Articles

This study proposes an integrated approach combining geographic information systems (GIS) and geotechnical analyses to assess the stability of the Oued Ayda mountain lake dam, located in the Siliana Governorate, northwestern Tunisia. The mechanical properties of the embankment and foundation materials were integrated into a Mohr-Coulomb geomechanical model, while the pore water pressure distribution was simulated for various representative hydromechanical scenarios: end of construction, normal operation, rapid drainage, and short- and long-term empty reservoir conditions. The stability analysis, performed using the Morgenstern-Price method with the SLOPE/W software (GeoStudio), reveals high safety factors on the upstream side (SF > 3 in the short term and SF ≥ 2 in the long term), indicating good resistance of this slope to hydraulic and mechanical stresses. Conversely, the results show that the downstream slope exhibits significantly lower safety factors, ranging from 1.335 to 1.338 under long-term conditions, particularly during normal operating and rapid drainage scenarios. These reduced values indicate a high vulnerability of this slope to persistent saturation and adverse hydraulic gradients. In conclusion, although the dam exhibits satisfactory overall stability, the downstream slope remains the most vulnerable area of the structure. The results underscore the need for rigorous management of water level fluctuations and suggest reinforcing the drainage system or implementing targeted stabilization measures to ensure the long-term safety and durability of the structure.

<i>Opuntia </i><i>ficus-indica</i><i> </i>(L.) Mill., commonly known as prickly pear, is a versatile plant widely used for food, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes in various regions of the Mediterranean and North Africa. This study provides a comparative ethnobotanical review of prickly pear uses in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy. In total, 74 articles were selected from ethnobotanical uses in Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. In the Maghreb, the plant is used for fruit production and processed products, such as jams, oils, and flours, as well as for traditional medicinal purposes. In Algeria and Morocco, the fruits and cladodes are used to treat digestive disorders, diabetes, and skin diseases. In Tunisia, products derived from <i>O</i><i>. </i><i>ficus-indica</i> are also applied in the cosmetic industry and for erosion control. In Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, the prickly pear is a vital resource, used for both food consumption and for medicinal purposes. The cladodes, rich in mucilage, are applied as topical remedies for skin problems, while the fruits are a key ingredient in the preparation of traditional desserts. Furthermore, <i>O</i><i>. </i><i>ficus-indica</i> has historically been used as forage and to produce natural dyes. Results indicate that the versatility of this species, combined with its ability to adapt to extreme climates, makes it a valuable resource for the development of new nutraceutical and cosmetic products. However, further scientific research is necessary to explore the bio-functional potential of this plant and to promote its broader and more sustainable use, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.