MnFe₂O₄ ferrite nanoparticle was synthesized via the sol–gel method, and structural, morphology and magnetic characteristics were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the synthesized sample was in a single phase with a spinel-ferrite-like structure (space group Fd-3m). The scanning electron microscopy displayed homogenous spherical grains with an agglomeration of the particles. The chemical composition determined by energy-dispersive spectroscopy shows the absence of any impurities. To understand the role of magnetic interaction in MnFe₂O₄ spinel ferrites, the structural and magnetic properties of MnFe₂O₄ have been explored theoretically. Based on the first-principles methods via density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations, the magnetic hysteresis cycle has been plotted. Using the generalized gradient and GGA-PBE approximation in the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method, the exchange coupling interactions between magnetic elements and local magnetic moment were evaluated. Furthermore, the theoretical magnetic properties of MnFe₂O₄ were found to match the experimental ones. They both revealed that MnFe₂O₄ is a soft ferromagnetic material. The theoretical curve of magnetization versus temperature indicates that the transition occurred at T_c = 580.0 K. This was also in good agreement with the experimental Curie temperature.

Sand flies are insect vectors of several diseases including leishmaniases. These vector-borne diseases represent a public health problem in several countries around the world, including Morocco. The objective of this study was to assess simultaneously the knowledge of health professionals and inhabitants on sand flies; a cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2019 among 424 people, 34% of whom were health professionals and 66% of whom were inhabitants of the province of El Hajeb in central Morocco; 46.3% of doctors, 50.7% of nurses, 66.7% of midwives and 69.4% of inhabitants showed a low knowledge of sand flies. Most participants believed that sand flies breed in stagnant and polluted waters. Negative attitudes were found among 72.2% of the inhabitants. Factors associated with a high level of knowledge included continuing education among health professionals and information on vector-borne diseases among residents. The conceptual and cognitive gaps in the knowledge of sand flies reflect the lack of information and training on sand flies. The results of the sand fly knowledge review can be integrated into the national leishmaniases control program and the integrated vector management strategy to raise public awareness on the health risks of sand flies.