El-Oued Region Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Hemolytic, and Antibacterial Effects of Astragalus gombo (L.) Leaves.

The purpose of this study is to determine the phytochemical content and biological activities of the Astragalus gombo (endemic specie). While identification and quantification of individual secondary metabolites were performed by analysis HPLC. Antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP), anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic and antibacterial activities were evaluated. For analysis HPLC, we obtained 65 peaks and identified 6 major bioactive compounds. The total concentration in polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins varied respectively from 66.306±0.88 mg GA eq/g, 34.312±1.4 mg Q eq/g and 5.343±2.74 mg Ca eq/g. In terms of antioxidant activity, we found that this extract had high inhibitory ratios equivalent to IC50=62.813±0.006 µg/mL for DPPH and IC50=19.375±0.041 µg/mL for FRAP. A high anti-inflammatory activity was estimated at 1615.81µg/mL, and a weak anti-hemolytic activity, the other hand the antibacterial activity is somewhat moderate against the five strains studied. This study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of A. gombo from El Oued region has tremendous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities.

Experimental study on the effect of operational and environmental conditions on photovoltaic modules productivity in El-Oued region, algeria

This experimental study aims to track the changes in electrical properties and energy behavior of two technically identical photovoltaic modules of the RAGGIE type (RG-M165W model) under different operating conditions. The first is the reference photovoltaic module, while the second is the targeted photovoltaic module. Both modules were tested under the same climatic conditions in the Algerian region of El-Oued. Numerous practical experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effect of using a solar tracking system (a horizontal single-axis tracking system manually moved from east to west), changing the tilt angle of the photovoltaic modules, and the cleanliness of the effective photovoltaic module area on their productivity. The study results showed a convergence between experimental and theoretical results. The optimal tilt angle of the photovoltaic modules in El-Oued during the study days is 33°, and any inaccurate selection of this angle results in an efficiency loss of 19.31 %. Additionally, manually tracking the solar path improved the photovoltaic module efficiency by 1.63 %. A decrease in energy productivity by 34.68 % was recorded due to dust deposition of 14.5 g.m−2. Economically, it was shown that installing a photovoltaic system consisting of 14 RAGGIE modules can feed a typical Algerian house with 136.6 MWh over 25 years, with a Levelized Cost of Energy of $0.037/kWh, and the CO2 mitigation is 59.15 tons with a saving of $858.

Quality assessment using water quality indicators with geospatial analysis of groundwater quality El-Oued region, Northern Sahara, Algeria

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to assess groundwater quality in two layers (Albian and complex terminal) intended for irrigation, to identify their original chemical composition and overall risk by different attack techniques in the province of El-Oued. Eleven physico-chemical parameters were measured at 16 locations. Emphasis was placed on the selection of irrigation water quality index (IWQI) inputs through the application of multivariate statistical analysis, the estimation of various classical irrigation indices, and the integration of geographic information systems. The results of the IWQI, sodium adsorption ratio, Kelly index, permeability index, residual sodium carbonate and magnesium hazard showed that the majority of groundwater samples were classified for irrigation purposes in the following categories: severely restricted (100%), low sodium and excellent (100%), good (93.75%), marginally safe (100%), good (100%) and suitable (81.25%), respectively. In addition, the majority of selected samples were classified as “good to eligible for irrigation” based on %Na as shown in the distribution map. Whereas the principal component analysis results show that the four factors together explain 72.74% of the total variance according to the Kaiser rule. Cluster analysis divides the parameters into three groups. In summary, the combination of the geographic system and irrigation quality indices is useful for identifying irrigation zones.

Identification and characterization of some phytopathogenic fungi in post-harvest potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the El Oued Region (Eastern Northern Sahara, Eastern Algeria)

Identification and characterization of some phytopathogenic fungi in post-harvest potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the El Oued Region (Eastern Northern Sahara, Eastern Algeria)

Study of socio-clinical risk factors and assessment of metabolic syndrome and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With polycystic ovary syndrome

Background and Aims: More than 1.55 million women of reproductive age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the world; PCOS is an important disease threatens public health, linked to psychological, metabolic, and reproductive problems. The aim of our work was an evaluation of some risk factors, oxidative stress and Cardiovascular Risk among PCOS Women in El-Oued region. Methods: Our risk factor study was conducted on a group of 200 women who were diagnosed by specialized doctors (100 healthy and 100 polycystic ovaries), with 50 women volunteering to provide blood and saliva samples to study the blood glucose, Atherogenic index, lipids profile, hematological and oxidative stress markers. Results: About risk factors study, our results showed that the high levels of Psychological distress, Menstrual fluctuation and year of taking pills are the most dangerous factors (OR=3.11; OR=9.205; OR=5.940) respectively. Our result demonstrated a significant increase (P > 0.05) in blood glucose, total cholesterol, Triglycerides, VLDL, Atherogenic index and sedimentation rate, MDA and SOD levels and a significant decreased (P > 0.01) in HDL, WBC (P < 0.000), MCV (P < 0.05) HGB, RBC, CMH, CMH level in women with PCOS patients as compared to controls. Conclusions: In conclusion, several social and nutritional factors contributed to the spread and development of PCOS in El-Oued region. In addition to a change in blood components, lipid profile Atherogenic index and their relationship to oxidative stress, which contributes to metabolic syndrome development and the occurrence of cardiovascular complication in women with PCOS.

Optimization of the Impact of Dune Sand, Recycled Rubber Aggregates, and Clay Brick Waste on Eco-Mortar Mechanical Strength by the Taguchi Method

Utilizing local materials and recycling waste has the potential to yield both ecological and economic advantages in the field of construction materials. In this context, the object of this work is to apply Taguchi's design of experiments on cement eco-mortar, which were designed using an L-9 orthogonal array, to optimize and model the effect of dune sand of the El Oued region, rubber aggregates, and crushed clay brick waste on the mechanical strength at 28 days. The different interactions were also investigated between the factors targeted in our study, namely: dune sand (DS) content, rubber aggregates (RA) content, and brick waste (BW) content. The results of the analysis of variation (ANOVA) as well as the mathematical models developed in this study showed that the BW factor content has a positive effect on compressive strength and a negative effect on flexural strength. In addition, the interactions between DS and BW contents and between RA and BW contents have a negative effect on the compressive strength of eco-mortar. With regard to flexural strength, the results showed that the interaction between the factors DS and RA contents has a negative effect on flexural strength, in contrast to the interaction between the RA and BW contents, which has a positive effect.

Gross Anatomical, Histological, and Cytological Study of the One-humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Lymph Nodes in Southeastern Algeria

Background: The immune system of the dromedary has remained a subject that has not been extensively researched in immunology. Researchers in morphology and immunology have long sought to delve into the structure and function of the dromedary’s immune system to gain a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and potential applications in human and animal health. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the histological architecture and cellular composition of the lymph nodes in the indigenous dromedary breed of the El Oued region in Algeria and to compare the results with those of prior investigations of lymph node structures in other mammalian species. Methods: Hematoxylin, eosin stain, and Masson’s trichrome stain techniques were used for histological analysis. In contrast, methylene blue, eosin, and May-Grünwald Giemsa staining techniques were used for cytological analysis. The study data were collected and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the histological and cellular features of the lymph nodes. Results: Our study revealed that the lymphatic follicles in the dromedary’s lymph nodes have a higher concentration of lymphocytes within the follicles’ germinal center than other species. The lymph nodes were observed to be divided into conglomerates. The cytological study showed that the major cellular population consisted of lymphocytes, followed by macrophages and reticulocytes according to the localization and the functional zone. Conclusion: The study provided novel insights into the architecture and cellular composition of the lymph nodes of dromedaries, distinct from those of other species. These findings may have implications for the understanding and treatment of immune-related conditions in dromedaries.

A comparative analysis of the microstructural and physicochemical properties of alluvial and dune sands from northeast Algerian Sahara

This paper investigates the physical, chemical, and microstructural properties of two types of natural sand; alluvial sands and dune sand from the El-Oued region in the northeastern Algerian Sahara. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), and granulometry analysis have been performed. The FTIR and XRD analysis prove that the alluvial sand and dune sand consist of high percentages of ?-quartz (SiO2), low amounts of calcite (CaCO3), and gypsum minerals (CaSO4;2H2O). The chemical analysis confirmed that both types of sand have a high silica (SiO2) ratio, reaching 80% for dune sand and 70% for alluvial sand, besides very low quantities of Al2O3, Fe2O3, and K2O oxides. CaO content was higher in alluvial sand than in dune sand. The shapes of alluvial sand grain samples ranged from angular to well-rounded. However, the dune sands have shapes ranging from sub-angular to well-rounded. However, the dune sand is poorly graded sand with a mean grain size of 250?m; whereas, the alluvial sand is well-graded sand with a mean grain size of 406?m. These findings demonstrate that alluvial and dune sands are mineralogically stable and chemically suitable for use as fine aggregates in construction. Also, these sands could be significant sources of quartz minerals.

Study of the Sustainability of Potato Farms in the Region of Oued Souf (Southern Algeria)

The objective of this study is to diagnose the potato sector in the El Oued region by highlighting the technical and environmental situation of this sector. For this purpose, a field survey was carried out at the level of 75 farms in the El Oued region. The Oued Souf region’s Farm Sustainability Indicator (IDEA) is important. The assessment of agro-ecological, socio-territorial and economic indicators indicates that the agro-ecological indicator is the most represented by (the indicator of fertilizer and agricultural practices) by 98 out of 100. The results of this study show that this crop presents a good adaptation to the conditions of the region. This sector is undergoing significant development and is of great importance because this agricultural activity represents an economic potential at the local, regional and national levels. However, this sector remains fragile in relation to various constraints of a technical nature (unreasonable irrigation and fertilization and high seed prices), economic (price fluctuations and disorganized markets) and environmental (diseases, weeds) which directly influence the functioning of farms and therefore their profitability. This is why it is necessary to face the problems encountered and fight against the factors that can hinder the sustainability of this sector and give a competitive value.

Traditional Herbal Remedies from Algeria for Treating Digestive Disorders

Due to their efficiency in many treatments, the employment of herbal remedies has retained its importance for leading a human life. Traditional knowledge is passed from one generation to the next, which is protected. This research aimed to analyze traditional herbal remedies used in treating digestive disorders by El-Oued people (Southeastern Algeria). The research was conducted from September 2021 to June 2022. One hundred individuals, including thirty plant vendors, were selected from different regions. Personal interviews and questionnaires were employed to collect the data. SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 were used to organize the data and conduct the descriptive statistics analysis. This investigation enabled the discovery of 40 species in 16 families and different genres. Lamiaceae, with 22.5 % plants, were the most used sources for the treatment, and 54 % of herbs were spontaneous species. The use of seeds at 21 %, dry parts at 92 % and infusion method at 48 % was most commonly used in herbal remedies preparations. The participants cited Trigonella tibetana, Juniperus communis, and Punica granatum as sources of digestive disorders treatment. El-Oued region has an extremely high number of herbal remedy species, which suggests that the region's traditional medicine serves as a source of knowledge about medicinal plants for treating digestive disorders and illnesses associated with them.
 Keywords: Herbal remedies, Digestive disorders, Medicinal plants, Interviews.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Mentha spicata leaves aqueous extracts in different regions of Algeria and their antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities

Purpose: To evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Mentha spicata (MS) leaves aqueous extracts obtained from different regions (El-Oued, Tebessa and El-Tarf) of Algeria, as well as their in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.
 Methods: Aqueous extracts were obtained from the air-dried leaves of MS by maceration followed by filtration and evaporation using a rotary evaporator. Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride colorimetric techniques were used to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively. The radical DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests were used to determine their antioxidant activities, while the in vitro inhibition percentages of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes were used to assess the anti-diabetic activity.
 Results: The El-Oued's extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (108.94 mg GAE/g dry extract (DE)), while the highest total flavonoid content (0.039 mg QE/g DE) was found in El-Tarf's extract. The radical DPPH and FRAP scavenging activity of the El-Oued extract exhibited the highest inhibition activities (IC50 = 102.5 and 289.5 μg/mL), respectively, while the ABTS inhibition activity of the El-Tarf extract exhibited a maximum IC50 value of 111 ± 2.8 μg/mL. The MS extract of the El-Oued region had the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme activities with IC50 values of 121.4 and 216.9 μg/mL, respectively.
 Conclusion: The leaves of Mentha spicata exhibit high phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This study reveals that Mentha spicata flavonoid and phenolic contents as well as other properties vary by region.

Pattern and Major Reasons of Cattle Red Offal Condemnation in the Slaughterhouse of the Arid Region of El Oued (Algeria)

Bovine red offal is one of the main sources of animal proteins. The monitoring of the sanitary status of these foods is mandatory to protect human and animal health against transmitted diseases. The aim of this study was to establish an epidemiological situation of these diseases in the El Oued region. To do so, the registries of red offal seizures from three successive years (2018–2020) of 14,478 slaughtered cattle were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed a continuous evolution of the number of red offal seizures cases mainly in the liver and the lungs. The annual average prevalence of lung lesions increased progressively from 3.45% in 2018 to 10.50% in 2020 while a decrease of about 1% in pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts prevalence was observed. For liver diseases, the frequency of seizures increased, also predominately fasciolosis which reached 2.8% in 2020. Concerning tuberculosis, the prevalence did not show significant variations. These findings confirm the value of hygienic control along the entire red offal production chain and the need to strengthen zoonotic diseases prevention to reduce economic losses and to safeguard public health in this arid developing region.

Energy, exergy, and economic analysis of solar still using coal cylinder fins: an experimental study.

The phenomenon of drinking water scarcity has turned into the foremost issue that the world’s populace is facing today. The Algerian desert regions, including the El Oued region (southeastern Algeria), also suffer from drinking water shortages, despite the presence of huge quantities of underground salty water. Solar distillation is among the easy and cheap solutions to solve this problem because this method relies on renewable energy (solar energy) as a key factor in providing drinking water from saltwater. As solar energy is intermittent energy, energy storage is required for augmenting the yield. Coal cylinders are low cost and locally available materials that can be used as fins and energy storage materials. In this research, two solar stills such as conventional solar still with a black absorber (CSS-BA) and CSS with a black absorber and coal cylinders (CSS-BA&CC) were fabricated and tested. The CSS-BA&CC produced a potable water yield of about 4.16 kg per day while the CSS-BA could only produce 2.88 kg, which is 44.44% lower when compared to the CSS-BA&CC. The thermal efficiency was noted to be 22.04 % and the exergy efficiency is 1.07 % in the CSS-BA. Similarly, the thermal efficiency is 32.46% and exergy efficiency is 1.90% for the CSS-BA&CC. The experimental results proved that the potable water yield of the CSS-BA was enhanced by coal cylinders (sensible heat energy storage material -SHESM) which is a locally available low-cost material.

Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity of Different Honey Samples Collected in the Pre-Saharan Region in Algeria.

Despite the challenging conditions in the pre-Saharan areas of Algeria, such as weak plant cover and a harsh climate, beekeeping is being developed and spread. In the present work, honey samples collected from ten locations in the El Oued region were examined during the spring of 2021. A melissopalynological analysis was carried out, followed by a floristic investigation. The 10 honey samples were also investigated for their physicochemical properties and antioxidant and antibacterial activity against five strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Listeria innocua, and Micrococcus luteus. The floristic analysis found 65 species belonging to 33 botanical families, with a dominance of the Asteraceae family accounting for 18.461% of the total. The melissopalynological study revealed only one monofloral honey (Ziziphus lotus), whereas the nine others were multi-floral. The honey’s color changed from light to dark amber, and most tested honey was of high quality, fulfilling international criteria. The total phenol and flavonoid contents varied considerably amongst the various honey samples. Furthermore, LC-MS-MS phenolic profile analysis identified the presence of 20 chemicals, of which only three phenols were found in all honey types. Antioxidant capacity analyzed with FRAP test and antiradical activities against DPPH differed from one honey sample to another. Moreover, a significant correlation was recorded between the antioxidant activity, honey’s color, polyphenol, and flavonoid contents. The S. aureus strain was the most sensitive regarding honey antibacterial activity, while M. luteus and B. subtilis strains were only moderately sensitive.

Pathological Findings on Genital Abnormalities in Female Camel in the El Oued Region, Algeria

The present study was performed to give a detailed histopathological description of genital abnormalities found in normal, clinically healthy female camels. A total of 165 apparently healthy female camels were randomly selected at the El Oued slaughterhouse at the south east of Algeria. Histopathological analysis was carried out on 25 pathological formations of ovaries (follicular, haemorrhagic and luteinized cysts and teratoma), uterine infections (clinical, chronic and pyometra), uterine serosal inclusion cyst, uterine agenesis and ovarian infundibular cyst, by establishing elementary lesions related to each macroscopic condition. A significant impairment of normal structure of each studied reproductive organ was recorded. The prevalence of animals showing genital abnormalities was 15%. The frequency incidence of ovarian lesions was ranked first (56%) followed by uterine affections (28%) and finally ovarian bursa abnormalities with four cases (16%). The incidence of genital conditions was as follows: follicular cysts (28%), haemorrhagic cysts (16%), hydrobursitis (16%), chronic endometritis (12%), luteinized follicular cysts (8%), clinical metritis (4%), pyometra (4%), dermoid cysts (4%), uterine agenesis (4%) and uterine serosal inclusion cysts (4%). The main lesions of the uterine infection were congestions, oedema, endometrial epithelium and glandular degeneration and infiltration by inflammatory cells. Uterine agenesis was characterised by a lack of endometrial glands and hyalinization of the myometrium. The mean lesions for the infundibular cyst were congestion, haemorrhage and hemosiderophages, infiltration by inflammatory cells, endometrial degeneration and vacuolation and pseudo-glandular dilations. The ovarian dermoid cyst showed a keratinized and scaly epithelium housed in fibrous connective tissue containing hair follicles, and sebaceous and sweat glands. The ovarian cysts showed thin or enlarged granulosa and internal theca with luteinization or vacuolation of the antral cavity. Finally, serosal inclusion cyst of the uterus appeared as dilation between the myometrium and the perimetrium with homogenous content. Concerning the above, the reported elementary genital abnormalities are indicated as responsible for the delayed reproduction, infertility and unsatisfactory camel livestock outcomes.

Evaluation of groundwater quality and hydrochemical characteristics in the shallow aquifer of El-Oued region (Algerian Sahara)

The water quality of the aquifer of the El-Oued region (Algerian Sahara) is deteriorating in water quality due to anthropogenic effects and over exploitation of the groundwater resources. This study assesses the quality of groundwater in the El-Oued shallow aquifer for domestic and irrigation purposes and highlights the various geochemical processes that contribute to the mineralization of this water. Twenty-five water samples were collected. The measured and analyzed parameters are: pH, EC, TDS, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, NO3− and HCO3−. The assessment of water potability using the Water Quality Index (WQI) method shows two classes of water quality, namely, the very poor class (8%) and the unsuitable for drinking class (92%). Agricultural water quality was assessed using the parameters; electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na %), Kelly ratio (KR), permeability index (PI), magnesium hazard (MH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and chloride content. The results showed that the water of this shallow aquifer is unsuitable for irrigation based on EC, Cl− and USSL diagram. This aquifer discloses three facies of water: Cl–Na–Ca (12%), SO4–Na (36%) and SO4–Ca–Mg (52%). In addition, an analysis of physicochemical data obtained from water samples was conducted using correlation matrices, PCA, bivariate plots, and Gibbs diagrams; the saturation indices of the main minerals was also calculated. These analyses have shown that the main reactions responsible for the evolution of water types in the El-Oued shallow aquifer fall into four categories: (1) a mixing process in the waters of deep aquifers (the Complexe Terminal aquifer and the Continental Intercalaire aquifer); (2) the dissolution of salts (in particular, gypsum and halite); (3) cation exchange processes affecting the concentration of Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+; and (4) anthropogenic influences from domestic sewerage and agricultural activities.

Thermal and Mechanical Shock Testing of a Brick Wall and A Polystyrene Wall

Polystyrene is one of the many novel materials being developed today. The goal of our research is to demonstrate that polystyrene is a good construction material in the El Oued region of Southeast Algeria. It can also be a strong rival for other building materials like brick. The results of our research, particularly in thermal testing, are very promising. Polystyrene is a better insulator than brick; the temperature of the polystyrene chamber varies between 26 and 27°C, whereas the temperature of the brick chamber varies between 36 and 37 °C. Polystyrene has a 5 times mechanical impact compared to brick. Despite its lack of availability in the region's markets, polystyrene is a strong rival to other materials such as brick.

Water quality analysis of solar still distillate produced from various water sources of El Oued region Algeria

Water quality analysis of solar still distillate produced from various water sources of El Oued region Algeria

Evaluation of Biological Activities of Chamaeleo chamaeleon : A Reptile Used in Traditional Folk Medicine in Algeria

In the El-Oued region of the Algerian desert, tonsillitis, the most serious of infections, is cured with the common chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon. Our study's main objective was to demonstrate its importance through aspirational science, in which we evaluated the aqueous extract of dry C.Chamaeleon powder's hemolysis, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. After preparing dry, C.Chamaeleon powder was examined using a scanning electron microscope to detect metals. The aqueous

4E (energy, exergy, economic and environmental) investigation of LFR using MXene based silicone oil nanofluids

The study aims to conduct a numerical investigation of 4E (Energy-Exergy-Economic-Environmental) for an industrial process with linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) coupled with Therminol 66 oil storage tank conducted in the El-Oued region of Algeria. MXene (Ti3C2)/silicone oil nanofluid at various weight concentrations of 0.05%, 0.08%, and 0.1%, flowing in different industrial process centers coupled with LFR has been evaluated. Results show enhanced thermal conductivity of 22%, 40% and 64%, at 0.05, 0.08 and 0.1 wt% of silicone oil nanofluids at a temperature of 150 °C against the base fluid data. Nanofluid shows Newtonian fluid behavior with the examined shear rate. MATLAB code has been developed to solve the heat balance equations. Optical efficiency of LFR enhances to 60.42%, and highest LFR’s efficiencies have been recorded for 0.1 wt% of MXene/silicone oil nanofluid with an average thermal efficiency of 58.07%, exergy efficiency of 12.21%, and performance evaluation criteria of 15.50 %. Using 0.1 wt% of nanofluid in LFR system reduced its cost from 0.95 M$ to 0.92 M$. From energy, and exergy point of view, 3.29 Tons CO2/year, and 0.663 Ton CO2/year were reduced, respectively. Maximum overall annual energy and exergy gain is 47.67 $/year and 9.61 $/year, respectively.