The present study aims to optimize the extraction of phenolics by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using the response surface methodology (RSM), from Lemon verbena leaves. The optimized extract was tested for its antioxidant activity using two methods (DPPH and reducing power) and its antibacterial efficiency by using disk diffusion assay and broth microdilution, against two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633) strains. Under the optimized conditions (40% (v/v): of ethanol concentration, 188 s of irradiation time, 600 W of microwave power and 1:40 g/mL of solid-to-liquid ratio) the total phenolic content (TPC) was 67.87±1.61 mg GAE/g DW. The IC50 of the extract was 139.65±1.44 µg/mL and 56.60±2.79 µg/mL for DPPH inhibition and reducing power, respectively. The best antibacterial activity was shown by the extract obtained by MAE with lower MBC (1.56 to 18.75 mg/mL) and MBC/MIC ratio. Lemon verbena extract can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics, food supplements and herbal medicinal products due to its interesting biological properties.
This article describes the FAIRification process (which involves making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable – or FAIR – for both machines and humans) for data related to the impact of COVID-19 on migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Tunisia, Libya and Niger, according to the scheme adopted by GO FAIR. This process was divided into three phases: pre-FAIRification, FAIRification and post-FAIRification. Each phase consisted of seven steps. In the first phase, 118 in-depth interviews and 565 press articles and research reports were collected by students and researchers at the University of Sousse in Tunisia and researchers in Niger. These interviews, articles and reports constitute the dataset for this research. In the second phase, the data were sorted and converted into a machine actionable format and published on a FAIR Data Point hosted at the University of Sousse. In the third phase, an assessment of the implementation of the FAIR Guidelines was undertaken. Certain barriers and challenges were faced in this process and solutions were found. For FAIR data curation, certain changes need to be made to the technical process. People need to be convinced to make these changes and that the implementation of FAIR will generate a long-term return on investment. Although the implementation of FAIR Guidelines is not straightforward, making our resources FAIR is essential to achieving better science together.
A large amount of cork powder (CP) produced by cork industry ended up in landfills, they are the result of the crushing of natural floor (bark) cork oak, hence the need to recycle these wastes to prevent environmental problems. To this end, the work is to combine the powdered cork recovered with a thermoplastic material to provide a cork based composite (CPC) having physico-mechanical characteristics and thermal very interesting. Several formulations of composite materials based on PVC (as matrix), cork powder (as a charge) and a PVC-g-MA coupling agent, have been the subject of experimental study to evaluate the physical-mechanical and thermal properties. To investigate the combined effect of cork powder and PVC-g-MA on composite properties, the samples were manufactured by varying the content of PC (30 %, 40 % and 50 %) with two PVC-g-MA concentrations. Improving the stability of PVC which is accentuated in the presence of the coupling agent. In addition, it was found that the incorporation of the coupling agent has enabled the elimination of the adverse effect of cork powder, improving the tensile strength. The composite obtained in this study yielded some promising properties, even if building strategies to achieve greater strength and rigidity could beings needed for specific applications.
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