with a maximum at 520 nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 62% benefitting from the lo est orbital transition of n2 ion in the tetrahe ral crystal fiel an the lon n n istance, respectively. The photoluminescence lifetime of (TPA)2MnBr4 is 0.39 ms. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) shows a uniform distribution of the emitting species with no apparent bulk or edge defects. A series of color-tunable down-converted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were fabricated by using increasing amounts of (TPA)2MnBr4 as the phosphor layer, reflecting its high potential for application in LED technologies.

Scheme 1. A) Crystal structure of (TPA) 2 MnBr4 in the asymmetric part of the unit cell, the pink dashed line showed the H -bonds between tri -npropylammonium organic cations and [MnBr4]2 tetrahedral units. B) Mn -Br distances in the single [MnBr 4]2 tetrahedral units. C) The packing diagram of (TPA)2 MnBr4 viewed from b-direction at room temperature, all the Hatoms had been omitted for clarity.

22. Study of the Effect of Tannic Acid, Gallic Acid and Epicatechin Gallate on the Inhibition of Bacterial Adhesion on 3D Printing Materials

Safae Er Raouan1, Soumya El Abed 1, Nouhaila Zouine1, Mohammed Lachkar2, and Saad Ibnsouda Koraichi 1

1Lboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive molecules, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

2Laboratory of Organo-metallic, Molecular and Environmental Materials Engineering, Faculty of Sciences Dhar elmehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Recent improvements in 3D printing technology have increased the usage of 3D printed materials in several area. An exciting and emerging area of applying these next-generation manufacturing strategies is in the development of devices for biomedical applications. The main aim of this work was to investigate the effect of tannic acid, gallic acid and epicatechin gallate on the physicochemical characteristics of Acrylonitrile Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) and Nylon 3D printing materials. The results of the contact angle measurements showed a significant change in the physicochemical properties of both surfaces, indicated an increase in electron donor character of 3D printing materials following treatment. Thus, the ABS surfaces treated with tannic acid, gallic acid and epicatechin gallate have become more electron donating. Furthermore, the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus on untreated and treated materials was evaluated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and the images were treated by MATLAB software. Our results proved the ability of S. aureus to adhere on all materials with a percentage of 77.86% for ABS and 91.62% for Nylon. The SEM has shown that all actives molecules were sufficient to obtain better inhibition of bacterial adhesion, which tannic acid has showed a total inhibition of S. aureus on ABS.

Keywords: Bacterial adhesion, 3D printing, Staphylococcus aureus, tannic acid, gallic acid, epicatechin gallate

23. Design, Synthesis and Structural Characterization and AntiBacterial Evaluation of New Isoxazoline Disubstitutes

Yassine Rhazi1, Youssra Kanzouai1, Mohammed El mesky 2, Fatima Nouayti1, Aziz Arzine1, Najoua Barghady1, Asmae Nakkabi2, Mohammed Chalkha2, Mohamed Bakhouch3, Ghali Houari1, and Mohamed El Yazidi*1

1 Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic and Molecular Materials and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar EL Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez P.O. Box 1796, Morocco

2 Laboratory of Materials Engineering for the Environment& Natural Resources, Department of Chemistry, Facultyof Sciences and Technics, Moulay Ismail University Meknes,BP 509 Boutalam ine, Errachidia, Morocco

3Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco

Heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen and nitrogen are increasingly present in the basic structure of drugs and bioactive natural compounds [1]. Among these compounds, 4 -hydroxyquinazoline and isoxazoline form pharmacophores frequently observed in the structural motif of a variety of drugs and synthetic compounds with potential biological activities [2]. The combination of these two pharmacophores in a single molecule is a promising route for the synthesis of new hybrid compounds with a synergistic effect [3]. Inspired by the importance of molecular hybridization strategy and in continuation of our wor k on the design of new bioactive compounds [2]. We present in this study the synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of new hybrid heterocyclic systems incorporating the 4Hydroxyquinazolinone and isoxazoline nuclei .

References

1. Alshamari, M. Al-Qudah, F. Hamadeh, L. Al -Momani, S. Abu-Orabi, Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of 2 -Isoxazoline Derivatives, Molecules. 25 (2020) 1 –10.

2. Novel Quinazolinone–Isoxazoline Hybrids: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and DFT Mechanistic Study. Chemistry, 2022, vol. 4, no 3, p. 969-982.

3. Kanzouai, Youssra, et al. "Design, synthesis, in -vitro and in-silico studies of chromone iso a oline con u ates as anti bacterial a ents. ournal of Molecular Structure 1293 (2023 ): 136205.

24. Electrochemical Investigations of High Voltage Cathode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries

Ghizlan En-Nabety1, Safiya Es-SehlI, Mustapha TalebI, and Rachid Essehli2

1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah University, Fez, Morocco 2Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.

The electrochemical properties of carbon coated polyanionic compounds materials has been evaluated as a high voltage positive electrode for sodium ion batteries. exhibits the highest M3+/M+ redox potential vs. Na +/Na. We report on the experimental results of polyanionic compounds -reduced Graphene Oxide and polyanionic compounds -Carbon composites at different sodiation processes. The high voltage dimethyl carbonate -based electrolytes have been chosen to explore the electrochemical measurements of cathode materials. Carbon coated sample delivers a stable discharge capacity of at 0.1 C rate for 50 cycles corresponds to 1.5 sodium ion reversibly intercalation/de -intercalation. The structural deformation has been observed during the charge - discharge beyond the removal of 1.5 Na + ions and confirmed by the in situ PXRD measurement. The obtained results provide the guideline to improve the performances of the high voltage material.

Figure: (1.a) The classification of cathode materials for NIBs with one branch corresponding to the division of family of polyanionic compounds and the SEM image of this polyanionic compound the size of the primary particles varies from 4 m to 35 m (1.b).

UNDERGRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS SESSION B

Zoom Link (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) March 4, Moderator s: Mohamed Zouiten and Chris Theriot

25. Deciphering The Short And Medium Range Orders in Borophosphate Glasses: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach

Othman El Kssiri1, Mohamed Naji1, Sara Aqdim2, Abdellah Tahiri1, Abdeslam El Bouari2 , and Mohammed Filali1

1Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Laboratory of Applied Physics, Informatics and Statistics (LPAIS), University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez- Sais 30003, Morocco

2Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), University Hassan II of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco

This study delves into the structural and dynamic changes associated with the Mixed Glass Former Effect (MGFE) in sodium borophosphate glasses induced by the addition of boron. Employing molecular dynamics simulations, we uncover how the environment of phosphorus is affected, with changes in P−O bond lengths and a decrease in the number of neighboring phosphorus atoms. Therefore, boron exhibits both four- and three-coordinate configurations depending on its concentration. The majority of boron in PO-B units adopts a four-coordinate structure. At higher boron content, B[4] B[3] linkages become prevalent, indicating an increase in polymerization i n the glass structure. Analysis of the distribution of P n , Bn (where ’n’ represents the number of bridging oxygen), and non-bridging oxygen sites (NBOs) highlights a shift in the role of sodium ions from P2related NBOs to charge balancing for new B4 . Moreover, through the radial distribution function of boron -sodium, phosphorus -sodium, and sodiumsodium pairs, we conclude that the balancing charge of boron becomes more delocalized and is shared with phosphorus, which could explain the increase of the mean square displacement (MSD) and the enhancement of electrical conductivity in these glasses.

26. Insight into dsor tion M ch nis , Mod ling, and esir ility Function o M l chite reen y Sedi ent o ued Se ou oBehnken Design lic tion

Lamyae Mardi and Abdelhak Kherbeche

Higher School of Technology, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

ye pollution represents n import nt portion of the pollut nts in in ustri l ste ter. e iment from the ebou iver s utili e in this investi tion to sorb m l chite reen in ueous solution. r meters rel te to sorption h ve been optimi e usin b tch sorption stu ies n the response surf ce ppro ch. sorption process s ell represente by n muir isotherm mo el n pseu o-second-or er inetic ith m imum sorption c p city of 5.98 mg. g-1. In addition, sorption rate s effectively etermine by intr p rticle iffusion. The etermine thermo yn mic p r meters in ic te th t the sorption mo e of ye by se iment s unspont neous n en othermic. n three cycles, the re ener tion of se iment follo in sorption s confirme . Thus, t o types of inter ctions such s electrost tic inter ction n -bon in c use the sorption process of ye on the surf ce of se iment. The results sho e th t se iment m y be suit ble sorbent for e tr ctin yestuffs from the cont min te in ustri l effluent th t is lso re ily v il ble in the re .

Keywords: A sorption esponse surf ce metho , l chite reen, se iment, sorption mech nism, o -Behnken design.

27. Desorption Efficacy of Decavanadates for Methylene Blue in Aqueous Solutions

Meryem Idboumlik, Mohammed Lachkar, Michal Dusek, Vaclav Eigner, and Brahim El Bali

University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah

The purpose of this study is to examine how well decavanadates desorb methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The study explores the effectiveness of decavanadates in releasing molecules of methylene blue, providing information on possible uses in the remed iation and water treatment industries. Experimental evaluations include equilibrium studies, desorption kinetics, and the effect of changing circumstances on the desorption efficiency. Decavanadates have been shown to be a viable and efficient desorbing agent for methylene blue; these findings will help promote ecologically sustainable remedial technology.

Keywords: Decavanadates, Desorption activity, Methylene blue, Aqueous solutions, Water treatment, Remediation, Kinetics, Equilibrium studies, Environmental sustainability.

28. The Spectral Idempotents of (b, c)-Inverses

Btissam Laghmam and Hassane Zguitti

Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz Fez, Morocco

In this note we give a new characterisation of ( b, c)-invertible elements in rings and Banach algebras of operators. At first we define a (b, c)-polar element which has two (b, c)-spectral idempotents and establish the equivalence between this notion and the (b, c)-invertible element. In particular, as the (b, c)-invertibility is a class that encompasses the Drazin in- verse, the Moore-Penrose inverse, the group inverse and the inverse along an element, respectively the (b, c)-polarity is a generalization of polar element, well-supported element, simple polar element and polar element along an element. consequently, we have obtained a class that encompasses all types of polarities (polarity, quasipolarity, simple polarity, wellsupportively and polarity along an element). Further characterizations are obtained in the Banach space context.

Keywords: Pseudo-inverse; (b, c)-inverse; inverse along an element; Drazin inverse; (e, f )-Bott-Duffin inverse; polarity along an element; quasipolar element.

29. Progress in Vehicle Detection: Emphasizing Multi -Level Object Detection via Feature Pyramid Network and an Adaptive Hybrid Activation Function

Imad

El

Mallahi, Riffi, J., Mahraz, M.A., and Tairi, H.

Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculté des Sciences

Dhar El Mahraz, Fez, Morocco

The challenge of object detection, encompassing entities such as vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, cars, vans, trucks, tricycles, awning -tricycles, buses, and motorcycles in crash scenarios, has garnered significant attention across various fields. This area of study has witnessed increasing scientific interest and applications, reflecting the growing importance of accurately identifying and understanding objects involved in collisions. Feature pyramids of vehicle detection (VD) are one of the new axes brought about by the next generation of artificial intelligence for one-stage vehicle detectors such as RetinaNet and RefineDet; or two-stage vehicle detectors such as DetNet, and Mask R -CNN. Thus, Multi-Level object detection using the Feature Pyramid Network has consistently been a popular axe of study. Initially, we combine features from various levels obtained by the backbone (VGG, Resnet) as the foundational feature. Subsequently, we input this foundational feature into a sequence of alternating joint Thinned U-shape Modules and Feature Fusion Modules. We leverage the decoder layers of each U-shape module as the features for object detection. Finally, we aggregate the decoder layers with corresponding scales to form a feature pyramid for object detection. This pyramid incorporates layers (features) from multiple level s within each feature map. To assess the efficacy of the proposed MLFPN with adaptive hybrid activation function (AHAF) is proposed that combines the properties of the rectifier units and the squashing functions. The proposed function can be used as a drop -in replacement for ReLU, SiL and Swish activations for deep neural networks and can evolve to one of such functions during the training, we develop and train an advanced endto-end one-stage object detector. In terms of experiments revealed that the MLFPN with AHAF model works better than other one-stage object detector state-of-the-art models.

Keyword: Vehicle detection, Object Detection; MLFPN (Multi -Level Feature Pyramid Network); adaptive hybrid activation function; End -to-End Object Detector; Mask R-CNN; Multi-Level Object Detection; Feature Pyramid Network; Thinned U-shape Modules; Feature Fusion Modules; Backbone (VGG, Resnet).

30. Evaluating the Potential of Recycled Concrete Aggregates for Enhancing the Physical and Technical Properties of Marl Soil

Raini Imad1, El Qandil Mostafa1, and Raini Imane2

1 Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modeling and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, BP 30003, Fez, Morocco

2 Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

The increasing need for urban infrastructure due to the world's population growth raises the need for building supplies like concrete. Concrete manufacture and disposal, however, present serious environmental problems. Additionally, because of their low bearing capacity and sensitivity to moisture fluctuations, marl soils, which are plentiful in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco, present construction issues. The goal of this study is to determine whether recycling concrete waste into recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) may enhance marl soil's engineering qualities. There were four distinct RCA percentages used in the laboratory tests: 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%. The findings show that a higher RCA content reduced flexibility and improved the distribution of grain sizes while also improving compaction quality. It was discovered that a 45% RCA addition produced the best results in terms of dry density, bearing capacity, and a decrease in plasticity values, which show the treatment's efficiency and insensitivity to water. This study provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly construction solution by demonstrating the viability a nd efficacy of employing RCAs to stabilize marl soil.

31. Chitosan-

grafted

Cyclodextrin Via Click Chemistry as Encapsulating Agent to Enhance the Antibacterial Activity of Thymol

Ez-Zoubi Amine and Abdellah Farah

Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

This paper aims to investigate, for the first time, the possibility of increasing the antibacterial activities of TH by developing an encapsulating agent based on chitosan-grafted cyclodextrin. For this purpose, beta -cyclodextrin was monosubstituted at position 6 via propargyl bromide, and chitosan’s amine groups were converted to azide functions. After alkylation and diazotization reactions, the grafting of beta -cyclodextrin onto the chitosan (CS- as realized via click chemistry alkyne–azide cycloaddition. The incorporation of TH into chitosan- grafted beta-cyclodextrin (TH/CS- as prepare by the freeze-drying method, and the encapsulation efficiency was investi gated based on various mass ratios (TH:CS- . The optimi e inclusion comple as then thoroughly examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X -ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis using broth-microdilution assay. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the successful grafting of beta -cyclodextrin onto chitosan, since the optimum mass ratio between TH and CS- was 1:8 (w:w), corresponding to 78 ± 3.42% of encapsulation efficiency, while SEM, XRD, TGA and DSC confirmed the establishment of TH/CS- inclusion complexes. Furthermore, in vitro investigation showed that TH/CS- e hibite hi her antibacterial properties compared to TH in free form.

GRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS SESSION C

Zoom Link (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) March 4, Moderator: Melissa Haab and Anouar Alami

32. Biological and Ecological Characterization of Freshwater Fish in Zat Watershed (Morocco)

Ahnich Abdelilah

Sultan

Moulay Slimane University, Beni-mellal Polydisciplinary Faculty, Marrakech, Morocco

Freshwater fish adaptation and phenotypic plasticity can lead to morphological and structural variations linked to the environment. Studying the responses of fish to environmental change is crucial to understanding their vulnerability to natural and human-induced environmental changes. We used an altitudinal gradient as an indicator of upstream and downstream environmental factors and tested its influence on population structure and morphology. We chose Barbel, which inhabits four stations, as the appropriate biogeographic sample, and explored the association between characteristics using biological, ecological, morphological, and environmental analyses. Water quality analysis revealed a significant upstream increase, favoring the isolation of Luciobarbus ksibi regarding high altitude resistance downstream disappearance highlighted the sensitivity of Luciobarbus magniatlantis the most demanding populations regarding environmental quality. Morphology, on the other hand, was mainly affected by changes in environmen tal conditions. along the altitudinal gradient from downstream to upstream, Ait Ourir barbels show a shorter distance between the dorsal and pectoral fins, while Tamgounnssi barbels show a larger eye diameter and maximum body depth. In contrast, Mriouate and Zerouane barbels, located upstream, show larger eye diameter values, with Mriouate having a longer pre-orbital distance and Zerouane having a shorter pre-orbital distance. These observations suggest potential adaptations to different environmental conditions along an altitudinal gradient, thermal and hydrological conditions. Other morphometric and functional traits varied under the selective pressure of other environmental factors. These results highlight the sensitivity of barbels to climate change, which may serve as a basis for future ecologic conservation studies.

Keywords: Zat basin, freshwater fish, geometric morphometry, population, biological index

33. Analgesic and Antidepressant Activities of Papaver Rhoeas L. Root and Leaf Extracts

Anouar

Hmamou, Ahmed Bendaoud, Adachi Abderrazzak, Noureddine Eloutassi, Amal Lahkimi

Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modeling and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University

Ethnopharmacological relevance: P apaver rhoeas L. (P. rhoeas) is used to treat a wide range of pathologies. But there is no data on the analgesic, and antidepressant effects of root and leaf extracts from this medicinal plant.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to chemically characteriz e and determine the antidepressant, analgesic of the root extract (RE) and leaf extract (LE) of P. rhoeas, a wild plant.

Materials and methods: The extraction of secondary metabolites and phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. To assess the analgesic effect of the extracts, we recorded the resulting abdominal contraction after intraperitoneal (IP) acetic acid injection. Finally, we assessed the antidepressant effect by conducting the Forced Swimming Test (FST).

Results: Phytochemical screening results revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Extraction results confirmed that our extracts were rich in secondary metabolites. On the other hand, the results for analgesic activity showed that the number of abdominal contractions in rats treated with RE and LE ranged from 11±1.73 for RE (400 mg/Kg) to 18±1.50 for LE (200 mg/Kg), while that of aspirin was 10.33±0.57. Furthermore, the FST results show that the immobilit y time in rats treated with RE and LE varied from 91.98±4.24 sec for LE -treated rats (300 mg/kg) to 123.54±7.83 sec for RE -treated rats (150 mg/kg).

Conclusion: Based on these results, the roots and leaves of the studied plant can be considered a significant source of biologically active molecules for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: Papaver rhoeas L.; antidepressant; analgesic

34. Study of the Dynamics and Assessment of the Risk of Eutrophication of Lake Aguelmam Sidi Ali , Ramsar Site (Morocco)

Ihsane El Morabet, Rachida El Fadili, Azdine El Ouaryaghli, Abderrahim Bouhaddioui and Jamila Bahhou

Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz (FSDM), Department of Biology. Laboratory of Biotechnology and Preservation of Natural Resources (BPRN), BP: 1796, Fez (Morocco). Email: ihsane.elmorabet@usmba.ac.ma

Aware of the impact of drought, which has plagued Morocco in recent years, on water resources mainly in sub -humid regions with cold winters, the BPRN laboratory (Fez) has started a multidisciplinary study on Aguelmam Sidi Ali since 2023. This deep lake, classified as a Ramsar site since 2005, is located in the folded Middle Atlas 50 km south of the city of Ifrane. Water samples are taken fortnightly during the homogenizat ion and stratification period at different depths. The analyzes relate to a set of physicochemical parameters (T°, pH, transparency, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, TDS, silica and nitrogen and phosphorus compounds) and biological (phy toplankton). The results obtained show that the lake waters are oxygenated, mineralized and alkaline. As for the distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, their concentrations undergo spatio -temporal variations. These variations depend on several endogenous and exogenous factors in these elements and also on the absorption of these ions by algal communities. The qualitative study of phytoplankton made it possible to identify several taxa belonging to different classes of algae: Chlorophyceae, Diatomae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae... The structure and biomass of this phytoplankton community varies in response to environmental conditions (temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.), which induces the dominance of one class over another. In comparison with previous studies, the impact of the drought was well felt at the level of Aguelmam Sidi Ali, it is currently experiencing a change both on the hydrodynamic level by the reduction in the depth of the water column and on the operating plan (increase in temperature, change in diversity and algal biomass, etc.).

Keywords: Aguelmam Sidi Ali, physico -chemistry, phytoplankton, Ramsar, Middle Atlas.

35. Greening Healthcare: 3D Printed PLA Patches Coated with Mentha Pulegiu ssential il and eta -Ionone Nanoparticles for Revolutionary Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Breakthroughs

Khaoula Sebbar1, Songul Ulag23, Tufan Arslan Tut23, Esra Pilavci23, Elif Kaya4, Gulgun Bosgelmez-Tinaz4, Ali Sahin5, Saad Koraichi Ibnsouda1 , Oguzhan Gunduz23, and Soumya Elabed1

1Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez BP 2202, Morocco

2Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research, Marmara University, Istanbul 34722, Turkey

3 Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Marmara University, Istanbul 34722, Turkey

4Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul 34668, Turkey

5Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey

This research endeavors to craft bioactive scaffolds through the integration of Mentha Pulegium essential oil (MP - EO) within polylactic acid (PLA), incorporating a secondary metabolite (SM) identified as B -ionone (BI), or a combination of both in nanoparticle (NP) form. The production of bioactive NPs involves utilizing a 17% PLA solution through t he electrospraying technique. The comprehensive assessment of the final 3D -printed scaffolds encompasses scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier -transform infrared spectroscopy (FT -IR) to scrutinize their morphological and chemical attributes. Furthermore, mechanical, thermal, swelling, and degradation behaviors are scrutinized, among other characteristics. The scaffolds exhibit remarkable quality across diverse tested criteria, as revealed through extensive characterization. Antibacterial evaluations against four bacterial strains and an analysis of the release kinetics of encapsulated bioactive compounds from 17% PLA scaffolds are conducted. Notably, PLA@B -Ionone-NP-coated scaffolds demonstrate substantial biocompatibility and noteworthy antibacteri al efficacy, particularly against Bacillus subtilis (ZOI = 12 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZOI = 9 mm). However, the optimization of concentrations for individual bioactive molecules discloses that PLA@MPEO+BI -NPs do not manifest synergistic antimicrobial effects against the tested bacterial strains. Exceptionally, PLA@MPEO-NP scaffolds showcase impressive biocompatibility, suggesting potential in mitigating bacterial infections and fostering wound healing. Water contact angle measurements indicate incre ased hydrophilicity subsequent to the application of bioactive nanoparticles, which not only enhances exudate absorption but also augments antibacterial biocompatibility. Diverging from prior research primarily centered on incorporating EO -NPs or SM-NPs into nanofibers for skin regeneration, our approach involves the amalgamation of 3D printed porous scaffolds with electrosprayed NPs containing bioactive molecules such as essential oils and/or secondary metabolites, representing an unprecedented methodology.

36. Evaluation of the Anti-Lithiasis Activity of the Methanolic Extract of Saussurea Lappa ( Clarke) in an in Vitro and in Vivo Model

Naima Mammate and Tarik Sqalli Houssaini

Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Unive rsity, Fez, Morocco

Urinary lithiasis is one of the most widespread diseases and a major threat to global health. It affects around 7% of women and 13% of men. It is caused by a urinary biochemical imbalance between inhibitors and promoters, and by stoneforming processes known as lithogenesis. A variety of factors contribute to the etiology of this disease, including anatomical, environmental, genetic and nutritional factors. Around 80% of urinary calculi are made up of calcium oxalate, which comes in several crystalline forms, including whewellite (monohydrate) and weddellite (dihydrate). Conventional treatment of urinary lithiasis is cumbersome, with significant side effects; the side effects and high cost of these treatments make herbal medicine a promis ing alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate experimentally the anti -lithiasis activity of the methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa (Clarke). The plant Saussurea lappa (Clarke) was extracted using the Soxhlet technique, followed by phytochemi cal screening to determine the secondary metabolites present in the extract. Next, the anti-lithiasis activity of this plant was tested by turbidimetric methods, using a UV spectrophotometer and a polarized microscope, to observe the crystallization of calcium oxalate. This activity was then assessed in rats, which were induced with ethylene glycol and then treated with doses of methanolic extract of the plant. Soxhlet extraction of Saussurea lappa (Clarke) yielded 35% methanolic extract, revealing the presence of sterols, terpenes, steroidal heterosides, flavonoids, tannins, quinones and alkaloids. Methanolic extract showed significant inhibition of crystal growth at 2 mg/ml, reducing the number of crystals from 300 to 100 mm3 at concentrations of 0.5 to 2 mg/ml. The in vivo model confirmed the anti -lithiasis effects of methanolic extract, with biochemical parameters similar to the control group. Our results show that the methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa (Clarke) has the potential to serve as an effective herbal treatment for calcium oxalate crystals in weddellite and whewellite.

37. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Leishmania infantum in Morocco as Revealed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) Approach

Sara El Mazini, Mourad Barhoumi, Idris Mhaidi, Othmane Daoui, Mouad Ait Kbaich, Sofia El Kacem, Imane El idrissi Saik, Myriam Riyad, Khadija Bekhti, Ikram Guizani and Meryem Lemrani

Faculty of Sciences Dhar Mehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.

Leishmania infantum is an endemic species in Morocco, and it causes both visceral (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this study, the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach was used to investigate the phylogeny and population structure of Leishmania infantum strains isolated from CL and VL patients and the canine reservoir in different leishmaniasis endemic foci in Morocco. For this purpose, seven loci ( pgm, alat, me, fh, g6pd, pgd, and gpi) were amplified in 40 samples, out of which 31 were successfully sequenced. The genetic diversity analysis detected a high degree of intraspecific genetic variability among the studied strains. The phylogenetic and the haplotype analyses showed that most of the strains from the same geographical areas clustered together. The recombination among Leishmania infantum strains was revealed through a splits tree analysis and the number of recombination events. Moreover, the assessment of the gene flow between Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica through phylogenetic analysis and haplotype diversity in two endemic foci where the two species were sympatric showed no genetic exchange between the two species.

Keywords: visceral leishmaniasis; cutaneous leishmaniasis; Leishmania infantum; Leishmania tropica ; MLST; genetic diversity; gene flow; Morocco

38. Investigation of the Antioxidant Potential and Diuretic Effect of Pine Bark of Morocco in Wistar Albinos Rats

Widad Tbatou1, Aboulghazi Abderrazak1, El Ghouizi Asmae1,2, El-Yagoubi

Karima1, Solo Najoua1, Zineb Benziane Ouaritini1, and Badiaa Lyoussi1

1Laboratory of Natural Substances, Pharmacology, Environment, Modeling, Health, and Quality of Life (SNAMOPEQ), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Dhar Mehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, 30000 Fez, Morocco.

2The Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS), Fez, 30000, Morocco.

The valorization of by-products from agroforestry has been a research focus in recent years. These by-products are rich in bioactive compounds, which are a source of valuable chemicals. These chemicals have high potential applications as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agents. The extract from the bark of Pine has been known since antiquit y for its richness in bioactive compounds. However, their therapeutic potential has not yet been fully exploited. This study highlights the antioxidant capacities In vitro of Pine bark extract (PBE) from Morocco and its diuretic effects In vivo . The data revealed that the PBE is rich in polyphenol and flavonoid content. The antioxidant assays (DPPH, PR, and TAC) indicated the excellent activity of (PBE). Moreover, Pine bark displayed a significant diuretic effect with two doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg compared to control, and furosemide groups. Current findings support the incorporation of PBE in food formulation and processing (as preservatives, antioxidants, or bioactive ingredients), but they have also shown potential for the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical sectors.

Keywords: Agroforestry, pharmaceutical, diuretic effects, pine bark extract, antioxidant capacities, therapeutic potential.

39. The Impact of Various Silica -Based Compound Synthesis Methods on Carbon Dioxide

CO2 Capture

Achaimae Kharchafi1, Jaouad Dahmani1, Fatin Tagnaouti Moumnani1 , Elmustafa Iboustaten1, and Abdelhak Kherbeche1

1 Laboratory of Catalysis, Process, Materials and Environment, Higher School of Technology, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco.

This study centers on the application of mineral carbonation as a method for capturing carbon dioxide CO2 from the atmosphere. The approach involves utilizing various composites comprising an inert matrix with an active phase. To assess the effectiveness of mineral carbonati on for CO2 sequestration, three composites were synthesized using sol-gel techniques based on calcium-rich and calcium/magnesium-rich minerals. The results obtained from the applied characterization techniques, including X -ray diffraction, infrared spectro scopy, and scanning electron microscopy, illustrate the formation of composite materials like calcium oxide and calcium/magnesium oxides. Following the bubbling process, these techniques confirmed the stable formation of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Furthermore, to evaluate the efficiency of the synthesized composites in CO2 capture, Bernard's Calcimeter was employed to determine the operating parameters favoring the mineral carbonation reaction. Analysis of these operating parameters reveals that, und er atmospheric pressure and at room temperature, increasing the mass of the compound used leads to a rise in the percentage of captured CO2 up to 0.5 g, but this rate remains relatively constant when the mass is increased to 1 g. Additionally, increasing the particle size results in a higher CO2 capture rate. The initial pH of the solution plays a crucial role in promoting mineral carbonation, as an increase in the initial pH also leads to an increase in the CO2 fixation rate. It is essential for the medium to be basic, as this is one of the critical parameters contributing to the enhanced CO2 sequestration rate through the mineral carbonation method.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide · Greenhouse effect · Mineral carbonation · Calcium carbonates

GRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS SESSION D

Zoom Link (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) March 4, Moderator: LaJuan Hutchinson

40. Synthesis and Characterizations of MnTiO3 Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Rhodamine B dye in Aqueous S olution

Faraz Ahmed, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, and Abdul Ghaffar

University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab; Pakistan

The Sol-gel synthesis of nanoparticles is known as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to toxic chemical methods. Due to their potential use in photocatalytic and antibacterial activity, MnTiO3 nanoparticles synthesized by using the Sol -gel technique, which offers numerous advantages over other synthesis methods. In the Sol -gel method, Mn (NO3)2.4H2O was added to 100 ml of distilled water, stirred and slowly added the (Ti[OCH(CH 3)2]4) dropwise. An immediately white precipitate of titanium was formed. Then acetic acid and nitric acid was added to the mixture dropwise and stirred. Then we slowly increase t he temperature and dry it at 90 °C for 8 hours and a pale-yellow MnTiO3 nanoparticle produced. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique confirms the presence of bonding of metal oxygen in the final prepared samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that all the nanoparticles had a rhombohedral structure and the average crystal size of three samples were 10.94 nm, 21.37 nm and 24.6 nm respectively. The emission of the strong peaks were confirmed in the PL spectrum and it was present in the UV -to- VIS region of all samples. The bandgap of MTO1, MTO2 and MTO3 was 2.49 eV, 2.36 eV, 2.24 eV respectively as confirmed by UV -visible spectroscopy. UV -visible spectroscopy was employed to check the photocatalytic performance and degradation of the Rhodamine B dye from water solutions. The results showed that these nanoparticles had the high efficiency to be used as photocatalysts and can be used to remove Rhodamine B from water. The efficiency of photocatalysts MTO1, MTO2 and MTO3 for the degradation of rhodamine B dye was 86%, 88% and 72%, respectively. It was discovered that the decomposition of RhB dye fitted a pseudo -first- order kinetics model. The newly prepared MnTiO3 would be used in many applications, such as Biosensors, Textile Industry, Optical Devices, Solar Cells and Electroplating.

Fathima Fakiha Imam Khan and Sasikala Chintalapati

Crude oil, refined petroleum products and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are prevalent components within diverse environmental compartments, reflecting the widespread presence of these hydrocarbons in our natural surroundings. The contamination resulting from crude oil introduces significant environmental pollution, also impact on human populations and delicate marine ecosystems that we rely on. In the ongoing quest to add ress the environmental challenges posed by such contamination; bioremediation emerges as a promising approach. Consequently, this study was designed to develop a bacterial consortium for biodegradation of crude oil. The bacterial strains selected for this study were meticulously isolated from crude oil samples collected at the Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehradun. Eight distinct bacterial strains were successfully isolated, purified and further identified using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. Their individual potential for crude oil degradation was assessed by the DCPIP technique, a widely recognized measure of oxidative activity. To harness the collective capabilities of these bacterial strains, a compatibility test was conducted to evaluate their suitability for a mixed bacterial consortium. The degradation rates of both individual bacterial strains and mixed bacterial consortium were assessed through gravimetric analysis. Remarkably, bacterial strain JC 628 displayed highest degradation rate of 8 0.74% followed by JC 869 with 79.62% among all eight individual bacterial strains. However, the consortium comprising all eight bacterial strains exhibited an even more promising rate with 88.73%. The efficacy of this bacterial consortium was further studied through soil microcosm study. Under sterile soil conditions, the bacterial consortium displayed a degradation rate of 89.74%, while in unsterilized soil conditions, the bacterial consortium displayed degradation rate of 97.05% within a mere 20 days of i ncubation. The findings from this study highlight the significant potential of these bacterial strains, especially when applied as consortia, in addressing the daunting challenge of remediating environments contaminated by crude oil.

Keywords: Crude oil, Bioremediation, Consortium, DCPIP technique, soil microcosm

41. Development of bacterial consortium for crude oil biodegradation

Bacterial Discovery Laboratory, Center for Environment, University of College of Engineering, Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India.

42. Synthesis of an Al/Zno Nanocomposite and its Potential Application to Photocatalysis for the Elimination Of Methyl Orange under UV Irradiation

Fatin Tagnaouti M oumnani, Dina Moussaid, Achaimae Kharchafi, and El Mustafa Iboustaten Abdelhak Kherbeche

Laboratoire des matériaux, des procédés, de la catalyse et de l'environnement (LMPCE), Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Route d'Imouzzer, BP 2427 Fez, Morocco.

Industrial strengthening and human activities have recently been identified as being responsible for the harmful effects of several wastewater pollutants on health and the environment. Effluents discharged by industries manufacturing synthetic dyes have increased rapidly. The abusive use of dyes by certain industries leads to immense pollution of wastewater and causes a negative impact on lobal bio iversity. These effluents inclu e a -conjugated azo bond that ensures water, light and heat stability. They are therefore directly mutagenic, toxic and carcinogenic, harming biodiversity and health. However, until now, it has not been easy to treat dyes containing water almost entirely by conventional physico-chemical methods, which are commonly used for industrial pollutants such as coagulation / flocculation, adsorption. Wastewater treatment has become a major issue of great interest to scientific researchers. This calls for rapid and useful communication to resolve this impact. Our work involves the study and treatment of wastewater using the latest 'photocatalysis' advanced oxidation technology: this is one of the most advanced processes available, not only for decolorization, but also for the removal and mineralization of colorants. It is therefore part of a sustainable development approach. ZnO-based materials have many advantages, including high efficiency, good cost-effectiveness, chemical stability, ecological features, low energy consumption and absence of secondary pollution. The Al/ZnO nanocomposite was studied using the effect of photocatalyst mass, methyl orange concentration and solution pH. The results showed that the nanocomposite probably increases its photocatalytic efficiency when methyl orange is removed. Results 99% in 60 min under ultraviolet light. Thus, the five cycles of reuse tests of the Al/ZnO photocatalyst showed very significant stability.

Keywords: nanocomposite, Al/ZnO, photocatalysis, methyl orange.

43. Triazolopyrimidine Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review on their Synthesis, Reactivity, Biological Properties , and Molecular Docking Studies

1 Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modelling & Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, 30000, Morocco

2 Higher School of Technology, Ibn Zohr University, Quartier 25 Mars, P.O. Box 3007, Laayoune, Morocco

3 Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes, Fes 30070, BP 15, Morocco

4 Laboratoire de Chimie Appliquée et Environnement - Equipe Chimie Organique Macromoléculaire et Phytochimie,Université Mohammed Ier, Faculté des Sciences, 60000 Oujda – Morocco

Triazolopyrimidines are heterocyclic compounds with a unique structure and a wide range of applications in medicinal chemistry. The versatility of the triazolopyrimidine scaffold allows for the exploration and development of compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. This literature review encompasses the period from 2014 to 2022 and offers a comprehensive and inclusive overview of the synthesis, reactivity, and biological properties studies of triazolopyrimidines. The molecular docking was applied to predict and improve the anti-COVID-19 and anticancer effects of triazolopyrimidines. The review summarizes the various synthetic methods used to prepare triazolopyrimidines, as well as their reactions with different reagents. It also examines their pharmacological propert ies, such as anti-COVID-19 and anticancer effects, and their molecular docking analysis with relevant targets. The review aims to contribute to the better understanding of the potential applications of triazolopyrimidines in the field of medicinal chemistr y.

Keywords: Fused heterocycles; Medicinal chemistry; Molecular docking; Reactivity; Synthesis; Triazolopyrimidines.

Hajar El Mrayej1, Walid Ettahiri0, Khalil Azzaoui1, Rachid Sabbahi2, Belkheir Hammouti3, Mohammed Merzouki4, Zakia Rais1, and Mustapha Taleb1

44. Optimization of Basic Red 29 Dye Removal onto a Natural Red Clay Using Response Surface Methodology

Hanane Souhassou, Youssef Fahoul, I mane El Mrabet, El Mustafa Iboustaten, Ouissal Assila, Loubna Nahali, Oumaima Mertah and Abdelhak Kherbeche

University of Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah, Faculty of sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Fez; Morocco

In this study, natural red clay was explored as a cost -effective and abundant adsorbent for Basic Red 29 dye removal from aqueous solutions. Key parameters (pH, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, contact time, and ionic strength) were systematically studied and optimized using response surface methodology. The validated model demonstrated high significance with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9994 and (Radj2) of 0.9985, supported by a pvalue < 0.001 and an F-value of 1215.41.

Linear effects of dye concentration and adsorbent dose, identified through ANOVA, were crucial factors affecting dye removal efficiency. The predicted adsorption capacity under optimal conditions (initial dye concentration: 129.25 mg/L, adsorbent dose: 1.07 g/L, contact time: 41 min) was 108.79 mg/g.

The adsorption process follo wed the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 303.03 mg/g, described well by the pseudo -second-order kinetic model. Ionic strength underscored the importance of electrostatic interactions, supported by the proposed adsorption mechan ism based on protonation/deprotonation and electrostatic attractions and repulsions between dye molecules and clay surface functional groups.

Red clay demonstrated superior adsorption capacity for Basic Red 29 dye removal compared to other reported adsorb ents. Regeneration experiments affirmed the effectiveness and reusability of red clay. A germination test confirmed the low toxicity of treated water after adsorption onto red clay. This research concludes that red clay can be classified as an effective an d efficient adsorbent for dye removal.

45. Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Anticorrosive Activity o ew - Pyrazole Amino Acid Precursors; And Study of the Antibacterial Effect of 5-(Thiophen-2- Yl)-1H-Tetrazole and its Oxime Derivative Against ATCC Reference Strains and Strains Isolated from the Hospital Environment

Sara Hajib1, Hassane Faraj1, and Anouar Alami1

1Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular Materials and Environment (LIMOME), Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco.

The objective of the present study is to develop new synthetic methods for efficient access to new bi -and tri- heterocyclic systems that may exhibit biological and anticorrosive activities. To achieve our goal, we have developed a simple and practical procedure for the preparation of new model bi -heterocyclic compounds in good yields, na mely 4-((1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl) -4-methyl-2phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole [Pyr -H2] and 4-[(3,5- dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1yl)methyl]-4-methyl-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole [Pyr-(CH3)2]. The strategy adopted for this synthesis is based on the substitution of the O -tosyl group of the oxazolinic derivative by the pyrazole ring. Concerning the results of the evaluation of the corrosion inhibition of the two pyrazole derivatives, namely [Pyr- H2] and [Pyr -(CH3)2] against the corrosion of mild steel in a 1M HCl medium, the two pyrazole derivatives studied were classified as effective inhibitors against the corrosion of mild steel in an aggressive medium (1M HCl). Secondly, we also synthesized new triheterocyclic systems, based on the 1,3dipolar cycloaddition reaction between the oxazoline azide derivative and the heterocyclic alkyne, derived from 1,2,4 -triazole. Finally, we concluded this research by studying the antibacterial effect of 5 -(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole and its oxime derivative against ATCC reference strains a nd strains isolated from the environment of a provincial public hospital in the city of Fez.

Keywords: Oxazoline, Pyrazole, Triazole, Tetrazole, N -alkylation, cycloaddition, bi and tri-Heterocycles.

46. Enzyme-Based Biosensor for the Electrochemical Detecti on of Atrazine

Simranjeet

Singh and Praveen C Ramamurthy

Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India

This study presents a clear and responsive approach to detect atrazine in various conditions through an extensive electrochemical method. The Ha006a enzyme, synthesized from Helicoverpa armigera, was chosen for its remarkable electrocatalytic behavior and utilized as the sensor material. It was integrated onto the surface of a bare carbon paste e lectrode. The resulting sensor exhibited impressive performance in atrazine sensing, demonstrating superior selectivity and sensitivity. The sensor achieved a lower detection limit (LLOD) in the nanomolar concentration range within a linear concentration r ange of 10–100 μ . itionally, the practical applicability of the evelope sensor as assessed in distilled water, wastewater, and fresh liquid milk, leading to a significant recovery of atrazine.

47. Synthesis and Characterization of New Chromone-Isoxazolines Conjugates Via 1,3 -Dipolar Cycloaddition

Youssra Kanzouai1, Yassine Rhazi1, Rachid Bouzammite 1, Ghali Al Houari1, and Mohamed El Yazidi1

1 Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic and Molecular Materials and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar EL M ahraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, BP: 1796, Fes, Morocco.

The isoxazolines represent a significant class of heterocyclic compounds renowned for their versatile application, including antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-tuberculosis properties. Co ncurrently, chromones except noteworthy antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer activities.1 –3 Gevin the diverse biological functionalities associate with these compounds as documented in the literature, we directed our focus towards the synthesis of new h eterocyclic systems combining the isoxazoline and the chromone moieties, via the reactions of 1,3dipolar cycloaddition of chromone -2-carboxylate (3) with arylnitriloxides (4a -e) (H, OCH3, CH3, NO2, Cl). The structures of all products were established by 13C NMR, 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy and confirmed using HRMS spectrometry.

Keys words: chromone -isoxazoline, hybrids, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

References

1. Liu, J.-L.; Wang, W.; Qi, X.; Wu, X. -F. Palladium-Catalyzed Reductive Aminocarbonylation of o-Iodophenol- Derived Allyl Ethers with oNitrobenzaldehydes to 3-Alkenylquinolin-2(1H)-Ones. Org. Lett. 2022, 24 (11), 2248–2252.

2. Jia, H.; Yu, J.; Du, X.; Cherukupalli, S.; Zhan, P.; Liu, X. Design, Diversity-Oriented Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Heterocycle Derivatives as Non-Nucleoside HBV Capsid Protein Inhibitors. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2020, 202, 112495.

3. Hadni, H.; Elhallaoui, M. Discovery of Anti -Colon Cancer Agents

Targeting Wild-Type and Mutant P53 Using Computer -Aided Drug Design. J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn. 2022, 1–19.

4. Kanzouai, Y.; Chalkha, M.; Hadni, H.; Laghmari, M.; Bouzammit, R.; Nakkabi, A.; Benali, T.; Tüzün, B.; Akhazzane, M.; Yazidi, M. E.; Houari, G. A. Design, Synthesis, in-Vitro and in- ilico tu ies of hromone isoxazoline Conjugates as nti bacterial ents. . ol. truct. 2 2 , 29 , 136205.

GRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS SESSION E

Zoom Link (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm) March 4, Moderator: Wayne Korzan

48. Sonochemical Synthesis of TiO2 /BiOBr nanophotocatalysts for the Production of Functionalized Fabrics

Aiza Maqbool, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, and Abdul Ghaffar

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan

The sonochemical synthesis of TiO2/BiOBr nanophotocatalysts for the production of functionalized fabrics has gained significant attention worldwide. Titanium dioxide is a highly researched material known for its exceptional photocatalytic response, superior self-cleaning properties, and excellent performance in photovoltaic applications. The sonochemical method offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and straightforward approach to synthesizing nano photocatalysts, allowing precise control over the crystallinity and size of the resulting structures. Therefore, in this study, we aim to produce TiO2/BiOBr nanophotocatalysts through ultrasonic s ynthesis and simultaneously coat them onto plasma-treated cotton fabric. BiOBr and TiO2 nanophotocatalysts are synthesized using Bi(NO3)3, NaBr, titanium tetra isopropoxide, and distilled water. Prior to coating, the cotton fabric is pretreated with deioni zed water. The coated samples are subjected to various characterization techniques including Xray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ICP -AES, scanning electron microscopy, electrical resistivity measurements, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and UV -visible spectroscopy to assess their surface morphology, optical properties, structures, and purity. The results indicate that both TiO2 and TiO2/BiOBr-coated fabrics exhibit high resistivity, reflecting excellent insulating properties. Notably, nanoparticle-coated fabrics demonstrated a significant reduction in photoluminescence intensity compared to plasmafunctionalized fabrics. The TiO2/BiOBr -decorated fabric, in particular, displayed markedly higher photocatalytic efficiency than other fabr ic samples, exhibiting 84% efficiency against Rhodamine B, 58% against Methyl orange, and 55% against Methyl red. The findings suggest promising applications for these photocatalyst-decorated fabrics, emphasizing their potential in selfcleaning and UV protection.

49. Electrocatalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production Using Composite Metal Oxide Catalysts

Fasiha Kashif, Muhammad Yasin Naz, and Shazia Shukrullah

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

The widespread adoption of green hydrogen production plays a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable circular economy. This research explores a promising avenue for large-scale hydrogen production by leveraging Ni, Co, Al and Febased electrocatalysts as alternatives to noble metals, offering a cost -effective solution. This investigation focuses on the electrolysis process utilizing NiO, Al2O3, CoO, and Fe2O3 in a 1 M solution of (NaOH) and (KOH). Additionally, environmental and economic analyses are carried out to ascertain the overall impact and cost-effectiveness of the electrolysis process. These findings demonstrate profound insights into the performance, feasibility, and challenges associated with using aluminum, nickel, iron, and cobalt in electrolysis for hydrogen production. This composite catalyst electrode 1 produces hydrogen at the rate of 500 ml after 30 minutes of process electrode 2 and electrode 3 produces 263 ml and 249 ml respectively. The XRD, FTIR, SEM, and electrochemical techniques, including CV, EIS, and LSV were employed for the comprehensive characterization of the prepared material's electrodes. This involved the examination of morphology, structural analysis, identification of functional groups, assessment of stability under electrochemical c onditions, and evaluation of ion diffusion ability. This study also explained the electrocatalytic mechanism involved in water splitting using these composite materials.

50. Compost Tea and its Implications

Jancy Garg and Amitava Rakshit

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi221005(U.P.), India

The increasing use of agrochemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, is causing considerable pressure on natural resources, specifically the rhizosphere. Chemicals are altering the chemistry and biology of the rhizosphere, thereby increasing its vulnerability to pests and diseases through the degradation of microbial activities and soil fertility. This subsequently influences the phyllospheric activities and capacity to withstand insect pests and diseases, thereby having an ultimate impact on human health and ecology. Therefore, there is an increasing need for affordable and eco -friendly alternatives, such as the use of farm-derived natural and organic materials, to enhance ecological conditions. Compost tea is an organic solution that can be used to improve soil and plant health. It functions as a nutrient source for the soil and plants, as well as a biocontrol agent for plant disease prevention. Implementing a leaf covering forms a protective barrier that hinders the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. This presentation provides a comprehensive examination of compost tea, encompassing its historical context, diverse pre paration methods employed by researchers, factors influencing these methods, application techniques, nutrient profile, potential advantages for soil, plants, and the environment, as well as important limitations that should be considered. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the specific mechanism of action, the potential use as a plant nutrient source, metagenomic studies, and the microbial interactions related to compost tea. Additional research is required to investigate these aspects in subsequent studies.

Keywords: Compost; micro-organisms; brewing; environmentally friendly; rhizosphere

51. Vulnerability’s Double Bind: Exploring Climate Change Effects on Gender-Based Violence in Morocco

Mohammed Zouiri

The Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Saïs of Fez, Morocco

This study investigates the complex interplay between climate change, genderbased violence (GBV), and deep-rooted traditional gender norms within the Moroccan household. Building upon the Heat Hypothesis proposed by Craig A. Anderson (2001), which establishes a positive correlation between rising temperatures and heightened levels of violence and aggression, this research advances a nuanced hypothesis. The study posits that the compounded impact of climate change-induced disasters, particularly escalating temperatures, and deeply ingrained gender norms significantly heighten women’s vulnerability to GBV. Moreover, the unique contribution of this study lies in the identification and exploration of a vulnerability double bind, wherein women face dual vulnerabilities stemming from the effects of climate change and entrenched gender norms. Climate change acts as the primary stressor, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, while traditional gender norms further compromise women’s resilience and exacerbate their susceptibility to GBV. Methodologically, this research employs semi-structured surveys, encompassing both close-ended and open-ended items, to gather data. This innovative approach introduces a qualitative dimension to a predominantly quantitative data collection procedure, enabling participants to articulate and elaborate on their experiences and perceptions. By combining quantitative metrics with qualitative insights, the aim is to enhance the credibility and depth of the findings.

Keywords: Climate Change, Gender-Based Violence, Gender Norms, Vulnerability.

52. Enhancing Agricultural Stand Count Accuracy in Moroccan Sugar Beet Farms through AI -Assisted Drone-Based Remote Sensing

Noura

Ouled Sihamman

Faculty of science Dhar Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez; Morocco

For many years, the widely adopted method of stand count involves laborintensive manual verification, overlooking the resources and time it consumes while escalating the risk of human error. Modern developments in Artificial Intelligence offer a promising alternative through a more precise and accurate approach of drone-based remote sensing. We focused our efforts on devising a sustainable stand count methodology for Moroccan farmlands using an innovative deep learning (DL) algorithm proficient in crop count and position identification. We chose Sugar beet as our main crop for evaluation, given its extensive cultivation in Beni Mellal.

We collaborated across various sectors, using Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather detailed imagery from several crop coun ting models for stand count in agricultural fields. The models that were assessed incorporate YOLOv5, Fast RCNN, YOLO R, and YOLOv7, whereby their performance was evaluated based on metrics such as precision, recall, mean average precision (mAP), and the survival rate of the plants.

Our findings indicate that YOLOv5 stands out with the highest precision of 97% and recall of 92%, therefore proving its efficacy in accurate stand counting. This model also presents remarkable mAP of 96%, positioning itself as a powerful tool for stand count. The outcomes obtained from the YOLO R and YOLOv7 models were variable, with certain metrics either not r eported or unavailable. However, YOLO v5 emerged superior in terms of precision, recall, and MAP scores. It provides precise crop stand count, thereby reinforcing its potential to aid decision-making for stand count tasks.

53. Long Term INM Effects in a Cereal-Vegetable- Pulse Cropping System on Phosphorus Sorption Characteristics in an Acid Inceptisol of Eastern India

Sabyasachi Koley1,2*, K.N. Mishra2, S.K. Pattanayak2, N. Panda2, and A. Rakshit1

The bioavailability of P to crop plants is insufficient due to the strong adsorption and fixing behaviors in acid soils. P adsorption-desorption characteristics along with P fractionation and spontaneity of the sorption reaction were investigated in an acid soil following 12 years of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices. The experiment was performed in RBD with 3 replications and 8 treatments viz., T1: Absolute Control, T2: STD (Soil test-based dose), T3: STD+ FYM (Farm Yard Manure: 5.0 t ha-1), T4: STD + VC (Vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1), T5: STD+FYM (5.0 t ha-1) +BF (Biofertilizer consortia of Azotobacter + Azosprillum+ PSB @ 1:1:1 i.e. @ 12 kg ha- 1), T6: STD +VC+BF, T7: STD+FYM+BF+L (Lime @0.1 LR), T8: STD+ VC+ BF+L. The adsorption and desorption of P were found to have an inverse correlation. Al -P and Fe-P fractions showed higher concentrations than other inorganic P fractions, with Ca-P content being the lowest. Soils continuously treated with inorganic fertilizers displayed the highes t adsorption capacity (adsorption maxima, "b": 526.3 µg/g), while those treated with lime exhibited the highest desorption capacity ("b" for desorption: 102.04 µg/g). Long -term balanced fertilization strategies reduced P bonding energy and adsorption capac ity, while concurrently enhancing desorption potential. Soils with larger Langmuir "k" values exhibited higher Langmuir "b" values. Langmuir "b" and Freundlich "K" values showed similar trends in desorption studies. This comprehensive understanding of the phosphorus adsorption-desorption mechanism provides valuable insights for future research endeavors and offers promising avenues for devising effective phosphorus management models aimed at ensuring sustainable productivity.

Keywords: Phosphorus, Fractio nation, Bonding energy, Adsorption maxima, INM

1Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005; 2Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751003

54. Synthesis and Characterization of New Series of ChromoneIsoxazoline Hybrid Molecules

Rachid Bouzammit, Youssra Kanzouai, Mohammed Chalkha, Mohamed Bakhouch, Asmae Nakkabi, Mohamed El Yazidi, and Ghali Al Houari

Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular, Materials and Environment, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculté des sciences Dhar EL Mahraz, Fez, Morocco

Isoxazolines have attracted attention for many years, due to their utility as herbicides [1,2], antitumor agents [3] and anti -HIV agents [4,5]. They are also use as precursors of - aminoalcohols an -hydroxyketones [6]. 1,3 -Dipolar cycloaddition reactions of nitrile oxides with olefins are an efficient method to access isoxazolinic heterocyclic systems. The regio and stereoselectivity of this reaction have been the subject of several studies [7 –9] . In this context, we present the synthesis of a new series of chromone -isoxazole hybrid molecules by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitril ox ydes with 4-oxo-2-(prop-2-yn-1-ylamino)4H-chromene-3-carbaldehyde as dipolarophile. Nitrile oxides were generated in situ by the action of triethylamine on (Z) -N-hydroxybenzimidoyl bromide. The reaction proceeded in a regiospecific manner and led to the formation of a regioisomer, as shown by TLC and NMR spectra of the resulting mixture (Scheme1).

Key words: Chromone, Isoxazolines, dipolar 1,3 -cycloaddition, arylnitriloxides, regioselectivity.

Scheme 1. 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between allyl -chromone derivative and nitrile oxides

55. Study of the Impact of Climatic Factors on the Abundance and Dynamics of Sandfly Populations

Darkaoui Najoua, Abdelhakim El Ouali Lalami, Youness El Fattouhi, and Fatima Zahra Talbi

Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fes, Morocco

Infections transmitted by sandflies ( Diptera, Psychodidae ) still pose a real health problem due to the increasing number of cases detected each year and the annual appearance of new outbreaks of leishmania sis. The distribution of sandflies seems to be governed by climatic factors. This ecological study was carried out to your knowledge for the first time in the city of Fez in order to study the effect of climatic factors on the distribution of the abundance of phlebotomy fauna of five stations inventoried between May 2017 and April 2018 in the city of Fez. The sandflies populations were characterized from a taxonomic and spatio -temporal point of view and we collected all the meteorological information from t he Fez Weather station. The period of activity of sandflies of the Phlebotomus genus of medical interest in Fez lasts seven months from May to November with a bimodal or trimodal evolution and varies depending on the species or the station investigated. Th e results allowed us to note dependence between the seasonal dynamics of sandflies and the variation of ecological parameters (temperature, precipitation, humidity and wind speed). Indeed, the presence of strongly positive correlations between temperature and the three species of sand flies ( S. munita (r = 0.93), P. perniciosus (r = 0.87) and P. Sergeti (r = 0.85)). However, correlations were found to be strongly negative between humidity and the species S. munita (r = -0.89), P. perniciosus (r =0.77) and P. Sergenti (r = -0.75). On the other hand, the other species of sandflies of the genus Sergentomyia (S.antennata, S.fallax and P.papatasi) are not strongly correlated with climatic factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that temperature and species (S. munita, P. Sergeri and P. perniciosus) are positively related, while precipitation, humidity and wind speed are interdependent as well as negatively correlated with different sandflies species.

Key words: Sandfly, leishmaniasis, ecology, climatic factor, temperature, Fez, central Morocco.

GRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS SESSION F

Zoom Link (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm) March 4, Moderator: Catalina Casaru

56. Study of the Photocatalytic Response of Tio 2 /Ag/Zno Multilayer Coated Cotton Fabric for Self -Cleaning Application

Zunaira Kashif, Muhammad Yasin Naz, and Shazia Shukrullah

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan

An innovative approach was developed to improve the photocatalytic response of nanoparticles coated cotton fabric for wastewater treatment. The fabric containing of multilayers of TiO2/Ag/ZnO, and its efficiency was assessed in the photodegradation mechanism of Rhodamine B, Methyl orange, and Methyl red. The study also compared the photocatalytic performance of silver, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide nanoparticles for the photodegradation of synthetic dyes. To produce the multilayer structure of nanoparticles on fabric, a sonochemical method was applied on cotton fabric that had been modified by using dielectric barrier discharge plasma. Titanium tetra isopropoxide (TTIP), silver nitrate (AgNO3), sodium borohydride, zinc nitrate (Zn (NO 3)2), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used in the preparation of the TiO 2/Ag/ZnO multilayer on the cotton fabric. The results exhibited that the combination of Ag, TiO 2, and ZnO nanoparticles produced the formation of a Schottky barrier among the silver metal and metal oxides (TiO2, ZnO) resulting in enhanced photocatalytic properties. Moreover, the structural and morphological properties, conductivity, quantitative determination of nanomaterials, and absorption intensities were entirely examined by X-ray diffraction, UV- visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM analysis, and electrical conductivity testing. XRD analysis of nanocoated samples (control fabric) indicated the average crystallite size of 21.34 nm of TiO2/Ag/ZnO on cotton fabric. It was obtained from FTIR analysis spectra that there is a shift in wavenumbers and significant modifications in the intensity peak of IR spectra. Methyl red showed better percentage of photocatalytic efficiency (69 %) than methyl orange and rhodamine b. In general, this study provides a promising strategy for improving the photocatalytic efficacy of cotton-based nanoparticles for the treatment of wastewater by using multilayers of TiO2/Ag/ZnO.

Keywords: Plasma treatment; cotton fabric; dye degradation.

57. Optimization of Antifungal Impact Against Wood Rot Fungi Using Nanoencapsulation of Salvia Rosmarinus Speen and Cedrus

Atlantica Manetti Essential Oils in Gum Arabic

Saoussan Annemer1, Amine Ez-zoubi1, Yassine Ez zoubi12, Badr Satrani3, Hamid Stambouli4, Taoufik Bouayoun4, Nezha Fettoukh 4, and Abdellah Farah1

1Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez B P 2202, Morocco.

2Biotechnology, Environmental Technology and Valorization of Bio -Resources Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Al-Hoceima, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco.

3Forestry Research Center - Rabat, Avenue Omar Ibn Al Khattab, BP 763, - Rabat-Agdal. 10050, Morocco.

4Forensic Sciences Institute of Royal Gendarmerie, BP 6597, Rabat -Institut, 10000, Morocco.

The stability, sensitivity, and volatility of essential oils (EOs) are some of their most serious limitations, and nanoencapsulation has been considered one of the most effective techniques for solving these problems. This research aimed to investigate the incorporation of a Salvia rosmarinus Speen and Cedrus atlantica Manetti (MEO) essential oil mixture in Gum Arabic (GA) and to evaluate nanoencapsulation’s ability to promote antifungal activity against two brown rot fungi responsible for wood decay Gloeop hyllum trabeum and Poria placenta. The optimization of encapsulation efficiency was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) with two parameters: solid -to-solid (MEO/GA ratio) and solid-to-liquid (MEO/ethanol). The recovered powder characterizati on was followed by various techniques using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo -gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal nanoencapsulati ng conditions obtained from response surface methodology (RSM) were ratios of MEO/GA of 1:10 (w/w) and MEO/ethanol of 10 % (v/v), which provided the greatest encapsulation efficiency (87%). The results of SEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and TGA showed that the encapsulation of MEO using GA modified particle form and molecular structure and increased thermal stability. An antifungal activity assay indicated that an effective concentration of MEO had an inhibitory effect on brown rot fungi. It had 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) value of 5.15±0.88 µg/mL and 12.63±0.65 µg/mL for G. trabeum and P. placenta, respectively. Therefore, this product has great potential as a natural wood preservative for sustainable construction and green building.

Keywords: Essential oil mixt ure, Gum Arabic, Nanoencapsulation, Response surface approach, Wood-decay fungus.

58. Diversity and Dynamics of Coprophagous Scarabeid Communities in the Southern Rif Region ( Morocco)

Azdine El Ouaryaghli, Rida Hajji Hour, Abdellatif Idrissi, and Raja Guemmouh

1Sidi

The sustainability of an ecosystem depends on its b iodiversity and the recycling of organic matter within this ecosystem. The population of Coprophagous Scarabs plays a very important role in the degradation of organic matter, thus allowing its recycling and fertilization of the soil. However, there are fe w studies that focus on this population. In order to study the biodiversity of Coprophagous Scarabs in the Southern Rif, three stations were chosen based on the difference in their environmental factors, such as altitude, climate, soil, etc. Sampling is carried out monthly during a biological cycle from February 2021 to January 2022, according to a standardized protocol using CSR type traps. The results obtained reflect an idea about the biodiversity of fauna in this Moroccan region. Where we captured sever al species belonging to different families, with spatial variations in species richness and abundance, from one station to another, which are due to the difference in environmental factors between these stations. We also noted temporal variations in this p opulation which are more marked between seasons, where species richness is maximum in May and the majority of species captured are active during spring for the three stations. This could be due to the variation in the availability of trophic resources during the year, as well as to the phenology of different species.

Keywords: Coprophagous scarabs, Southern Rif, biodiversity, biological cycle, biogeography, phenology.

Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Department of Biology. Laboratory of Biotechnology and Preservation of Natural Resources (BPRN), BP: 1796, Fez, Morocco

59. Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Assessment of the Aqueous Extract of Salvia Blancoana Subsp. Mesatlantica ( Lamiaceae) in Rodents

Souad

Maache, Adel Tahraoui, Badiaa Lyoussi, and Ilham Elarabi

Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

An aqueous extract made from Salvia blancoana subsp. mesatlantic a whole plant is a commonly used remedy in Moroccan traditional medicine. However, no systematic study on the potential toxicity of this plant has been conducted yet. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of an aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of Salvia blancoana subsp. mesatlantica (SBm-extract). Acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests were conducted in mice and rats, respectively. In the acute study, Swiss albino mice received SBm-extract orally and intraperitoneally at doses ranging from 0.5 to 11 g/kg via gavage, and single intraperitoneal (i.p.) doses ranging from 0.5 to 11 g/kg. General behavioral adverse effects, mortality, and latency of mortality were observed for up to 14 days. In the sub -chronic dose study, the SL -extract was orally administered to Wistar rats at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg daily for 90 days. Body weight and selected biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed every 30 days, and at the end of 90 days of daily administration. No toxicity or deaths were observed orally, but intraperitoneal administration resulted in dosedependent acute toxicity, with an LD50 value of 6.82 g/kg. In the sub -chronic study, Wistar rats received SBm-extract orally for 90 days at doses of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. Most hema tological and biochemical parameters remained unchanged, except for temporary variations in certain blood components and a temporary decrease in serum glucose levels at higher doses. Histopathological examination revealed no organ abnormalities. Due to the absence of toxicity observed in the SL -extract administered orally, and relatively high NOAEL values for the i.p. dose in the acute study in mice, as well as the absence of mortality or clinically significant adverse changes in the biological and hematological parameters after 90 days of daily dosing, it can be concluded that the SL-extract is relatively non-toxic.

Keywords: Salvia blancoana subsp. mesatlantica, Aqueous extract, Acute toxicity, Sub -chronic toxicity, Rodents.

60. PO4- Based Polyanion Type of Compounds as Cathode Materials for

1Departement of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdelah University, Fez, Morocco

2b Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.

To date, research on sodium-ion batteries started to gain more interest. It is mainly motivated by the large abundance of sodium and the hope to produce batteries that are cheaper compared to LIBs and less prone to resource issues and safety concerns. During the last two years, our research team has developed several electroactive materials for sodium-ion batteries. Among them, PO4based Polyanion cathode materials. These phases are very interesting since they contain several vacancies and therefore enable the intercalation of up to three sodium atoms, which leads to high capacities with very stable cycling. In this work, we report on the structural and ele ctrochemical properties of the novel sodium metal iron with alluaudite type structure as cathode materials for Na -Ion batteries.

Na-Ion Batteries

Safiya Es-Sehli1, Ghizlan En-Nabety1, Mustapha Taleb1, and Rachid Essehli2

61. Visible Light -Responsive Cds/G -C3N4/Tio2 Ternary Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Water Splitting and Photodegradation of Rhodamine B Under Visible Light

Muhammad Shoaib, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, Tingyu Song, and Qiliang Zhu

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083

Photocatalytic degradation of waste products in aqueous solutions and hydrogen production were examined for remediation of the atmosphere and renewable energy generation. Under visible light irradiation, photocatalytic investigations were performed for hydrogen production and RhB dye degradation. The composite photocatalysts containing cadmium sulfide, graphitic carbon nitride, and titanium dioxide with different mass ratios wer e effectively prepared. The structure, microtopography, and composition of the CdS/g -C3N4/TiO2 composite photocatalyst were characterized using XRD, FTIR, EDX, SEM, and UV–visible spectrometry. In particular, the optimal CdS/g -C3N4/TiO2 shows an H2 production rate of 2950 molh-1g-1, almost more significant than that of pure CdS, g-C3N4, and the CdS/g-C3N4 and g-C3N4/TiO2 single interface heterostructures, respectively. RhodamineB photocatalytic degradation experiments combinations were performed. The phot ocatalytic performance caused a 99.4% degradation of the RhB in just 180 minutes.

Keywords: CdS/g-C3N4/TiO2, dyes, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, Charge separation

62. Hydrogen and Carbon Nanotubes Production Strategy from Waste Plastics Through Microwa ve-Assisted Reactions with MagneticBased Catalysts

Bilal Shoukat, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, and Hammad Hussain

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan

Waste plastic is one of the most concerned solid waste issues all over the world. Converting waste plastics into high-value-added hydrogen (H2) and carbon nanotubes has attracted considerable attention. The management of waste materials is a growing challenge that affects the environment. Through the deconstruction of plastic waste, researchers are trying to manage the recyclable waste. The objective of the proposed work, microwave - assisted catalytic pyrolysis of high-density plastic waste was used to obtain the H2 and carbon nanotubes as a valuable carbonaceous material. Different types of magneticbased catalysts were used to catalyze the pyrolysis for obtaining t he hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. Al2O3(Ni, Zn, Mg) Fe2O4 were used as catalysts, and the thermal cracking of plastic waste was performed in a microwave heating cavity. The microwave chamber is filled with a mixture of high -density plastic waste and catalysts. The pyrolysis process was carried out using a 1000 W microwave power source. The one-step pyrolysis process takes 5 -8 min to perform a sample of mechanically pulverized waste plastic into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The obtained solid product will be characterized through XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and FTIR to find out the morphology, structural formation, bond vibrations, and functional groups analysis.

Keywords: Plastic waste treatment pyrolysis

63. Synthesis and Testing of Mgfe2o4/Zno/Perlite Photocataly st for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from Water Splitting and Dye Degradation Applications

Muhammad Shoaib, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, Tingyu Song, and Hafeez ur Rehman

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pak istan.

School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083

The use of nano photocatalysts in recent years has been extended to the degradation of organic pollutants, the removal of heavy metals, the production of hydrogen, and the treatment of air and water. Environmental cleanup and renewable energy applications have significantly benefited from studying solar photocatalysis, which is both pollution -free and non-exhaustible. The heterojunction photo-catalyst was designed for applications in both photocatalytic H2 evolution and degradation of MB. In the nanocomposite, magnetic ferrite ensured better efficiency over multiple dye degradation and hydrogen evolution cycles. A variety of characterization techniques, i ncluding XRD, SEM, EDX, PL, UV–Vis–DRS, Raman, and FTIR, were used to investigate the opto-physical, magnetic, electrical, and photocatalytic properties of the MgFe2O4/ZnO/perlite composites. The MB dye was then degraded by using fully characterized photocatalysts. These experiments showed a maximum dye degradation efficiency of 99.4%. In the presence of the MgFe2O4/ZnO/perlite photocatalyst, hydrogen oxidation was measured at 38.05 mmolh1 -g-1, which was a considerable increase over the evolution rate of hydrogen with MgFe2O4, ZnO, MgFe2O4/ZnO, and ZnO/perlite catalyzed reactions. This research could provide new insights into designing efficient heterojunction photocatalysts with various applications in the photocatalysis dominion.

Keywords: Ferrite nanoparticles, ZnO, Perlite, Photocatalyst, Hydrogen evolution, Dye degradation

Zoom Link (3:00 pm – 4:30 pm) March 4, Moderator: Anouar Alami

64. Tissue-Specific Engineering for Crop Improvement

Cankui Zhang, Hannah Levengood, and Jing Huang

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

The plant vascular tissues have long been recognized as transport conduits for carbohydrates, minerals, amino acids and water. In recent decades, it has been found that plant vascular tissues also harbor a diverse population of information molecules, e.g., mRNAs, small RNAs, proteins, small peptides and hormones, and participates in the coordination of deve lopmental cues and environmental inputs, including flowering, nodulation, plant -insect interactions, plant -microbe interactions, and mineral deficiency responses. In this talk, I will introduce our discoveries in basic plant vascular physiology. In additio n, I will discuss how we translate our findings in basic research to agricultural improvement, including biomass accumulation, Fe and Zn biofortification, mineral use efficiency, reducing pollution, and accelerating breeding.

Ihsane El Otmani1, Oumaima Serbouti1, Sara Alazdini1, Bachir Hatim2, Jalal hatim2, Mohamed Hssaini3, Touria Essayagh1, and Laila Bouguenouch3

1Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Higher Institu te of Health Sciences, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco

2Pasteur Laboratory of medical diagnosis, Settat , Morocco

3Unit of medical genetics, Hassan II university Center, Fez, Morocco

Early diagnosis was a fundamental point in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which aimed to reduce the viral transmission chains of SARS -CoV-2. To ensure a higher rate of coverage of the population, it was necessary to urgently train laboratory professionals in molecular biology techniques, more specifically RT-PCR; the gold standard technique of diagnosis of SARS -CoV-2. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this training through a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) questionnaire destined to staff members working in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic laboratories including medical biologists, residents, laboratory technologists,. 64 responses were collected; of which 66.1% of professionals reported having adequate training in molecular biology techniques and 72.6% had professional experience in this context, Th is explains their advanced knowledge and adherence to molecular biology laboratory best practices including cycles of washing, dressing, handling and risks related to molecular biology procedures. 38.7% reported their infection with the virus during their work following the heavy load during the pandemic and direct contact with positive patients during the sampling. The answers demonstrated that the staff were aware of the recommendations of the National Hygiene Institute, the Ministry of Health in Morocco and the World Health Organization.

Keywords: Molecular biology, diagnosis, lab professionals, effectiveness, COVID-19

65. Evaluating KAP in a Molecular Biology Laboratory of COVID -19 Diagnosis

66. The First Assessment of the Potential Association Between Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme 1 ( ACE1) D/I Polymorphism and COVID -19 Severity in the Moroccan Population

Ihssane El Bouchikhi*12, Ihsane El Otmani13, Mohamed Ahakoud1, Oussama Kettani1, Badreddine El Makhzen1, Ghita Yahyaoui4, Bouchra Oumokhtar4, Karim Ouldim1, Mohammed El-Azami-El-Idrissi1, Sanae Achour15, Mahmoud Mustapha14, and Laila Bouguenouch1

1 Laboratory of Biomedical & Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, BP 1893, 30070, Fez, Morocco.

2 Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Research & Innovation, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Khouribga, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, 25000, Kouribga, Morocco.

3 Laboratory of Health Sciences & Technologies, Superior Institute for Health Sciences, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco.

4 Human Pathologies, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.

5 Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Hassan II-Fez, Fez, Morocco.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the global COVID -19 pandemic, enters the human body through interacting with the ACE2 receptor located in the cell membranes of the respiratory system. This invasion leads to substantial damage in lung tissues, manifesting in identifiable COVID-19 symptoms and complications. Recently, ACE1, an analog of ACE2, has gained attention due to its well-documented Deletion/Insertion polymorphism, which was linked to COVID-19 outcomes in a number of previous papers. However, no related study was conducted in North African populations. Thus, this work aims to explore this potential association in the Moroccan population. In this cross -sectional study, we examined 162 Moroccan COVID -19 patients for the ACE1 D/I polymorphism using PCR amplification of the ACE1 polymorphic region within intron 16. Statistical analysis, conducted using R software, aimed to evaluate the correlation between COVID -19 outcomes and both genetic and demographic factors. The D allele was identified in 74% of subjects, with homozyg ous and heterozygous genotypes for the Insertion allele (II and DI) observed in 41.4% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. This study unveils, for the first time, the prevalence of ACE1 D/I alleles in the Moroccan population and further confirms the strong association of severe COVID-19 outcomes with males and elderly. Additionally, this study highlights for the first time in a North African population, the connection between ACE1 D/I polymorphism and clinical outcomes in COVID -19. The lack of a significant association may be attributed to the size of the cohort or specific factors within the population. A thorough investigation in a larger North African cohort is strongly recommended.

Keywords: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), deletion/insertion polymorphism, COVID-19 symptoms severity, Moroccan population.

67. Synthesis, In -vitro, In -silico and DFT Studies of Novel Functionalized Isoxazoles as Antibacterial and Antioxidant Agents

Aziz Arzine, Yassine Rhazi, Najoua Barghady, Oussama Abchir, Mohammed Chalkha, Khalid Chebbac, Imane Yamari, Abdelfattah El Moussaoui, Asmae Nakkabi, Mohamed Akhazzane, Mohamed Bakhouch, Samir Chtita, and Mohamed El Yaziddi

Engineering Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular Materials and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar E L Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 1796 (Atlas), 30000Fez, Morocco

Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, P.O. Box 24, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco.

Heterocycles containing nitrogen and oxygen are present in a wide range of biologically active natural and synthetic compounds, making them highly sought-after targets in organic chemistry [1 –3]. Among known heterocyclic systems, isoxazole occupies a prominent place in heterocyclic chemistry. It is an important five-membered pharmacophore containing two adjacent heteroatoms, oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) [4, 5]. In fact, isoxazole is a preferred structure commonly found at the heart of biologically active natural and synt hetic compounds, as well as in a variety of drugs already on the market, such as antivirals [6], antitumour agents [7], anti -inflammatories [8], antifungals [9], and others [10, 11]. In this context, we have synthesized a series of new isoxazole derivatives incorporating the sulphonate ester function from 2benzylidenebenzofuran-3(2H)-one, known as aurone. The target compounds were synthesized using an efficient methodology that produced the desired products reproducibly and in good yields. The structures o f the synthesized compounds were established using NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C) and mass spectrometry. A theoretical study was carried out to optimise the geometric structures and calculate the structural and electronic parameters of the synthesized compounds, which were also examined for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

68. Experimental and Statistical Evaluation of Catalytic Valorization of Mixed- Density Plastics for the Production of Carbon Nanotubes and Hydrogen Fuel Through Microwave Pyrolysis

Farzin Sheikh, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, and Bilal Shoukat

Plastic waste has emerged as a serious environmental problem, prompting the creation of novel technologies for its effective management and transformation into valuable resources. Using microwave pyrolysis, this work investigated the in situ catalytic conversion of mixed -density plastics into combustible fuel, providing a feasible method for valuing plastic waste and generating energy. Different mixed-density plastics were pyrolyzed with different catalysts, temperatures, and residence times to yield liquid fuel, syngas, and structured carbon residue. The effect of inputs on the product type, yield and compositions was statistically evaluated using ANOVA, which showed an F value of 4.108 and a p-value of 0.098 (>1.00). FTIR and GC-MS revealed that the oil product consisted of C13+ fractions in the form of alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics. The microscopic analysis of the residue confirmed the formation of carbon nanotubes along with other amorphous products. The presence of impurities in the solid product was further analyzed through XRD analysis. The pyrolytic liquid fuel revealed the presence of conjugated aromatic structure and carbonyl group in their concentration. In the gaseous product, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons up to C4 such as methane, ethane, ethene, propane, propene, butane, and butene were the most common hydrocarbon gases observed. This research demonstrated that the conversion of mixed-density plastics using sodium zeolite, aluminum oxide, and nickel oxide catalysts yields 84% valuable products confirming wasted plastics as a lucrative energy feedstock for the production of hydrogen and high -value carbon compounds.

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

69. Production of ZnxMg1 -xFe2O4 Magnetic Nano -adsorbents for Removal of C d (II) and Zn (II) Heavy

Metal Ions from Wastewater

Khadija Afzal, Muhammad Yasin Naz, and Shazia Shukrullah

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan

In the meantime, water contamination, in particular the presence of heavy metals has become a major environmental concern on a global level. Nowadays, an enormous amount of heavy metals effluent has been dumped into the surrounding waters. The concentration of heavy metals in wastewater has increased with the expansion of industry and human activities such as electroplating process, batteries, chemical pesticides, mining industry, textile manufacture and metal manufacturing. Environmental protection requires the invention of cost-effective and reliable materials, techniques , and technologies to supply pure water. Adsorption is an increasingly prevalent method to filter impurities out of water due to its advantageous qualities such as low cost, plentiful adsorbent sources, high efficacy, and ease of handling. Nanoferrites are currently gaining popularity in the industry of waste water treatment. Using nanoferrites, many different types of contaminants (organic, inorganic, and biological species) can be removed from wastewater, possibly up to 100 %. This work aims to synthesize nanopowders of magnesium -zinc ferrites with the general formula Znx Mg1-x Fe2 O4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) by using sol- gel method and evaluate the effect of Zn content on their structural and adsorption properties as probable and promising adsorbents. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV -visible), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Xray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier -transform infrared (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques were utilized to inspect the optical, surface morphology , structural, and magnetic characteristics of magnesium -zinc ferrites. An Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was applied to estimate the metal ions concentration in wastewater after treatment. The usage of magnetic spinel ferrites (Znx Mg1-x Fe2 O4 (x = 0.1, 0.3)) for the removal of Cd (II) and Zn (II) ions from wastewater was investigated. Kinetic and isotherm studies were also conducted for the removal of both of these pollutants.

Keywords: Wastewater treatment, heavy metals, ZnxMg1-xFe2O4 magnetic nanoadsorbents

Zoom Link (3:00 pm – 4:30 pm) March 4, Moderator: Mohamed Zouiten

70. Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste and Cooking Oil into Liquid Fuel

Muhammad Rizwan Khalid, Muhammad Yasin Naz, and Shazia Shukrullah Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

Human health, food quality, and social comfort are all negatively impacted by plastic pollution. Waste cooking oil is also one of the hazardous wastes because it may seriously harm the environment when it is improperly disposed of, blocking drains and sewers and polluting water or soil. Each year, the production of domestic waste is increasing, including wasted frying oil and plastic materials. Waste plastic material (high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene) and used frying oil mixed with Zeolite were decomposed by a microwave oven. In microwave co -pyrolysis, activated carbon is u sed as a microwave absorbent. Activated carbon converts microwave radiation into heat energy to decompose plastic waste material into valuable products. Approximately after 8 minutes at a temperature of 450°C no gas is produced which indicate the process iscompleted. The waste materials decomposed in pyrolysis products (i.e., carbonaceous residue, gases, and liquid oil). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas chromatography- Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to analyze the liquid oil. FTIR analysis gives information about functional groups of liquid oil like alkanes, phenol, and carboxylic acid, and through GC-MS analysis the fractions' chemical composition of liquid oil is analyzed. When HDPE, LDPE, and mixtures (HDPE+LDPE) were co-pyrolyzed, the crystalline structure and different states of the solid product were determined by using X - ray Diffractometry (XRD), which revealed the average grain size and diameter of the solid product, such as 29.22 nm, 23.50 nm, and 15.52 nm respectively. SEM analysis of carbonaceous residue showed the surface morphology, and quality of carbon nanotubes. The composition of pyrolytic gases was analyzed by a gas analyzer, in addition to a high concentration of hydrogen (H2) was obtained. These gases also contained small amounts of CO, CO2, C2H4, CH4, and other contaminants. The production of H2 gas in higher quantities such as 85.3 vol%, 87.5 vol%, and 89.9 vol% during the microwave co-pyrolysis of HDPE, LDPE, and mixture of (HDPE+LDPE) respectively.

Keywords: Plastic waste and waste cooking oil treatment co-pyrolysis

71. Amino-functionalization of CoFe 2O4 @SiO2 Nanoparticles for Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater

Muhammad Umer Saleem, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah , and Abdul Ghaffar

Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

Ions of heavy metals pose huge negative impacts on both aquatic and natural species. Heavy metals including copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) are found in trace quantities in the crust of the earth. The release of these metals into the environment has been considerably aided by human activities including mining, industrial production, and the usage of these metals in diverse products. To prevent these negative impacts, it is important to reduce the levels of heavy metal contamination in water sources. T his can be done through a variety of methods, including improved waste management practices, increased regulation of industrial activities, and the use of filtration systems to remove contaminants from drinking water. For this purpose, nanoparticles have a lso shown promise in the removal of heavy metals from water due to their unique physical and chemical properties. CoFe2O4 NPs have drawn much interest due to distinctive physical and chemical properties. This work investigated the development of cobalt ferrite magnetic nano -adsorbents with an amino -functionalization coating using a co-precipitation method. The coating of amino group increased the adsorbent's surface area, which were subsequently utilized to brilliantly remove heavy metal ions. For the silic a and amino coatings on the adsorbent, tetraethyl silicate (TEOS) and 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane were used respectively. The developed adsorbents were examined using the X -ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT -IR), UV spectroscopy, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) methods to determine its structure, optical properties, and magnetic characteristics. The adsorbent was also employed to remove copper ions from water. The technique of Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was utilized in the detection of proportion of metals removed from water. Additionally, the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Freundlich model and Langmuir model were used to compute the kinetic and isotherm data for metal adsorption onto adsorbent.

Keywords: Wastewater treatment, Heavy metals, Amino -functionalization.

72. Introducing Soft Skills in Modern School Life through Incorporating Project -Based Learning

Abdelaaziz El Bakkali

Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Teaching learners to maintain positive attitudes and take over significant life skills by incorporating project-based learning has become an essential educational asset. To set an efficient background for schools to support students’ understanding of real -life situations, necessary preconditions of modern school culture form effective outcomes to generate new ethical behaviors. Today, integrating new skills through project-based learning in schools provides vital opportunities to engage students in various social activities. Thus, the central aim of these activities is to promote authentic leadership within school effectiveness, which can be mainly shaped through all classic criteri a of public integrity and community of practice. This paper examines essential venues that school leaders wish to implement to foster new life skills within and outside school life by adopting project-based learning. It attempts to unveil the welltimed challenges of such implementation and the different perspectives for the progress of many educational institutions. Hence, the paper adopts a metaanalysis technique, whereby a unique examination of the various studies that have already been conducted comes with conclusions: perspectives and challenges. The typical meta -analysis comprises articles, books, and other scholarly sources on school effectiveness for implementing project -based instruction. Owing to its descriptive, diagnostic, and generative nature , this method allows the researcher to explore the wide range of pitfalls and weaknesses that provide potential opportunities for alternative conclusions to be adopted in restructured and well-run approaches. This paper's significant results and conclusions will be deeply, qualitatively discussed, and analyzed.

Keywords: Project-based learning, education, public integrity, ethics, metasynthesis

73. Exploring Students' Knowledge of Soft Skills for Employability: Moroccan Limited Access Institutions as a Case Study

Elhassane EL Hilali

Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Incorporating soft skills into curriculum design is becoming essential, given the drastically shifting paradigm of language teaching and learning goals in light of the labour market demands. This is especially true for ESP learners, who are expected to graduate with soft professional skills to aid their future careers. This study aims to determine how many soft skills are necessary for employability for ENCG students. To achieve this, data from 360 students enrolled in different Moroccan limited access institutions was collected utilizing a structured questionnaire and a quantitative research approach. The results show that most participants understand the significance of 10 soft skills. They still require assistance to acquire such talents. To help students overcome these obstacles and prepare for the workforce, all ESP teachers should prioritize integrating soft skills for employability.

Keywords: Soft skills, hard skills, limited access institutions, higher education, employability

74. Revisiting Women’s Political Empowerment: The Implications of Gender Quota for Women’s Political Representation in Morocco

Elhoucine Boualili

Facultly of Letters and Human Sciences, Dhar El Mehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Over the last two decades, research on gender and politics has been centered on the shift from women’s under-representation/disempowerment to representation/empowerment. Rethinking the concept of empowerment itself should be given priority to guarantee women’s sustainable representation in political institutions. As an attempt to move beyond the existing discourses on Moroccan women’s empowerment plans, usually praised by stakeholders, this paper critically analyses top- down political empowerment agendas and their efficacy on women’s status in an age of uncertainty. Focusing exclusively on the quota’s experience in Morocco, this study underscores the link between official discourses on women’s presence in p olitical decision-making and the critical outcome of the quota’s adoption, arguing that a transformation from seasonal to everlasting political empowerment processes entails long term strategies and mechanisms wherein women can be self -empowered. To investigate the validity of these arguments, the present study uses a questionnaire directed to women politicians with a view to highlighting their understanding of empowerment. The findings indicate a contradiction between discourses on women’s political representation and the limited gains of the quota’s experience. In the light of the results, the paper ends up with female politicians’ alternatives which can go in parallel with, or in lieu of, the electoral gender quota.

Keywords: Empowerment, representation, under -representation, gender quota, self- empowerment.

75. Evaluation of the Welfare of Free-Roaming Cats in the City of Guayaquil, Ecuador

Mariella Chacón-Morales, Israel M. Cabrera, and Paola López -Colom

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Av. 25 de Julio, Guayaquil 090104, Ecuador

Free-roaming cat (FRC) populations in Guayaquil have not been characterized before and they may cause adverse environmental and public health effects, but also impair their own welfare. Therefore, this study aimed at reporting the welfare of community, stray, and feral cats living within colonies randomly settled in the city of Guayaquil, with emphasis on their reproductive status. A convenience, cross-sectional sample of 36 colonies (from four to 50 cats each), with at least one caregiver, comprising 490 c ats and their diet, behavior, companionship, environment and health were assessed by the semi -structured survey P-MOT from PDSA based on a light score system from “green” (good), “amber” (requires attention), or “red” (urgent problem). Adults (above five months old) were 86.7% of the animals registered whereas kitten (below five months old) were minor (13.3%). Male cats represented 71.3% and females 28.7%, and of these animals, only 19 and 25 cats were neutered, respectively. Similarly, regarding the five c omponents of wellbeing measured, health showed the greatest proportion of animals with alarming (red) results (28.6%), followed by the environment (20.6%). Despite this, in general terms, more than half of the animals showed positive (green) results for di et (59.6%) and behavior (54.1%), whereas the rest of the wellbeings were classified as alarming (red) in very small proportions of cats (below 9%). In the case of companionship, virtually half of the animals were classified with amber and green results. In terestingly, four of the wellbeings were impoverished as colony size was larger (p < 0.001) except for health wellbeing with similar sizes regardless the light score (p = 0.07). In conclusion, these results might specially reflect inappropriate conditions of environment and health of the FRC in Guayaquil, and larger colonies may be associated with impaired welfare. Public trap -neuter-return programs should be strongly encouraged and diffused among population.

Keywords: Community cat, Felis silvestris catus, sterilization, urban wildlife, welfare

76. Synthesis by click chemistry and characterization of a new biheterocyclic phosphonic -aminoester by spectroscopic analysis technical

Serigne Abdou Khadir Fall1, Younas Aouine1,2, Said Achamlale3, Hassane Faraj1, and Anouar Alami1*

1 Laboratory of Organometallic, Molecular and Environmental Materials Engineering (LIMOME), Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30000, Morocco

2 Organic Chemistry and Valorisation of Natural Substances Team (COVSN), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80060, Morocco

3 Laboratory Scientific Research and Pedagogic Development (LSRPD) CRMEF Fez Meknes, Morocco

Because of their ability to mimic amino acids very effectively in biological processes, phosphonic amino esters are full of important pharmacological and therapeutic properties1, 2.Thus, in order to respond to the problem of bacterial resistance and the fight against cancerous cells3, 4, the search for new formulas of active principle is necessary. It is within this framework that we present in this communication the synthesis of a new phosphonic aminoester, obtained in a regioselective way, by the -1,3 dipolar cycloaddition reaction between diethylazidoamino methylphosphonate and the corresponding alkyne. The chemical structure of this compound obtained is confirmed by the spectroscopic analysis methods of 1D&2D NMR, HRMS and X -ray diffraction.

Key words: new phosphonic aminoester, -1,3 dipolar cycloaddition reaction, the spectroscopic analysis methods

IN-PERSON POSTER PRESENTATIONS

77. Partners in Action for Integral Solutions (PAIS 3.0)

Aubree Plymale and John McCall

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL; USA

PAIS 3.0 builds upon the success of previous USDA-funded programs to continue the development of the West Alabama Center for Conservation and Agriculture (WACCA) as a regional center providing assistance to agricultural stakeholders in the Black Belt region of Alabama. Agricultural stakeholders, many already struggling to compete, find themselves faced with an evergrowing list of challenges. Previous programs provided through WACC A have utilized a model through which student interns, trained at the University of West Alabama, provide outreach and hands -on assistance to area landowners. The success of these programs have led to WACCA becoming a trusted partner to farmers in an area where such trust can be hard to establish. PAIS 3.0 will assist WACCA in providing educational outreach allowing landowners to successfully cope with challenges such invasive species and pollinator declines, while continuing to utilize trained interns to provide skilled hands-on assistance. Interns will also be trained to identify the needs of stakeholders and assist them in identifying, pursuing, and acquiring needed support from other agencies. PAIS 3.0 will work toward creating a unified community of ag ricultural stakeholders by hosting a summer Ag Celebration, and seek to host an annual meeting of the NARRU (Non-land-grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities).

78. Assessing Seasonal Variability of Black Belt Streams Through Use of Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment

Kayla Gold

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL; USA

The Alabama Black Belt is known for its drastically different soil characteristics, including chalky clay, which makes a unique streambed structure compared to other streams outside the Black Belt (Jones et al., 1966; Scarseth, 1932). The clay stream bed constricts groundwater, which causes it to dry out during the dry seasons (Mylopoulos et al., 2007; Packman & MacKay, 2003). The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) samples macroinvertebrates during the late spring, which approaches the dry season; however, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) samples during the winter months. Because Black Belt streams tend to be dry when ADEM samples are taken, we propose that MDEQ's sampling time frame will work better for more accurate conclusions on the stream's health. During the two sampling seasons, seven streams are assessed within the Black Belt by macroinvertebrate bioassessments. Through macroinvertebrate data, analyses will determine the stream's health for each season. Comparative measures for species taxa will determine which season has a higher species composition, illustrating the best time to sample for macroinvertebrates. The hypothesis states that late winter, according to Mississippi's protocols, will be the preferred sampling time. Within that time, we predict a significant difference in species richness compared to those sampled in the late spring because more habitats will be available. The results are expected to have higher diversity and abundance with the seven streams sampled during the first sampling season. This project suggests that ADEM may need to change its sampling time frame for the Black Belt streams.

79. Effects of Antibacterial Drugs on DNA Cleavage Mediated by Pseudomonas

Aeruginosa Topoisomerase IV

Kayla Hardrick123 Jillian Armenia2, and Neil Osheroff24

1Aspirnaut™ Program, Nashville, TN, 37232 USA; 2Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232 USA, 3Miles College, Fairfield, AL 35064, USA; 34 Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232 USA Miles College, 5500 Myron Massey Boulevard, Fairfield, Alabama, 35064

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, aerobic bacterium that causes a variety of infections and affects ~32,000 people each year. It is an opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects people who have pre-existing disorders that make them prone to infections, such as patients with HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, and individuals in intensive care units who require ventilators. P. aeruginosa can cause post-operative wound infection in addition to causing lung disease in the aforementioned populations. Antibacterial resistance in P. aeruginosa has become a significant threat to healthcare, severely limiting the ability to treat infected patients. Potential targets for antibacterial drugs that overcome resistance are the bacterial t ype II topoisomerases, gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes modulate the topological state of DNA in the cell by generating transient double-stranded breaks in the double helix. In this study, we investigated the ability of different antibacterials t hat target type II topoisomerases to enhance DNA cleavage by P. aeruginosa topoisomerase IV. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone, zoliflodacin is a spiropyrimidinetrione, and gepotidacin is a triazaacenaphthylene -based novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitor (NBTI). Moxifloxacin primarily increased topoisomerase IV -mediated double-stranded DNA breaks. Similar to other NBTIs, gepotidacin increases single-stranded breaks. However, double-stranded breaks also were observed. Zoliflodacin experiments are ongoing. We used gel electrophoresis to assess the single- and double-stranded breaks in plasmid substrates following in vitro exposure to topoisomerase IV in the presence of the antibacterials. Investigating type II topoisomerases as potential drug targets for P. aeruginosa paves the way for the development of new therapeutics to treat drug resistant bacterial infections.

80. Conducting Bat and Small Mammal Surveys at the Cahaba Biodiversity Center in Central Alabama

Taylor L. Underwood and Sharon Valverde

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

The Cahaba Biodiversity Center in Bibb County, Alabama is a 2,100 -acre property, on 4 miles of the Cahaba River, that was donated to the University of West Alabama in 2019. The Cahaba River is recognized by the World Wildlife Fund and Nature Conservancy as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, therefore the center serves as potential habitat for many native species. From January 2022 through January 2023, baited and non -baited game camera surveys were deployed, allowing us to detect 12 terrestrial mamma l species, including long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), a species of concern for the State. However, we have not been able to reliably identify rodents to species from the game camera data, and no extensive surveys of bats have been conducted on the property to date, though at least one hibernaculum is suspected on the property and several species are endangered in Alabama. This project aims to complete our noninvasive mammal survey efforts, as well as hopefully increase detections of weasels, through modified game camera surveys of small mammals and acoustic surveys of bats. We will be using game cameras in specialized boxes known as “Mostela boxes” to survey for small mammals. The addition of a specific lens to the camera, enclosed in a box, allows for easier identification as rodents pass through than traditional game cameras alone, and have had success in detecting weasels in other studies. We will apply standard acoustic survey methods for detecting bats. We will deploy bat detectors for a minimum of 4 nights per survey session near various habitat features. In conducting these surveys, we will provide the Cahaba Biodiversity Center with the basic mammal diversity data needed for more complex management decisions and research questions, as well as providing the State with further information on threatened species.

Keywords: Cahaba, camera, small mammal, bat, survey

81. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) Technology to Investigate Group B Streptococcal Pathogenesis

Audrey Sweten, Cody Cutts, and Brandon Kim

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; USA

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a Gram-positive bacterium and the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. GBS can be vertically transmitted with currently no vaccine available on th e market. There remains an urgent need to better understand GBS pathogenesis along with the desire to advance current classical mutagenesis techniques which can be laborious and time consuming. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) is a technique to quickly knockdown target genes using an inactivated endogenous Cas9 enzyme. We hypothesized the use of CRISPRi technology would be useful in testing Group B Streptococcal phenotypes. Through the use of CRISPRi technology, which utilizes a mutated version of an endogenou s Cas9 in GBS partnered with guide RNAs, CRISPRi knockdowns can be generated. These knockdowns enable us to test GBS virulence factors for phenotypes prior to classical mutagenesis techniques. We generated a mutant Cas9 strain COH1 GBS and have knocked down known regulators of the hemolysin, such as cyl and covR. These knockdown CRISPRi strains exhibit the expected hemolysis phenotype shown by hemolysis assays and Sheep’s Blood Agar plating; with the cyl knockdown exhibiting less hemolysis and the covR knoc kdown displaying a hyperhemolytic phenotype. Furthermore, guide RNAs are currently being designed to target other known virulence factors, such as PilA, HvgA, covR, IagA, and Srr2, which have previously demonstrated the ability to impact cellular-GBS interactions. We found that knocking down PilA and a novel factor SAP partnered with invasion/adherence cell -based assays demonstrate a significant decrease in adherence when knocked down when compared to control, illustrating the ability of CRISPRi to impact b oth known virulence factors and novel virulence factors in GBS. The use of CRISPR interference technology could one day aid in discovering other novel virulence factors and vaccine targets for Group B Streptococcus.

82. Characterizing the Influence of Rainfa ll on Groundwater Microbial Indicator Organisms

1 Miles College, Fairfield, AL 35064

2 The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA

As a primary freshwater resource, groundwater plays a crucial role to secure drinking water. Within the Black Belt Region of Alabama, groundwater serves as the source of most residents’ water, either from private wells or as the source for distribution syste ms. However, wells and groundwater sources can be potentially contaminated by fecal coliform bacteria traveling with infiltrating water during heavy rainfall and flooding events. Furthermore, fecal coliform bacteria can survive for extended periods in the groundwater, maintaining the risk of waterborne diseases and impacting the overall quality of the water supply. Therefore, understanding the impact of rainfall on microbial contamination within groundwater sources will contribute toward best management practices to safeguard the health and safety of drinking water for Black Belt residents. This project uses surface and groundwater samples from monitoring wells within the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station located in Hale County, AL collecte d pre- and post-rainfall events. Using surface water as the probable source of microbial contamination for monitoring wells, the objective of this study is to conduct culture-based enumeration screens for total and fecal coliform bacteria using membrane filtration techniques according to ADEM and EPA guidelines. This project will serve as an opportunity to make water-quality-centered environmental literacy a focal point in undergraduate research training experiences at Miles College.

Blake Speed1, Monique Speigner1, Jaylin Jones1, Jourdan Kiaupa2, Nate Jones2, Leigh Terry2, and Nikaela Flournoy1

83. Fungi’s Symbiotic Relationship with Plants to Eliminate the Use of Agrochemicals

Bryson Rhodes, Layla Moberg, and Mustafa Morsy

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

With the ever-rising human population and the harsh effects of the constantly changing climate, harvesting crops and human hunger have become more of a problem than ever before. Agrochemicals, such as pesticides, have been used to help with crop production for many years. Although they have positive effects on the production of crops, they have been known to negatively impact the environment and even humans. Recently, there has been innovative research on the application of naturally occurring and local symbiotic microorganisms to ultimately replace agrochemicals. These microorganisms, such as endophytic bacteria and fungi, have been symbionts for plants for most of known history. The process starts by finding a healthy plant in the wild and then culturing i t. Once it is cultured, we sub-culture it to separate the fungi from the plant, and then Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) the fungus to identify which fungi it is. After identifying the fungi, it is added to the plants to observe the affect it has on the plant’s growth. We found and identified 5 different funguses using PCR, we then added 3 of these funguses individually to tomato plants to observe the effects they had on the growth. Though the results of the last round were not ideal, they still showed promise, as the plants were tested in the liquid mixture of the fungi, and not in soil. Following these results, we know which fungi to test next, and when to put both the mixture and plants into soil to allow full development of the plant. The continuous deve lopment of naturally occurring symbiotic fungi and plants can eventually replace the use of agrochemicals, eliminating the harsh effects they have on the environment and people.

84. A Comparison of Microplastic Prevalence in Two Disjoint Populations of Atlantic Mole Crab ( Emerita Talpoida ) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Camille Thompson and Lee Stanton

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

Plastic pollution has become a severe issue impacting Earth’s oceans and living organisms. It’s estimated that between 82 and 358 trillion plastic particles are floating in the sea, potentially impacting marine organisms. These plastic particles originate from urban wastewater, industrial and development activities, and the improper disposal and subsequent deterioration of single -use plastic packaging. This research examines the prevalence of microplastics becoming ingested by living marine organisms, specifically the Atlantic mole crab (Emerita talpoida). E. talpoida are filter feeders and serve as a valuable food resource for many marine species. They have the potential to pass microplastics on to organisms that consume them. Mole crabs were collected from two disjoint populations, one located in Navarre Beach, FL, and another at Dauphin Island, AL, every other month beginning in May 2023 and ending in March 2024. In addition, both water and sediment samples were taken from each location to measure ambient microplastic levels. Collected E. talpoida were crushed with a mortar and pestle and mixed with 30% hydrogen peroxide to dissolve organic material. Each sample was shaken and incubated at 40°C for 48 hours, then filtered through 0.22 -micron filter paper using a vacuum filtration system. Nile red dye was added to the filter paper to fluoresce the microplastic particles and then examined under a microscope using 100x magnification. Based on previous research in other species of Emerita, we found measurable concentrations of microplastic particles in both study locations. However, given the proximity of Dauphin Island to Mobile Bay, which serves as the drainage basin for most of Alabama and receives treated wastewater from countless municipalities, we hypothesize that Alabama Emerita talpoida populations will exhibit significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than those in Florida.

De'Travean Williams and Anathbandhu Chaudhuri

Department of Arts and Sciences, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Prostate cancer, second only to skin cancer, ranks as the most prevalent cancer among males in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in 2023, with an annual mortality rate of approximately 34,700 men. Prostate cancer is influenced by male sex hormones, specifically androgens and testosterone, which regulate normal prostate gland growth. Imbalances in these hormones can contribute to prostate cancer risk, with higher androgen levels associated with increased susceptibility. This study utilized prostate cancer incidence data sourced from the National Cancer Institute (NIH) and the CDC, categorized by age, gender, and race for both overall and advanced -stage cases. Data analysis, conducted using GraphPad Prism 5 software, encompassed age groups, racial demographics, and cancer stages across all 50 U.S. states, spanning the years 2016-2020. Cancer cases were reported as incidences per 100,000 male populations. Our findings indicate that, on average, the incidence of prostate cancer in the United States is relatively low in the men age groups below 50, with an average of four cases per 100,000 populations. However, the incidence sharply escalates among individuals aged 65 and older, reaching 573 cases per 100,000 populations, irrespective of race. Notably, African American males exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of prostate cancer, with an average incidence rate of 813 cases, compared to White (553), Hispanic (473), American Indian (395), and Asian Pacific Islander (334) populations, when considering all 50 states. In conclusion, our study underscores the elevated risk of prostate cancer among Black men compared to other racial groups, potentially attributable to race-specific genetic factors. Additionally, several factors may contribute to this disparity, including disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic conditions influencing dietary and lifestyle choices, and potentially unique aspects of tumor biology and microenvironments.

Keywords: Prostate Cancer, Racial Disparities, Healthcare Access, Tumor Biology

Acknowledgements: Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) P120A200045 and Dr. Bernadette Hence at the U.S., Department of Education.

85. Incidences of Prostate Cancer across the United States and Racial Disparities

86. Variations in Cancer Incidence by Race and Gender Across U.S. States: A Comprehensive Analysis

Faith Onomeh and Anathbandhu Chaudhuri

Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

In advanced stages, the rapid growth of mutated cells poses a significant risk to cancer survival globally. Racial disparities during clinical trials hinder drug development, as different races may require personalized medic ation due to unique genetic makeup. This study aims to comprehend racial and sexual disparities in cancer incidence across various types. Data on cancer incidences were gathered from the National Cancer Institute (NIH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), segmented by age, gender, and race for overall cancer cases. Analysis, facilitated by GraphPad Prism 5 software, covered age groups (<50 and 50+ years), racial demographics, and cancer stages across all 50 United States from 2016 to 2020. Incidences p er 100,000 populations were reported for both female and male populations. Our findings reveal that, on average, cancer incidence in the United States is relatively low among both genders below 50 years, with an average of 105 cases per 100K populations. However, incidence significantly rises among individuals aged 50 years and older, reaching 1329 cases per 100K populations, regardless of race and gender. Pronounced racial disparities were observed across various cancer types, with colon, prostate, stomach , and pancreatic cancers more prevalent among Black individuals, while leukemia, melanoma, and breast cancer showed higher rates in White populations, indicating substantial racial disparities in cancer incidences. We conclude that these disparities may stem from socio-economic, genetic, and cultural factors among different racial groups.

Keywords: Cancer, Racial Disparities, Healthcare Access, Cancer and Public Health

87.

Haley McAtee

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Resistant starch is a portion of starch that resists digestion in the upper digestive tract, and thus remains untouched upon entry to the large intestine, where it is then fermented. The consumption of resista nt starch as a part of a normal diet has been associated with numerous health benefits, such as improved glucose tolerance and heightened insulin sensitivity. Recent promising studies have indicated that these effects may improve health outcomes in individ uals with diet-sensitive illnesses such as diabetes. Recent interest in increasing the resistant starch content in pea starch and pea starch-containing foods has been expressed in the agriculture and food industries. The potential to increase the resistant starch content of pea starch gives rise to hopes of increasing the value and use of said pea starch. Several current candidate processes to increase resistant starch content in other starches include enzymatic debranching, crosslinking, acid hydrolysis, heat-moisture treatment, and formulating starch composites, but these methods remain under studied in pea starch. The present in-progress study aims to 1) evaluate these, and other, strategies in a narrative literature review focusing on pea starch -specific studies, and 2) conduct preliminary screening of treatments on pea starch for improved resistant starch content. The literature review will inform us of promising treatment protocols which will then be applied to pea starch samples in the laboratory. The resulting lab products will then be subjected to a simulated in vitro digestion process, allowing for a comparative analysis of each protocol. Finally, by elucidating methods to enhance resistant starch content in pea starch, this study aims to recommend practical avenues for the development of improved pea starch products.

Exploring Strategies to Increase Resistant Starch Content in Pea starch

88. Racial Disparities in Urinary Bladder Cancer Incidence Among Major Ethnic Groups in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis

I’Aisha Hampton, Rosianna Gray and Anathbandhu Chaudhuri Natural Sciences, Biology Department, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

In recent years, urinary bladder cancer (UBC) has shown an upward trend in its prevalence across different ages and ethnicities in both genders. This phenomenon has raised questions among researchers and scientists regarding the factors driving the surge i n UBC rates, particularly in specific demographic groups.This study seek to elucidate the role of racial disparities in influencing the incidence of UBC across various states in the United States. Urinary bladder cancer data were sourced from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The dataset was meticulously analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5 software, and statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t -test. Our findings indicate a general trend of higher UBC incidence among males compared to females, regardless of ethnicity. Furthermore, the white ethnic group exhibited the highest incidence of bladder cancer among all races in the dataset. Notably, American Indian and African American males and females also demonstrated elevated UBC incidence rates when compared to white ethnic groups. UBC was found to be less prevalent in individuals under the age of 50 but more prominent among those aged 65 and above. Certain states, such as Connecticut, Idaho, Maryland, and South Carolina, exhibited significantly higher UBC incidences per 100,000 populations in comparison to the rest of the fifty states in the US. Additionally, a county-specific analysis for Alabama revealed that out of its 67 counties, only 43 counties reported UBC incidence in males and 15 counties in females. Specific counties in Alabama, such as Colbert County, Clay County, and Elmore County, displayed markedly higher UBC incidence rates in both males and females. In conclusion, our analysis suggests that white males and females exhibit a higher incidence of bladder cancer than other racial groups. This phenomenon could be attributed to genetic factors or other variables contributing to UBC development. Moreover, the absence of cancer inciden ce reports among certain ethnic groups in the United States and Alabama counties may be linked to limited access to testing, awareness, and funding for bladder cancer detection and prevention.

Keywords: Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Health Care, Racial Disparities

Acknowledgements: Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) P120A200045 and Dr. Bernadette Hence at the U.S. Department of Education.

89. Efficacy of Optimized Homemade Electrolyzed Water for Pre - and Post-harvest Intervention of Bacterial Produce Contaminant

Hung King Tiong, Batrina Reid, and Juliella Payne

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

Prior in-vitro and in-vivo studies, including tomato microbiology, demonstrated improved effectiveness (i.e., >5 -log reduction; P<0.05) of optimized home -made electrolyzed water (HEW) against foodborne and nosocomial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and tomato indigenous bacteria; but its holistic reallife/field applications in produce microbial control in small scale farms have not been experimentally explored. The present study aims to determine the applicability of HEW to improve produce safety, shelf-life, nutrition, and plant health in small-scale farms. The HEW preparation protocol of Asma et al. is adapted and applied with modifications. Various harsh - processing susceptible produce, including blackberry, blueberry, cherry, and raspberry, are acquired from local grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Viable colony aerobic plate count and automated most -probable-number methods are used pre - and postHEW applications with/without massages to comparatively assess its antibacterial efficacy against produce indigenous and inoculated bacteria, including foodborne pathogens. Comparative assays of HEW applications via exclusive suspension vs. simultaneous suspension and massages against tomato indigenous bacteria revealed differential antibacterial effica cies, of which the latter contributed to significantly improved effectiveness ( P <0.05). Further, tomatoes massaged in HEW suspension exhibited improved (vs. non -HEW treated) and differential (i.e., among HEW - treated) shelf-life (i.e., <48 h – >2 months). Subsequent similar assays with diseased plants’ whole plant and leafy parts before and after timely suspension (i.e., without massages) revealed effective differential antibacterial efficacies (i.e., 3 –5-log reduction) against indigenous bacteria, including the plant disease-causing bacteria, and that the application visibly improved the health of the plant. The present study suggests that applying HEW with massages to tomatoes is effective against bacterial contaminant, that its effectiveness is dictated b y the type of contaminating bacteria, and that its applicability to indigenous and inoculated bacteria control in other harsh-processing susceptible produce is worth conclusive experimentation/exploration to improve produce safety and quality in smallscale produce-producing farms.

Keywords: Homemade electrolyzed water (HEW), produce, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus.

Kayley Key and Tracy Keener

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL , USA

Electronic cigarettes are an emerging technology in the scope of nicotine consumption. The consumption of such chemicals not only affects the user, but those around them through second -hand aerosols exhaled by the user. This study observes those effects through a mice model. A total of eleven mice are being observed in this study and have been divided into a control group consisting of three mice and an experimental group consisting of eight mice. Over the span of six weeks, the experimental group of mice will be exposed to Coastal Clouds brand nicotine salt e- liquid diffused through a Vick’s brand nasal inhaler system. The amount of e-liquid used in the exposure system will increase weekly and the concentration of the e -liquid will increase after three weeks to imitate exposure from an actual electronic cigarette user that has begun vaping. Every two weeks of the experiment, the mice have t heir length and weight measured as well as a blood sample drawn. A peripheral blood count is performed on the blood samples from the control and experimental groups of mice to determine any changes to their leukocytes. The three mice in the control group are expected to have normal values from their samples, while elevated eosinophils and basophils are expected to be observed in the experimental group. The mice’s water intake is also being monitored to determine if it is affected by electronic cigarette exp osure. Both the control and experimental groups of mice will be sacrificed after the sixth and final week of the experiment and a bronchial washing will be performed to flush out cells and tissues from the respiratory tract that will then be analyzed by an area pathologist to identify any potential injury to the lungs due to the second -hand electronic cigarette exposure.

90. The Effects of Second-Hand Electronic Cigarette Aerosols on a Mice Model

91. Increasing Crop Production with Fungal Endophytes

Layla Moberg, Bryson Rhodes, and Mustafa Morsy Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

The increase in human population and global climate changes, limited water resources, arable land, and depleted soil nutrients are challenges to the sustainability of current agricultural practices. In the last few decades, the farm industry has depended on agrochemicals to increase crop productivity by adding soil nutrients and using pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals. Overusing these chemicals led to the loss of naturally occurring symbiotic microorganisms and negatively affected the ecosystem, with the runoff going into water systems and harming wildlife. Thus, a significant obstacle facing 21 st-century innovators is to develop environmentally friendly and sustaina ble agricultural systems. Our lab identified many potentially beneficial symbiotic fungal endophytes from healthy wild plants growing under stressful environmental conditions. Our role was to provide the initial screening for some of these fungi. We tested 12 endophytic fungi on tomato plants under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions. We used various methods to assess the effect of endophytic fungi on tomato physiological parameters and growth. Our results showed that tomatoes colonized with specific fungal spores or inoculated with fungal extracts had better growth, CO2 conductance, and chlorophyll content in the early stages of seedling development. Under greenhouse conditions, the colonization of tomatoes with W8 and W12 endophytic fungi increased yi eld by 98% and 89.1%, respectively, compared to non-symbiotic tomatoes. Other endophytes showed a negative effect on the yield. We plan to repeat the experiment with a larger plant sample (20 or more) and have more replications.

92. Using a

Smartphone-Based Fundus Camera

System to Analyze the Progression of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonatal Rats

Nolan McKibben, Yanqi Zhang, Lingyan Kong, and Libo Tan

Department of Human Nutrition & Hospitality Management , The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Fundus imaging is a diagnostic procedure used in clinical ophthalmology to analyze the posterior segment of the eye, including the retinal vessels and optic nerve. Rodent models are commonly used to mimic ocular diseases that affect the human eye. Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye condition that affects roughly 32% of hospitalized preterm infants and is characterized by the abnormal growth of the retinal blood vessels. In order to analyze the retinal blood vessels in neonatal rats, the retina must be dissected and analyzed in vitro, leaving no opportunity to monitor the progression of retinopathy of prematurity throughout the disease process. Fundus imaging could provide noninvasive in vivo imaging to analyze changes in rodents with retinopathy of prematu rity. However, commercial fundus imaging devices are expensive and require corneal contact, which increases the risk for ocular infection. An alternative fundus imaging method using a smartphone and a condensing lens has been shown to be effective in humans and recently in mice. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if a smartphone -based fundus camera system can be used to monitor in vivo changes caused by retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal rats. KRN 633 was used to induce retinopathy of prematur ity and fundus imaging was conducted using a 90D condensing lens and a smartphone. In vitro analysis of the retina was also conducted for comparison. Retinopathy of prematurity induced tortuous arteries in both the fundus images and the microscopy images of the retina with a significantly positive correlation between the two imaging techniques. In the future, the smartphone-based fundus camera system could be used to monitor the progression of retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal rodents.

93. Cooling Interventions to Protect Agricultural Workers Against Kidney Injury: A Pilot Study

Rashika George1, Crista Irwin2, Lisa Elon2, and Roxana Chicas2

1Miles College

2Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Background

Agricultural workers are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) that is associated with increased core body temperature, and strenuous work in rising ambient temperatures. Controlled chamber studies have reported that alleviating hyperthermia may reduce the risk of AKI.

Purpose:

To examine whether a cooling vest or bandana protects agricultural workers from AKI.

Methods

Agricultural workers (n=78) in Florida were randomly assigned to 1 -4 groups: no intervention (control), cooling bandana, cooling vest, and both the vest and bandana. Blood creatinine was measured pre - and post-work shift. AKI was defined using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria: creatinine values after the work shift increased at least 0.3 mg/dL from values before work or the ratio of post- to pre-shift values was more than or equal to 1.5 as increased creatinine levels >0.3mg/dL from pre- to post-work shift.

Results

The bandana group had 6 (32%) workers with AKI, 1 (5%) vest, 2 (11%) bandana and vest group, and 2 (12%) in the control group . None of the interventions were significantly (p>0.05) protective against AKI.

Conclusion

This study found that cooling interventions may not be enough to prevent AKI among agricultural workers. Further intervention field -based research that is grounded in the realities of agriculture labor are needed to examine interventions that protect workers from AKI.

94. Effect of Brewing and Storage on Quality of Teas

Sara Ghulamani1, Thura Naing 2, and Lingyan Kong2

1Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

2Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Consuming tea brings a wealth of nutritional benefits, such as enhancing your immune system, fighting inflammation, d elivering key vitamins and minerals, and offering a rich source of antioxidants that protect the body's tissues from a range of diseases. Tea is abundant in phenolic compounds, which are powerful antioxidants found in plant -based foods that help shield cells from harm caused by free radicals, potentially preventing conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Studies have indicated that the amount of phenolic compounds in tea increases with the length of brewing time, and that black tea contains a higher phenolic content than green tea, correlating with its stronger antioxidant effects. Furthermore, green tea is noted for having the highest amount of vitamin C. Our research focused on thoroughly analyzing how brewing and storage impact the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and vitamin C levels in various teas, including black, oolong, and green tea. We brewed tea leaves in hot water for 612 minutes, varying the time based on the tea type, and then filtered it to obtain a clear infusion. We assessed total phenolic content by comparing their absorbance to that of a standard gallic acid solution, and measured total antioxidant capacity by comparison with a Trolox standard solution. Vitamin C levels were evaluated by testing the samples for ascorbic acid and other reducing substances. Through repeated tests across different brewing times and storage conditions, we determined the phenolic, antioxidant, and vitamin C content of each tea type under various scenarios.

Keywords: total phenolics; antioxidant capacity; vitamin C; brewing conditions; black tea; oolong tea; green tea

95. Evaluating Cost Efficiency of the Salad Spinner Centrifuge as a Possible Alternative in Hematocrit Determination

Sterling Spears II and Tracy Keener

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL , USA

The Packed cell volume [PCV] is a measurement of the proportion of blood that is made up of cells and can be measured by two different methods: centrifugation (spun hematocrit) and automated hematology analyzer (calculated hematocrit). This research involved the development of a manually powered centrifuge to determine hematocrit for use in low-resource locations. The centrifuge was created using a salad spinner and low-cost materials. After construction, 40 blood samples obtained by an area hospital were spun to determine the effectiveness of the salad spinner centrifuge as compared to results obtained from an automated hematology analyzer. Spun hematocrits are typically 1% to 3% higher than the hematocrit from an automated instrument due to plasma that is trapped in the erythrocytes in the normal situation. Hematocrit values using the engineered salad spinner yielded a 50% increase when compared to automated results.

The salad spinner centrifuge, constructed for $35.00, was deemed to be a successful, low-budget, low-resource alternative to the higher -cost automated hematocrit instrument.

96. A Predictive Model for Correlating Horse Thrush and Environmental Conditions

Yuhua Pang, Jing Chen, and Hung King Tiong

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

Bacteria-attributed horse thrush infections could be detrimental to animal performance and could lead to permanent lameness. Leukotoxin (lktA) -positive Fusobacterium necrophorum (partially) and fimbrial protease exporter -positive (fimA) Dichelobacter nodosus bacteria were documented to associate with thrush symptomatic horses positively and negatively, respectively. However, th e availability of non-F. necrophorum bacteria in thrush symptomatic hoofs has not been explored to date. The present study aimed to explore thrush-causing bacteria in rodeo horses, their prevalence under environmental conditions, and develop a predictive model for thrush preventive management. A total of 15 separate swab samples were acquired from three groups of phenotypically healthy (10) and sicken (5) frogs from thrush from rodeo horses of three independent open pen raisers between the months of May (5; 65-75F), September (3; 80-90 F), October (5; 65-75 F and 78-80 F), and November (2; 65-75 F), dry (9), and wet (6) environments. Hoof’s indigenous bacteria were suspended in a sterile solution, cultivated anaerobically and aerobically, and isolated colonies were separately streaked for purification. Bacterial DNAs were extracted using the bead collision method and identities were determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Linear correlation was employed to determine the relatedness between thrush conditions, temperatures, and humidities. 42 bacteria were differentially detected in healthy (30) and sicken (12) hoofs. Of 18 bacterial DNAs amplified for lktA gene, six (30%) were positive for the gene indicating F. necrophorum availability. Subsequently, 16S rRNA bacterial identification exhibited non-F. necrophorum bacterial identities, including animal/human pathogens. Linear correlation revealed a strong (i.e., R = ~1) relationship among thrush, temperature, and humidity. Attributed to the natural co -inhabitant of both horse and thrush-causing bacteria, bacterial horse thrush is inevitable. The present comparative study reveals potential non-F. necrophorum thrush- causing bacteria and thrush control predictive models that could effectively help mitigate infections and performance complications from prolonged chemical treatment.

Keywords: horse thrush, Fusobacterium necrophorum, pathogens, hoofs, bacteria, predictive model

97. Optimized Isolation, Cultivation, Prevalence, and Biology of Vagococcus lutrae in Raw Seafood

Hung King Tiong, Elizabeth F. Scruggs, and Zaria Gulley

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

Prior reports consistently advocated V. lutrae as an emerging human pathogen, attributed to the increasing hospitalization cases in humans; however, knowledge pertaining to its biology and epidemiology that are relevant to investigating this pathogen further is efficiently limited to date. The present study explored V. lutrae isolation/cultivation conditions, prevalence, and biology. A two -step enrichment method was employed for cultivating V. lutrae in raw seafood acquired from estuarines, wet markets, and retailers. Presumptive V. lutrae contaminant in enriched seafood was selectively cultured on thiosulfate–citrate–bile salts–sucrose (TCBS) agar, and bacterial colonies were streaked for purification before 16S rRNA bacterial identification. Confirmed V. lutrae isolates were further analyzed for their glucose, oxygen, and salinity requirements, thermal and antibiotic sensitivity profiles, and virulence determinants. Of 76 bacterial isolates from three seafood organisms enriched at specific times (24 and 48 h), 12 16S rRNA confirmed V. lutrae were exclusively differentially recovered from shrimp (10) and crab (2), and they could be distributed into regular (3) and heat -resistant (9) isolates as demonstrated by differentially distinctive colored (yellow or black) bacterial colonies formed on TCBS agar inoculated with enriched -only or enriched and heated (80 °C) seafood solution, respectively. Carbohydrate -, oxygen-, saline-required, and thermal-challenged growth assays revealed its tolerance capacity against glucose (0-2%), oxygen (i.e., parafilm-wrapped agar plate vs. none par afilm-wrapped), salinity (0.5-20.5%), and extended high -temperature exposure (63 °C, 8 h), and that these conditions could dictate its culturable viability in suspension or agar plating cultivation. Antibiotic sensitivity assay revealed differentially sens itive isolates to doxycycline and gentamycin. Subsequently, the hemolysis assay of select isolates exhibited no visible hemolytic activity. Emerging foodborne pathogen contaminants could readily invade the established food safety regimen. The present improved knowledge pertaining to V. lutrae isolation, cultivation, prevalence, and biology can enhance its detection, investigation, microbial food safety, and public health.

Keywords: Vagococcus lutrae, emerging pathogen, foodborne, antibiotic, seafood, contamination.

98. Evaluating the Impact of Aging on Elderly Health

Emilee Paul, Nykeria Hambright, Hunter Burton, and Tracy Keener

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL, USA

An older adult (elderly) is defined as 65 and older, and reports indicate that the age expectancy has increased. Current data shows more older adults than any other age group in the United States, and this continues to rise. As part of our Human Anatomy and Physiology II course, each student randomly surveyed two elderly adults, yielding 49 surveys. The feedback provided information regarding their current health conditions and how they affect their daily living, along with eating habits, environment, occupation, cancer, or other diseases that affect their daily living. We found that most elderly adults surveyed live independently without any assistance yet experience many health issues. Our data indicated that arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes are common health issues faced by elderly adults. Research shows that as we age and reach elderly status, our bodies and organ systems gradually work insufficiently over time. Our findings indicate that many factors, besides age, play a role in this, such as environment, diet, me ntal health, genetics, certain diseases, and many more. Depending on the severity of each health issue, they take numerous medications and supplements to help with their health issues. Because many elderly adults we surveyed have hypertension and/or diabet es, some opt for a healthier diet to improve their health. We found that poor eating habits and environmental factors such as smoking and work conditions can have a significant effect on an individual's health as they reach elderly status in addition to ge netics. In light of our nation's growing elderly adult population, our data indicates the importance of managing one's health early because environment, diet, and genetics affect overall health.

99.

Miriam Wahbi, Insaf El Bakali, Badia Ez -Zahouani, Rida Azmi, Abdelmalik Moujahid, Mohammed Zouiten, Otmane Yazidi Alaoui, Hakim Boulaassal, Mustapha Maatouk, and Omar El Khark

University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco

The buildings in the rural areas of Morocco exist in various shapes and sizes. They are randomly distributed and are generally constructed of primary materials such as clay, wood, and tin. For these reasons, their detection is generally difficult and inaccurate with optical satellite imagery and traditional image processing techniques, particularly in rural settlements. New approaches, particularly those of Deep Learning, are called for testing their contribution to the detection of buildings and settlements in rural areas. This study aims to detect and map the settlements in rural areas in the Souss-Massa region using Sentinel2 satellite images, based on deep Learning al1gorithms. First, we tested the result of the convolutional neural network architecture UNet. Then, to evaluate the impact of filters number on the performance of UNet, we increased the number of filters in the convolution layer. And third, we implement the deep Residual UNet (ResUNet). To evaluate the quality of tested models, special metrics, such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1- score, and the ROC curve are used. The obtained precision of 87% of precision and 54% of F1- score for the UNet with an increased number of filters outperforms the other algorithms UNet and ResUNet, which have 86.2% of precision and 81.2% precision, respectively. We compared our perception to those of other related studies conducted to extract buildings or settlements in rural areas using high to very high-resolution images and machine learning and deep learning algo1rithms. Our r esults show that the performance of settlement detection in rural areas using deep learning is affected by the quality and quantity of the model training base images and the number of filters used in the convolution layer.

A Deep Learning Classification Approach Using High Spatial Satellite

100. Advancing Soybean Seed Protein: Insights from QQS Gene Exploration

Ethan Brister and Ling Li

Department of Bio logical Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA

Enhancing soybean seed protein holds profound significance, augmenting the nutritional quality of soybeans and addressing global concerns about food security and sustainable agric ulture for both human and livestock consumption. Additionally, increased soybean seed protein is pivotal for diverse industrial applications, spanning high-protein animal feed to the production of plant -based protein products. The Arabidopsis orphan gene Q ua-Quine Starch (QQS) has emerged as a key player in elevating protein levels in leaves and seeds across various plant species. Through a comparative analysis of RNA transcript levels in wild-type and QQS-expressing (QQS-E) soybean leaves, we successfully identified potential candidate genes associated with high -protein content. These genes exhibited higher transcript levels in QQS -E lines compared to the wild type, establishing a clear positive correlation with high protein content. To deepen our understanding of the interplay between these soybean genes and protein content, we conducted experiments involving the over -expression of these genes in wild-type Arabidopsis plants. Quantification of transcript levels and thorough analysis of leaf and seed composi tion in promising lines unveiled the potential of these candidate soybean genes enhance leaf protein content in Arabidopsis. Armed with these compelling findings, we aim to illustrate the practical applications of these discoveries and their potential impa ct on augmenting soybean seed composition, thereby contributing to advancements in both agricultural and industrial sectors.

101. Two-Phase Cytokinin Response in Delaying Leaf Senescence: Insights from Dark Induced Senescence in Arabidopsis

Omar Hasannin, Risheek Khanna, Martin ern , and Aaron Rashotte Biology

Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL,

USA

Cytokinins, key phytohormones, play a pivotal role in delaying leaf senescence and exhibiting a range of isoforms with this capacity. Despite their significant roles in senescence, the molecular pathways governing Cytokinins during leaf senescence remain largely une xplored, particularly concerning the distinct roles of their isoforms. This study bridges this knowledge gap by deploying omics analyses during Dark Induced Senescence in Arabidopsis leaves over four -time intervals (2, 48, 96, and 144 hours) and involving 11 naturally occurring Cytokinin isoforms. Our findings unveil distinct temporal gene regulation patterns, both within and across the isoforms, at different time points. Notably, we discovered a dual-phase Cytokinin response in regulating leaf senescence: initially, base forms modulate Chlorophyll catabolic genes, SAGs, photosynthesis, and senescence-associated transcription factors at 48 and 96 hours; subsequently, N -glucosides distinctly influence Photosystem II and Light Harvesting complexes at 144 hours. This research underlines the necessity of a comprehensive analysis of various Cytokinins isoforms to fully comprehend their roles in the stages of leaf senescence.

102. Taxonomically Restricted QQS Associated 1 (TRQA1): A Regulator of Plant Metabolism Contr olling Protein and Starch Content

Rezwan Tanvir

and Ling

Li

Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

Arabidopsis thaliana orphan gene Qua -Quine Starch (QQS) and its interactor, Nuclear Factor Y subunit C4 (NF-YC4), are known to enhance leaf/seed protein levels, reduce starch content, and increase pest and pathogen resistance across various plant species while maintaining yield. Despite their great potential for crop improvement, their functional network is still elusive. Taxonomically Restricted QQS Associated 1 (TRQA1) is believed to be associated with QQS based on its expression profile. Analysis of RNA -Seq data revealed the suppression of QQS expression leads to a significant upregulation of TRQA1 expression. We have obtained Arabidopsis plants with overexpressed or suppressed (by RNA interference (RNAi)) TRQA1 expression and TRQA1 knockout to elucidate the impact of TRQA1 on plant metabolism. TRQA1 suppression can significantly increase plant prote in content and decrease starch levels. Examination of TRQA1 promoter –GUS expression patterns under normal growth conditions reveals its ubiquity. Its expression was detected in virtually all plant organs throughout different developmental stages, consisten t with publicly available RNA-Seq data. Specifically, TRQA1 exhibits exceptionally high expression along leaf veins and at root tips. TRQA expression was confined to the cytosol, and the TRQA promoter -coding sequence-GFP fusion protein was not detected in the nucleus nor plastids under normal growth conditions. Promoter motif analyses hint at TRQA1's potential involvement in diverse aspects of plant metabolism, stress resistance, and defense against pests and pathogens. These insights suggest TRQA1 may play a pivotal role in regulating carbon and nitrogen allocation, underscoring its applicability as a valuable tool for enhancing plant protein content. In summary, our research highlights the promising role of TRQA1 as a novel regulator of plant metabolism and fine-tuning protein and starch content while contributing to stress resistance and overall plant defense strategies.

103. A Miniaturized Broadband Vivaldi Antenna for Advanced Food Quality Assessment using Microwave Imaging

Md Imtiaz Kamrul and Nathan Jeong

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA

Ensuring food quality and safety is an immense challenge in the food industry. Each year, the United States experiences a loss of 35 -40% of its food suppl y due to inaccurate assessment of the food items' maturity. Additionally, there are 1.52 million pounds of food recalls, with the primary concern being the presence of foreign substances that may have contaminated the product during processing. To address these issues, microwave imaging offers a non-invasive solution that utilizes low-intensity non-ionizing radiation. This approach also offers excellent depth of penetration to the food samples. In microwave imaging, the antenna is an essential component as it is primarily involved in transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through food samples. This research concentrates on the novel approach of a miniature Vivaldi antenna involving a circular closed slot and a tapered open slot. The antenna design uses a 3D electromagnetic full-wave simulation software, i.e., Ansys HFSS, to analyze the antenna parameters such as reflection coefficient, radiation pattern, efficiency directivity, and input impedance. The antenna achieves a high gain of 5-7dBi with a radiation efficiency of 90%. It utilizes an inexpensive FR4 substrate measuring 38.5×47.45 mm2 with a thickness of 0.8mm. It successfully achieves -10dB bandwidth across a wide frequency range of 3.32 - 8.71GHz. Furthermore, this research exhibits the near-field and far-field behavior of the antenna when placed next to a food sample, such as an egg, which is a relatively high water -content food sample. The antenna's near-field behavior also shows excellent antenna performance. These results confirm that the proposed antenna is suitable for food quality inspection.

Keywords: broadband antenna, microwave imaging, food quality

104. P2S2 Joint Angle Detection

Zachary Choffin and Nathan Jeong

College of Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

The World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of physical disability, many of whom reside in countries where access to modern healthcare is not just limited but often non-existent. This reality poses a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for innovation in medical technology to bridge this gap. This paper presents the multi-modal shoe sensor systems which can address these issues. This wearable system allows to detect joint angles and human motion, identify person, and calculate stride length. Pressure sensor, IMU (inertial motion unit), temperature sensor are fully integrated into shoes to provide comfort and digitalized health data. This sensor system is not just tools for monitoring; they are the start to personalized healthcare. Additionally, coupled with internet connectivity, individuals can now track their movement patterns in real-time, enabling access to remote diagnostics and care. This technology promises not just to improve the quality of life for millions but to revolutionize the way we approach healthcare accessibility. By turning every motion into a data point, can bring a future where the individual is impowered in their healthcare.

105. Microwave Imaging System

Muzhi Wu and Nathan Jeong

College of Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL,

USA

Microwave imaging is a valuable tool for assessing the ripeness of fruits, offering non-destructive insights into their internal properties. By designing a circular array equipped with 10 Co planar Vivaldi Antennas (CVA), this system provides ultrawide bandwidth and high gain, allowing to visualize unique features of watermelon and avocado’s internal structures. With automated highfrequency switching networks, S-parameters can be swiftly collected, enabling rapid and precise image generation. Additionally, the microwave imaging coupled with machine learning (ML) presents a promising solution. By leveraging the same microwave imaging system, researchers can non -invasively assess avocado ripeness, offering an accurate and objective means of evaluation. Machine learning algorithms can enhance this process by analyzing the distinctive characteristics captured through microwave imaging, improving the accuracy of fruit maturity assessment. This inte gration of ML with microwave imaging has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of fruit ripeness evaluation, overcoming the limitations of the conventional methods like visual inspection and manual palpation.

106. Sustainable D evelopment in Low Carbon, Cleaner and Greener Energies and the Environment

Abdeen Mustafa Omer

Energy Research Institute (ERI), Nottingham NG7 4EU, United Kingdom

The increased availability of reliable and efficient energy services stimulates new development alternatives. This article discusses the potential for such integrated systems in the stationary and portable power market in response to the critical need for a cleaner energy technology. Throughout the theme several issues relating to renewable energies, environment, and sustainable development are examined from both current and future perspectives. It is concluded that green energies like wind, solar, groundso urce heat pumps, and biomass must be promoted, implemented, and demonstrated from the economic and/or environmental point view. Biogas from biomass appears to have potential as an alternative energy source, which is potentially rich in biomass resources. T his is an overview of some salient points and perspectives of biogas technology. The current literature is reviewed regarding the ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts of biogas technology. This article gives an overview of present and future use of biomass as an industrial feedstock for production of fuels, chemicals and other materials. However, to be truly competitive in an open market situation, higher value products are required. Results suggest that biogas technology must be encouraged, pr omoted, invested, implemented, and demonstrated, but especially in remote rural areas.

GRADUATE SCHOOLS AND CAREER PARTICIPANTS

Participants

West Central Alabama AHEC

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

United Rentals

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Fastenal Company

Alabama Department of Revenue

University of Alabama Graduate School

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health

Jackson State University

East Tennessee State University

Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy

Sherman College of Chiropractic

Tuskegee University

The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Mercedes Lightfoot mercedes.lightfoot@wcaahec.org

Alayna Boling alayna.boling@adem.alabama.gov

Dave Compton dcompto@ur.com

Joshua Harvey jharvey4@fbi.gov

Evelyn Rivera evrivera@fastenal.com

James Dyer jasmine.dyer@revenue.alabama.gov

Kaitlynn Beaird kmbeaird@ua.edu

Richard Bennett pholt@uab.edu

Byron Quick byron.a.quick@jsums.edu

Tom VerDow Verdow@etsu.edu

Katie Rowland Ellis kellis3@samford.edu

Will Tucker Wtucker@sherman.edu

Melanee Hester mhester@tuskegee.edu

Linda Goodson cwesley@acom.edu

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful for the judges and session moderators for their time in supporting students.

Anathbandhu Chaudhuri Stillman College

Catalina Casaru UWA

El Ghali Houari USMBA

Fouad Ouazzani Chadi USMBA

Frank Roger UWA

Hoda Hassan UWA

Jessica Lotz UWA

Jeffrey Merida UWA

LaJuan Hutchinson UWA

Ling Li Mississippi State University

Mohamed Zouiten USMBA

Mohammed El Yazidi USMBA

Sharon Valverde USMBA

Wayne Korzan UWA

Fallon Plowman UWA

Will Atkinson UWA

Kirsten Cunningham UWA

Byron Thetford UWA

Emily Stuart UWA

Julie Traeger UWA

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