SUSTAINABLE NORTH AFRICAN SOCIETY: EXPLORING SEEDS AND RESOURCES FOR INNOVATION

SUSTAINABLE NORTH AFRICAN SOCIETY: EXPLORING SEEDS AND RESOURCES FOR INNOVATION

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Contents

Preface

List of Editors

Contributors

Part I: ARENA Platform

Chapter 1: Foundation, Development and Significance of ARENA

Abstract

1. Unique Features of ARENA and Its Pioneering Significance

1.1. Uniqueness of ARENA as a Pioneering Research Institute in a University

1.1.1. Uniqueness of ARENA

1.1.2. Pioneering Significance of ARENA

1.2. Theme of the Chapter

2. Establishment of a Relationship with Tunisia and the Night Before the Foundation of ARENA

2.1. Relationship between the University of Tsukuba and Tunisia, and the Increasing Momentum towards the Foundation of ARENA

2.2. Preparation for the Foundation of ARENA

2.3. Budget Request for the Establishment of ARENA to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and Its Foundation under the Framework of the Regulations for a National University Corporation

2.4. Establishment of ACCES-MEDASIA and Partnership with JBIC and JICA

2.5. Transition from TJASSST to TJCST and Acquisition of Financial Support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

3. History of ARENA after Its Launch (1) – Establishment of the Management Basis

3.1. Establishment of the Basic Organization

3.2. Establishment of the Collaborators and Collaborative Researchers Registration System

3.3. Effort to Acquire Special Funds for Education and Research of National University Corporation Grants

3.4. Holding the ARENA Opening Ceremony

3.5. Participation in TJCST and Organization of International Symposiums

4. History of ARENA after Its Launch (2): Start up of full-scale Activities

4.1. Research Activities Related to Bio-Prospecting

4.2. Registration of JICA Consultant and Receiving Foreign Trainees in the Training Program

4.3. Conclusion of Comprehensive Agreement with JBIC and Acceptance of Student Support Program under the JBIC Scholarship

4.4. Conclusion of the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation with the Government of Tunisia

4.5. Conclusion and Extension of Academic Exchange and Cooperation Agreements and Start-Up of Student Exchange

4.6. Enhancement of ARENA Framework

4.7. Establishment of North African and Mediterranean Centre for Research and Education

5. Conclusion

5.1. Acknowledgement to People Concerned with ARENA Just after Its Establishment

5.2. The CHARACTERISTIC of ARENA As an Organized Research Unit and the Research Domains

5.3. The Future Expectation to the Development of ARENA

Note and References

Part II: Bioresources

Chapter 2: Overview of Vegetation in North Africa

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Vegetation of Each Climatic Zone

2.1. Mediterranean Climatic Zone

2.2. Steppe Climate Zone

2.3. Desert and Oasis Zone

2.4. Salt Accumulated Zone

3. Resource Plants in North Africa

3.1. Olea Europea (Olive)

3.2. Phoenix Dactylifera (Date Palm)

3.3. Argania Spinosa (Argan)

3.4. Wild Plants

Conclusion

Note and References

Chapter 3: Towards a Deeper Collaboration of Indigenous Knowledge and Academia through ARENA: Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Tunisia As a Case Study

ARENA, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Studies on Indigenous Knowledge of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Tunisia

3. Connecting Indigenous Knowledge and Academia Through “SATREPS” Project

4. Fieldwork

4.1. Purpose of the Fieldwork

4.2. Outline of the Fieldwork

4.3. Environment of the Field

5. Indigenous Knowledge about the Most Commonly Used Medicinal Plants and Their Traditional Usages: From Interviews with the Locals As a Case Study

1) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

2) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris/Thymus capitatus)

3) White wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba)

4) Verbena (Lippia citriodora)

5) Caper tree (Capparis spinosa)

6) Pistacia lentiscus (Pistacia lentiscus)

7) Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea)

Conclusion

Acknowledgment

References

Chapter 4: Identification of 6-Octadecynoic Acid, a Rare Acetylenic Fatty Acid, from a Methanol Extract of Marrubium vulgare L. As a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor g Agonist

1 Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Japan

2 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

3Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

4Arid Zone Research Institute (IRA), Tunisia

5 Food Development Laboratories, Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd., Japan

6 Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Chemical Reagents and Instruments

2.2. Cell Culture

2.3. Preparation of Plant Extracts

2.4. Fractionation of Methanol Extract of Marrubium Vulgare

2.5. Identification of 6-Octadecynoic Acid using GC/MS Analysis

2.6. Synthesis of 6-Octadecynoic Acid

2.7. PPAR Reporter Assay

2.8. Measurement of Triglyceride in 3T3-L1 Cells

2.9. Statistics

3. Results

3.1. Purification and Identification of 6-Octadecynoic Acid from Methanol Extract of Marrubium Vulgare L.

3.2. Synthesis of 6-ODA

3.3. 6-ODA was a PPAR Agonist

3.4. Stimulation of Lipid Accumulation by 6-ODA

Conclusion

Acknowledgment

References

Chapter 5: Anti-Obesity and Anti-Allergic Effects of Tunisian Olives, Halophytes and Medicinal Plants

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Anti-Obesity Effect of Tunisian Bio-Resources

2.1. Cell

2.2. Regents and Equipments

2.3. Protocol of Adipogenesis

2.3.1. Differentiation Procedure

2.3.2. Oil Red O Staining

2.4. Results

3. Anti-Allergic Effect of Tunisian Bio-Resources

3. 1. Cells

3.2. Regents and Equipments

3.3. Protocol for β-Hexosaminidase Activity

3.3.1. Pre-incubation of Cells

3.3.2. Measuring of β-Hexosaminidase Release from RBL-2H3 Cells

3.4. Results

References

Chapter 6: Harnessing the Potential of North African and Mediterranean Bioresources for the Regulation of Signal Transduction in Melanogenesis and Cancer Cell Differentiation

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Melanogenesis Regulatory Effects of Arid Land Plants

3. Anti-Cancer Effects of Arid Land Bioresources

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 7: Neuroprotective Properties of Tunisian Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Importance of Medicinal Plants for Treatment of Central Nervous System Related Disease

3. Tunisian Aromatic and Medicinal Flora: A Possible Remedy for a Wide Range of Mental Disorders

4. Traditional, Culinary and Pharmacological Usage of R. officinalis and C. choenanthus

4.1. Chemical Composition

4.1.1. Volatiles

4.1.2. Non volatiles

4.2. Neuroprotective properties of R. officinalis

4.2. Anti-Stress Effect of C. choenanthus

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 8: Breeding for Salt and Drought Tolerant Crops in North Africa

1Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

2Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Selection of Phenotypic Traits

2.1. Antioxidant Potential

2.2. Chlorophyll Fluorescence

2.3. Leaf Relative Water Content

2.4. Whole Plant Evaluations of Stress Response

3. Breeding Strategies for Abiotic Stresses

4. Selection of Stress Indices

5. Tunisia As a Case Study

5.1. Field Study and Soil Sampling in Tunisia

5.2. Field Experiment on Salt Tolerance of Durum Wheat in Tunisia

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 9: From Natural Resources to Bioactives Delivery Systems

1Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), Faculty of Life & Env. Sci., University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, Japan

2Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

3Food Engineering Division, National Food Research Institute, NARO.

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Emulsions: Potential Application as Bioactives Delivery Systems

3. Seleceted Vegetable Oils: Potential Application into Novel Bioactives Delivery Systems

3.1. Encapsulation of Phenolic Compounds Originated from Olives

3.2. Formulation of Monodisperse Argan Oil-in-Water Emulsions

3.3. Encapsulation of Palm Oil-Based Lipophilic Bioactives

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Regional Development Based on Creation of Innovative Value Chain for Olive Oil between Tunisia and Japan

1Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

2Faculty of Business Sciences, Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Integrated Approach for Regional Development in the Context of Olive Oil Production

2.1. Integrated Approach for Regional Development

2.2. Empirical Application to Olive Oil Production in Tunisia

3. Challeges for Olive Oil Production in Tunisia

3.1. Bottleneck of Production

3.2. Introduction of Irrigation in Olive Growing Farms

3.3. Upgrading Competitiveness of Olive Oil Manufacturing

4. Japan as an Emerging Olive Oil Market

4.1. Japanese Consumer Behavior and Preference of Olive Oil

4.2. Impact of Information of Up-Stream on Japanese Consumer Behavior

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Part III: Water Resources

Chapter 11: Water Resources in Tunisia

1Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

2Water Researches and Technologies Center (CERTE), Borj Cedria Technopark, Tunisia

3Institute of National Agronomy in Tunisia (INAT), Tunisia

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Surface Water Resource

3. Groundwater Resource

Conclusion

References

Chapter 12: Issue of Surface Water Resources and Alternative Solutions

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Distributuion of Reservoirs in Tunisia

3. Effect of Reservoirs on the Natural Environment

4. Water Resource and Flood Control

4.1. Location of Sidi Salem dam and Riverbed Sedimentation

4.2. Absence Surcharge Capacity

4.3. Information Network for Integrated Management of the Reservoirs

5. Sedimentation in Reservoir and Countermeasures

5.1. Sedimentation Ratio of the Reservoirs in North Africa and Its Management

5.2. Trial Study on the Sediment Exploitation

5.3. Turbid Water Behavior and Sedimentation Process

6. Sedimentation in Reservoir and Countermeasure

References

Chapter 13: Reconsidering Modern and Traditional Oases – Productivity and Technical Efficiency of Dates Palm Farmers in Nefzaoua (Southern Tunisia)

Abstract

1 Introduction

1.1. Challenges for the Oasis Agriculture Today – Southern Tunisia

1.2. Aim of this Paper and Data Used

2. Location of the Study Areas

3. Distinction between Modern and Traditional Oases

3.1. Socio-Economic Characteristics of Households

3.2. Cultivation

Land Size

Mode of Cultivation

Tree Density

Agricultural Production – Date

Agricultural Labor

4. Productivity Efficiency in the Two Oases

4.1. Methodology

4.2. Data

4.3. Empirical Results

Summary and Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 14: Alternative Water Resource – Desalination of Sea Water and Brackish (Salty) Water

ARENA, University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Science, Josai University, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Current Water Problems and Desalination

3. Desalination Process

3.1. Sea Water Desalination Process

3.1.1. Distillation Method

3.1.2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Method

3.1.3. Other Sea Water Desalination Methods

3.2. Brackish Water Desalination Process

3.3. Desalination Market

3.3.1. Global Desalination Market Trend

3.3.2. Desalination Market in Tunisia

3.4. Cost of Fresh Water Production by Sea Water Desalination

4. Reverse Osmosis Membrane

4.1. Classification of Water Treatment Membranes

4.2. Reverse Osmosis Membrane and its Element Structure

4.3. History of Development of the Reverse Osmosis Membrane

4.4. Technical Development Trend of the Reverse Osmosis Membrane and Element

4.4.1. Improving Pressure Durability

4.4.2. Improving Water Productivity

4.4.3. Improving Fouling Durability

4.4.4. Improving Boron Rejection

4.4.5. Enlarging Element Size

Conclusion

Note & References

Chapter 15: Comprehensive Solution and Innovation for the Sustainability of Water Resources

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Functional Materials for Fluoride Treatment

2.1. Bone Char from Chicken Bone

2.2. Usage of Calcium Phosphate, DCPD

2.3. Nano-Activation of the DCPD with Fluoride Ions

2.4. Applications of DCPD for Water Environments

3. On-Site Monitoring of Fluoride in the Water Environment

3.1. On-Site Monitoring for Tunisian Student

3.2. Simple Determination System for Fluoride in Water

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Part IV: Energy Resources

Chapter 16: Energy-Related Projects at the University of Tsukuba

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Recent Energy-Related “Kakenhi” Projects

3. Toward Future Collaborations

References

Chapter 17: Science and Technology Cooperation between Japan and Algeria Initiated from University of Science and Technology of Oran - Strategy and Current Status of Sahara Solar Breeder (SSB) Plan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. University of Sci. and Tech. of Oran (USTO) and Japanese Diplomacy of Science and Technology

3. Sahara Solar Breeder (SSB) Plan As Stem Technology Initiative for Future Energy and Environment”

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 18: Determination of Nonradiative Recombination Center in Polycrystalline Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Thin Films

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Experimental

3. Determination of the Defect Using TPC

Characterization of 0.8 eV-Defect Using PL

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 19: Oxide/Oxide Composite Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. New Composite Photoanodes

References

Chapter 20: Surface Science for Carbon Electronics Based on Atomistic and Non-Destructive Observations

Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction: What Is “Surface”?

2. Observation Methods

2.1. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)

2.2. Atomic/Molecular Beam Scattering

2.3. Field Ion Microscopy (FIM) and Field Emission Microscopy (FEM)

3. Monolayers of Small Organic Molecules

4. Arc-Prepared Amorphous Carbon Film

5. Mechanical Pencil Lead

References

Chapter 21: Effect of Cu-Dependent Compositional Variation on Polycrystalline CuGaSe2 Thin Films and Solar Cells

1Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Alliance for Research on

North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan

2Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Experimental

3. Structural Properties

4. Electrical Properties

5. Solar Cell Performance

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Part V: Human and Social Development

Chapter 22: ARENA and Research Activities of the Humanities and Social Sciences

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Research Activities

2.1. Humanities

2.2. Social Sciences

2.3. Information and Communication Technology

Conclusion

Chapter 23: Global 30 Project and Japanese e-Learning in the University of Tsukuba

1University of Tsukuba Tunis Office, Tunis

2University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. English-Courses of Global 30

Project in the University of Tsukuba

3. Bureau De l’Université De Tsukuba À Tunis

Pour Les Universités Japonaises (BUTUJ)

4. Self-Japanese E-Learning System “Sitfun Japanese”

5. Mentor System

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 24: Possibility of Establishing Higher Education as an Export Industry in North Africa

Office of Global Initiatives, University of Tsukuba.

Alliance for Research on North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Japan

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Four Examples of Centers of Excellence for Innovation

2.1. Tunisian Technopark Project

2.2. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology

2.3. Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco

2.4. Institute of Science and Technology - Rosso, Mauritania

3. Challenges of Higher Education and Innovation in North Africa: Possibility of Establishing Higher Education as an Export Industry and Exportation of Highly Trained Human Resources

References

Chapter 25: Japanese Cooperation for Evolutional Housing and Slum Upgrading Projects under Mayor Chevallier－Spatial Experience of Gyoji Banshoya in Algiers

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. ATBAT and Architects-Activists in Algiers

2.1. Training at ATBAT

2.2. Architects-Activists in Algiers

3. Agence du Plan in Algiers

3.1. L'Agence du Plan

3.2. Urban Planning for Cohabitation

4. Banshoya’s Work in Algiers

4.1. Two Testimonies about Banshoya's Work

4.2. Teamwork Achievements

5. Analysis on “Temporary Housing Replacing Tin-Roofed Shelters”

5.1. Resources

5.2. General View of the Plan

5.3. Characteristics as Evolutional Housing

5.4. Relationship with the Concept of “the Islamic City”

6. Spatial Experience in Algiers

Conclusion

Acknowledgment

Note and References

Chapter 26: The Libyan Economy after the 2011 Revolution - Economic Reform and Future of the Oil-Producing Nation-

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Libya’s Economic Structure

2.1. Economy of an Oil-Producing Nation and Economic Sanctions

2.2. Economic Structure of Libya and Its Distinctive Properties

3. Libya’s Economic Reform: Policy Issues Toward a Market Economy

3.1. Economic Reform before the Libyan Revolution in 2011

3.2. Policy Issues for the Transition to a Market Economy

Conclusion

Note and References

Part VI: Perspectives from Each Other's Point of View

Chapter 27: Research and Education Activities in ARENA

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Actvities for Developing the Bases of Research Collaboration

2.1. Organization of Academic Conferences and Seminars

2.2. Overseas Offices

3. Extension of Research Activities

3.1. Establishment and Extension of Basis of Researches on North Africa: Development of Bioprospecting Researches

3.2. Promotion of Interdisciplinary Researches

3.3. Establishment of a platform for Innovative Research: Advanced Utilization of Bio-, Energy- and Water Resources

4. Activities for Education

4.1. Supervision of PhD Students Supported by JBIC Loan

4.2. Edamus Master in Sustainable Management of Food Quality

4.3. Furṣa Saʻīda Program: Summer Program for Arabic Language and Islamic Culture

4.4. Education Through Participation in Research Activities

Conclusion

Reference

Chapter 28: Impact of ARENA on North-African Countries

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Human Resources Development

3. Scientific Seminars

4. Natural Resources

5. Water and Soil Resources

6. Agriculture Research

7. Presidents Summit

8. What Role for Science and Technology and What is Expected from ARENA in the Future?

8.1. Education

8.2. Scientific Research

References

Chapter 29: S&T and Innovation Initiatives for Shaping the Future

Counselor to the President, Japan Science and Technology Agency

Former Executive Member, Council for Science and Technology Policy, Cabinet Office, and Former President, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Appendices: Activity Reports of ARENA in North Africa

1. Egypt

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

E-mail: iwasaki.maki.ge@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

1-2-1. Ain Shams University

1-2-2. Cairo University

1-2-3. E-JUST (Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology)

2. Libya

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business Sciences, University of Tsukuba

E-mail: kamiyama.hajime.gn@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

3. Tunisia

1Associate Professor, Office of Global Initiatives, University of Tsukuba

2Coordinator, Office of Global Initiatives, University of Tsukuba

*E-mail: morio.takahiro.fu@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

References

4. Algeria

1Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business Sciences, University of Tsukuba

2Coordinator, Office of Global Initiatives, University of Tsukuba

*E-mail: kamiyama.hajime.gn@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

5. Morocco

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba

E-mail: kawada.kiyokazu.gu@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

6. Mauritania

Associate Professor, Alliance for Research on North Africa, University of Tsukuba

E-mail: irie.mitsuteru.fu@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

Statistic Data of North Africa

Maps of North African Countries

Index

Blank Page