Effect of different substrates on growth, yield and quality of tomato by the use of geothermal water in the South of Tunisia

Purpose: With growing concern about climate change and the need to reduce the use of fossil fuels, there is increasing interest in the use of renewable energy. In this regard, geothermal energy has a great importance in agriculture activity in southern of Tunisia. By using geothermal heating for greenhouses in this part of Tunisia, production of vegetables attains 30000 tons of which 35% are exported. However, this activity faces some problems of soil diseases and salt accumulation. The main objective for the present research is to solve these problems by soilless cultivation using palm trees wastes as substrates after composting. These substrates give the opportunity to valorise these wastes produced with large amounts every crop season.Methods: The experiment was carried out under a green house involving five replicates and five treatments (1) Control: soil, (2) Palm trees compost, (3) Compost of oasis wastes and animal manure, (4) River sand and (5) Coconut fiber witch is an imported substrate. Plots were planted on with tomato. The measurements determinate were growth, yield and quality.Results. Comparison of means showed that yield of fruits had not any significant difference between treatments. Substrates had no influence on the average fruit weight, ranged from 91.17 g to 95.59 g. The marketable yield and the fruit weight of the tomatoes grown in oasis wastes and animal manure compost were slightly higher compared with those grown in other substrates. The results of data length and stem diameter on seven occasions, showed that plant height and diameter had a significant difference between treatments. The tallest plants were produced by tomato cultivated in soil (382.64 cm). The most vigorous plants were grown in coconut fiber (19.02 mm). TSS (°Brix) content of the fruit was found to differ significantly between substrates. Plants grown on soil and sand produced highest TSS values (5 °Brix). The pH and the EC of the tomato fruit juice were not significantly different in tomato cultivation with different substrates

Multikulturel litteratur i danskfaget: Kulturer, læsemåder og litterær inklusion

Hvad er multikulturel litteratur? Hvordan arbejder dansklærere i tre forskellige8. klasser med en multikulturel ungdomsbog og en dertilhørende didaktiskintervention?Formålene med denne afhandling er to. For det første bidrager afhandlingen meden defi nition på multikulturel litteratur, der blandt andet handler om at synliggøreminoriteter litterært. For det andet skaber afhandlingen viden om, hvordan eleverog lærere fra tre 8. klasser på skoler med forskellige elevsammensætningerforhandler og positionerer sig i arbejdet med multikulturel litteratur.Studiets teorigrundlag udgøres af poststrukturalismen og de primære analytisketilgange er hentet i teorien om medieret diskursanalyse og i positioneringsanalysen.Jeg ser derfor både på diskursive- samt materielle og kropslige positioneringer iarbejdet med multikulturel litteratur.Afhandlingen bidrager med ny viden om, hvordan danskfagetslitteraturundervisning kan inddrage multikulturel litteratur, uanset hvilke elever,der sidder i klasserne. I afhandlingen vises, hvordan særligt lærernes didaktiskespørgestrategier spiller en afgørende rolle for, hvilke positioner der åbnes for iklassens fælles læsning. Lærerne benytter sig blandt andet af perspektiverende-,personlige-, kontrasterende-, tekstnære- og kulturelle læsemåder. Studiet viserogså, at den didaktiske intervention, som lærerne får udleveret sammen medden multikulturelle ungdomsroman, er en vigtig støtte i arbejdet med multikulturellitteratur. Gennem elevernes evalueringer har studiet også vist, at fl ere elevermener, at de har lært noget om ”andres” kulturer. Endvidere viser resultaterne,at særligt minoritetselevers viden, holdninger og indbyrdes forskellige kulturelleerfaringer kom på banen i dette didaktiske fællesskab

Empirical evidence on Non-Performing Loans and credit frictions: banking sector in Tunisia

Purpose: This paper explores the most important determinants of friction in the Tunisian credit market.  The previous literature argued that friction is largely explained by the increase in Non-Performing Loans Nkusu, 2011; Abadi et al. 2014; Rulyasri et al.2017, Roland et all, 2013. Research methodology: We constructed a multivariate Vector Error Correction Model, with five macroeconomic variables (industrial production index, the money supply, money market interest rate) to examine the impact of Non-Performing Loans increase in amplifying the Tunisian credit frictions. Results: The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) regression results show a negative and important relationship between economic growth and Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio, which is very robust during the political crisis of 2011. The money market interest rate and the money supply are positively related to the Non-Performing loan ratio. Limitation: This study was only focused on Tunisian banking sector as one of the pillars of the Tunisian economy. Contributions: This highlights that the nature of the monetary policy adopted by the monetary authority of Tunisia plays a significant role in the fluctuation of the Non-Performing Loans ratio. Bank capitalization is positively and statistically significant with Non-Performing Loan ratio, implying that banks with a low level of capital are more likely to have a riskier credit portfolio that causes the increase of Non-Performing Loans in their balance sheet

Caractérisation physico-chimique de la carbonatation minérale des résidus miniers ultramafiques de la région de Thetford Mines, Québec

L’origine de la croissance très rapide des émissions des gaz à effet de serre est attribuée, pour plus des ¾, au seul dioxyde de carbone (CO₂). Ce dernier engendre d’importants impacts sur l’équilibre thermique de la Terre, sur l’environnement et sur la biodiversité. Il est donc nécessaire de mettre en oeuvre des actions d’envergure pour réduire ces émissions. La carbonatation minérale est l’une des méthodes de la séquestration du CO₂, qui participe significativement à l’effort global de réduction des émissions d’origine anthropique dans l’atmosphère. Plusieurs auteurs ont montré que le processus de carbonatation minérale se produit naturellement en surface de la halde à résidus miniers de la mine LAB Chrysotile à Thetford Mines, Québec (Canada). L’objectif de ce projet est de trouver les évidences de la carbonatation minérale en soussurface de la halde à résidus miniers en caractérisant les phases minérales carbonatées des échantillons d’un forage de 90 m de profondeur et en identifiant les horizons présentant un fort potentiel de carbonatation minérale. Un total de 42 échantillons de forage a été prélevé à différentes profondeurs puis tamisés, broyés et analysés par les méthodes suivantes : analyseur élémentaire carbone-soufre, appareil infrarouge à transformée de Fourier-ATR, microfluorescence des rayons X et le microscope électronique à balayage. Les résultats ont montré la présence de l’artinite, la nésquehonite, la dypingite et l’hydromagnésite dans tous les échantillons analysés cela prouve que les minéraux carbonatés sont stable à l’intérieure de la pile de résidu. Cependant les minéraux ont peutêtre précipité à la surface puis avoir été subséquemment enfouis par d’autres résidus. La corrélation entre les absorbances, la teneur en carbone, les mesures de la résistivité et de la susceptibilité magnétique montre que la carbonatation minérale s'est produite d’une manière très hétérogène tout au long du forage, mais que les horizons aux profondeurs entre 15-20 m, 24-29 m, 37-42 m, 57 m, 65-69 m, 80-84 m et à 89 m ont une concentration significative en carbonates de magnésium hydratés

Pelvic exenteration and composite sacral resection in the surgical treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of rectal cancer recurrence after surgery is 5–45%. Extended pelvic resection which entails En-bloc resection of the tumor and adjacent involved organs provides the only true possible curative option for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer.AimTo evaluate the surgical and oncological outcome of such treatment.Patients and methodsBetween 2006 and 2012 a consecutive series of 40 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer underwent abdominosacral resection (ASR) in 18 patients, total pelvic exenteration with sacral resection in 10 patients and extended pelvic exenteration in 12 patients. Patients with sacral resection were 28, with the level of sacral division at S2–3 interface in 10 patients, at S3–4 in 15 patients and S4–5 in 3 patients.ResultsForty patients, male to female ratio 1.7:1, median age 45years (range 25–65years) underwent extended pelvic resection in the form of pelvic exenteration and abdominosacral resection. Morbidity, re-admission and mortality rates were 55%, 37.5%, and 5%, respectively. Mortality occurred in 2 patients due to perineal flap sepsis and massive myocardial infarction. A R0 and R1 sacral resection were achieved in 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate was 22.6% and the 4-year recurrence free survival was 31.8%.ConclusionExtended pelvic resection as pelvic exenteration and sacral resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer are effective procedures with tolerable mortality rate and acceptable outcome. The associated morbidity remains high and deserves vigilant follow up

Analyzing Recent Coronary Heart Disease Mortality Trends in Tunisia between 1997 and 2009.

BACKGROUND: In Tunisia, Cardiovascular Diseases are the leading causes of death (30%), 70% of those are coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths and population studies have demonstrated that major risk factor levels are increasing. OBJECTIVE: To explain recent CHD trends in Tunisia between 1997 and 2009. METHODS: DATA SOURCES: Published and unpublished data were identified by extensive searches, complemented with specifically designed surveys. ANALYSIS: Data were integrated and analyzed using the previously validated IMPACT CHD policy model. Data items included: (i)number of CHD patients in specific groups (including acute coronary syndromes, congestive heart failure and chronic angina)(ii) uptake of specific medical and surgical treatments, and(iii) population trends in major cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), diabetes and physical inactivity). RESULTS: CHD mortality rates increased by 11.8% for men and 23.8% for women, resulting in 680 additional CHD deaths in 2009 compared with the 1997 baseline, after adjusting for population change. Almost all (98%) of this rise was explained by risk factor increases, though men and women differed. A large rise in total cholesterol level in men (0.73 mmol/L) generated 440 additional deaths. In women, a fall (-0.43 mmol/L), apparently avoided about 95 deaths. For SBP a rise in men (4 mmHg) generated 270 additional deaths. In women, a 2 mmHg fall avoided 65 deaths. BMI and diabetes increased substantially resulting respectively in 105 and 75 additional deaths. Increased treatment uptake prevented about 450 deaths in 2009. The most important contributions came from secondary prevention following Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) (95 fewer deaths), initial AMI treatments (90), antihypertensive medications (80) and unstable angina (75). CONCLUSIONS: Recent trends in CHD mortality mainly reflected increases in major modifiable risk factors, notably SBP and cholesterol, BMI and diabetes. Current prevention strategies are mainly focused on treatments but should become more comprehensive

Correction: Pathogenicity of Nosema sp.(Microsporidia) in the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera:Plutellidae)

Biological control using pathogenic microsporidia could be an alternative to chemical control of the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). The microsporidium Nosema bombycis (NB) is one of the numerous pathogens that can be used in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of DBM. However, its pathogenicity or effectiveness can be influenced by various factors, particularly temperature. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the effect of temperature on NB infection of DBM larvae. Second-instar larvae at different doses (spore concentration: 0, 1×102,1×103,1×104, and 1×105) at 15°, 20°, 25°, 30° and 35°C and a relative humidity(RH) of 65% and light dark cycle (L:D) of 12∶12. Larval mortality was recorded at 24 h intervals until the larvae had either died or pupated. The results showed that the spore concentration had a significant negative effect on larval survival at all temperatures, although this effect was more pronounced (92%) at 35°C compared with that at 20 and 30°C (≃50%) and 25°C (26%). Histological observations showed that Nosema preferentially infected the adipose tissue and epithelial cells of the midgut, resulting in marked vacuolization of the cytoplasm. These findings suggest that Nosema damaged the midgut epithelial cells. Our results suggest that Nosema had a direct adverse effect on DBM, and could be utilized as an important biopesticide alternative to chemical insecticides in IPM

Forecasting Tunisian type 2 diabetes prevalence to 2027: validation of a simple model.

BACKGROUND: Most projections of type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence are simply based on demographic change (i.e. ageing). We developed a model to predict future trends in T2D prevalence in Tunisia, explicitly taking into account trends in major risk factors (obesity and smoking). This could improve assessment of policy options for prevention and health service planning. METHODS: The IMPACT T2D model uses a Markov approach to integrate population, obesity and smoking trends to estimate future T2D prevalence. We developed a model for the Tunisian population from 1997 to 2027, and validated the model outputs by comparing with a subsequent T2D prevalence survey conducted in 2005. RESULTS: The model estimated that the prevalence of T2D among Tunisians aged over 25 years was 12.0% in 1997 (95% confidence intervals 9.6%-14.4%), increasing to 15.1% (12.5%-17.4%) in 2005. Between 1997 and 2005, observed prevalence in men increased from 13.5% to 16.1% and in women from 12.9% to 14.1%. The model forecast for a dramatic rise in prevalence by 2027 (26.6% overall, 28.6% in men and 24.7% in women). However, if obesity prevalence declined by 20% in the 10 years from 2013, and if smoking decreased by 20% over 10 years from 2009, a 3.3% reduction in T2D prevalence could be achieved in 2027 (2.5% in men and 4.1% in women). CONCLUSIONS: This innovative model provides a reasonably close estimate of T2D prevalence for Tunisia over the 1997-2027 period. Diabetes burden is now a significant public health challenge. Our model predicts that this burden will increase significantly in the next two decades. Tackling obesity, smoking and other T2D risk factors thus needs urgent action. Tunisian decision makers have therefore defined two strategies: obesity reduction and tobacco control. Responses will be evaluated in future population surveys

Primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Tunisian patients with peptic ulcers and gastritis: a prospective multicentre study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The frequency of primary resistance to antibiotics in H. pylori isolates is increasing worldwide. In Tunisia, there are limited data regarding the pattern of H. pylori antibiotic primary resistance.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To evaluate the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and to detect the mutations involved in clarithromycin resistance.</p> <p>Materials and methods</p> <p>273 strains isolated from adults and children were enrolled. The primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin was evaluated by means of E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The real-time PCR using Scorpion primers was performed in all cases to assess clarithromycin primary resistance and point mutations involved.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No resistance to amoxicillin was detected. For adults, resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole was found respectively in 14.6% and 56.8%, and respectively in 18.8% and 25% in children. Overall, the rates of global primary resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in Tunisia were respectively determined in 15.4% and 51.3%.</p> <p>By the use of Scorpion PCR, the A2143G was the most frequent point mutation observed (88.1%), followed by the A2142G (11.9%); the A2142C was not found and 18 of 42 patients (42.8%) were infected by both the resistant and the susceptible genotype.</p> <p>The association of clarithromycin resistance with gender was not statistically significant, but metronidazole resistant strains were isolated more frequently in females (67.8%) than in males (32.2%) and the difference was significant. As for gastroduodenal diseases, the difference between strains isolated from patients with peptic ulceration and those with non peptic ulceration was not statistically significant. When about the distribution of resistant strains to clarithromycin and metronidazole between the three Tunisian cities (Tunis, Menzel Bourguiba and Mahdia), the difference was not statistically significant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Local data regarding the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and the main genetic mutation involved in clarithromycin resistance in vivo (A2143G) are necessary to prove a clear need for a periodic evaluation of antibiotic consumption and new therapeutic strategies in Tunisia in order to avoid the emergence of resistant strains.</p