Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of seeds oils and fruit juice of Opuntia Ficus Indica and Opuntia Dillenii from Morocco

peer reviewedThis study provides basic information on the mineral composition of the seeds and antioxidant activity in seeds oils and fruit juices of cactus belonging to two species Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia dillenii, from Morocco (Oujda), in order to evaluate the nutritional value of the Opuntia extracts. Minerals determined from dry seeds of Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia dillenii were: calcium 480.93 and 408.28; phosphorus 1417.59 and 970.15; potassium 304.51 and 201.96; magnesium: 316.59 and 240.30; sodium: 48.33 and 18.18; zinc: 70.77 and 78.26 mg/100g respectively. The main fatty acids of Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia dillenii seed oil were respectively: linoleic acid: 58.79 and 79.83%, Palmitic acid: 11.18 and 13.52%. The antioxidant activity of Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia dillenii seed oils and fruit juices were assessed by means of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and ascorbic acid test. The results showed that the antioxidant activities of Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia dillenii seed oil (IC50 = 19.79 ± 0.023 and 27.21 ± 0.075 μL/mL) are higher than that of the reference ascorbic acid (IC50 = 16.56 ± 0.019 μg/mL). However, the Opuntia dillenii juice presents antioxidant activity more important than this of Opuntia seed oil and ascorbic acid. It possessed strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 8.18 μL/mL). The antioxidant activity of the seed oil and juice were also found to be concentration-dependent

Experimental analysis of behavior and damage of sandwich composite materials in three-point bending. Part 1. Static tests and stiffness degradation at failure studies

The analysis of stiffness and the identification of rupture mechanisms during and after static tests of sandwich panels and their components have been investigated. The sandwich panels, having cross-ply laminates skins made of glass fibre and epoxy resin were manufactured by vacuum moulding and subjected to three-point bending tests. Two PVC cores of similar type but with differing densities were investigated. The effect of core density and its thickness on the behavior and the damage was highlighted. In terms of stiffness and load at failure, the sandwich structure has better mechanical characteristics compared to its components.Експериментально досліджено зміну жорсткості та проаналізовано механізми руйнування при статичних випробуваннях багатошарових композитних пластин і їх компонентів. Багатошарові композитні пластини з перехресними шарами зі скловолокна та епоксидної смоли, що виготовлені методом вакуумної відливки, піддавали навантаженню триточковим згином. Досліджували два варіанти пластин з однотипними наповнювачами з полі- вінілопласта різної щільності. Розглянуто вплив щільності і товщини внутрішнього шару наповнювача на поведінку та пошкодження композита. Показано, що композит із наповнювачем великої щільності має більш високі характеристики статичної міцності і стійкості порівняно з композитом із наповнювачем меншої щільності.Экспериментально исследовано изменение жесткости и проанализированы механизмы разрушения при статических испытаниях многослойных композитных пластин и их компонентов. Многослойные композитные пластины с перекрестными слоями из стекловолокна и эпоксидной смолы, изготовленные методом вакуумной отливки, подвергали нагружению трехточечным изгибом. Исследовали два варианта пластин с однотипными наполнителями из пеновинилопласта различной плотности. Рассмотрено влияние плотности и толщины внутреннего слоя наполнителя на поведение и повреждение композита. Показано, что композит с наполнителем большей плотности обладает более высокими характеристиками статической прочности и устойчивости по сравнению с композитом, имеющим наполнитель меньшей плотности

Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Damage of Sandwich Composite Materials in Three-Point Bending. Part 2. Fatigue Test Results and Damage Mechanisms

Выполнены экспериментальные исследования изменения жесткости и механизмов повреж­дения при усталостных испытаниях многослойных композитних пластин с наполнителем из пеновинилопласта. Многослойные композитные пластины с перекрестными слоями из стекло­ волокна и эпоксидной смолы, изготовленные методом вакуумной отливки, подвергали нагру­жению трехточечным изгибом. Исследовали два варианта пластин с однотипными напол­нителями из пеновинилопласта различной плотности. Рассмотрено влияние плотности и толщины внутреннего слоя наполнителя на поведение и повреждение композита. С исполь­зованием двухразличных моделей и критерия циклической долговечности построены кривые усталости и выполнен их сравнительный анализ с имеющимися литературными данными. Показано, что композит SD 2 с наполнителем большей плотности обладает более высокими характеристиками статической прочности и устойчивости, а также усталостной проч­ности по сравнению с композитом SD 1 с наполнителем меньшей плотности.Проведено експериментальні дослідження зміни жорсткості та механізмів пошкодження при випробуваннях на втому багатошарових композитних пластин із наповнювачем із піновінілопласта. Багатошарові композитні пластини з перехресними шарами зі скловолокна та епоксидної смоли, виготовлені методом вакуумного відливу, піддавали навантаженню триточковим згином. Досліджували два варіанта пластин з однотипними наповнювачами з піновінілопласта різної щільності. Розглянуто вплив щільності і товщини внутрішнього шару наповнювача на поведінку та пошкодження композита. Із використанням двох різних моделей та критерію циклічної довговічності побудовано криві втомленості і проведено їх порівняльний аналіз із відомими літературними даними. Показано, що композит SD 2 з наповнювачем великої щільності має більш високі характеристики статичної міцності і стійкості та утомної міцності порівняно з композитом SD 1 із наповнювачем меншої щільності.The analysis o f stiffness degradation and the identification o f damage mechanisms during and after fatigue tests of sandwich panels with PVC foam cores have been performed. The sandwich panels with cross-ply laminates skins made of glass fiber and epoxy resin were manufactured by vacuum moulding and subjected to three-point bending tests. Two PVC cores of similar type but with differing densities were investigated. The effect o f core density and thickness on the damage behavior was highlighted. Using the cyclic life criterion, fatigue curves were plotted according to two models and compared with those o f the literature. It has been demonstrated that the sandwich SD 2, with the higher core density, withstands a higher load and possesses greater rigidity in static tests, combined with an enhanced fatigue resistance when compared to sandwich SD 1 which has a lower core density

The barite ore deposits of Bou Ouzzal (Moroccan Hercynian Massif-Central)

The deposit of Bou Ouzzal’s barite is located in the eastern extreme of the Moroccan Hercynian Massif- Central, to approximately 7 km to the south of Khénifra. The mineralization occurs in the paleozoic schists and late Visean limestones. The barite appears in the shape of veins and karst associated with oxides and iron hydroxides. This deposit is distinguished by his great heterogeneity and the variability of his composition. In spite of the fact that the region has been an object of numbers mining works from 1922, date in which the deposit was discovered, the analytical studies are scarce and half-close to the mineralization. The aim of the present note is concentrated on the detailed description of the different generations of barite, his distribution and relation with the iron’s minerals. The samples have been studied by polarizing microscopy, SEM, XRD, XRF and EPMA. This work is the preliminary result of the collaboration established between the University Mohammed VAgdal and the University Complutense of Madrid within the framework of the Spanish-Moroccan Intervarsity Cooperation’s program of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation «AECI

Livestock browsing affects the species composition and structure of cloud forest in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman

Questions: It is frequently reported that overstocking of camels, cattle and goats is degrading the Anogeissus cloud forest, which is endemic to a 200 km stretch of coastal mountains in southern Arabia. However, livestock impacts on the vegetation have not been assessed. Furthermore, we have a limited understanding of the impacts of large-bodied browsing livestock, such as camels, in woodland and forest rangelands. Therefore, in this study, we examine the effects of livestock browsing on the species composition, density, and hytomorphology of woody vegetation in the Anogeissus cloud forests in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman. Location: Data was collected at 30 sites in the Jabal Qamar mountain range in western Dhofar, Oman. Methods: The point-centered quarter method was used to sample the composition, density and structure of woody vegetation. Constrained correspondence analysis was used to quantify the effects of livestock browsing on woody plant species composition, whilst effects on plant density were analysed using mixed effects models. Standardised major axis regression was used to examine differences in height-diameter allometry (stunting) under different stocking rates. Results: Fog density, topographic position and long-term stocking rates were found to be important factors affecting woody species composition. We found lower species diversity and plant density, and higher frequencies of unpalatable species, under higher stocking rates. Juveniles showed a stronger response to stocking rates than adults, and several common species exhibited stunted morphology under high stocking rates. Conclusions: Browsing by large-bodied livestock, such as camels and cattle, can substantially alter the species composition, structure, and phytomorphology of woody vegetation in semi-arid woodlands and forests. Juveniles are particularly susceptible to browsing which alters woody vegetation demography and inhibits regeneration potential. Our results support previous suggestions of overstocking in Dhofar and highlight the importance of swift measures to reduce livestock browsing pressure in the Anogeissus cloud forests

Clinical standards for the diagnosis and management of asthma in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to aid the diagnosis and management of asthma in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: A panel of 52 experts in the field of asthma in LMICs participated in a two-stage Delphi process to establish and reach a consensus on the clinical standards. RESULTS: Eighteen clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, Every individual with symptoms and signs compatible with asthma should undergo a clinical assessment; Standard 2, In individuals (>6 years) with a clinical assessment supportive of a diagnosis of asthma, a hand-held spirometry measurement should be used to confirm variable expiratory airflow limitation by demonstrating an acute response to a bronchodilator; Standard 3, Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry should be performed in individuals (>6 years) to support diagnosis before treatment is commenced if there is diagnostic uncertainty; Standard 4, Individuals with an acute exacerbation of asthma and clinical signs of hypoxaemia or increased work of breathing should be given supplementary oxygen to maintain saturation at 94–98%; Standard 5, Inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) should be used as an emergency reliever in individuals with asthma via an appropriate spacer device for metered-dose inhalers; Standard 6, Short-course oral corticosteroids should be administered in appropriate doses to individuals having moderate to severe acute asthma exacerbations (minimum 3–5 days); Standard 7, Individuals having a severe asthma exacerbation should receive emergency care, including oxygen therapy, systemic corticosteroids, inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol with or without ipratropium bromide) and a single dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate should be considered; Standard 8, All individuals with asthma should receive education about asthma and a personalised action plan; Standard 9, Inhaled medications (excluding dry-powder devices) should be administered via an appropriate spacer device in both adults and children. Children aged 0–3 years will require the spacer to be coupled to a face mask; Standard 10, Children aged <5 years with asthma should receive a SABA as-needed at step 1 and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to cover periods of wheezing due to respiratory viral infections, and SABA as-needed and daily ICS from step 2 upwards; Standard 11, Children aged 6–11 years with asthma should receive an ICS taken whenever an inhaled SABA is used; Standard 12, All adolescents aged 12–18 years and adults with asthma should receive a combination inhaler (ICS and rapid onset of action long-acting beta-agonist [LABA] such as budesonide-formoterol), where available, to be used either as-needed (for mild asthma) or as both maintenance and reliever therapy, for moderate to severe asthma; Standard 13, Inhaled SABA alone for the management of patients aged >12 years is not recommended as it is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It should only be used where there is no access to ICS. The following standards (14–18) are for settings where there is no access to inhaled medicines. Standard 14, Patients without access to corticosteroids should be provided with a single short course of emergency oral prednisolone; Standard 15, Oral SABA for symptomatic relief should be used only if no inhaled SABA is available. Adjust to the individual’s lowest beneficial dose to minimise adverse effects; Standard 16, Oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) can be used as a preventive medication and is preferable to the use of long-term oral systemic corticosteroids; Standard 17, In exceptional circumstances, when there is a high risk of mortality from exacerbations, low-dose oral prednisolone daily or on alternate days may be considered on a case-by-case basis; Standard 18. Oral theophylline should be restricted for use in situations where it is the only bronchodilator treatment option available. CONCLUSION: These first consensus-based clinical standards for asthma management in LMICs are intended to help clinicians provide the most effective care for people in resource-limited settings