Algerian Regions Research Articles

Unravelling Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer and Antimicrobial Potentials of Three Propolis From Northeastern Regions of Algeria: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation.

This study investigates the pharmaceutical potential both in vitro and in silico of ethanolic propolis extract from three Algerian regions namely Tahir-Jijel (TAH), Oued Athmania-Mila (ATH) and Oued Zhor-Skikda (OZ). Twenty-three compounds were identified via a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector, with key constituents including caffeic acid, cynarin, chrysin, naringin and hesperetin. Moreover, antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer activities were assessed by multiple assays. Antimicrobial activity was tested against four pathogens and one yeast. The TAH extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, and ATH exhibited the strongest anticholinesterase activity. Extracts demonstrated potent inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698. Docking studies revealed that cynarin was the most potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and quercetin was the most potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor. These compounds were found to bind to both the catalytic site and the peripheral site, showing greater inhibitory potency than galantamine.

EEMD-GA-LSTM: An innovative approach for daily solar radiation estimation in southern of Algeria

In a solar-rich area, like the Saharan climate in southern Algeria, to optimize all diversions of use of this energy to the maximum, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the radiation received from the sun. To improve prediction accuracy of daily solar radiation, we present in this paper a new synergistic model that combines three powerful techniques LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory Network), GA (Genetic Algorithm) and EEMD (Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition). EEMD is a technique that breaks down complex and highly non-linear solar radiation data into smaller and more manageable components to identify hidden trends, patterns. The GA is used to optimize hyperparameters of LSTM network so that time relevance can be well captured in the solar radiation data. The EEMD-GA-LSTM model was tested in several southern Algerian regions (Biskra, Tamanrasset, Adrar and Tindouf) with different climates. As compared to other existing models including ANN-GA, ANN-PSO, ANFIS-GA and ANFIS-PSO our method performed markedly good R² values and lower RMSE values (RMSE from 3.0125% to 1.554%). The findings underline the model's robustness and reliability in solar radiation prediction, providing valuable information for renewable energy assessment in arid and semi-arid regions. The current study shows the benefit of hybrid models combining metaheuristic optimization and deep learning in a complex environmental data set analysis, paving pathways for future work in both solar energy fields and climate prediction.

Health risk assessment of lead and cadmium contamination in raw cow’s milk from eastern Algeria

Abstract To assess potential health risks from heavy metal exposure through raw cow’s milk, we investigated lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels in milk samples from eastern Algeria using atomic absorption spectrometry and estimated dietary risks for adults and children. In 2021, 99 milk samples were collected from various regions. Average Pb and Cd levels were 0.332 ± 0.097 and 0.016 ± 0.011 mg kg−1, respectively, with Pb exceeding the MRL in 99% and Cd in 87% of samples. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values for both metals were below established limits, indicating acceptable average exposure levels. However, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) assessments revealed significant concerns. For adults, THQ and HI remained below 1, and carcinogenic risk (CR) values for Pb were below 10−4. In children, Cd posed minimal risk (THQ < 1), but Pb was problematic. While average THQ for Pb was below 1, 39% of samples exceeded this limit. HI for both metals surpassed 1 in 51% of samples, and CR for Pb exceeded 10−4 in 17 samples. These findings highlight the need for further analysis of milk from various Algerian regions to ensure consumer safety.

Linear Fresnel Reflector Power Plants in Algeria: Energy, Economic, and Environmental Analysis

Abstract The Algerian government seeks to provide all the resources available to it to exploit every available energy source in all Algerian provinces. Accordingly, this paper aims to present an energy, economic, and environmental study of linear Fresnel reflector solar power plants using the System Advisor Model in four strategic Algerian regions (Ain Aménas, Gassi-Touil, Hassi R'mel, and El-Oued). The studied solar power plants can produce between 318.75 and 379.29 GWe annually at an LCOE ranging between 0.093 and 0.11 $/kWh. In addition, the annual avoided CO2 emissions are between 143.41 and 170.87 kilotons, equivalent to 0.473 kg CO2 per 1 kWh of electricity, meaning that environmental tax savings will range between 2.08 and 2.48 million dollars annually. The results obtained are very encouraging for decision-makers and investors, as the net capital investment (between 642.67 and 642.82 million dollars) can be recovered in less than 10.2 years, with the power plant capable of operating for 25 consecutive years.

Safety Assessment of Honeys from Northern and Southern Algerian Regions

Although the EU is a major producer of honey, commercial production is often insufficient to meet market demand and, as a result, honey is often imported into the EU from extra-EU countries that lack regulatory standards for food safety and quality. Since honey is a matrix highly susceptible to contamination, monitoring the quality and safety of extra-EU honey is of significant importance to show potential safety gaps. Hence, aim of the study was to monitor the mineral profile of monofloral and multifloral honeys from different regions of North (provinces of Tiaret and Laghouat) and South Algeria (province of Tindouf). In almost all the samples, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb were found at levels exceeding the limits set for honey by the Codex Alimentarius and European Regulation 915/2023. In addition, a PCA analysis pointed out that the analysis of the element profile was useful to discriminate Algerian honeys more on the basis of geographical than botanical origin. The dietary exposure assessment indicates that the investigated honeys can be safely consumed in quantities comparable to those considered in Europe (1.8 g/day) and North Africa (0.3 g/day). Hopefully, data from this study may solicit the Algerian government to set regulatory limits on inorganic elements in honey and align with other international standards, to create a harmonized network able to improve the safety of this food.

New Insights into Trace Element Accumulation in Kernels of Two Algerian Populations of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels): An Endangered Endemic Tree.

Argan is one of the valuable oilseed trees in the Northwest Africa area, with important ecological and socioeconomic benefits; however, information underlying its elemental status remains absent . The current work was performed for the first time to quantify the mineral status of Argania spinosa kernels collected from two different geographic Algerian regions (Mostaganem and Tindouf). Elemental investigation (As, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Th, and Zn) was performed using neutron activation analysis (NAA). Two standard reference materials from the National Research Center for certified reference materials (China), namely, CRM-GBW 07605 (GSV-4 tea leaves), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA), namely, NIST (SRM 1573a, tomato leaves), were used to ensure precision and validation of NAA measurements. A computational calculation of data including principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was applied. The extents of essential elements in Mostaganem kernels were found to be in the order of K (7185 μg g-1) > Ca (2079 μg g-1) > Na (205 μg g-1) > Fe (84.33 μg g-1) > Zn (73.41 μg g-1) > Cr (0.66 μg g-1) > Co (0.035 μg g-1), whereas the overall order of these elements in Tindouf kernels was K (7206 μg g-1) > Ca (3725 μg g-1) > Fe (114.69 μg g-1) > Zn (67.37 μg g-1) > Na (56.29 μg g-1) > Cr (0.54 μg g-1) > Co (0.11 μg g-1). PCA results revealed that Tindouf population was highly loaded with Br, Cr, Cu, Mn, Sr, V, and Zn, while Mostaganem population was associated only with Ce and Sm contents. These findings can be useful for making new formulations for cosmetic and culinary usage and contribute to the nutritional database and food safety.

HPLC/ESI-MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Cnicus benedictus L. Roots: A Study of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Alzheimer's Activity.

The phenolic composition of Cnicus benedictus roots from four Algerian regions was investigated. Extractions were performed in both hydro-methanolic (30 : 70, v/v) and hydro-ethanolic (30 : 70, v/v) solvents. Their efficiency was determined in terms of the qualitative and quantitative composition in phenolic compounds by HPLC-LC/MS of the different extracts isolated from C. Benedictus roots. Cnicus benedictus roots extract have been characterized by high content of phenolic compounds, where the trans chalcone, 2,3-dihydro flavone, 3-hydroxy flavone and cinnamic acid constitute the major components, in addition to fourteen minor acidic compounds and flavonoids as rutin. The hydro-methanolic extract was the richest in phenolic compounds yield from C benedictus. On the other hand, hydro methanolic (30 : 70, v/v) and hydro ethanolic (30 : 70, v/v) extracts exhibited a high anti-inflammatory activity by in vitro 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity (IC50 : 6.05±94.16 μg/mL) as well as by in silico docking according two methods. Likewise, anti-Alzheimer activity of extracts was confirmed by this last technique taking into account the major compounds identified. Antibacterial tests revealed interesting results compared to amoxicillin for the different regions studied with a high content in trans chalcone and 3-hydroxy Flavone.

Regional specificity of Algerian olive oil

Algeria is the ninth biggest producer of olive oil in the world and the fourth biggest producer of table olives. In 2023, 868,754 tons of this product were produced there. The paper examines the regional and climatic special features of olive oil (OO) production with detalization by this product grown in Algeria. The fatty acid composition of OO produced in various regions of the country was studied in comparison with oil from Spain and Italy. The positive effect of diets and medicines based on OO is described. The prospects of the development of target products based on protein-fat modules with the use of OO from certain Algerian regions are indicated.

Rhizosphere Bacterial Isolation from Indigenous Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Algerian Soils: Implications for Plant Growth Enhancement

The Mediterranean area is one of the geographic zones most affected by land degradation and desertification and these conditions appear to be even more exacerbated by climate change. Based on this idea, this work aimed to isolate, identify, characterize, and select bacterial strains able to tolerate salinity and drought, which could possibly be used in agriculture as plant biofertilizers. The sampling of rhizosphere soil was performed in two Algerian regions, Ghardaïa and Djelfa (arid and semi-arid zones, respectively) in six provinces, targeting fourteen native plant species, known for their therapeutic use. A total of 288 bacterial strains were isolated, identified, and characterized for their growth at different temperatures and salt tolerance. Based on these capabilities, 95 isolates were selected. These strains underwent further evaluation for their plant-beneficial traits, including siderophore synthesis, auxin production, and phosphate solubilization. Additionally, we assessed their impact on tomato, cucumber, and sorghum seed germination. In a final screening step, nine bacterial strains were tested for their potential plant growth-promoting activity on tomato plants grown in semi-controlled conditions. Our results demonstrated that three strains (Bacillus simplex AH24, Microbacterium arborescens PU10, and Microbacterium paludicola AEA23) showed plant growth promotion activities on tomato.

Numerical Assessment of EAHE Systems for Refreshment in Desert Algerian Regions

Numerical Assessment of EAHE Systems for Refreshment in Desert Algerian Regions

Diversity, distribution, and conservation of the Trichoptera and their habitats in north‐eastern Algeria

Abstract Community patterns are generated by multiple processes and constraints generated at different spatial and temporal scales. A large‐scale study was carried out on the Trichoptera of four Algerian regions with contrasting climates, vegetation cover, and human pressures. Overall, 22 identified taxa were recorded, including nine families and 14 genera. The genus Hydropsyche was represented by eight species, with Hydropsyche maroccana and Hydropsyche lobata being the most abundant species. With one exception, localities in the subhumid Collo and the high‐altitude Batna were the most species rich, whereas localities in the semi‐arid Oum el Bouaghi were the most species poor. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) separated the caddisflies recorded into four assemblages organized by a set of constraining environmental factors (land use, altitude, water depth, helophyte cover, and flow velocity gradients) acting at different scales. As inadequate knowledge of insect biodiversity is a major limitation to their conservation, this article discusses how these results might help predict caddisfly communities in adjacent regions and enhance conservation efforts.

Classification of Plants Medicine Species from Algerian Regions using UV Spectroscopy, HPLC Chromatography, and Chemometrics Analysis

Classification of Plants Medicine Species from Algerian Regions using UV Spectroscopy, HPLC Chromatography, and Chemometrics Analysis

​Application of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to Identify Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Artisanal Dairy Products in Algeria

Background: Artisanal dairy products are considered an affordable food source and are highly valued by Algerian consumers. Methods: In this study during the period from 2019 to 2020, phenotypic identification methods and protein analysis by MALDI-TOF MS were performed to identify lactic acid bacteria isolated from 19 sample and five types of artisanal dairy products collected in different Algerian regions (East, West, North, South). Results: A number of 250 strains were isolated, only those that showed the characteristics of lactic acid bacteria were identified by analysing their proteins, The results showed that the strains belong to different species of LAB namely: Lactobacillus fermentum (31.03%), Enterococcus faecium (24.14%), Lactobacillus plantarum (21.55%), Enterococcus faecalis (17.24%), Lactococcus lactis ssp lactis (4.31%), Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus paraplantarum (0.86%). Identification by MALDI-TOF MS was similar to that provided by phenotypic Characterization. This new technique that has been used is considered as an effective tool for rapid identification of food-associated lactic acid strains and has also been successfully extended to dairy isolates.

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF QUALITY OF LIFE ACCORDING TO A FEW VARIABLES: PARENT’S CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AS A MODEL

The current study aimed to identify the quality of life of parent’s autistic children, by answering the problematic relationship of three factors (general factor, emotional factor, adaptive factor) quality of life (QOL)with intermediate variables: educational and occupational levels, duration of the child's autism (±5 years), with differences (QOL)between parents examined. The sample study consisted of 42 parents (22 fathers and 20 mothers), we used 'PAR-DD-QOL' quality of life questionnaire. This study conducted in the pedagogical centers for retarded mentally, cerebral palsy, and autism Private School, in three Algerian regions: Tlemcen, Oran and Sidi Bel Abbes. Our results indicated a weak correlation between educational, professional levels, no strong relationship between autism duration and (QOL) parents, finally no difference between fathers and mothers level (QOL).. Keywords: Quality of Life, Autism, 'PAR-DD-QOL' Questionnaire, General Factor. Emotional Factor, Adaptive Factor .

Phytochemical, Biological and Pharmacological Investigation in Various Extracts from Astragalus gombo Coss & Dur L. Ex-Bunge

Astragalus gombo Coss. & Dur L. Ex-Bunge is an endemic species of Algerian arid and semi-arid regions, however, is commonly used in traditional medi-cines. The aerial part was extracted by 80/20 methanol/water and water. The first crude extract was fractionated by ethyl acetate, n-butanol and methanol. LC-ESI-MS analysis revealed 25 compounds among all fractions. The major identified phenolic acids in ethyl acetate (EAAg) fraction were the p-coumaric flowed by tans-ferulic acid (1315 and 370 μg/g extract, respec-tively). Moreover EAAg exhibited high amounts of flavonoides (cirsiliol and quercetin-3-O-galactoside by 1155 and 491 μg /g extract, respectively). EAAg fraction was the most effective antioxidant in all assays tested, followed by NBAg fraction. The EAAg exhibited higher antioxidant activity than positive control BHA. Excellent and significant linear correlations were displayed be-tween phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities. Hence, both of frac-tions enhanced the phagocytic activity by stimulating the reticuloendothelial system at different doses 50, 70 and 100 mg/ kg compared. Results of antico-agulant activity assay revealed that AEAg, EAAg and NBAg prolonged pro-thrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin. Cytotoxicity assay of EAAg fraction against HeLa and Mcf-7 cells revealed an IC50 values 108.8±1.8 and 168.4±1.6μg/mL, respectively, after 48h of incubation. Hence,The EAAg fraction displayed significant selectivity index (SI) towards normal mouse liver cells Aml12. The results presented clearly that A. gombo have a poten-tial to be used as a natural antioxidant, especially the EAAg fraction, as an original source of bioactive molecules with anti proliferative activities and immunopromising effects.

Towards sustainable tourism panning in Bou Saâda, Algeria

The city of Bou Sa?da is one of the Algerian cities that have diverse tourism resources, but it has not been adopted as a premier tourist spot nor has it benefited from the tourism programs established within the national strategy for sustainable tourism development for Horizons 2030, which made the tourism weak compared to other Algerian regions that have similar tourism elements. This study aims to evaluate the existing tourism strategy to address the shortcomings and provide solutions by focusing on four variables: tourist destination, tourism industry, the tourist market, and actors in tourism. We have relied on the following techniques: SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the tourism sector in Bou Sa?da, MCDA Analysis using AHP for spatial planning for the future tourism industry, and a questionnaire form distributed to the residents, the tourists and the experts to take their suggestions and use them in guiding the tourism planning process. The results of the study proved that there is a weakness in the tourism planning process in the city of Bou Sa?da, which negatively affects the tourism traffic, that is still weak compared to the qualifications it has, which if exploited according to a wellthought-out strategy, the city will become a targeted tourist destination.

Estimation of the Wind Energy Potential in Various North Algerian Regions

This investigation aims to model and assess the wind potential available in seven specific regions of North Algeria. These regions, i.e., Batna, Guelma, Medea, Meliana, Chlef, Tiaret, and Tlemcen, are known for their traditional agriculture. The wind data are obtained from the National Agency of Meteorology (NAM), and a Weibull distribution is applied. In the first part of this study, the wind potential available in these sites is assessed. Then, different models are used to estimate the wind system’s annual recoverable energy for these regions. We are interested in wind pumping for possible use to meet the needs of irrigation water in rural areas. Four kinds of wind turbines are explored to determine the possibility of wind energy conversion. In addition, the effects of the heights of the pylon holding the turbines are inspected by considering four cases (10, 20, 40, and 60 m). This estimation showed that the annual mean wind velocity varies from 2.48 to 5.60 m/s at a level of 10 m. The yearly values of Weibull parameters (k and c) at the studied sites varied within 1.61–2.43 and 3.32–6.20 m/s, respectively. The average wind power density ranged from 11.48 (at Chlef) to 238.43 W/m2 (at Tiaret), and the monthly wind recoverable potential varied from 16.64 to 138 W/m2.

Identification of some Opuntia spp. from two Algerian regions and ultrasound-assisted extraction of their phenolic compounds

Much attention has been paid to cacti for their distinctive characteristics. The nopal Opuntia ficus-indica and related species are found in arid and semi-arid regions around the world. O. ficus-indica shows considerable variability in response to environmental conditions through variation of areola and spine attributes, among other traits. Therefore, the present study sought to morphologically identify some cactus pear plants in two areas of Algeria (Bejaia and Souk-Ahras) in order to evaluate the cactus pears by optimizing the extraction conditions of the phenolic compounds of the cladode, to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these compounds, to measure the total flavonoid content, and to compare the yields among three Opuntia spp. (O. ficus-indica, O. megacantha and O. amyclae) from the sites within the study regions. These three Opuntia spp. were subjected to extraction of polyphenols using a conventional method, and an ecofriendly process using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique. Once the extractions was completed, the total phenolic content and flavonoids of the extracts were characterized. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the total phenolic compounds (TPC) was determined. The UAE was better than conventional extraction for the recovery of TPC. The use of a solvent mixture (50% water/ethanol, v/v) improved the TPC extraction efficiency. These results show that UAE was a useful tool for the extraction of phytochemicals from cactus pear cladodes. Other factors and conditions that influence the optimization of TPC extraction should also be studied, such as pH, ultrasound frequency as well as ecological factors that could possibly influence extraction efficiency.

Reaction of Algerian and international germplasm of wheat against races 1 and 5 of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis the causal agent of tan spot

Tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis is an important foliar disease of wheat that can causes high yield losses. In Algeria, tan spot is widely present on both durum and bread wheat, the pathogen population structure was founded to be complex and showed a high molecular diversity. Among the various control measures, the most efficient and sustainable approach is the deployment of resistant cultivars. In this study, available germplasms of wheat, including 25 inbreeding lines, 54 landraces, and 37 cultivars were evaluated against races 1 and 5. Reaction of the 116 genotypes was initially evaluated under controlled conditions in seedling stage, and then the observed resistant genotypes, were evaluated in field in order to confirm their reaction against each race. Our results showed that a total 13 genotypes including inbreeding lines, landraces and cultivars showed resistant or moderately resistant reaction to race 1, while 23 genotypes, showed resistant response to race 5. However, only 1 landrace and 6 cultivars were resistant to both races 1 and 5. Genotype-resistant response in field in adult plant was similar to one recorded on growth room. These results have allowed us to recommend cultivation of some cultivars, according to races prevalent in Algerian regions, as well as recommending breeders to use the resistant sources in their breeding programs. For our knowledge, this is the first report of germplasm evaluation against tan spot disease in Algeria, and the first report of identification of resistant resources to this disease.

ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy, HPLC Chromatography, and Multivariate Analysis for Controlling Bee Pollen Quality in Some Algerian Regions.

Bee pollen collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) is one of the bee products, and it is as valuable as honey, propolis, royal jelly, or beebread. Its quality varies according to its geographic location or plant sources. This study aimed to apply rapid, simple, and accurate analytical methods such as attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) along with chemometrics analysis to construct a model aimed at discriminating between different pollen samples. In total, 33 samples were collected and analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and partial least squares regression (PLS) to assess the differences and similarities between them. The PCA score plot based on both HPLC and ATR–FTIR revealed the same discriminatory pattern, and the samples were divided into four major classes depending on their total content of polyphenols. The results revealed that spectral data obtained from ATR–FTIR acquired in the region (4000–500 cm–1) were further subjected to a standard normal variable (SNV) method that removes scattering effects from spectra. However, PCA, HCA, and PLS showed that the best PLS model was obtained with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9001, root-mean-square estimation error (RMSEE) of 0.0304, and root-mean-squared error cross-validation (RMSEcv) of 0.036. Discrimination between the three species has also been possible by combining the pre-processed ATR–FTIR spectra with PCA and PLS. Additionally, the HPLC chromatograms after pre-treatment (SNV) were subjected to unsupervised analysis (PCA–HCA) and supervised analysis (PLS). The PLS model confers good results by factors (R2 = 0.98, RMSEE = 8.22, and RMSEcv = 27.86). Prospects for devising bee pollen quality assessment methods include utilizing ATR–FTIR and HPLC in combination with multivariate methods for rapid authentication of the geographic location or plant sources of bee pollen.