Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie

This study evaluated the effect of two levels of extruded linseed (EL) in the diet on growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of growing rabbits. Sixty-nine New Zealand White male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were assigned after weaning to three dietary groups: control (C), 2.5% EL (L2.5%), and 5% EL (L5%). At the end of the fattening period (from 37 to 93 days of age), rabbits were slaughtered. EL supplementation significantly reduced average daily weight gain (ADG) in the L5% group (p < 0.05), while other performance parameters were not significantly affected. Meat from the L5% group exhibited a higher fat content (p < 0.001) and lower water-holding capacity (p < 0.05) compared to the others. The fatty acid profile showed a significant increase in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a decrease in n-6 PUFA (p < 0.05), resulting in a markedly reduced n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) in supplemented groups. EL supplementation also enhanced long-chain n-3 PUFA levels, particularly docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Although lipid oxidation was slightly increased (p < 0.05), sensory attributes remained unaffected. These findings support EL supplementation as a nutritional strategy to increase the n-3 fatty acids in rabbit meat without compromising physical and sensory quality.

Litter size records from two lines of Tunisian Barbarine sheep were analysed across parities using an RRM. A total of 2751 and 2562 litter records from the first to the sixth parity from the prolific and the conventional lines, respectively, were included in the analysis. The total number of animals in the pedigree was 1277 for the prolific line and 1102 for the conventional line. The estimation of genetic parameters was based on Bayesian inference under categorical distribution. Fixed effects included the year and month of lambing and a fixed quadratic regression coefficient for the lambing number with Legendre polynomials. The random additive and permanent environmental effects were modelled by second-order Legendre polynomials. Heritability ranged from 0.04 to 0.18 for the prolific line and from 0.17 to 0.39 for the conventional line. Genetic correlations within trait through parities showed a wide range of values, from 0.25 to 0.96 for the prolific line and from zero to 0.93 for the conventional line. Due to the changes in the variances and the genetic correlations different from unity across parities, the use of an RRM is recommended to analyse litter size in the Barbarine sheep.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a crucial grass species known for its adaptability and durability, integral to agriculture and environmental sustainability. Understanding its genetic diversity is vital for breeding and enhancing ecological adaptability. This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity of 35 Tunisian accessions of tall fescue, collected in 32 sites and grouped in four geographical regions, compared to the introduced Bullseye French variety, using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. A total of 316 high-intensity bands, ranging from 124 to 2392 bp, were produced using 14 SRAP primer pair combinations, averaging 22.57 bands per combination. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.370 to 0.398, and the discrimination power (DP) averaged 0.685, indicating significant genetic diversity. Both UPGMA and STRUCTURE analyses identified two distinct genetic clusters, separating Tunisian accessions from the French variety. Moreover, the genetic differentiation was related mainly to geographical membership with an overall PhiPT (analog of fixation index FST) value of 0.278. AMOVA partition revealed that the most SRAP variation (72.17%) occurred within regions rather than among regions. These results underline the efficacy of SRAP markers in supplying sufficient information in the diversity analysis of tall fescue. This study establishes a foundation for future genetic research and breeding programs to enhance the adaptability and management of tall fescue genetic resources.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the motor game “Treasure Game” (TG) on first-grade children’s level of geometric thinking and post-learning mood tracking (PLMT). Methods: The study employed 24 first-grade children aged 6.1 ± 0.7 years from a public primary school in Tunisia, all classified at Level 1 of van Hiele geometric thinking (GT). Participants were randomly in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design in 2 groups and engaged in both the TG during physical education sessions and the conventional geometry course (CGC) during mathematics sessions over a 3-week period, with sessions counterbalanced to avoid order effects. The Van Hiele geometry test was administered to assess GT, and a mood chart was used to track PLMT. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (Chicago), applying paired and independent samples t-tests to compare the effects of TG and CGC on GT and mood, with significance set at P < .05 and effect sizes calculated using Cohen D and Hedges g. Results: The results indicated that the TG had a significant positive impact on both GT and PLMT in first-grade children. In group 1, there was no significant difference in GT after the CGC compared to TG; however, group 2 showed a significant improvement in GT after TG compared to CGC, with a large effect size. Additionally, PLMT scores were significantly higher after TG than after CGC in both groups, with mood scores increasing when transitioning from CGC to TG and decreasing when transitioning from TG to CGC. Overall, the data demonstrate that TG significantly enhances both cognitive and emotional outcomes in young learners compared to traditional geometry instruction. Conclusion: The study confirms that participation in the TG significantly enhances GT and improves post-learning mood in firstgrade children. This suggests that integrating motor activities like TG into the curriculum could be a viable strategy for enhancing early geometric education. Further research with larger sample sizes and considerations of gender differences is recommended. Abbreviations: CGC = conventional geometry course, LGT = level of geometric thinking, PE = physical education, PLMT = post-learning mood tracking, TG = treasure game, VHGT = Van Hiele geometry test. Keywords: children, cognitive geometric thinking, learning, mood chart

This work aims to enhance our understanding of plant-defense mechanisms, which is crucial for developing resistant crops following pest attacks. Focusing on the susceptibility of Tunisian barley to the gall midge Mayetiola hordei, the current study explores how gall formation affects the structure of attacked organs, and how sensitive and resistant barley cultivars respond to infestations. Two barley cultivars, Kounouz and Rihane, were selected for this experiment in two semi-arid regions of North Tunisia, Zaghouan and Kef. Sampling was carried out at four stages of barley development (tillering, elongation, heading, and ripening). Kef region was identified as the most affected area, recording significant economic and severe infestations for Kounouz variety, particularly at the ripening stage (53% and 24%, respectively). While Rihane variety demonstrated the least susceptibility, with only 4% of tillers severely infested during the heading stage in Kef and 7% in Zaghouan. This study detected structural changes in the stem induced by gall formation, revealing cellular hypertrophy, tissue hyperplasia, and lignin accumulation. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated a significant increase in total polyphenol compounds and total peroxidase activity upon gall midge attack. Polyphenol, flavonoid, condensed tannins, and peroxidase activity concentrations after infestation reached 1.312 ± 0.056 mgGAE/gWF; 1.457 ± 0.079 mgRE/gWF; 0.237 ± 0.036 mgCE/gWF; and 4.160 U/g FW, respectively, for Rihane variety during the heading stage of barley in Kef. The study also highlighted a linear relationship between peroxidase activity and total phenolic content post-infestation, underscoring the role of phenolic compounds and peroxidase activity in plant resistance and defense in response to M. hordei-induced stress.

Silicon (Si) application has been recognized as a recent ecological approach for overcoming the negative effects of high soil salinity and enhancing salinity stress responses in plants. The present study was conducted in order to investigate in which extent Si seed priming can improve growth and photosynthetic activity in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cultivated under field saline conditions. Unprimed and primed seeds with 20, 40, and 60 mM sodium silicate were then sown in the agricultural field. Our results showed that for all used Si concentrations, seed priming enhanced the whole plant length (about 40%), increased shoot and root dry weight by about 5.4-fold and fourfold respectively. It also resulted in a higher photosynthetic pigment level, an enhanced photosynthetic gas exchange, a better stability of the photosystems, a stimulation of photosystem oxidation, and a mitigation of nonphotochemical energy dissipation. Priming with 20 mM Si induced the highest reduction in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in shoots by 52% and in roots a reduction by 92% was observed in 60 mM Si, followed by a reduction of 90% in 20 mM Si. Regardless of the Si concentration used, priming reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both shoots and roots, by about 50% and 87% respectively. The overall enhancement in photosynthetic attributes of primed plants ultimately increases considerably (about 5 times) plant growth and productivity. In conclusion, using Si in seed priming of barley plants is an effective, easy, and low-cost method, especially for farmers, to increase their plant productivity in salt-affected agricultural lands.

The detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty‐four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s‐he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s‐he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty‐eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters.

Au Maghreb, les femmes entrepreneures font face à de nombreuses contraintes économiques, sociales et culturelles. Ces contraintes, identifiées dans de nombreuses études, limitent souvent fortement la capacité des femmes à initier leur projet d’entrepreneuriat et à le développer. L’étude analyse les stratégies menées par des femmes entrepreneures pour surmonter les différentes contraintes à leur activité économique. L’étude a été menée auprès de 40 femmes entrepreneures à Ghardaïa (sud de l’Algérie). Dans cette région oasienne, les normes sociales et culturelles sont marquées par le patriarcat et contraignent fortement l’accès des femmes à l’espace public. Les femmes entrepreneures interrogées ont développé des stratégies pour faire face aux contraintes économiques (comme la saturation du marché local en produits traditionnels) en valorisant mieux leurs produits et en créant des produits et services pour répondre aux nouvelles demandes de consommation. Elles ont aussi mobilisé des stratégies pour surmonter les contraintes socioculturelles, notamment en utilisant les outils numériques, en impliquant les hommes de leurs foyers familiaux dans leur projet d’entrepreneuriat, et en s’investissant dans de nouveaux espaces publics où la présence des femmes est acceptée. Ces différentes stratégies ont permis aux femmes de développer leurs activités économiques en s’adaptant aux normes locales plutôt qu’en entrant en conflit avec elles. Cependant, les activités développées restent en général dans le secteur informel. L’essor de cet entrepreneuriat se produit ainsi loin des dispositifs publics d’appui, qui bénéficient avant tout aux entreprises formellement établies.

This study investigated the impact of temperature and humidity on milk production traits in Tunisian dairy cows, analysing population‐level trends and individual cow responses using various modelling techniques and heat stress (HS) indices. Two distinct datasets were used for this purpose: the first included 551,139; 331,654 and 302,396 test‐day records for milk, fat and protein yields, respectively. The second supplemented the production information with daily average (THIavg) and maximum (THImax) temperature‐humidity index (THI) data. Three main parts of analyses were conducted simultaneously: classical least squares, identification of HS thresholds and associated production losses and assessment of individual cow responses using random regression models (RRM) fitting various continuous functions that include/exclude individual effects. The best model, determined by goodness‐of‐fit measurements, was a cubic polynomial function that accounted for individual variation and THIavg as a heat load measure. HS thresholds were established at THIavg/THImax of 70/74 for milk yield, 50/55 for fat percentage, 59/66 for protein percentage, 54/63 for fat yield and 56/66 for protein yield. According to the fitted polynomial models, daily milk production traits showed a curvilinear decline with accelerated loss rates beyond the established thermal thresholds. However, for all models and thermal indices, maximum daily production losses remained below 164 g/day, 4.4 g/day and 6.1 g/day for milk, fat and protein yields, respectively. Despite these losses, the relatively high thermal thresholds and lower associated production losses suggest that Tunisian dairy cows can tolerate high heat loads. Moreover, observed variations in response patterns indicate potential for selecting heat‐tolerant individuals within this population.

Ectotherms are largely impacted by extreme climate events, essentially heatwaves. In Tunisia, the pine processionary moth (PPM), Thaumetopoea pityocampa, is a defoliator typically laying eggs in summer. Its geographical range is expanding northwards in Europe while retracting from southern Tunisia where summer temperatures can reach extreme heats. We explored the effects of climate change over the last 30 years on PPM at its southern range edge. We investigated variations of fecundity and causes of egg mortality over time using historical and contemporary collections of egg masses. Due to incomplete historical series, a clustering method was used to group climatically homologous sampling sites and perform allochronic analyses on clusters instead of individual localities. Our results suggest negative effects of summer heat on egg survival, down to 0% hatching rate in one site during a major heatwave. Such high hatching failures resulted partly from high egg sterility and aborted embryos, with little effects of parasitism rate, suggesting heat susceptibility during embryonic development, but our results do not allow distinguishing impeded mating success from failed egg maturation or early embryo death. Decreasing female fecundity was observed in regions where allochronic comparisons were possible, associated with a decrease in parasitism rate, while climatic variability increased. Previous studies have confirmed experimentally the thermal sensitivity of PPM early instars to temperatures observed in the present work, including one population from southern Tunisia. However, further work is required to evaluate the relative importance of warming summers among populations, since the risk of heat stress depends on the phenology of sensitive instars, and populations from the warmest areas may not necessarily be the most vulnerable to climate change if they already evolved phenological heat avoidance. In addition to heat‐induced mortality, the ultimate fitness of heat survivors should also be explored to determine potential carry‐over effects on subsequent life stages.

Researchers are actively recommending optimal modes of usage for techno-pedagogical tools to ensure that athletes reap the benefits of technology in their training. In this study, we investigated the most effective video feedback viewing speed among normal-speed (NS), half-speed (HS), and quarter-speed (QS), for technical error correction in young weightlifters during the snatch movement. A total of 37 weightlifters (25 boys and 12 girls), aged 11–12 years, were randomly divided into three groups, namely the normal-speed (control group), the half-speed, and the quarter-speed group. Participants completed a pretest (T0), a seven-week snatch learning unit, and a posttest (T1), as well as a retention test one week later (T2). Video-mediated technical analysis of the snatch movement was conducted using the Kinovea motion analysis software. The main results showed that weightlifters who viewed their feedback videos at a quarter of the normal speed (QS) achieved significantly greater improvements in the displacement of the bar in the first pull Dx2 (T1 vs. T0: 27.41 ± 26.10%, Hedges’ g = 0.87, p < 0.05; T2 vs. T0: 24.34 ± 27.11%, Hedges’ g = 1.07, p < 0.05) and the vertical displacement VTR (T1 vs. T0: 22.89 ± 14.16%, Hedges’ g = 1.16, p < 0.05) compared to those who viewed the videos at NS or HS. These findings suggest that slowing down video feedback playback to a quarter of the normal speed can be an effective strategy for enhancing technical error correction in young weightlifters.

The six‐minute walking test (6MWT) is commonly used to measure functional capacity in field settings, primarily through the distance covered. This study aims to establish reference curves for the six‐minute walking distance (6MWD) and peak heart rate (PHR) and develop a predictive equation for cardiovascular capacity in Tunisian children and adolescents. A total of 1501 participants (706 boys and 795 girls), aged 10–18 years, were recruited from schools in Tunisia. The Lambda (L), Mu (M), and Sigma (S) methods (LMS method) were employed to develop smoothed percentile curves for 6MWD and PHR. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to formulate a prediction equation for 6MWD. Smoothed percentiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th) for 6MWD and PHR were presented with age. All variables showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.001) with a six‐minute walking distance (r ranged from 0.227 to 0.558 for girls and from 0.309 to 0.610 for boys), except resting heart rate, which showed a strong negative correlation (girls: r = −0.136; boys: r = −0.201; p < 0.001). Additionally, PHR showed a weak correlation (p > 0.05). The prediction equations, based on age as the primary variable, were established for both genders. For boys: 6MWD = 66.181 + 38.142 × Age (years) (R² = 0.372; Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) = 122.13), and for girls: 6MWD = 105.535 + 28.390 × Age (years) (R² = 0.312; SEE = 103.66). The study provides normative values and predictive equations for 6MWD and PHR in Tunisian children and adolescents. These findings offer essential tools for identifying, monitoring, and interpreting cardiovascular functional deficits in clinical and research settings.

Background: This study aims to verify the accuracy of item 10 on the energy level of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) in an item screening according to Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) results, providing a measure of hyper-energy. Methods: Regression techniques were employed in a dataset comprising 4093 records of respondents to test both linear and nonlinear relationships between predictor and outcome variables (energy level and symptoms considered in the MDQ). We examined the relationship of energy level with cases identified using MDQ with a cut-off of 7. Results: Levels of energy, as rated on item 10 of the SF-12, were related to the MDQ score with sensitivity = 0.72 and specificity = 0.70. In linear regression, the associations were stronger with MDQ items on excessive energy or activity, showing a medium effect size and an explained variance of 10% or higher. A greater association was observed for items on excessive energy and activity, as expected, as well as for items concerning self-confidence, sociability, and talkativeness. Conclusions: This result may have implications for the research on risk factors and the pathogenesis of the dysregulation of mood, energy, and social rhythms syndrome (DYMERS), a syndrome that is hypothesized to occur in stressful conditions like those shown under the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leaf blister moth, Leucoptera malifoliella is an invasive pest of apple and other Rosaceae species. It causes significant damage to apple leaves, threatening the production quality and the overall health of the tree. In this paper, we report the first record of L. malifoliella in Tunisia and give details of its distribution in apple orchards of central west Tunisia (Kasserine governorate). After signs of the pest were observed, cocoons were collected from the field and reared until adult eclosion. Identification of the species was based on observations of external morphology in the laboratory in addition to the field diagnosis based on larval damage on leaves. Leucoptera malifoliella was collected firstly in Foussana delegation, then in Sbeitla, Sbiba, Djedliane, Kasserine and Feriana delegations, showing that it is widely spread in the Kasserine governorate. This leaf miner was clearly identified as one of the most abundant pests in some localities. This paper describing the first record of L. malifoliella in central west Tunisia aims to raise awareness on the pest and encourage the collaboration between apple producers, researchers and extension services in the region to establish a programme of monitoring and managing the pest.

In the Khaled-Teboursouk basin (Southern Mediterranean Basin), karstic aquifers are the main sources of drinking and irrigation water. They play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the region. Therefore, the estimation of groundwater recharge is necessary for a good management of water resources, while considering the impacts of climate change. The present study utilizes the application of APLIS method integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) as a remote sensing technique for geospatial analysis to explore groundwater recharge areas along Khalled-Teboursouk basin, expressed as a percentage of precipitation combined with numerous parameters. The morphology of earth surface features such as Altitude (A), Slope (P), Lithology (L), infiltration (I), and Soil (S) influence the groundwater recharge rate in carbonate aquifers, from the infiltration of rainfall in aquifers in either direct or indirect way. The results revealed that 60–80% of precipitation is identified as high potential for groundwater recharge and it is associated with karstified limestones of Eocene lower age. The gentle slope areas in the Middle-East and Central parts have been moderate potential for groundwater recharge 40–60% of precipitation and they are associated with karstified limestone of Campanian-Maastrichtian age (Abiod Fm.). Hilly terrains with low and very low recharge are the most represented for groundwater recharge processes. They are associated with areas of non-karstified rocks and Quaternary deposits. The dominant water type of the groundwater in this area is Ca–Mg–Cl–SO4 water type. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of these waters (0.37 to 3.58 g/l) are slow in the recharge area and high in the discharge area. This is caused by rapid circulation of water from the recharge areas to the discharge points. The aquifers have been recharged by rainfall originating from a mixture of Atlantic and Mediterranean vapor masses. The isotope analyses, δ18O and δ2H ranged from − 6.8 to -5.3‰ (vs. SMOW) and from − 42 to -4‰ (vs. SMOW) respectively, confirm the recent recharge of these carbonate aquifers.