Profiles of the Headspace Volatile Organic and Essential Oil Compounds from the Tunisian Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. and Its Leaf and Stem Epidermal Micromorphology

In this work, we investigated aroma volatiles emanated by dry roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Cardariadraba (L.) Desv. growing wild in Tunisia and its aerial part essential oils (EOs) composition. A total of 37 volatileorganic compounds (96.7%–98.9%) were identified;4 esters, 4 alcohols, 7 hydrocarbons, 12 aldehydes, 5 ketones,1 lactone, 1 organosulfur compound, 2 organonitrogen compounds, and 1 acid. The hydrocarbons form the maingroup, representing 49.5%–84.6% of the total detected volatiles. The main constituent was 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane(44.5%–76.2%) reaching the highest relative percentages. Forty-two compounds were determined in thetwo fractions of EOs, representing 98.8% and 97.2% of the total oil composition, respectively. The principal componentswere hexadecanoic acid (34.6%), 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (18.3%), decanal (15.0%), 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (13.2%), and n-pentacosane (13%). Micromorphological details of the leaf and stem epidermisusing light microscopy revealed polygonal cells with sinuous walls in the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces andnearly rectangular and long ones with linear and thick walls for the stem epidermis. The stomata complexes wereanisocytic in the leaf epidermis and mainly anisocytic and rarely paracytic in the stem epidermis. Non-glandulartrichomes were unbranched and long with an acute apex or short with a convex apex. The glandular ones wereidentified for the first time in this species. They were short-stalked with a large secretory head. The highest stomatalindex (17.02%) was recorded in the abaxial leaf surface. The identification of headspace volatiles and essentialoil compounds can be used to characterize this species, and the various epidermis micromorphologicalfeatures are very useful for biosystematics taxonomic studies within Brassicaceae.

Sports Prediction Model through Cloud Computing and Big Data Based on Artificial Intelligence Method

This article delves into the intricate relationship between big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, shedding light on their fundamental attributes and interdependence. It explores the seamless amalgamation of AI methodologies within cloud computing and big data analytics, encompassing the development of a cloud computing framework built on the robust foundation of the Hadoop platform, enriched by AI learning algorithms. Additionally, it examines the creation of a predictive model empowered by tailored artificial intelligence techniques. Rigorous simulations are conducted to extract valuable insights, facilitating method evaluation and performance assessment, all within the dynamic Hadoop environment, thereby reaffirming the precision of the proposed approach. The results and analysis section reveals compelling findings derived from comprehensive simulations within the Hadoop environment. These outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of the Sport AI Model (SAIM) framework in enhancing the accuracy of sports-related outcome predictions. Through meticulous mathematical analyses and performance assessments, integrating AI with big data emerges as a powerful tool for optimizing decision-making in sports. The discussion section extends the implications of these results, highlighting the potential for SAIM to revolutionize sports forecasting, strategic planning, and performance optimization for players and coaches. The combination of big data, cloud computing, and AI offers a promising avenue for future advancements in sports analytics. This research underscores the synergy between these technologies and paves the way for innovative approaches to sports-related decision-making and performance enhancement.

Optimization and mechanisms analysis of indigo dye removal using continuous electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation(EC) is among the most effective techniques that remove color and decontaminate effluent.Coagulants are delivered in situ by anode corrosion.In this research,indigo dye removal using iron electrodes in continuous electrocoagulation process and the responsible species for decolorization were investigated.The Response Surface Methodology(RSM) was used to optimize the process parameters.The finding in this study shows that at fixed conductivity at 15,000 μS·cm^(-1) the neutral conditions(pH from 6 to 8),the low absorbance,the low flow rate and the high voltage level enhance the color removal efficiency.The high R~2 value of 97.8% and ANOVA analyses show a good correlation between the experimental and predicted results.Under the optimum conditions,which are pH of 7.5, solution concentration of 60 mg·L^(-1), inlet flow rate of 2 L·min^(-1) and voltage of 47 V, the predicted decolorization of 94.083% was achieved at 93.972% with a total cost of 0.0927 USD·m^(-3) of treated effluent.At the optimum pH(7.5),the zeta potential value(-4 mV) of the effluent during EC match with the one of iron Ⅲ hydroxide.The dye removal is ensured thanks to physical adsorption and flocculation.The results exposed in this work prove that the continuous electrocoagulation process could be successfully used for indigo dye removal at industrial scale.

Investigation of Extracts from Tunisian Ethnomedicinal Plants as Antioxidants,Cytotoxins,and Antimicrobials

Objective To determine the medicinal potential of various plants and their parts extracted with different solvents. Methods The total phenolic content of acetonitrile/water（60%-40%）（ACN/W） and aqueous（W） extract fractions was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）, and terpenic compounds were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry（GC/MS）. Antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl（DPPH） assay and β-carotene bleaching method. Cell viability was investigated by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide [3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol）-2-yl 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]（MTT） assay. The mechanisms involved in cytotoxic activity were investigated in a murine macrophage cell line（RAW 264.7） and cancer lines. Results Our findings show that 11 plant species exhibited biological activity. In addition, moderate antibacterial activity was reported against one or more of the tested bacterial strains at two concentrations： 300 μg and 3 mg/disc. Furthermore, our data reveal that among all plants investigated, some extract and hydrophobic fractions were potent scavengers of the DPPH radical（6.78 μg/m L 〈 EC50 〈 8.55 μg/mL）. Taken together, our results show that Nerium oleander（NOACN/W） and Pituranthos tortuosus（PTACN/W） were highly cytotoxic against RAW 264.7 cells with IC80 values of 0.36, and 1.55 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, murine macrophage cell lines had low growth and were significantly sensitive to water extracts of Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis（THW）, Lavandula multifida（LMW）, and ACN/W extract of Erica multiflora（EMACN/W） at doses 〉 400, 47.20, and 116.74 μg/m L, respectively. The current work demonstrates that RAW 264.7 cell proliferation was inhibited by samples in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Our findings, validated through free radical scavenging activity, agar diffusion assay, and cytotoxicity of essential oils towards cancer cells, show that ethnomedicinal plants used in this work have a novel application as a tumor suppressor.

Photosynthetic Behaviour and Mineral Nutrition of Tamarix gallica Cultivated Under Aluminum and NaCl Combined Stress

The lack of knowledge of plant tolerance and differential response to aluminum(Al)encouraged many researchers,in the last decade,to elucidate Al toxicity and tolerance mechanisms.The current study reported the impact of Al,a toxic element with negative effects on plant growth and development,in halophytic plant Tamarix gallica.Plants were subjected to different Al concentrations(0,200,500 and 800μM)with or without NaCl(200 mM)supplementation.Growth,photosynthesis and mineral content were assessed.Al stress had a significant decrease on shoots’biomass production between 19 to 41%,and a little variation on chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency(Fo,Fm,Fv fluorescence’s and Fv/Fm).Furthermore,the Al-treatments did not affect significantly the content of potassium,calcium,and magnesium in different plant parts,whereas NaCl addition to the medium induced a decrease in these elements’concentrations.Our results have shown that T.gallica is able to accumulate the high levels of Al in shoots and roots,6288μg.g^(-1) DW and 7834μg.g^(-1) DW respectively.It is considered as a hyperaccumulator plant of Al.In addition,Na+contents in shoots and roots exceed 23000μg.g^(-1) DW.Therefore,T.gallica presents a high tolerance at the same time to Al and NaCl phytotoxicity,so it is interesting to use in phytoremediation programs.

Insight of ZnS nanoparticles contribution in different biological uses

Objective:To evaluate the contributions of the some quantum dots in different biological uses in order to valorizes such nanomaterials for further applications.Methods:Zinc sulfide ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous medium at pH constant,the obtained nanoparticles has been characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and Fourier Transform Infra-red(FTIR) spectroscopies.Zinc sulfide nanoparticles were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal profiling and tested for antioxidant activity using l,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),hydroxyl radical(OH·) and hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) scavenging activity,ferric reducing power(FRP) assay and ferrous ion chelating(FIC)methods.Results:The sizes of the crystallites were estimated to 3 nm using the DebyeScherrer formula based on the XRD data.The shape was identified to be quasi-spherical whith agglomerated particles.The obtained ZnS quantum dots present an antioxidant activity especially in oxido-reduction power,and can be used for species profiling either for bacteria and fungus.Conclusion:It was found that ZnS nanoparticles showed relatively higher antioxidant activities and antibacterial with an antifungal behavior which proves that this nanomaterials can react at the interface with the life entities.

Antioxidant Potential of Four Species of Natural Product and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancer through Suppression of Viability in the Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line U266

Objective This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins present in four species extracted with methanol. Methods The total phenolic content of the methanolic extracts was measured spectrophotometrically. The effect of the extracts on cell viability in U266 cells was measured. The effects of extracts on free radical scavenging were assessed by the DPPH test and FRAP assay. Antibacterial effects of the natural products in this report were investigated by using the disc diffusion method. Results Our results clearly demonstrated that the methanolic extracts were characterized by a high amount of phenolic compounds. It has been speculated that ME-TA and ME-TAl exhibit a significant(P < 0.05) and dose-dependent antiradical potential. The exposure of cells to high doses of extracts almost completely suppressed cell growth in vitro. ME-TA and ME-TAl showed significant cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 100 μg/mL in the U266 cell line. ME-TAl and ME-CF inhibited the growth of B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively, to the same extent as 10 μg/μL of chloramphenicol at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Conclusion Overall, these results suggest that plants used in traditional medicine have a novel application as free radical scavengers, bacterial inhibitors and tumor suppressors.

Aqueous and organic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.inhibit the mycelia growth of fungi

Aqueous extracts from various plant parts of fenugreek(3%)(aerial parts:leaves and stems(LS),roots(R),ground seeds(GS)and not ground seeds(NGS))and petroleum ether,ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions of the aerial parts were assayed to determine their antifungal potential against Botrytis cinerea,Fusarium graminearum,Alternaria sp.,Pythium aphanidermatum,and Rhizoctinia solani.All fenugreek plant parts showed antifungal potential and the magnitude of their inhibitory effects was species and plant parts d...

Electro-Chemical Impedance Spectral (EIS) Study of Patinated Bronze Corrosion in Sulfate Media: Experimental Design Approach

The aim of the present investigation was to model the experimental conditions of tin bronze patination using full factorial experimental design. In this sense, a full factorial design approach was developed to model the corrosion behavior of patinated tin bronze alloy in sulfate electrolyte. Three experimental factors (the immersion time in the chloride electrolyte, the potential limit for the anodic sweep Elim, and the potential scan rate) were chosen to identify the significant factor on the patina growth process at the bronze substrate. The experimental responses were the kinetic parameters extracted from the electro-chemical spectra (EIS) for eight different experiments. An equivalent electrical circuit containing an electrolyte resistance (Re), a double layer capacitance (CPEdl), a charge transfer resistance (Rt) and Gerischer element (G), was developed to model the patinated bronze corrosion process. The electro-chemical spectra (EIS) show that the corrosion process of the patinated bronze alloy occurred from a chemical reaction is followed by an electrochemical one. Analysis of the experimental responses showed that while the scan rate is the most influent factor for the corrosion potential (Ecorr), the electrolyte resistance (Re), and the double layer capacitance CPEdl variation, the potential limit is the significant factor for charge transfer resistance Rt, reciprocal of the admittance parameter Y0 and the effective transfer rate of the chemical reaction k variation.

Effects of Barium Stress in Brassica juncea and Cakile maritima:The Indicator Role of Some Antioxidant Enzymes and Secondary Metabolites

Soil contamination by toxic trace metal elements,like barium(Ba),may stimulate various undesirable changes in the metabolic activity of plants.The plant responses are fast and with,direct or indirect,generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).To cope with the stress imposed by the ROS production,plants developed a dual cellular system composed of enzymatic and non-enzymatic players that convert ROS,and their by-products,into stable nontoxic molecules.To assess the Ba stress response of two Brassicaceae species(Brassica juncea,a glycophyte,and Cakile maritime,a halophyte),plants were exposure to different Ba concentrations(0,100,200,300 and 500µM).The plants response was evaluated through their morphology and development,the determination of plant leaves antioxidant enzymatic activities and by the production of plants secondary metabolites.Results indicated that the two Brassicaceae species have the ability to survive in an environment containing Ba(even at 500µM).The biomass production of C.maritima was slightly affected whereas an increase in biomass B.juncea was noticed.The stress imposed by Ba activated the antioxidant defense system in the two species,noticed by the changes in the leaves activity of catalase(CAT),ascorbate peroxidase(APX)and guaicol peroxidase(GPX),and of the secondary metabolites,through the production of total phenols and flavonoids.The enzymatic response was not similar within the two plant species:CAT and APX seem to have a more important role against the oxidative stress in C.maritima while in B.juncea is GPX.Overall,total phenols and flavonoids production was more significant in the plants aerial part than in the roots,of the both species.Although the two Brassicaceae species response was different,in both plants catalytic and non-catalytic transformation of ROS occurs,and both were able to overcome the Ba toxicity and prevent the cell damage.

Optimization of continuous electrocoagulation-adsorption combined process for the treatment of a textile effluent

The aims of this study is to design and optimize the functioning of a full continuous combined process based on electrocoagulaion-adsorption on crude Tunisian clay to treat a real textile effluent.The clay characterization shows that the used clay is a rich-smectite clay.The response surface methodology(RSM)technique based on Box-Behnken design(BBD)was used to optimize the process.At optimum conditions which are initial pH solution of 8.24,effluent flow rate of 0.5 L·min^(-1),voltage of 70 V,and added suspension of clay flow rate of 100 ml·min^(-1) the achieved color,chemical oxygen demand(COD)and total suspended solid(TSS)removal efficiencies were respectively 96.87%,89.77%and 84.46%with0.75 USD·m^(-3) as total cost.The additional laboratory experiments at optimum conditions agree with the predicted results,which confirm the accuracy and the capability of RSM to predict results in the defined space.Finally the designed process could be a good eco-friendly alternative to treat and reuse wastewater in industrial process with reasonable cost.

Effects of the hydro-ethanolic extract of Marrubium vulgare in female rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of ethanol–water(80:20) extract of Marrubium vulgare(M.vulgare) on the hematological parameters,macroscopic and histological aspects of the uterus and fetus in non-pregnant and pregnant rats.Methods:Female rats were divided into 4 equal groups(n = 9),group N(normal rats) and group G(pregnant rats) considered as control groups,group NE(normal rats treated with the ethanol–water(80:20,v/v) extract of M.vulgare) and group GE(pregnant rats treated with the extract).The ethanol–water(80:20) plant extract was administered in a single daily dose 1 g/kg at the morning,during 19 d.On the 19 day of the experiment,animals were sacrificed,the uterus and fetuses were removed for the morphological and histological studies and the blood was collected in EDTA tubes for the measurement of hematological parameters with the use of an automate ‘HORIBA ABX Micros 60 Hematology Analyzer'.Results:Our results showed,in group NE and GE,a significant decrease on hematological parameters:red blood cells(NE:18.6%;GE:38.4%),hematocrit(NE:13.8%;GE:20.4%),hemoglobin(NE:12.1%;GE:8.3%) and mean corpuscular volume(NE:6.4%;GE:2%) with P more less a 0.05.Indeed,the extract of M.vulgare caused a significant decrease on the mean implantations of fetuses(82.5%,P<0.001) and their size(47.2%,P< 0.01).As for the macroscopic and histological appearance of uterus,our data showed no change in normal treated rats.In contrast,the treated pregnant rats showed a severe histological change characterized by the existence of location of stopped gestation.Furthermore,it was also found in the uterus of these rat lyses placental and embryo tissue.Conclusions:All these results support the hypothesis of an abortifacient effect of M.vulgare.

Prevention of H2O2 Induced Oxidative Damages of Rat Testis by Thymus algeriensis

Objective We evaluate the effects of Thymus algeriensis （TEO） against hydrogen peroxide （H202） toxicity on body and testis weight, testis sperm count, testis lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities in rats. Methods Rats were treated with low （LD） and high dose （HD） of H202 （0.1 and 1 mmol/L） in the presence or absence of TEO （150 mg/kg）. Results The results exhibited a significant decrease in body weight and testis weight, in total sperm number decrease （P〈0.05）, sperm motility and percentage of sperm viability, leading to complete arrest, in sperm flagellar beat frequency by the gavage of 1 mmol/L H202 compared to controls. The administration of H2O2 resulted in a significant reduction in testis GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD, and GST activity and significant increase （P〈0.05） in MDA concentration compared with the untreated control animals. TEO pre-treatment protected testis from the H2O2 generated oxidative stress. These results were confirmed by histological architecture examinations. Conclusion H2O2 has the ability to alter the sperm function, characteristics and development of testis. However, TEO is an efficient natural agent, which can prevent the testis from H2O2-induced oxidative damage in rats.

Geophysical Investigation of the Triassic Salt Material Hazard: El Fahs Case Example (Northern Tunisia)

The Tunisian territory (area of diapirs) is exposed to the risks of ground movements linked to water, some of which are related to the phenomenon of dissolution of gypsum, allowing the appearance of underground cavities which present natural risks and set people in danger. The analysis of the hazard was determined by the field study coupled with the application of geophysical methods to locate and map the cavities and identify their dimensions and their positions in the subsoil. In the region of El Fahs (40 km NW of Tunis): we used a non-destructive method, georadar (GPR) with a 200 MHz antenna band-width, and an electric method, by using the electric tomography of which we have applicated the sequence of dipole-dipole measurement. The results ob-tained were examined and interpreted according to 2D profiles. The geophysi-cal methods of GPR and electrical tomography aim to detect many calvities in different depths. However, the geological radar was able to identify several cavities and the zones of dissolution whose investigation depth did not exceed the first 3 meters. On the contrary, the electric tomography method allowing the presence of several deeper underground cavities with larger dimensions ex-tended to 64 meters. To conclude, the geological and hydrogeological contexts of the terrain studied and on the state of the soil and subsoil allow us to better understanding the mechanisms of the establishment of the dissolution phe-nomenon and the appearance of cavities in the basement. The analysis of the predisposing factors present in the study area shows that the geodynamic con-text of the Triassic ascent takes place according to a precise thermodynamic process that favors the phenomenon of dissolution of the gypsum.

Hauterivian-Barremian Bivalves from the Boulouha Formation of the Dahar Escarpment, Southern Tunisia: Stratigraphy and Regional Correlation

The Lower Cretaceous mixed siliciclastic-carbonate successions of the Boulouha Formation at the type locality in the Dahar escarpment of southern Tunisia have yielded a new discovered assemblage of bivalves which contains Anomia laevigata (Sowerby);Modiolus sp. cf. M. dahuashuensis (Yu et Li);Astarte sp.;and ?Mytilus sp.. The temporal distribution of the Anomia laevigata (Sowerby) and Modiolus sp. cf. M. dahuashuensis (Yu et Li) is limited to the Aptian formations of northeastern China, Japan and Korea, thus we suggest a Hauterivian-Barremian age for the Boulouha Formation. Henceforth, the new biostratigraphic data are used to improve a regional chronostratigraphic correlation between the lower Cretaceous strata of the Saharan Platform domain and those coeval from the Chotts domain.

Electromagnetic Modeling of a Planar Structure Integrating a Via-Hole Using the Method FWCIP

We present in this paper a new formulation of the iterative method FWCIP “Fast Wave Concept Iterative Process” based on the wave concept. It calculates the electromagnetic parameters of a planar structure including a via-hole. This is modelled by the electromagnetic field that it creates in the structure. The validation of results found by this new formulation is ensured by comparison with those obtained by HFSS “high frequency structural simulator” software from Ansoft. They show that they are in good agreement.

Experimental Design Approach with Response Surface Methodology for Removal of Indigo Dye by Electrocoagulation

Treatment of Indigo dye (leuco form), reduced in the industrial conditions of the SITEX (Textile Industrial Company), by a batch electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design were used to optimize for Color Removal (CR(%)). Our results showed that the quadratic second order equation provided the best correlation for the decolorization of Indigo dye (CR(%)). On the other hand, the ANOVA analysis proved the large interaction between the current intensity and the initial concentration of the dye. Experiments were conducted to find the desired conditions for removal of particular concentration of the dye and lower Operation Cost. The results showed that CR(%) = 88.3% (R2) of color removal for initial dye concentration of 12.31 mg/l, with a current density of 2.81 A/m2, solution concentration of NaCl of 2.67 g/l. Under these conditions, Electrical Energy Consumption (EEC) and Electrode Consumption (EMC) and Operation Cost were 0.01999 kWh/m3 (R2 = 93.1%), 0.00142768 Kg/m3 (R2 = 79.4%) and 0.000558 US$/m3, respectively.

Landslide Cartography at the Region of Nabeul-Hammamet Based on Geographic Information System and Geomatic

Landslides are one of the most significant natural damaging disasters in hilly environment [1]. The location of our study area is to the north of Tunisia, home to several manifestations of land instabilities, we bring to study this area of interest by GIS and geomatic approach to reduce social economic losses due to landslides. The performance of a cartographic data base for the landslide study in the Cap-Bon region was realized through studying geologic 1/50,000 and topographic 1/25,000 maps, aster optic Remote Sensing, land observation, and climatologic seismic data. These data will be digitalized, georeferenced, vectorized, spatially analyzed, classified and geotreated in order to produce a landslides card. The findings have shown that fields with smooth and friable lithology which are located at rather important seismic zones (more than 4 at Richter’s scale) have some stability. However, the most endangered zones are in the North-West around Oued El Kbir and El Ain. Realizing this work helps to determine the most hazardous zones so that policy makers have an effective field intervention.

Antioxidant Machinery Related to Decreased MDA Generation by Thymus Algeriensis Essential Oil-induced Liver and Kidney Regeneration

Objective This study was conducted to determine the histopathological and biochemical effects of Thymus algeriensis essential oil （TEO） on hydrogen peroxide （H2O2）-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney tissues of rats. Methods Rats were treated in six groups and were exposed for 2 weeks to low （LD; 100 μmol/L） and high doses （HD; 1 mmol/L） of H2O2 in the presence or absence of TEO （180 mg/kg）. Liver and kidney atrophy was measured by using biochemical and histopathological assays. Results Our study demonstrated that H2O2 induced liver and kidney atrophy, as evidenced by the significant elevation of serum aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine levels compared with those in the control rats. Urea levels were estimated by evaluating the activity of serum urease that hydrolyzes urea into CO2 and ammonia. However, TEO treatment significantly alleviated oxidative stress in the H2O2-induced liver and kidney toxicity model by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde concomitantly with marked elevations in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, as well as decrease in glutathione activity. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that TEO protected against H202 toxicity by decreasing oxidant levels and DNA damage, as well as increasing antioxidant levels, indicating that TEO has a spectrum of antioxidant and DNA-protective properties.

AN IMPROVED HARDY'S INEQUALITY

In this paper we shall extend Hardy＇s inequality associated with Fourier trans- form to the strip n（2-p） ≤σ〈 n＋p（N＋ 1） where N = [n（1/p- 1）], the greatest integer not exceeding n（1/p - 1）.