System In Tunisia Research Articles

A spatial ranking of optimal sites for solar-driven green hydrogen production using GIS and multi-criteria decision-making approach: A case of Tunisia

The unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, raises concerns about consistent power supply based on a single type. Green hydrogen presents a promising solution to mitigate the environmental effects of fossil fuels and control the unpredictability of renewable energy sources. Yet, developing green hydrogen systems mandates immense financial commitments, vitally stressing the importance of determining the most appropriate locations before constructing them. As such, the primary purpose of this paper was to propose an initial spatial analysis and prioritize the most suitable locations for installing solar-based green hydrogen systems in Tunisia. For this reason, an exhaustive literature survey was conducted to develop a GIS-based MCDM approach, taking into account technical, topography, environmental, and accessibility criteria. Then, EDAS, ARAS, MOORA, and COPRAS techniques were used to rank the most promising sites resulting from the previous stage. The study revealed that sites of high suitability, primarily in the southeastern and southwestern parts of Tunisia, spanned a total area of 1591 km2 (0.78%). Among such regions, Sfax, Monastir, and Sousse appeared to hold the top ranking as the most suitable locations for solar-based hydrogen. The “most suitable” sites had a hydrogen potential capacity of 9910 Mt per year, with Sfax, Monastir, and Sousse accounting for 14.5% of that capacity. By tapping into this immense potential and embracing the green hydrogen industry, Tunisia has the opportunity to lead in renewable energy adoption. This move could help ensure energy security, reduce dependence on imports, stimulate economic growth, and steer the nation toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Prioritizing sustainable renewable energy systems in Tunisia: An integrated approach using hybrid multi-criteria decision analysis

In recent years, renewable energy technologies (RETs) have become increasingly popular worldwide to achieve energy sufficiency, reduce reliance on conventional fuels, and mitigate their devastating environmental impact. Nonetheless, more appears to have stayed the same in emerging economies, such as Tunisia, as various barriers hampered the implementation of these technologies. Hence, the prime objective of this article is to conduct a thoughtful assessment of four prominent renewable energy options for electricity generation and explore the most potential barriers hindering their development in Tunisia. To do so, a two-stage approach was applied. First, CRiteria Importance Through Inter-Criteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) were used to evaluate the considered alternatives, namely solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), onshore wind, and biomass. Then, an integrated step-wise assessment ratio analysis and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach (SWARA-DEMATEL) was developed to identify the most relevant barriers. The related criteria and barriers were determined based on an exhaustive literature review and experts’ feedback. The obtained results indicated that solar PV and wind were the most promising renewable technologies, while biomass was the worst option. To validate the outcome and demonstrate the effect of changing input data on the final results, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out. As for the key obstacles, political instability, high upfront costs, and market access mechanisms were the most influential barriers. Hence, prioritizing different RETs and analyzing the inherent barriers to their utilization would offer insightful guidance to policymakers, enabling them to establish efficient strategies for overcoming these obstacles, and accelerating the deployment of these technologies in the country.

Liver histopathological and oxidative stress assessment by a combination of formaldehyde and oxytetracycline in sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L).

Formaldehyde (FA) and oxytetracycline (OTC) are the chemicals commonly used in aquaculture to prevent or treat fish diseases due to protozoa, parasites, and bacteria. The goal of the present study is to assess the liver injury and oxidative stress induced by exposure of sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L) to therapeutic doses of FA (200 ml.m-3) and OTC (40 g.m-3) under the same conditions being applied in intensive aquaculture systems in Tunisia. The liver histopathological survey was achieved after 5 and 10 days of exposure to FA, OTC separately or mixed. In parallel, liver catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess oxidative stress. Results showed that treatment with FA and OTC used alone or in combinations induced liver damage as measured by sinusoid dilatation, intensive vacuolization, blood congestion, and focal necrosis. Significant elevation in catalyze activity and MDA levels were also observed in liver homogenates by the treatment (p ≤ 005). Combined treatment induced higher effects suggesting the critical hazards associated with FA and OTC when released to the environment.

Introducing the comparative study of electoral systems in Tunisia: populist attitudes, political preferences, and voting behavior

ABSTRACT Although public opinion research has gained prominence in the Middle East and North Africa region since 2011, data on electoral behaviour and political attitudes are scarce and rarely have a comparative focus. This research note introduces a new post-election survey conducted after the 2019 Tunisian elections. The project contributes to the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES) database. In its 26-year history no country other than Israel was ever part of the CSES from the Middle East and North Africa region. Tunisia is the first Arab country to be covered in the CSES. We introduce this new research resource, its methodology, and its themes. We also provide some preliminary results from the main topic of the CSES between 2016 and 2021: populist attitudes. Using a three-dimensional model, we find that people who score high on the populist attitudes measures do not necessarily have a higher preference for populist parties or candidates. Contrary to consistent results from advanced industrial democracies, we also find that people who endorse nativism are more likely to support left-wing parties. This research note illustrates the importance of such datasets and how they contribute to a specific topic: understanding populism across multiple contexts.

Assessment of Tunisian Trichoderma Isolates on Wheat Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Fusarium Seedling Blight Suppression.

Beneficial microorganisms, including members of the Trichoderma genus, are known for their ability to promote plant growth and disease resistance, as well as being alternatives to synthetic inputs in agriculture. In this study, 111 Trichoderma strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Florence Aurore, an ancient wheat variety that was cultivated in an organic farming system in Tunisia. A preliminary ITS analysis allowed us to cluster these 111 isolates into three main groups, T. harzianum (74 isolates), T. lixii (16 isolates) and T. sp. (21 isolates), represented by six different species. Their multi-locus analysis (tef1, translation elongation factor 1; rpb2, RNA polymerase B) identified three T. afroharzianum, one T. lixii, one T. atrobrunneum and one T. lentinulae species. These six new strains were selected to determine their suitability as plant growth promoters (PGP) and biocontrol agents (BCA) against Fusarium seedling blight disease (FSB) in wheat caused by Fusarium culmorum. All of the strains exhibited PGP abilities correlated to ammonia and indole-like compound production. In terms of biocontrol activity, all of the strains inhibited the development of F. culmorum in vitro, which is linked to the production of lytic enzymes, as well as diffusible and volatile organic compounds. An in planta assay was carried out on the seeds of a Tunisian modern wheat variety (Khiar) by coating them with Trichoderma. A significant increase in biomass was observed, which is associated with increased chlorophyll and nitrogen. An FSB bioprotective effect was confirmed for all strains (with Th01 being the most effective) by suppressing morbid symptoms in germinated seeds and seedlings, as well as by limiting F. culmorum aggressiveness on overall plant growth. Plant transcriptome analysis revealed that the isolates triggered several SA- and JA-dependent defense-encoding genes involved in F. culmorum resistance in the roots and leaves of three-week-old seedlings. This finding makes these strains very promising in promoting growth and controlling FSB disease in modern wheat varieties.

Nanofiltration as an efficient tertiary wastewater treatment for reuse in the aquaponic system in Tunisia

A tertiary treatment of the effluent received from five Tunisian wastewater treatment plants is implemented at GDA Sidi Amor for reuse in an aquaponic system. It includes a MBBR, a constructed wetland, sand and activated carbon filters, and a combined nanofiltration and reverse osmosis desalination system. The Results show that the post-treatment before desalination reduces the COD by 44 % which is mostly refractory, the orthophosphate by 33 %, and the ammonia by 95.6 %. The NF90 4040 removes 2/3 of the salts and micropollutants except for sodium, chloride and nitrate which are respectively 57 %, 45 %, 39 %. The micropollutants benzotriazole, and clarithromycin were removed by 17 %, and 8 % respectively. The optimum pressure for a conversion rate of around 80 % is 4.7 bar for the cold period and 7 bar for the summer period depending on water salinity and membrane fouling. After one year, membrane permeability decreases. After cleaning the conversion rate increases to 89 % at 5.2 bars and the hydraulic permeability increases by 39 %. Using the hybrid system NF-RO at 10 bars for RO BW30–4040 the amount of brine was reduced by 65 % and the permeate quality is improved. After five months, the total fish weight increases by 21 kg and the crops grow well.

Growth Responses of the Perennial Grass, Phalaris Aquatica L., to Cutting Frequency and Influence on Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity

Highlights Defoliation initiates physiological recovery and chemical defense mechanisms in Phalaris aquatica. Under infrequent defoliation treatment, P. aquatica has high DM production. Defoliation severity on herbage regrowth was associated with variation of secondary metabolite content and antioxidant activity. Phalaris may be suited to conservation pasture systems; the interval between cuts is about six weeks to maximize rates of regrowth. Results indicate that Phalaris may be used as fodder crop to sustained production and food security. Abstract. Perennial grasses are the key to the economic and environmental sustainability of pastures for livestock, and in arid and semi-arid environments, they can provide multiple ecosystem services more effectively than production systems based on annual crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different defoliation frequencies on forage production and nutritive value of the Phalaris aquatica L. variety Soukra under field conditions in Tunis, Tunisia, over a period of 12 weeks. We tested four defoliation frequencies: (1) severe, (2) moderate, (3) infrequent, and (4) control. The growth responses measured were plant tiller number (NT), dry matter production (DM), and relative leaf regrowth rate (RLR). DM under the severe and moderate defoliation frequencies was 7% and 41% less than under control defoliation, respectively. However, DM production under infrequent defoliation was 91% and 43% higher than under severe and moderate defoliation. The relative leaf regrowth rate was affected by defoliation frequency; the highest regrowth rate was under severe treatment. However, tillering of P. aquatica was reduced under the severe and moderate frequencies of defoliation. Under increased defoliation frequencies, concentrations of secondary metabolites significantly decreased; total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, and tannin contents were higher in control and infrequent than in moderate and severe treatments. Antioxidant activity also decreased significantly with defoliation compared to the control treatment. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in ABTS (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) among the defoliation frequencies. Pearson's r correlation and PCA (Principal component analysis) data revealed that growth parameters, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity have positive and negative correlations in distinguishing the control and defoliation treatments. Results indicate that P. aquatica management should target moderate harvest rates in the adoption of perennial grass forage production systems in Tunisia. Use of perennial grasses for forage production can contribute to sustained production, food security, and rural livelihoods, and move farming systems towards providing multiple economic, environmental, and social benefits. Keywords: ABTS, Defoliation frequency, DPPH, Flavonoids, Growth responses, Matter production, Perennial grasses, Phalaris, Polyphenols.

Remote Monitoring of Mediterranean Hurricanes Using Infrasound

Mediterranean hurricanes, or medicanes, are tropical-like cyclones forming once or twice per year over the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. These mesocyclones pose a serious threat to coastal infrastructure and lives because of their strong winds and intense rainfall. Infrasound technology has already been employed to investigate the acoustic signatures of severe weather events, and this study aims at characterizing, for the first time, the infrasound detections that can be related to medicanes. This work also contributes to infrasound source discrimination efforts in the context of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We use data from the infrasound station IS48 of the International Monitoring System in Tunisia to investigate the infrasound signatures of mesocyclones using a multi-channel correlation algorithm. We discuss the detections using meteorological fields to assess the presence of stratospheric waveguides favoring propagation. We corroborate the detections by considering other datasets, such as satellite observations, a surface lightning detection network, and products mapping the simulated intensity of the swell. High- and low-frequency detections are evidenced for three medicanes at distances ranging between 250 and 1100 km from the station. Several cases of non-detection are also discussed. While deep convective systems, and mostly lightning within them, seem to be the main source of detections above 1 Hz, hotspots of swell (microbarom) related to the medicanes are evidenced between 0.1 and 0.5 Hz. In the latter case, simulations of microbarom detections are consistent with the observations. Multi-source situations are highlighted, stressing the need for more resilient detection-estimation algorithms. Cloud-to-ground lightning seems not to explain all high-frequency detections, suggesting that additional sources of electrical or dynamical origin may be at play that are related to deep convective systems.

Phytochemical properties of local and introduced apricot cultivars grown under organic cultivation system in Tunisia

Phytochemical properties of local and introduced apricot cultivars grown under organic cultivation system in Tunisia

Sustainability assessment of traditional, intensive and highly-intensive olive growing systems in Tunisia by integrating Life Cycle and Multicriteria Decision analyses

Olive cultivation is the most important agro-ecosystem in the Mediterranean basin. Despite the remarkable intensification of this system (i.e., the use of high tree densities and large amounts of inputs), the environmental and socio-economic impacts of this transformation have been poorly studied to date. For this purpose, an integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework is developed to assess the life cycle sustainability of innovative olive farming systems (intensive and highly-intensive) compared to traditional ones (conventional and organic) in Tunisia, one of the world's leading olive oil producers. The methodological framework consists of two parts: Life Cycle evaluation of olive systems (calculation of impact categories) and Muticriteria Decision Analysis integration (calculation of a sustainability score for each olive system). The results of the Multicriteria Decision Analysis indicate that stakeholders assign the highest priority to environmental aspects, followed by economic and social ones, especially, in the water resource depletion, internal rate of return, and human toxicity impact categories. According to the Life Cycle evaluation, fertilizers, soil management and harvesting are the agricultural practices with the highest impacts. In terms of sustainability, organic systems achieve better scores per ha and innovative systems per ton. Due to the critical water situation in Tunisia, the results suggest the need of: 1) improving the economic performance of rainfed olive farming systems, being the most prominent, by integrating farmers into cooperatives and encouraging conventional producers to get involved in the organic sector, and 2) mitigating the resource depletion impacts of intensive and highly-intensive systems through innovation based on integrated production (a certified system aimed to reduce environmental impacts derived from the use of chemicals in agriculture through the controlled use of production techniques), and limiting these systems to areas of low ecological vulnerability.

Life cycle assessment of the most representative virgin olive oil production systems in Tunisia

This study aims to analyze the environmental impacts of Tunisian olive oil production using a “cradle to gate” Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in order to quantify, compare and establish the most environmentally sustainable practices. This is the first LCA study in Tunisia that covers together the agricultural and industrial activities of one of their most important product value chains. This analysis considers the main olive grove cultivation systems in Tunisia (extensive, intensive, and super intensive) as well as the main extraction systems (press, 3-phase and 2–3 phase combined system). Sixteen categories of environmental impact were assessed following the guidelines set down by the “Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules” for olive oil established by the European Commission. Through the results obtained, it is possible to identify which is the most impactful of the main types of cultivation and extraction systems considered for every impact category individually. As representative values, the impact in climate change category for the most representative value chain (extensive crops and 3 phase extraction) is 3.29 kg CO 2 eq. per kg of olive oil without considering biogenic C and 3.53 kg CO 2 eq. if biogenic C is considered. The study determines that agricultural activities represent the heaviest contribution in all impact categories for the most representative value chain (from 84.7 % in photochemical ozone formation to 99.9 % in land use). Therefore, efforts should be focused on reducing the impact of the agricultural stage and reaching a high olive oil yield to reduce the overall environmental impact. For that reason, the study proposes to improve efficiency in the agricultural field and continue the investments in the presence of the 2–3 phase combined system.

Characterization of Goat Breeding Systems in Tunisia and In the Mediterranean Region

Despite its socio-economic role in Tunisia, the goat has been considered as an agent of natural resource degradation due to the excessive exploitation of forests and rangelands. Currently goat farms are beginning to regain interest in different Tunisian climatic conditions. Goat breeding is distributed throughout the territory, particularly in the mountain areas, natural rangelands and southern oases. The main systems encountered are (i) systems integrated into farms, (ii) livestock systems in mountainous and forest regions, (iii) oasis ecosystems and (iv) transhumant livestock systems. These farming modes are influenced by developments in agricultural systems in general, which change due to socio-economic development and are dependent on the availability of funding through national projects. In North African countries in general, transhumant pastoral systems dominate arid and semi-arid zones and are characterized by the seasonality of food resources, which are tightly influenced by rainfall. Extensive pastoral farming, mixed with sheep in regions with a dry climate and limited water resources, is the most widespread. Goat farming is a form of savings rather than an economic activity. Concerning the majority of Mediterranean countries; the existing farming systems reveal the importance of socio-territorial unity and available natural resources. The classification of goat farming systems is based on the resources used (natural rangelands or crop residues), the intensity of resource use (extensive or intensive), the types of livestock breeders (nomadic or sedentary), or the product generated and it's quality. The dominant systems in the European countries of the northern Mediterranean shore are farms oriented to the production of goat's milk intended for the manufacture of cheeses.

Sudden death related to the gastrointestinal system in Tunisia: A 13 year autopsy study.

Sudden gastrointestinal (GI) death is an unexpecteddeath due to digestive system causes mainly found after autopsy. The literature is rich in articles that studied sudden death due to cardiac causes while sudden GI deaths remain less well-documented. We retrospectively investigated all cases of gastrointestinal death at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Tunis, over 13years (January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2018). Two hundred and eight cases were collected. The mean age of our series was 51.06±20.99years. No history of digestive disorders was reported in 78.4%, and no family history of sudden death was found in any cases. A male predominance was found in most epidemiological characteristics of the sample with a significant statistical rate in some features. Non-specific abdominal pain was the most described symptom (n=92). Perforation of GI tract was the common mechanism involved in the death of 55 cases, of which 44 were related to ulcer perforation. These ulcer perforations were statistically more reported in smokers and people suffering from schizophrenia. Intestinal obstruction was the second commonest cause of death, mainly found in the elderly. Sudden death in children was most frequently caused by acute intussusception. This study highlights that systematic study of sudden death due to GI causes might provide opportunities to identify avenues for overall health improvement.

A scenario analysis of potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the Tunisian electricity sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy of Tunisia, like that of many other countries. With electricity consumption dropping, consumption patterns changing, international fuel prices oscillating and uncertainty raging, the pandemic has affected not least the planning of investments in electricity supply. Although the government seems unlikely to revise the decarbonisation targets downwards, questions arise on whether the investments planned before the pandemic are still relevant in the changed global landscape and what effects they may have on the country's economy.In this study, we analyse post-pandemic scenarios for the electricity supply system of Tunisia with an energy-economy modelling framework, soft-linking the energy modelling tool OSeMOSYS and an open source Input-Output model. We extract insights on the cost-competitiveness of different – previously planned and new – electricity supply solutions and their impacts on job creation and loss in the entire economy. We find that renewable solutions based on solar photovoltaic remain highly competitive with gas-fired generation under different projections of gas prices and that several low-carbon and energy efficiency solutions have high potential for job creation. We also find that more ambitious investments in renewables and energy efficiency are needed to take Tunisia towards the path of deep decarbonisation.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the sewerage system inTunisia: a promising tool to confront COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: The current study undertaken in Tunisia examines the use of wastewaters to monitor SARS-CoV-2 circulation. Materials & methods: Viral genetic materials collected in wastewaters during two different periods (September–October 2020 and February–April 2021) were concentrated using the adsorption-elution method. SARS-CoV-2 genes were researched by real-time PCR. Results: During the first period of the study, viral RNA was detected in 61.11% of the analyzed samples collected from Monastir city with a rate of 88.88% for raw wastewaters and 33.33% for treated wastewaters. Then, during the second period of the study, the quantitative analysis of wastewaters collected from seven governorates showed the presence of viral RNA among around 25% of them with variable RNA loads. The increased amounts of viral RNA detected in wastewaters were accompanied by an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in Tunisia. Conclusion: Our results emphasize the importance of sewage survey in SARS-CoV-2 tracking.

Institutional Challenges of Economic Reforms: Tunisia during Democratic Transition

This paper focuses on the challenges of economic reform in post-revolution Tunisia. It underlines the importance of a mixed approach between political economy (positive) and normative economic analysis to implement an effective public policy reform agenda. The post-revolution situation underlines the need for a progressive consensual reform strategy to preserve the interests of different groups and overcome political and legislative polarization. Building an effective reform system in Tunisia will mean improving institutional public administration capacities, enhancing government leadership, and building an effective system of coordination, evaluation, and follow up.

Evaluation of anxiety and coping strategies among tunisian health professionals in the pandemic of the covid 19

IntroductionThe rapid spread of coronavirus has forced the healthcare systems in Tunisia to reorganize its structures, thus mobilizing all caregivers. Their professional and emotional burden was put to the test.ObjectivesTo evaluate the level of anxiety and to study coping strategies among caregivers during this pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among150 caregivers in two hospitals in Sfax in Tunisia; during April 2020. We used anonymous questionnaire, the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale(STAI) to assess tension felt at anxiety-producing situations; and the Coping Inventory Scale for Stressful Situations (CISS): to assess coping strategies.ResultsThe average age was 30.33± 6,93 years and the sex-ratio M/W = 0,29. Caregivers followed the news of this pandemic with these means of communication: 96% Facebook, 80%TV. The increase of the time spent in front of media:84% Sleep disorders were present in 64.7%: insomnia (36%), chopped sleep(34%). Caregivers used sleeping pills in 12% of case. STAI: The mean ascore =48.85 and a high anxiety level was noted in72% of case. CISS: Task-oriented coping strategies : a mean score= 47.90 and Emotion-centered coping : a mean score = 40,49 High anxiety was correlated with: age>40 years old (p=0.042). The increase of the time spent in front of media, chopped sleep and use of sleeping pills are correlated respectively (p= 0,043, p=0,003, p=0,003) with an emotionally focused coping strategy.ConclusionsHealth professionals had a painful psychological experience with significant anxiety. Strengthening prevention strategies, management of health crises should be a priority of our health-system.

Highlighting successes and challenges of the mental health system in Tunisia: an overview of services, facilities, and human resources

Background Tunisia is a lower-middle-income country located in North Africa with strengths and challenges to its mental health system. Aims We present an overview of available services, facilities, and human resources to offer mental health care in Tunisia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, where data for the year 2017 was collected between May 2018 and May 2019 by consulting stakeholders involved in the health field in Tunisia. We compare this information with data published in the WHO-AIMS report (2008), which presents mental health data in Tunisia for the year 2004. Results Successes of the mental health system in Tunisia include an increase in the ratios of psychiatrists and psychologists, with these ratios being higher than those of other lower-middle-income countries; a flourishing child-psychiatry practice; and an increase in people being treated for mental health conditions. Challenges include psychiatrists being over-represented in large cities along the coastline and in the private sector, and most people receiving treatment in specialized mental health facilities. Conclusions The further operationalization of the National Strategy for Mental Health Promotion is envisioned, through the training of non-specialists in mental health care and incentives offered to psychiatrists to work in the country’s interior and the public sector.

The Influence of Internal Actors on the Sophistication of Costing Systems in Tunisia

The Influence of Internal Actors on the Sophistication of Costing Systems in Tunisia

System Modelling of the Cereal Grading System in Tunisia

After a presentation of the cereal activities in Tunisia, we present, according to a systemic analysis approach, the cereal grading system. A model describing the functioning of complex system was established and has allowed identifying the information that ruled it. An information matrix is defined and elaborated, it enables on the one hand to identify the produced and consumed information concerning each activity and on the other hand to determine the relations between the activities.