Northern Tunisia Research Articles

Marine toxin C17-SAMT causes major structural damage to vital organs in mice following subchronic toxicity trials

C17-sphinganine analog mycotoxin (C17-SAMT) has been characterized as the contaminant responsible for the atypical toxicity reported in mussels from the Bizerte lagoon (northern Tunisia) over the past decade. C17-SAMT exhibited common symptoms of toxicity in mice, including flaccid paralysis and severe respiratory distress, followed by rapid death. To determine the potential health risks of this neurotoxin, we assessed its subchronic toxicity according to the recommendations of OCDE n° 407. The body weight and the structural changes of vital organs were recorded. Biochemical and hematological parameters were also quantified. Macroscopic observations showed that mice treated with 0.9, 9, and 90 µg/kg C17-SAMT had significantly reduced stomach weights, swollen and fragile intestines, and signs of nephritis with renal abscesses. Transaminase assays pointed out that exposure to C17-SAMT can lead to transaminitis. Above-average lactate dehydrogenase values were recorded in both the treated and satellite groups. Hematology data showed a significant reduction in red blood cell counts in high-dose-treated group. Reductions in hemoglobin and hematocrit were also recorded. Mean leukocyte counts were significantly elevated in the high-, mid-dose treated and satellite groups. At the microscopic level, we noted myocardial atrophy and hyperemia. In the lungs, we noted necrosis associated with macrophages perivascular infiltration and congestion. The kidneys showed mild inflammation and glomerular atrophy. The stomach exhibited mucosal atrophy, while a thin colon and distended small intestine were observed in high-dose-treated group. The liver was affected by vascular congestion, inflammatory infiltration, and lobular necrosis that evolved into acute hepatitis. Lesions, such as inflammatory infiltration and mild necrosis of the liver, cortical abscess with central necrosis in the kidney, and mild congestion of cardiac tissue were recorded in the satellite group.

Occurrence of High-Risk Clonal Lineages ST58, ST69, ST224, and ST410 among Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Free-Range Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in a Rural Region in Tunisia.

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolates have emerged in various ecologic compartments and evolved to spread globally. We sought to (1.) investigate the occurrence of ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec) in feces from free-range chickens in a rural region and (2.) characterize the genetic background of antimicrobial resistance and the genetic relatedness of collected isolates. Ninety-five feces swabs from free-range chickens associated with two households (House 1/House 2) in a rural region in northern Tunisia were collected. Samples were screened to recover ESBL-Ec, and collected isolates were characterized for phenotype/genotype of antimicrobial resistance, integrons, and molecular typing (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST)). Overall, 47 ESBL-Ec were identified, with the following genes detected: 35 blaCTX-M-1, 5 blaCTX-M-55, 5 blaCTX-M-15, 1 blaSHV-2, and 1 blaSHV-12. Resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and colistin was encoded by aac(6')-Ib-cr (n = 21), qnrB (n = 1), and qnrS (n = 2); tetA (n = 17)/tetB (n = 26); sul1 (n = 29)/sul2 (n = 18); and mcr-2 (n = 2) genes, respectively. PFGE and MLST identified genetic homogeneity of isolates in House 1; however, isolates from House 2 were heterogeneous. Notably, among nine identified sequence types, ST58, ST69, ST224, and ST410 belong to pandemic high-risk clonal lineages associated with extrapathogenic E. coli. Minor clones belonging to ST410 and ST471 were shared by chickens from both households. The virulence genes fyuA, fimH, papGIII, and iutA were detected in 35, 47, 17, and 23 isolates, respectively. Findings indicate a high occurrence of ESBL-Ec in free-range chickens and highlight the occurrence of pandemic zoonotic clones.

Diversity and Phylogeny of Cattle Ixodid Ticks and Associated Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. in Tunisia.

Tick-borne rickettsioses are mainly caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) of the Rickettsia genus. So far, the causative agents of SFG rickettsioses have not been detected in cattle ticks from Tunisia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and phylogeny of ticks associated with cattle from northern Tunisia and their associated Rickettsia species. Adult ticks (n = 338) were collected from cattle in northern Tunisia. The obtained ticks were identified as Hyalomma excavatum (n = 129), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 111), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 84), Hyalomma scupense (n = 12) and Hyalomma rufipes (n = 2). After DNA extraction from the ticks, 83 PCR products based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced and a total of four genotypes for Rh. sanguineus s.l., two for Hy. marginatum and Hy. excavatum and only one for Hy. scupense and Hy. rufipes were recorded, with the occurrence of one, two and three novel genotypes, respectively, for Hy. marginatum, Hy. excavatum and Rh. sanguineus s.l. mitochondrial 16S rRNA partial sequences. The tick DNA was tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by using PCR measurements and sequencing targeting three different genes (ompB, ompA and gltA). Of the 338 analyzed ticks, 90 (26.6%), including 38 (34.2%) Rh. sanguineus s.l., 26 (20.1%) Hy. excavatum, 25 (29.8%) Hy. marginatum and one (50%) Hy. rufipes tick, were positive for Rickettsia spp. Based on 104 partial sequences of the three analyzed genes, the BLAST analysis and phylogenetic study showed the infection of Hy. excavatum, Hy. marginatum and Rh. sanguineus s.l. tick specimens with R. massiliae, R. aeschlimannii and R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae and one Hy. rufipes tick specimen with R. aeschlimannii. In addition, coinfection with R. massiliae and R. aeschlimannii was reported in one Hy. marginatum and one Rh. sanguineus s.l. tick specimen, while a coinfection with R. massiliae and R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae was recorded in one Rh. sanguineus s.l. tick specimen. In conclusion, our study reports, for the first time in Tunisia, the infection of cattle ticks belonging to Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera with zoonotic Rickettsia species belonging to the SFG group.

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria from Tunisian Soils

Soil microorganisms play an important role in maintaining natural ecological balance through active participation in carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous cycles. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are of high importance in the rhizosphere, enhancing the solubilization of inorganic phosphorus complexes into soluble forms available for plant nutrition. The investigation of this species of bacteria is of major interest in agriculture, as they can be used as biofertilizers for crops. In the present study, 28 isolates of PSB were obtained after the phosphate enrichment of soil samples from five Tunisian regions. Five PSB species were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing including Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, and P. taiwanensis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Pantoea agglomerans. Solid and liquid Pikovskaya's (PVK) and National Botanical Research Institute's (NBRIP) media containing insoluble tricalcium phosphate were used for the evaluation of the phosphate solubilization ability of the bacterial isolates by two methods: visual evaluation of the solubilization zone around colonies (halo) and determination of solubilized phosphates in liquid medium by the colorimetric method of the vanado-molybdate yellow. Based on the results of the halo method, the isolate of each species that showed the higher phosphate solubilization index was selected for evaluation of phosphate solubilization by the colorimetric method. In the liquid media, the bacterial isolates showed phosphate solubilization ranging from 535.70 to 618.57 µg mL-1 in the NBRIP medium, and 374.20 to 544.28 µg mL-1 in the PVK medium, with the highest values produced by P. fluorescens. The best phosphate solubilization ability and higher reduction in broth pH, which indicates higher organic acid production, were achieved in NBRIP broth for most of the PSB. Strong correlations were observed between the average capability of PSB to solubilize phosphates and both the pH and total phosphorous content in the soil. The production of the hormone indole acetic acid (IAA), which can promote plant growth, was observed for all five PSB species. Among them, P. fluorescens obtained from the forest soil of northern Tunisia showed the highest production of IAA (50.4 ± 0.9 µg mL-1).

Contamination assessment and availability of potential toxic elements from the Sidi Driss tailing pile (NW Tunisia) based on geochemical and geophysical methods

Mine wastes are of particular relevance, either because they represent a source of contamination by potential toxic elements (PTEs), or even because the high concentrations of some critical raw materials with economic interest can make their mining viable in the future.This work presents mineralogical, geochemical, and geophysical data aimed at a detailed characterization of an old tailing pile of the Sidi Driss mine (northern Tunisia) that exploited Pb and Zn concentrates. The results obtained from four drilling boreholes, reaching a maximum depth of 11 m, show high concentrations of metal(loid)s in the tailings, namely As, Ba, Cd, Mn, Pb and Zn. Apart from barium, the higher concentrations of these PTEs were found between 3 and 8 m depth. The availability of such metal(loid)s is higher in deeper sections of the tailing pond than on the surface, which is explained by the reduction and oxidation environments prevailing at these depths, respectively. Thus, at surface sulphides are oxidised and several metal(loid)s are released and leached. This oxidation process generates acid mine drainage (AMD), causing the dissolution of carbonates, such as cerussite, from which Pb is released and leached underground. In deeper sections of the tailing pond, reduction conditions prevent sulphide oxidation and the prevalence of circumneutral pH values. In such environments, carbonates are not dissolved and Pb leached from the surface precipitates (e.g., as anglesite, an insoluble sulphate), as demonstrated by sequential selective chemical extraction.Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) showed low resistivity areas from surface to 8 m depth. This is a consequence of waterlogging on the surface (due to rainy events) and, on the subsurface, of high metal(loid) contents in tailings. High electrical resistivity was measured below this level (bedrock), but a connection between heavily contaminated horizons (tailings) and a subsequent layer of low resistivities (associated with groundwater) is observed, which is of particular concern.

Integrated geophysical approach for ore exploration: Case study of Sidi Bou Aouane–Khadhkhadha Pb–Zn province – Northern Tunisia

AbstractWe carried out an integrated interpretation of available geophysical data (gravity and electrical data) in Sidi Bou Aouane–Khadhkhadha Pb–Zn province, located in a Neogene basin south of the Alpine thrust‐belt front in northern Tunisia. The interpretive approach of gravity data was done based on the Fourier transformation and spectral analysis to extract the residual component. Furthermore, edge enhancement techniques (tilt angle, total horizontal derivative) were applied to image the underlying lineaments in the study area. The computed gravity maps reveal multiple NE–SW hidden faults considered potential mineralization targets, referring to geological information. Detrital formations, known as containers of disseminated Pb–Zn mineralization, are expressed by low gravity responses. Resistivity and chargeability 3D inversion was conducted concurrently through on an iterative approach based on the conventional least‐squares algorithm and “incomplete Gauss‐Newton” as an optimization method. The initial model was defined based on drill‐hole data and geological knowledge. Inverted resistivity confirms the basin architecture expressed by gravity data. The combined interpretation of inverted resistivity and chargeability correlated to borehole and outcrops allows the definition of different electrical ranges associated to different lithologies and mineralization type and contents. A new potential target, expressing the same electrical signature of mineralization, is evidenced northward Khadhkhadha old mine. In addition, a potential copper concentration area was proven based on its electrical responses south Sidi Bou Aouane mine. 2.5D gravity modelling supports the evidenced interpreted target. The revealed results provided evidence for future interpretations of further geological structures, along with evaluations of mineral resources.

Fe-Cu (Ag, Au) ore deposits and thermodynamic conditions of the mineralizing hydrothermal fluids of the Chouichia abandoned mine (Northern Tunisia): mineral geothermometers and occurrence evidences of native gold traces, silver and Ag-related minerals

Fe-Cu (Ag, Au) ore deposits and thermodynamic conditions of the mineralizing hydrothermal fluids of the Chouichia abandoned mine (Northern Tunisia): mineral geothermometers and occurrence evidences of native gold traces, silver and Ag-related minerals

Compulsory hospitalization in child psychiatry: clinical and sociodemographic profile of Tunisian inpatients

IntroductionThe department of child psychiatry in Razi Hospital is the unique psychiatric unit in Northern Tunisia offering full-time hospitalization for minors with mental health disorders.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to explore the clinical and therapeutic characteristics in compulsory admissions of minors in the department of child psychiatry in Razi hospital between 2011 and 2019.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of medical records of inpatients admitted to the hospitalization unit of the child psychiatry department in Razi Hospital in Tunisia between 2011 and 2019.ResultsOver the nine years, the total number of compulsory admissions was 74 inpatients, aged from 11 to 16 years old. The number of compulsory admissions increased from 03 in 2011 to 22 in 2019. Most of the inpatients were boys (sex ration=1.46). The mean age was 14, 1 year old. Heteroagressiveness was the reason for admission in half of the cases followed by risk behaviors (30.1%) and suicidal behaviors (18.6%). The diagnosis of conduct disorder was found in 33.3% of the cases followed by a normal psychiatric examination in 11.8% of the cases. Mood disorders were found in 9.8% of the cases. Parental psychoeducation (100%), individual psychotherapy (91%) and family therapy (88,2%) were the treatment of choice for the inpatients. The prevalence of psychiatric medication was 45.1%. The most important forms of medication used were neuroleptics (42.3% of medicated patients) and mood stabilizers (30.7%). Child protection delegates were involved in 86,4% of the cases for social intervention.ConclusionsMinors admitted in an involuntary mode to psychiatric unit have their own specifities in terms of clinical and therapeutic characteristics. More theoretical and empirical research is needed regarding the involuntary admission of minors.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Review of the deformation styles during the Cretaceous Tethyan period: inferred from slumps and fault Kinematics analysis along Northern Tunisia

Review of the deformation styles during the Cretaceous Tethyan period: inferred from slumps and fault Kinematics analysis along Northern Tunisia

Biostratigraphy of the Numidian Formation and its underlying Tellian unit, based on calcareous nannofossils in Northern Tunisia: Implication on their stratigraphic vs. tectonic relationships

A detailed biostratigraphic study, based on calcareous nannofossils, was performed to re-evaluate the stratigraphic interpretation of the Numidian Formation and its structural relationship with the underlying El Haria, Boudabbous and Souar formations Tellian units (i.e., stratigraphic vs. tectonic). The new biostratigraphic results indicate that the Numidian Formation is not restricted to a Miocene age as considered in some recent works but spans from Oligocene (Rupelian and Chattian, NP23 to NP25) to early Miocene (Aquitanian and Burdigalian, NN1 to NN3). The Cap Serrat succession can be retained as the type section for the Tunisian Numidian Formation, where both the Chattian-Aquitanian (Oligocene/Miocene boundary) and the Aquitanian-Burdigalian transitions have been characterized.Based on the new calcareous nannofossil findings, several duplications of the sedimentary succession were identified. They include the thick shales and marls of El Haria (Maastrichtian-Paleocene) and Souar (Eocene) formations, thrusted by the Numidian Formation. The updated regional structural cross-sections, confirm that the Numidian Formation is currently juxtaposed by southward major thrust contact to the underlying Kasseb structural unit in the studied area. The latter is intensively affected by poly-phased tectonics, resulting in the thrust events associated with the Alpine phase inversion. This has to be taken into consideration in oil and gas exploration in the area of the fold-thrust belt system, in both onshore and offshore Northern Tunisia.

New Socio-Spatial Reading of a Remarkable Landscape Located in Testour, toward a Heritage Setting of a Moorish Site

Traditional conservation efforts have not improved conditions in most historic Tunisian cities. However, the changes adopted at the international level in historical urban conservation, based on urban vitality and regions’ sustainability, open horizons to new approaches of reading. Testour, a Moorish city of northern Tunisia, presents one of the historical centers most anchored in identity and the least studied. Our study aims at initiating a new transdisciplinary reading approach that provides a link between time, spaces, actors, culture and sustainability. To do so, we followed a methodological process with a gradual logic that led to a comprehensive management project. This approach presents a set of analytical methodological procedures, which consider historicity in conjunction with a global diagnostic of the landscape in favor of the evaluation of historic centers. This method enabled us to establish a new map showing the structural and functional evolution of Testour throughout history, identifying the valuation indicators and the attributes of global management. This work presents a new reading grid of Testour, including the structural, functional, values and heritage attributes.

Trace metal element pollution in media from the abandoned Pb and Zn mine of Lakhouat, Northern Tunisia

This study aimed to determine the contamination status, dispersion mechanisms, and ecological and health risks associated with trace elements in environmental media collected from the abandoned lead and zinc mine of Lakhouat, Northern Tunisia. A total of 41 samples, including 3 mine tailings, 21 stream sediments and 17 soils were collected and analysed for some potentially toxic elements (As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Zr). Among 10 potentially toxic elements that were analysed, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn exhibited considerably high concentrations in mine tailings and stream sediments. The Spearman rho correlation coefficient and principal component analysis showed that mining activities mainly controlled As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn. At the same time, natural sources strongly governed Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zr. Pollution indices revealed a very contaminated area with an essential risk to ecosystems and human health. Ecological risk assessment suggested that the potentially toxic elements in mine tailings and stream sediments induced significant ecological risks, mainly mediated by Cd. The health risk assessment revealed that oral ingestion was the primary exposure pathway to potentially toxic elements in the stream sediments and mine tailings, and children were more susceptible to adverse health effects. Pb and As had high non-carcinogenic risks for an individual potentially toxic element, and Cd and As presented intolerable carcinogenic risks. Overall, the results indicated the need for epidemiological studies to outline the extent of the occurrence of diseases related to mining activities in the region.

Sedimentary evolution of the late Cretaceous - Eocene deep carbonates series of the foreland Magrebian chain. The Tellian domain of northern Tunisia

This paper aims to give an overview of the Upper Cretaceous – Eocene in the Tellian domain of the Magrebian chain in Tunisia. The sedimentological studies of the carbonates of this time interval, in the Fernana - Ain Draham area, offer a better knowledge of the Tellian foreland. Stratigraphic analysis of ten sections located in the structural units (Autochthonous, Para-autochthonous, and the allochthonous, Ediss Unit, Ain Draham - Adissa Unit and Kasseb unit) brings new results. The facies analysis of the nappes zone reinforces the definition of the allochthonous units that have undergone planar displacements during late Tertiary phases. The depositional setting evolutions during the Late Cretaceous - Eocene period testify to an area in the process of deformation. Since the late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian), the abundance of older dismantling rocks in the allochthonous units is interpreted as a synchronous shortening of the basin. The clastic deposits attributed to mélanges chaotic deposits forming events layers testify two tectonic stages of the early foreland basin formation with details: the upper Cretaceous (Gansseri Biozone) and the early Eocene (Lutetian). The studied deposits outcropping in the Tellian domain (part of the Maghrebian chain) invoke the earliest stage of synchronous compressive syn-sedimentary tectonics of the subduction of Europe over the African plate southern branch, as observed in the Mediterranean rim.

3D hydrostratigraphic modeling and hydro-geophysical aquifer conceptualization for groundwater storage assessment: the case study of Nefza massive dunes (Northern Tunisia)

3D hydrostratigraphic modeling and hydro-geophysical aquifer conceptualization for groundwater storage assessment: the case study of Nefza massive dunes (Northern Tunisia)

Thermospira aquatica gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel thermophilic spirochete isolated from a Tunisian hot spring, and description of the novel family Thermospiraceae.

A novel thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium, strain F1F22T, was isolated from hot spring water collected in northern Tunisia. The cells were non-motile, Gram-negative and helical with hooked ends, 0.5×10-32 µm in size. Growth of the strain was observed at 45-70 °C (optimum, 55 °C), in 0.0-1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum without NaCl) and at pH 6.5-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.5). Yeast extract was required for growth, and the strain grew on glucose, sucrose and maltose. The major fatty acids were C16:0 (40.2 %), iso-C16: 0 (30.2 %) and C16 :0 DMA (14.5 %). The genome consisted of a circular chromosome (2.5 Mb) containing 2672 predicted protein-encoding genes with a G+C content of 43.15 mol %. Based on a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain F1F22T formed a deeply branching lineage within the phylum Spirochaetota, class Spirochaetia, order Brevinematales, and had only low sequence similarity to other species of the phylum (lower than 83 %). Genome-based analysis of average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization of strain F1F22T with Treponema caldarium DSM 7334T, Brevinema andersonii ATCC 43811T and Spirochaeta thermophila DSM 6578T showed values between 63.26 and 63.52 %, and between 20 and 25 %. Hence, we propose strain F1F22T as a representative of a novel family (Thermospiraceae fam. nov.), genus and species of Brevinematales: Thermospira aquatica gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain F1F22T=JCM 31314T=DSM 101182T).

High Biofilm-Forming Ability and Clonal Dissemination among Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates Recovered from Cows with Mastitis, Diarrheic Calves, and Chickens with Colibacillosis in Tunisia

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main etiological agents responsible for bovine mastitis (BM), neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD), and avian colibacillosis (AC). This study aimed to assess resistance and virulence genes content, biofilm-forming ability, phylogenetic groups, and genetic relatedness in E. coli isolates recovered from clinical cases of BM, NCD, and AC. A total of 120 samples including samples of milk (n = 70) and feces (n = 50) from cows with BM and calves with NCD, respectively, were collected from different farms in Northern Tunisia. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed. Then, E. coli isolates were examined by disk diffusion and broth microdilution method for their antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm-forming ability. PCR was used to detect antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence genes (VGs), phylogenetic groups, and Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) for their clonal relationship. Among the 120 samples, 67 E. coli isolates (25 from BM, 22 from AC, and 20 from NCD) were collected. Overall, 83.6% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Thirty-six (53.73%) isolates were phenotypically colistin-resistant (CREC), 28.3% (19/67) were ESBL producers (ESBL-EC), and forty-nine (73.1%) formed biofilm. The blaTEM gene was found in 73.7% (14/19) of isolates from the three diseases, whilst the blaCTXM-g-1 gene was detected in 47.3% (9/19) of isolates, all from AC. The most common VG was the fimA gene (26/36, 72.2%), followed by aer (12/36, 33.3%), cnf1 (6/36, 16.6%), papC (4/36, 11.1%), and stx1 and stx2 genes (2/36; 5.5% for each). Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates belonged to three groups: A (20/36; 55.5%), B2 (7/36; 19.4%), and D (6/36; 16.6%). Molecular typing by ERIC-PCR showed high genetic diversity of CREC and ESBL E. coli isolates from the three animal diseases and gave evidence of their clonal dissemination within farms in Tunisia. The present study sheds new light on the biofilm-forming ability and clonality within CREC and ESBL-EC isolated from three different animal diseases in Tunisian farm animals.

Mental Health Outcomes Among Tunisian Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic caused by Coronavirus-19 Disease (COVID-19) is having negative effects on healthcare workers (HCW) mental health due to the tremendous amount of stress to which they are exposed to. We aimed to assess the number of mental health outcomes among HCW treating patients with COVID-19. This cross-sectional study collected demographic data and mental health measurements from HCW in different hospitals using an online questionnaire. Participants were asked to complete the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). One hundred and forty-one participants with a mean age of 30.6±25 years and a sex ratio of 0.3 completed the online questionnaire. Participants from major university-hospital centers of northern Tunisia were divided into two groups: 78% medical and 22% paramedical staff. Twenty-two participants (15.6%) had a chronic disease, and 21 (14.9%) had a history of depression. Nineteen (13.4%) of the participants were infected with COVID-19. Thirteen percent of participants experienced the same anxiety level as the first-time taking care of COVID-19 patients, while 65% were rather an at ease compared to the first time. Forty-seven percent of participants felt the need for psychological support, and 16.7% of them had consulted a psychiatrist. Mild depression was detected in 14.1% of cases, moderate depression in 4.2% of cases, and severe depression in 2.1% of cases. As for anxiety, 36.1% of participants suffered from mild anxiety, 14.9% from moderate anxiety, and 4.9% from severe anxiety. Mild insomnia was detected in 44.6% of cases, moderate insomnia in 14.9% of cases, and severe insomnia in 9.9% of cases. Female gender (depression: P=0.05; anxiety: P=0.05; insomnia: P=0.02), having friends or relatives with COVID (depression: P=0.01; anxiety: P=0.05), psychiatric illness (depression: P=0.05; anxiety: P=0.01; insomnia: P=0.01), and chronic disease (depression: P=0.02; anxiety: P=0.03) were significantly associated with more severe mental health symptoms. Tunisian HCW experienced psychological burdens and a high rate of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. HCW should be protected in order to promote mental well-being.

Isotopic evidence for human mobility in late antique Bulla Regia (Tunisia)

This paper represents the first isotopic study on late antique human mobility in North Africa, using the urban site of Bulla Regia in Tunisia as a case study. We also present the first values for bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr in northern Tunisia, analysing 63 plant and snail samples, as well as a simple method for the pre-processing of plants in the field to facilitate their export. Bulla Regia was a prominent Roman and late antique town situated on an important axis of transport and communication in North Africa and is therefore an ideal site to explore mobility in the region during this time period. Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18OCarb) isotopic analysis of 22 late antique individuals from a Christian church and cemetery identified at least seven or eight non-locals, while comparative analysis of five Roman individuals from a funerary enclosure on the same site classified all but one of them as potential locals. Most non-local individuals exhibit 87Sr/86Sr values that match various areas of northern Tunisia, which supports regional mobility rather than long-distance migration, although when combined with the oxygen results, inter-regional mobility from an area with a warmer climate may be hypothesised for some individuals. Examination of the spatial distribution of non-local individuals in their cemetery setting reveals that they were privileged individuals, thus they may reflect the mobility of wealthier town-dwellers in late antiquity, particularly perhaps along the Carthage-Hippo route.

Morphometric analysis of structure of Jebel El Hairech (Northern Tunisia)

El Hairech structure represents one of the two exposed basement outcrops in the Tell orogen of northern Tunisia. The El Hairech anticline is bounded to the south by E-W trending faults and to the northwest by a NE-SW major fault. On the edge of these two faults, the Chemtou earthquake was recorded on August 6, 1985 (MW=3.5). In order to highlight the effect of seismotectonics on the morphology and recent tectonics of the El Hairech anticline, the aim is to study the geomorphometric response of the drainage network and their associated watersheds. To achieve this, we digitized the topographic isocontours from the Ghardimaou topographic map at a scale of 1/50,000 to create a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) with a ground resolution of 10m. Several geomorphometric indices, including the Hypsometric Integral (Hi), Hypsometric curve, and Topographic Roughness (STD), were calculated based on this DTM. Through morphometric analysis of the El Hairech anticline, we established the relationship between morphology, lithology, and active tectonics. Our analysis allowed us to classify over 105 sub-basins into high, moderate, and low clusters based on incision rate and tectonic activity. The results showed that the overall topography of El Hairech, characterized by a radial outward drainage pattern, is strongly influenced by the reactivation of NE-SW and E-W basement tectonic faults.

Effect of Farm Size on Sustainability Dimensions: Case of Durum Wheat in Northern Tunisia

The sustainability analysis of wheat farms is increasingly becoming interesting for the scientific community in order to help propose a production model ensuring food security and sustainability of agricultural production. This work aims to assess cereal farms’ sustainability in Northern Tunisia via analyzing the effect of farm size on sustainability dimensions. Toward this aim, the Farm Sustainability Indicators (IDEA) method and statistical tests (ANOVA, LSD) were used for the analysis of the obtained data from a representative sample consisting of 200 farms—located in the governorates of Beja, Jendouba and Bizerte—with different sizes (<5 ha; 5–20 ha and more than 20 ha). The IDEA method is built from three indicators of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) in agriculture. The results showed a very high variability in the sustainability scores of durum wheat farms. In fact, the scores relating to each sustainability dimension vary according to the farm size. Overall, the results highlight that small farms are the most economically vulnerable despite being friendly to the environment. However, large farms were relatively more viable, but less environmentally friendly.