Annaba City Research Articles

Seismic risk assessment of the historical urban areas of Annaba city, Algeria

ABSTRACTTo improve the resilience of old building stocks to seismic events, it is absolutely essential to understand the seismic risk associated with these built environments in a reliable and accurate way. Three variables, among others, that compose the mathematical description of the seismic risk include: vulnerability, hazard and exposure. Vulnerability is of great importance for technicians and decision makers, because, of the three variables, it is the only one where engineering research can mitigate problems. An example includes evaluating the seismic vulnerability of existing constructions to determine the need for retrofitting solutions. From this basis, this article addresses and discusses the seismic vulnerability associated to the old urban areas of the Algerian city of Annaba. To perform this task, different seismic scenarios were developed using urban-scale analysis, where the vulnerability index method employed was derived from the Italian GNDT approach. About 380 of the historical masonry buildings were assessed using the selected methodology, where the aim is to evaluate the expected physical damage as well as the relevant economic and human losses for different macroseismic intensities. For depicting and analyzing the obtained results, a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool is used, where the ultimate goal is to support the city council of Annaba in implementing risk mitigation and emergency planning strategies.

Occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance and virulence genes in avian Escherichia coli isolates from Algeria.

The emergence and spread of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli in poultry products puts consumers at risk of exposure to the strains of E. coli that resist antibiotic treatment. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence and virulence potential of poultry-associated nalidixic acid (NAL)-resistant E. coli in the Annaba city, Algeria. In total, 33 samples of retail chicken meat were purchased from various butcher shops and examined for bacterial contamination with NAL-resistant E. coli. These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and were also investigated for the presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes and virulence genes using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic grouping of the NAL-resistant E. coli isolates was determined by the conventional multiplex PCR method. Twenty-nine (87.8%) products yielded NAL-resistant E. coli. Antibiograms revealed that 96.55% of NAL-resistant E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Resistance was most frequently observed against sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (96.6%), tetracycline (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (72%), and amoxicillin (65.5%). Group A was the most prevalent phylogenetic group, followed by groups D, B1, and B2. The PMQR determinants were detected in three isolates with qnrB72 and qnrS1 type identified. Four (13.8%) isolates carried one of the Shiga toxin E. coli-associated genes stx1, stx2, and ehxA alleles. The high prevalence of NAL-resistant E. coli isolated from retail chicken meat with detection of MDR E. coli harboring Shiga toxin genes in this study gives a warning signal for possible occurrence of foodborne infections with failure in antibiotic treatment.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Application in the Evaluation of Sanitary Services in the Big Algerian Cities Empirical Study on the City of Annaba

The GIS is one of the empirical scientific methods that are applied in many studies related to the infrastructure. Particularly the distribution of services whether in terms of spatial distribution or ways of present and future work. Moreover, it helps to provide a real picture about distribution and the nature of its connection with the residents’ distribution, density, road network and the existing imbalance in these relations. The present intervention provides an applied study about the GIS upon the sanitary services in the city of Annaba (the fourth Algerian city) to illustrate the reality of the sanitary equipments distribution and to know the deficiencies by determining their adequacy and efficiency in presenting the sanitary services. This is done by mapping maps (Digital ones) in order to clarify the distribution of sanitary equipments according to its ordinal system (hospitals, clinics, treatment rooms). In addition, there are maps for densities’ distribution, road network, the prominent distances between sanitary equipments with certain dimensions by specifying a service area for each category of sanitary services, by which it can be analysed to reach the perception of new sites that are considered for the sanitary equipments. This perception is based on the program of ArcGIS10.3. Hence, the applied studies of Geographic Information Systems on the sanitary services have unlimited potentials to reach the exact scientific results, so that, it can obtain the necessary information for enhancing and developing that kind of services in the city of Annaba (Algeria).

Indoor Aeroallergens in Asthmatic Pediatric Population in Annaba (Algeria)

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study is to highlight the kind of indoor aeroallergens and assess their role in asthma severity in children from Annaba city (Algeria). Our study concerned 68 asthmatic children and 50 healthy children. All children's blood samples were obtained to determine biological parameters, followed by home visit to these children to assess meteorological parameters and fungal exposure. It was found that the asthma severity was associated with eosinophilia (χ2, p = 0.01), rate of total IgE (χ2, p < 0.001) and sensitization to indoor aeroallergens. This association between the severity of the disease and sensitization was strengthened with the presence of mites (χ2, p < 0.01) and pets, namely cats (p < 0.001). Moreover, all houses of asthmatic children contain fungal spores, which were also associated with the sensitization to fungi (χ2, p < 0.001). The average indoor temperature and humidity in the houses of asthmatic children represent favorable conditions for the growth of mold and development of mites, whose presence, especially Cladosporium and Alternaria, was associated with sensitization to fungi and severity of asthma. The strongest sensitization was found with dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p1 (d1) and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der f2 (d2)) which is closely associated with asthma severity.

Hydrodynamic simulations of aeration tanks of activated sludge wastewater treatment plants in Algeria - three case studies

Most wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) currently in operation in Algeria use the activated 3 sludge process. The aim of this study was to investigate the hydrodynamic behaviour of aeration tanks of three WWTP located at Chelghoum Laid, Souk Ahras, and Annaba City, Algeria. These WWTP differ by the dimension and geometry of the basins and by the aeration systems. In aeration basin hydrodynamic is crucial for the WWTP efficiency. Measurements velocities were carried out at the WWTP of Chelghoum Laid City having a small-scale model of 2 m length, 0.66 m of width and 0.15 m height. Water velocity measurements were taken at three levels (top, middle and bottom) for five sections (a, b, c, d, e), each comprises nine points. Simultaneously, a numerical simulation by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was implemented for the three WWTPs. According to the basin section and level, velocities varied strongly, from 0.8-2.5 m/s at the top; 0.6-1.5 m/s at the middle and in the order of 0.2 m/s at the bottom. Results from CFD are in good agreement with experimental data of Chelghoum Laid WWTP basins.

Measurement and Modeling of Personal Exposure to the Electric and Magnetic Fields in the Vicinity of High Voltage Power Lines.

BackgroundThis work presents an experimental and modeling study of the electromagnetic environment in the vicinity of a high voltage substation located in eastern Algeria (Annaba city) specified with a very high population density. The effects of electromagnetic fields emanating from the coupled multi-lines high voltage power systems (MLHV) on the health of the workers and people living in proximity of substations has been analyzed.MethodsExperimental Measurements for the Multi-lines power system proposed have been conducted in the free space under the high voltage lines. Field's intensities were measured using a referenced and calibrated electromagnetic field meter PMM8053B for the levels 0 m, 1 m, 1.5 m and 1.8 m witch present the sensitive's parts as organs and major functions (head, heart, pelvis and feet) of the human body.ResultsThe measurement results were validated by numerical simulation using the finite element method and these results are compared with the limit values of the international standards.ConclusionWe project to set own national standards for exposure to electromagnetic fields, in order to achieve a regional database that will be at the disposal of partners concerned to ensure safety of people and mainly workers inside high voltage electrical substations.

Evaluation of levels of plumbic pollution near Highway using phanerogamic and cryptogamic species in the city of Annaba (Algeria)

Nowadays, a serious problem emerged in the natural environments of many countries: they are increasingly subjected to a large number of air pollution: industrial pollution, pollution related to agriculture, but also pollution related to transport. The pollution of lead has constantly evolved over time, due to the considerable increase in the number of vehicles on the market. Our work is based primarily on the use of plants as bio indicator of air pollution in the region of Annaba. The evaluation of the pollution levels near the main roads is a complex exercise, given the many factors to consider at this scale. To do this, we chose three locations on three main roads Greater Annaba: ((RN 44): Annaba - El Kala; (RN 16): Annaba - El Hadjar; (RN 44): Annaba - Skikda), plants used are: phanerogamic namely species (Fraxinus angustifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Eriobotrya japonica) and a cryptogamic species (a lichen (Ramalina farinacea)). An appropriate sampling strategy, a spatio-temporal monitoring, a counting vehicle at our study sites and measurements of physiological parameters combined with the determination of lead allowed us to assess not only the state of the air quality but also the impact of this pollution on the environment caused by a heavy traffic in the area. Keyword: Pollution, lead, bio indication, bioaccumulation, road traffic, Annaba, Algeria.

Le lac Fetzara, une zone humide fragile, menacée par l’extension urbaine de la ville d’Annaba (littoral est algérien)

A l’instar des villes cotieres mediterraneennes, Annaba (Est algerien), connait une forte croissance urbaine. Entre la mer a l’est et le massif de l’Edough a l’ouest, la seule possibilite d’extension de la ville et du port semble etre le sud. De fait, les plaines alluviales sont de plus en plus envahies par l’etalement urbain. Ce qui engendre des impacts negatifs sur le milieu naturel et notamment les zones humides dont l’equilibre ecologique est aujourd’hui menace. C’est le cas du lac Fetzara, situe a une vingtaine de km au sud‑ouest d’Annaba. Bien que repertorie comme zone humide d’interet international, il est aujourd’hui cerne par le projet d’amenagement d’un nouveau pole urbain dans la localite de Draa Errich.L’objectif de cet article est d’evaluer par analyse multicritere les impacts de ce projet d’amenagement sur l’hydrosysteme local dont font partie la zone humide et le lac. Les resultats obtenus temoignent de l’ampleur de sa degradation et soulignent la necessite d’engager des mesures de protection urgentes dans le cadre d’une strategie durable d’amenagement du territoire.

Epidemiology of carbapenem non-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in Eastern Algeria.

BackgroundCarbapenem resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a serious life-threatening problem due to the limited therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) isolated from three hospitals in Annaba city, Algeria.MethodsDuring the study period (January, 2012 to December, 2013), all patients infected by P. aeruginosa were considered as the potential study population. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed as recommended by the CLSI. Screening of carbapenemase producer isolates was performed by using imipenem-EDTA double-disk synergy test and modified Hodge test. CRPA isolates were tested for the presence of genes encoding β-lactamases, plasmid mediated quinolone resistance, aminoglycoside resistance and class 1 integrons were investigated by PCR and sequencing. The clonal relatedness among CRPA isolates was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis method. The clinical data were collected to identify risk factors for CRPA carriage of P. aeruginosa infection.ResultsThe overall prevalence of CRPA was 18.75 %. The risk factors for carrying CRPA were the length of hospital stay (p = 0.04), co-infections with Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.01), and the use of urinary catheter (p = 0.03). The in-hospital mortality rate among case patients was 13.33 % compared with 1.53 % for control patients (p = 0.09). All CRPA isolates were multidrug resistance and the most effective antibiotic against CRPA isolates was amikacin and colistin. PFGE revealed an epidemic clonal dissemination of CRPA isolates. None of CRPA isolated were found to be carbapenemase-producers. The blaPSE-1 and aac(3)-II gene was detected in two and five strains respectively. The class1 integrons were detected in 2 isolates with the presence of aadA7 gene cassette in these integrons.ConclusionThe endemic clonal dissemination and multi-drug resistance of CRPA isolates in our institution is highly alarming. Strict measure will be required to control the further spread of these pathogens in hospital setting.

Seismic vulnerability assessment of historical masonry buildings located in Annaba city (Algeria) using non ad-hoc data survey

Seismic vulnerability analysis of historical masonry buildings, addressed to earthquake emergency management and protection strategy planning, requires large-scale vulnerability and damage assessment. In this sense, two seismic vulnerability index methods and damage estimation have been adapted and applied to a pilot-scale urban area located in Annaba city (Algeria). The first method is based on the EMS-98 building typologies, and the second is based on the Italian GNDT approach. To accomplish this task, the authors employed an existing data survey, which, however, was not originally developed for seismic purposes. It was used herein to provide input to the vulnerability methods. The main goal of this research is not only to assess the seismic vulnerability and expected damage within Annaba, but also to adapt the two mentioned approaches to the existing data survey, aiming to use such nonspecific building database and to study the possibility of its application for seismic risk estimation in similar regions. The results obtained from the application of these two methods were integrated and compared using a geographic information system, proving that the vulnerability of the buildings surveyed in Annaba is significant, and therefore risk mitigation efforts and public awareness are required.

Le renouvellement de la ville algérienne par la démolition-reconstruction du vieux bâti. De la sanction à la recherche de légitimité, Cas de la ville d’Annaba

L’etat de vetuste avance du vieux bâti dans la ville algerienne pose le dilemme de la demolition, non plus comme outil-sanction, mais comme outil « legitime » face a la necessite de le renouveler et de le restructurer. Les mutations recentes de la ville algerienne en general et a Annaba en particulier necessitent l’introduction d’outils nouveaux pour accompagner ces transformations ; transformations resultant d’initiatives privees emboitant le pas a l’action publique.

English

The fundamental objective of water treatment is the protection of consumers from pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorination of drinking water is essential to prevent waterborne disease. However, chlorine reacts with organic matter present in surface waters to form various by-products suspected of being carcinogenic. In the last decade, several epidemiological studies have been conducted to determine the connection between exposure to these chlorination by-products and human health defects. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the genotoxicity of drinking water of Annaba city. The study have been carried out in different points of water distribution and in the station of treatment, using two tests of determination of genotoxic risk by means of SOS chromotest (using the strain Escherichia coli PQ37). SOS chromotest showed genotoxic effect of the sample collected from the exit of treatment station. Key words: Drinking water, genotoxicity, SOS chromotest, Escherichia coli PQ37.

Assessment of the bacteriological contamination of the wastewaters in Annaba’s main discharges in North-Eastern Algeria

In order to study the spatiotemporal evolution of the bacteriological quality of the wastewaters from the city of Annaba (Eastern Algeria), samples were taken on a fortnight basis from March 2012 to February 2013 at the three main sites of discharge. The Results show that the concentrations of fecal indicators contamination during low flow periods are higher than those recorded in the rainy season at the three sites. Total coliforms are higher (1000x 10 3 germ/100ml) in the dry season than during the rainy season (2x10 3 germ/100 ml) in the first site, the number of fecal coliforms is higher in the dry season (40x102 germ/100ml) than during the rainy period (6x102 germ/100ml) in the second site and the number of fecal streptococci in the dry season is higher (30x102 germ/100ml), than in the rainy season (10 2 germ /100ml) in the third site. Hence, we can notice a phenomenon of dilution. Results display the presence of pathogen bacteria, such as salmonella and shigella.

Reactivity of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

Abstract The Algerian iron and steel complex of El Hadjar, near the city of Annaba, produces a granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) mainly used by the local cement factories as an addition to clinker of up to 30 % as maximum content, for manufacturing a compound CEM II type cement (Algerian Standard). With the aim, on the one hand, of limiting the use of high clinker content in Algerian cement plants and replacing it with other constituents such as granulated blast furnace slag and, on the other hand, to use this slag as an addition to local concrete, we have attempted to characterize it according to its degree of reactivity. The use of chemical activity indexes and caustic soda tests lead to disappointing results that are contradicted by the results obtained on mortar within the scope of the standard determination of a hydraulic efficient index. The results obtained indicated that the classification of El Hadjer slag strongly depends on its degree of fineness; it also has weak short-term activity, denoting a slower kinetics of reaction compared to classical slag. These results permit us to recommend a minimal Blaine of 3500 cm2/g for this slag. A more intensive use of this slag in cement and concrete is undoubtedly possible, but this must be demonstrated by conducting tests on mortar and validating by a study on concrete.

Valorization of carbide lime waste, a by-product of acetylene manufacture, in wastewater treatment

Every year increasing amounts of industrial waste are generated worldwide. Depending on their characteristics, wastes can represent an important source of secondary raw materials in order to replace natural resources. The growing amount of carbide lime waste (CLW), a by-product of acetylene production, has resulted in environmental problems. In the present study, the potential use of CLW for wastewater treatment was investigated. The main characteristics of the CLW were determined. Chemical and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that CLW was similar in chemical and mineralogical compositions to industrial lime, except for the presence of carbon in the waste. Morphological and elemental chemical analyses by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry revealed that CLW particles differ from industrial lime by the presence of carbon formations. The use of CLW was evaluated in the treatment of Annaba city wastewater effluent. CLW was found to be the suitable for the treatment of Annaba city wastewater for an optimal dose of 850 mg L-1. Percentage removal efficiency for turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) was found to be 96, 98.2, 90 and 84.5%, respectively. Residual turbidity in supernatant was 4.5 NTU and total residual bacteria was 68 CFU mL-1. Algerian effluent quality standards for TSS and COD were met after treatment. However, BOD5, bacterial level and pH were high, emphasizing the need of pH adjustment and secondary treatment for the Annaba city effluent. The precipitation of heavy metals with CLW has been shown to be successful in reducing the level of soluble heavy metals in aqueous solution. The removal of heavy metals was enhanced at pH ranges 10-11 for zinc, 9.2-11.6 for lead, 4-11.8 for iron and 7-11.8 for copper. The results revealed that CLW can be effectively used in wastewater treatment.

Monolingualism of the Other; or, The Impossible Wedding

I only speak English and this troubles me to the point where I wonder if I should remain silent in debates about language, such as this one. More than a counterpoint to Anne E. Berger's plurilingua...

Discontinuity of Urban Form in Annaba City: case of Western plain (ZHUNI)

The editorial board announced that this article has been retracted on April 11, 2012. If you have any further question, please contact us at: jsd@ccsenet.org

Résistance aux quinolones de types qnr, aac (6′)-Ib-cr chez les entérobactéries isolées à Annaba en Algérie

Aim of the study To show the emergence of the qnr and aac (6′)-Ib-cr genes in nalidixic acid resistant enterobacteria isolated at Annaba city in Algeria. Materials and methods Enterobacterial strains ( n = 25) resistant to nalidixic acid have been isolated at the microbiology laboratory of the Annaba city hospital in Algeria Antibiotic susceptibility (disc diffusion method and MIC) and screening for Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) were performed according to the French Society for Microbiology guidelines. Characterization of quinolone resistance genes ( qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac(6′)-Ib-cr) was investigated by PCR. Identification of ESBL (TEM, SHV, CTX-M1, CTX-M2, CTX-M8 and CTX-M9 groups) was performed by PCR. Identification of plasmid AmpC beta-lactamases was performed by multiplex PCR. All PCR products were sequenced on both strands. Conjugation experiments were performed using azide-resistant Escherichia coli K 12J 5 as a recipient strain. Results Among the 25 strains selected, 24 were resistant to at least four antibiotics. Six strains showed an ESBL phenotype. The qnr gene (B1 type) was found in two ESBL producing strains with at least two types of bla gene. The aac (6′)-Ib gene was detected in three strains, one with the aac (6′) Ib-cr variant. With specific primers, we have shown that qnrB1, CTX-M-28, TEM1, aac (6′)-Ib-cr was cotransferred together and that these genes are carried by conjugative plasmids of high molecular weight. Conclusion The emergence of combination of resistance genes may pose a public health problem. Thus, a policy of surveillance of resistance seems necessary.