Biofilm inhibition of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton and Globularia alypum L. extracts against Candida infectious pathogens and In vivo action on galleria mellonella model

The increasing importance of fungal infections has fueled the search for new beneficial alternatives substance from plant extracts. The current study investigates the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton and Globularia alypum (L.) leaves extracts against Candida both in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition of planktonic and sessile Candida albicans and Candida glabrata growth using both leaf extracts are evaluated. Moreover; an in vivo infection model using Galleria mellonella larvae; infected and treated with the extracts are performed. All extracts show fungicidal activity; with a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranging from 128 to 512 mu g mL(-1) against the two selected strains of Candida. In particular, the best results are obtained with methanolic extract ofI. viscosa and G. alypum with an MFC value of 128 mu g mL(-1). The extracts are capable to prevent 90% of biofilm development at minor concentrations ranging from 100.71 +/- 2.49 mu g mL(-1) to 380.4 +/- 0.92 mu g mL(-1). In vivo, tests on Galleria mellonella larvae show that the extracts increase the survival of the larvae infected with Candida. The attained results reveal that I. viscosa and G. alypum extracts may be considered as new antifungal agents and biofilm inhibiting agents for the pharmaceutical and agro-food field

Cloud Computing Solution for Monitoring Arid Rangeland Dynamics: Case of Moroccan Highlands and Southern Acacia Ecosystems

The wide availability of free satellite imagery, the recent development of cloud platforms dedicated to big spatial data (Big Data) that integrates both image archives from different providers, processing algorithms, distributed processing capabilities as well as an application programming interface (API) that facilitate scripting and automation process opened new perspectives for the use of vegetation observation time series over long timestamps and over large spatial scales (almost planetary). This work aims at harnessing these technologies and building up an automated solution to monitor rangeland rehabilitation dynamics in arid lands and to assess the effectiveness of stakeholder’s management strategies. Such solution is based on graphical user interface that facilitate the process and on the use of analysis functions relaying on analysing temporal trajectories (time series) of different spectral indices derived from satellite images (Landsat or Sentinel) at the required spatial analysis scale. The solution is implemented using java script as scripting language using the functions offered by GEE API. The graphical user interface of the first prototype is exploitable by the means of a standard web browser and it is accessible even to people without any background in regard to programming languages or to remote sensing skills. The process was tested for two arid sites on Morocco: acacia ecosystems on the southern part of Morocco and the highlands on Moroccan eastern parts mainly on sites recently rehabilitated. It has been qualified is promising solution

LEÏOMYOSARCOME UTERIN DE PRESENTATION INHABITUELLE

Utérin Leiomyosarcoma is rare [1.5]. It is likely conjunctiva and developed at the expense of mesenchymal elements of the myometrium. The uterus bicornis united cervical represents 39% of all uterine malformations [8]. The prevalence of these abnormalities is estimated at 0.5%. The association leïomyosarcoma and uterine malformation still very exceptional. The purpose of our work is to study the unique combination from the clinical, paraclinical, pathological, and evolving therapeutic.Le léiomyosarcome utérin est une tumeur maligne, rare [1,5].Elle est de nature conjonctive et développée aux dépens des éléments mésenchymateux du myomètre. L’utérus bicorne uni cervical représente 39% de l’ensemble des malformations utérines [8]. La prévalence de ces malformations est estimée à 0,5%. L’association leïomyosarcome utérin et malformation utérine reste très exceptionnelle et ce du fait que la malformation utérine est de diagnostic précoce à un âge jeune contrairement au leiomyosarcome utérin qui survient chez des femmes d’âge avancé. Le but de notre travail est d’étudier à partir de notre observation cette association exceptionnelle sur le plan clinique, paraclinique, anatomopathologique, thérapeutique et évolutif

Research on the suitability of organosolv semi-chemical triticale fibers as reinforcement for recycled HDPE composites

The main objective of this research was to study the feasibility of incorporating organosolv semi-chemical triticale fibers as the reinforcing element in recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE). In the first step, triticale fibers were characterized in terms of chemical composition and compared with other biomass species (wheat, rye, softwood, and hardwood). Then, organosolv semi-chemical triticale fibers were prepared by the ethanolamine process. These fibers were characterized in terms of its yield, kappa number, fiber length/diameter ratio, fines, and viscosity; the obtained results were compared with those of eucalypt kraft pulp. In the second step, the prepared fibers were examined as a reinforcing element for recycled HDPE composites. Coupled and non-coupled HDPE composites were prepared and tested for tensile properties. Results showed that with the addition of the coupling agent maleated polyethylene (MAPE), the tensile properties of composites were significantly improved, as compared to non-coupled samples and the plain matrix. Furthermore, the influence of MAPE on the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was studied. The contributions of both fibers and matrix to the composite strength were also studied. This was possible by the use of a numerical iterative method based on the Bowyer-Bader and Kelly-Tyson equations

Estimation of the interfacial shears strength, orientation factor and mean equivalent intrinsic tensile strength in old newspaper fiber/polypropylene composites

The present paper investigates the suitability of old newspapers (ONPs) as a source of reinforcing fibers for composite materials. Different percentages of ONP fibers were compounded with polypropylene (PP). A coupling agent was added to the compound to improve the interface between matrix and reinforcing fibers. Tensile test were performed to obtain the mechanical properties of the composite materials. Micromechanics of the fibers were obtained using Hirsch model, Bowyer Bader methodology and Kelly-Tyson equations. Due to the presence of a percentage of calcium carbonate in the obtained fibers (10%), the computed intrinsic characteristics were addressed as equivalent. The most important results were the mean equivalent intrinsic tensile strength of the ONP fibers, the mean orientation angle and the mean interfacial shear strength. The contributions of the matrix, the subcritical and the supercritical fibers to the tensile strength of the composite material were also computed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Serrano, A.; Espinach, FX.; Julian, F.; Rey Tormos, RMD.; Mendez, JA.; Mutje, P. (2013). Estimation of the interfacial shears strength, orientation factor and mean equivalent intrinsic tensile strength in old newspaper fiber/polypropylene composites. Composites Part B: Engineering. 50:232-238. doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.02.018S2322385

Accelerated expansion from structure formation

We discuss the physics of backreaction-driven accelerated expansion. Using the exact equations for the behaviour of averages in dust universes, we explain how large-scale smoothness does not imply that the effect of inhomogeneity and anisotropy on the expansion rate is small. We demonstrate with an analytical toy model how gravitational collapse can lead to acceleration. We find that the conjecture of the accelerated expansion being due to structure formation is in agreement with the general observational picture of structures in the universe, and more quantitative work is needed to make a detailed comparison.Comment: 44 pages, 1 figure. Expanded treatment of topics from the Gravity Research Foundation contest essay astro-ph/0605632. v2: Added references, clarified wordings. v3: Published version. Minor changes and corrections, added a referenc