Motivated by a new conjecture on the behavior of bricks, we start a systematic study of minimal $\tau $ -tilting infinite (min- $\tau $ -infinite, for short) algebras. In particular, we treat min- $\tau $ -infinite algebras as a modern counterpart of minimal representation-infinite algebras and show some of the fundamental similarities and differences between these families. We then relate our studies to the classical tilting theory and observe that this modern approach can provide fresh impetus to the study of some old problems. We further show that in order to verify the conjecture, it is sufficient to treat those min- $\tau $ -infinite algebras where almost all bricks are faithful. Finally, we also prove that minimal extending bricks have open orbits, and consequently obtain a simple proof of the brick analogue of the first Brauer–Thrall conjecture, recently shown by Schroll and Treffinger using some different techniques.

White clayey geomaterials were collected from northeast of the Nefza region (northern Tunisia). These deposits belong to the Mio-Pliocene molassic basins (basin of Tamra-Sidi Dris, Boukhchiba) and Oligocene Numidien in the area of El Aouinet. Analysis by X-ray diffraction showed associations of halloysite and kaolinite (Tamra), kaolinite and illite (Aouinet zone) and mixed layers, kaolinite and feldspars (Boukhchiba zone). Semi-industrial processed bricks showed promising characteristics and were visibly free of defects. Ceramic tiles had a bending strength that met the required standards but water absorption was somewhat high. So, to achieve higher quality, optimisation needs to be carried out in the formulation of batches or in the processing conditions. Finally, the incorporation in whitish sanitary-ware glaze formulations generated smooth coating layers that showed the required strong brightness and were free of defects.

Over the last 60 years, the multilateral management of trade through the GATT and subsequently through the WTO has been led by the United States and Europe. Since the turn of the new millennium, however, developing countries have increasingly used their leverage to insist that talks on agriculture receive priority attention, deny the inclusion of investment and competition policy on the negotiating agenda, and block agreement on negotiating modalities for agriculture and non-agricultural market access (NAMA). Cooperation between the United States and the European Union is still essential, but no longer sufficient, for successful multilateral negotiations. Specifically, the “BRICKs” (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Korea) are likely to be pivotal in directing the course and contributing to the success or failure of the WTO.