El Oued Research Articles

Strategies for Improving Irrigation Systems Based on Lamasba Regulation: A 2024 Field Study in Hoba Farms, Southeastern Algeria

In the Algerian province of El Oued, south-eastern Algeria, the irrigation system plays a vital role in supporting agricultural production, particularly in oil palm plantations, which have experienced significant expansion in recent decades. The development of irrigation techniques in the region dates back to antiquity, with the Lamasba system, discovered by Émile Masqueray in 1877 in the Belzma plain, being one of the most prominent examples of efficient water resource management. This ancient Roman system, which used precise schedules to distribute water from permanent sources, meticulously determined the quantities and times of water flow, reflecting a high level of social and economic organization at that time. During the French colonial period between 1957 and 1959, the Hoba area in the Righiba commune of El Oued province experienced a remarkable growth in oil palm plantations, with the implementation of advanced irrigation techniques, inspired by the ancient Roman system but modified to suit local conditions. As the project expanded, new challenges arose related to water distribution, particularly in fields far from water sources, leading to the construction of small, taller water towers to improve distribution efficiency. This study analyzes the current irrigation system in the Hoba region, focusing on the technical challenges these systems face, such as obsolete valves and the presence of weeds in the irrigation channels, which slow down the water flow and prolong the irrigation time. The study also examines the use of a new 5-meter-high tower that partially solved the problem of low water flow, while providing additional improvement suggestions to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in these desert areas. The objective of this study is to offer a comprehensive vision on how to improve irrigation systems to meet the needs of modern agriculture and increase productivity in arid environments.

Experimental comparison investigation on the performance analysis of desert crystal sand roses and sand grain as natural effective heat storage materials in conical solar distillers: 4E and sustainability analyses

Conical solar distillers represent one of the most important technologies for producing low-cost freshwater in remote areas. However, its drawback is its limited freshwater production due to heat loss, so the present study aims to use natural effective heat energy storage materials to reduce heat loss, improve productivity, and avoid the higher cost of producing freshwater. To achieve this goal, comparison investigations on the performance analysis of Desert Crystal Sand Roses and Sand Grain as natural effective heat storage materials in conical solar distillers to improve freshwater productivity and at the same time avoid the high cost of producing freshwater. To achieve this goal experimentally, three identical conical solar distillers were built and tested in El Oued, Algeria. The first is the classical conical solar distiller (CCSD). The second is the conical solar distiller with the Natural Desert Crystal Sand Roses (CSD-SR). The third is a conical solar distiller with the Natural Desert Sand Grain (CSD-SG). The experimental results demonstrated that incorporating the Desert Crystal Sand Roses as natural storage materials in the distiller basin represents an innovative design that is characterized by serving as corrugated surfaces to enhance the absorbed rates of solar rays and interface surface area with the basin water, in addition to representing effective heat energy storage materials. Where using the Desert Crystal Sand Roses (CSD-SR) increases the cumulative productivity to 9.29 L/m2 per day with an improvement of 95.58 % compared to CCSD. Also, the use of Desert Crystal Sand Roses (CSD-SR) improved the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and sustainability index by 94.45, 227.45, and 2.9 % compared to CCSD. Also, the exergo-economic analysis indicated that the annual energy and exergy outlets were 94.48 and 227.42 %, respectively. Additionally, the cost per liter of produced freshwater from CSD-SR was reduced by 48.61 % compared to CCSD.

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.

Artificial intelligence and remote sensing for spatiotemporal analysis and prediction of vegetation changes: a case study of El Oued, northeastern Algeria

This study investigates vegetation ecology and rangeland degradation in the arid and desert regions of northeastern Algeria from 2015 to 2023, with predictions extending to 2031. Utilizing remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 imagery, and the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), we mapped and analyzed changes in vegetation cover. The QGIS MOLUSCE plugin facilitated spatiotemporal analysis, revealing significant natural and anthropogenic impacts on a study area. Less degraded rangelands have also seen an increase, from 44,110,116 hectares in 2015 to 48,481,851 hectares in 2023, due to drought, overgrazing, and socioeconomic pressures. With a slight decrease to 48,450,495 hectares projected for 2031. This suggests efforts in land rehabilitation and sustainable rangeland management are yielding positive results, though there remains room for improvement. The study recorded that Agricultural croplands have experienced a slight decrease from 1,404,153 hectares in 2015 to 1,350,693 hectares in 2023. However, a modest increase to 1,587,242 hectares is projected by 2031. The findings indicate that Oases date palm areas have increased from 1,287,342 hectares in 2015 to 1,630,197 hectares in 2023, with further growth to 1,816,296 hectares anticipated by 2031. Our research highlights the critical role of remote sensing in monitoring vegetation dynamics within arid and desert ecosystems. The methodology provides a robust framework for similar studies, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing monitoring using advanced télédétection technologies. To mitigate further degradation and preserve these fragile ecosystems, the implementation of sustainable land management practices is essential.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Oryctes (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Collected from Date Palm Plantations in Algeria1

Abstract Light traps operated from May 2022 to August 2023 collected Oryctes beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plantations in El Oued, Algeria. Morphological examination of 105 adult Oryctes specimens collected from the plantations revealed them to be Oryctes agamemnon arabicus (Fairmaire). Molecular identification, using the cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) marker, confirmed those identifications. Notably, MASH analysis revealed differing degrees of genetic similarity, suggesting nuanced genetic diversity within the population. Utilizing Kraken2 software and the COI database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, we also determined a high classification rate of approximately 99% of reads for all samples, reinforcing the identity of the specimens as O. agamemnon. These results help advance taxonomic knowledge of the insect fauna of the region as well as supporting environmental conservation initiatives.

Performance enhancement of solar distillers integrated with new green composite thermal insulations: Experimental and economic approach

This work aims to improve water productivity in solar stills by reducing heat loss through green composite insulators to ensure storage of the absorbed thermal energy. Two green composite materials were proposed and presented. The first is made of date palm fiber and mortar (PFM), and the second is made of date palm fiber and gypsum (PFG). Three identical solar distillers were designed and tested under the same meteorological conditions of El Oued, Algeria. The first is the reference case (RSW distiller) where a 5 cm thick wooden box is used as insulation. The second (MSD-PFM distiller) is insulated with a 2.5 cm thick PFM composite material and then installed inside a 2.5 cm thick wooden box. The third (MSD-PFG distiller) is insulated with a 2.5 cm thick PFG composite material and then installed inside a 2.5 cm thick wooden box. The thermal conductivity of the proposed composite insulators was first determined experimentally and then used as insulators. Results showed that the accumulated water production from the MSD-PFG (4100 mlm-2day-1) is higher than that of the MSD-PFM (3400 mlm-2day-1) and RSW solar distillers (2800 mlm-2day-1) by 21.5 % and 46.43 %, respectively. The improvement in thermal efficiency of the proposed MSD-PFG and MSD-PFM were 45.77 % and 21.14 %, respectively. The economic analysis showed that the improvement in the production cost by MSD-PFG (0.011 $/liter) and MSD-PFM (0.0153 $/liter) were 31.68 % and 4.97 %, respectively. The sustainability, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness of composite date palm make it an attractive option for insulation applications in solar distillers.

Optimization and experimental study on the effect of graphite bars on the productivity of conical solar distiller: Exergo-economic approach

This work aims to enhance productivity and reduce the production cost of conical solar distillers using green and inexpensive materials. Conical solar stills are characterized by their cover is always exposed to the same solar radiation in all locations and do not create shading. Different graphite bars are installed at various distances in the still basin, acting as corrugated surfaces and energy storage materials to increase the interface area, reduce energy losses, and enhance the overall performance. Three conical stills were designed and tested to investigate the effect of changing the distances (0 to 30 mm) between the graphite rods on the production rate at the same climatic conditions of El Oued, Algeria. Furthermore, energy, exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic approaches were conducted to assess the viability of the proposed distillers. Results showed that reducing the distances between graphite bars increases the production rate due to the increased interfacial space with basin water and the storage of excess heat absorbed during the day. The energy and exergy efficiencies of the proposed conical solar distillers incorporated with graphite bars improved by 46.23–90.46 % and 181–321 % respectively, compared with the traditional conical still. Based on the exergo-economic approach, the annual energy and exergy outlets improved by 45.65–90.46 % and 187.5–439 % respectively, compared to the traditional conical still. The cost of the yield and payback period decreased by 40.41–74.91 % and 28.8–42.8 % respectively, compared to the traditional conical still. Finally, incorporated graphite rods with conical solar stills represent a good option for obtaining high performance with economic benefit.

Investigating multimodal scientific communication: an analysis of communicative modes in Biology and Engineering research articles

The dissemination of knowledge in science and technology relies on efficient communication, with a noticeable shift towards multimodal communication. This research explores the subtle patterns of multimodal scientific communication to comprehend how several modes work together to enhance discourse quality. Twenty research articles, ten from the field of Engineering and ten from Biology, written over the previous three years by researchers of the University of El Oued, Algeria were collected from credible journals and then examined using a qualitative content analysis. The findings demonstrated that the authors used a multimodal approach in their research articles, presenting their research outcomes through a combination of textual explanations and visual components including graphs, tables, images, and diagrams. The study’s findings highlighted the interdependent nature of text and images and their importance in communicating scientific discourse. Furthermore, the data displays differences in the modes selected by these researchers, which reflects the specificities and particular needs of each discipline in choosing the modes. The study suggests that researchers’ active participation in workshops and training sessions can improve their proficiency in multimodal scientific communication. Moreover, it recommends additional research to broaden the area of enquiry and improve knowledge of multimodal communication in scientific discourse.

Experimental and numerical modeling of photovoltaic modules temperature under varying ambient conditions

In this work, comprehensive three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation, of fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena around a free-standing polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic module is carried out. The objective is to provide accurate calculation of module’s temperature as a key parameter to estimate its power output. Therefore, experiments were conducted at the university of El Oued, south-east Algeria, to collect the necessary dataset for simulations. Considering different heat transfer mechanisms, modeling absorbed solar energy within the cells, and after mesh refinement study and model validation, simulations were performed and different parameters have been investigated. Results show that more accurate module temperature (Tback) estimation can be achieved based on numerical simulations. It was also found that numerical simulation overcome other models from literature and provides better results, achieving an R2 of 0.995 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.822. Results also indicate that, solar radiation (G), ambient temperature (Ta) and wind speed (Ws) tend to have the major impact on Tback, an increase of 100W/m2 in G can produce an increase of 4°C in Tback at low wind speeds, and about 2.4°C for relatively higher Ws. Ta also tends to yield linear increase in Tback, expecting 5.8°C rise, for 6°C increase in Ta at 700W/m2 and 1m/s of solar radiation and wind speed, respectively. Additionally, a regression-based model was proposed for engineering applications, providing accurate results with an R2 of 0.989, a MAE of 1.009, which is 10% more accurate than the best model from literature.

Experimental optimization of conical solar distillers using graphite pin fins as sensible heat storage materials: Energy, exergy, and exergo-economic approach

Fresh water and energy are essential for the development and prosperity of societies. Solar stills are easy to build, operate, and maintain, but their disadvantage is low daily productivity. This work aims to optimize and enhance the performance of conical solar stills by integrating innovative graphite pin fins that function as extended surfaces and sensible energy storage in the distillation basin. Graphite is inexpensive, available locally, natural properties, and has good thermal characteristics and heat capacity. Four different alternates spacing between the graphite pin fins ranging from 10 to 70 mm have been investigated and optimized to achieve maximum daily water production. Three identical conical solar distillers were designed, manufactured, and tested, under the same weather conditions in El Oued city, Algeria (33.3676◦ N and 6.8516◦ E). Energy, economy, exergy, and exergo-economics approach were performed to evaluate the economic feasibility of modified conical distillers. The results showed that reducing the distance between the pin fins leads to a decrease in the productivity of the distiller due to the increase in the shadow area. Among the pin fin distances evaluated, the 50 mm distance achieved the highest daily water production with reasonable economic feasibility. Adding graphite pin fins to conical distiller basin increases daily productivity and thermal efficiency by 52.16–90.78% and 33.44–63%, respectively. The production cost and payback time of the modified conical distillers with pin fins are reduced by 35.49–79.72% and 35.48–79.72%, respectively compared to the traditional conical stiller.

Flood Risk Assessment for Better City Resilience; Case of The Bab El Oued Agglomeration, Algiers (Algeria)

The concept of natural risk represents a challenge to the economic and social development of a given territory, which leads to the adoption of a rational and studied approach to addressing the critical situation imposed by risks. Flooding is one of the most dangerous phenomena, capable of causing enormous damage to life, the economy, and the environment. The locality of Bab el Oued experienced a painful episode in its history in terms of flood damage during the year 2001. The risk in this locality is classified as very high, which implies that it is necessary to continuously reassess preventive measures and disaster management strategies if flooding occurs. This should be based on both natural and human factors, making risk a devastating reality and a constraint on sustainable development. Through this article, attempts have been made to find intelligent solutions for flood disaster management in the highly threatened neighbourhood of Bab El Oued within the framework of current legislation and regulations, following a likely scenario.

A study on the prevalence and risk factors of coronary artery disease in patients with metabolic syndrome infected and not infected with COVID 19 from El- Oued (Algeria) region

Introduction and Aim: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a pathological process described by atherosclerosis plaque in the epicardial arteries. CAD is a chronic process that begins during adolescence and slowly progresses through life. Several traditional risk factors genetics and environmental, involve in the development of atherosclerosis process. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of CAD and its associated risk factors among the El Oued (Algeria) population. Materials and Methods: An epidemiological study was carried out on 23422 patients who suffered from cardiovascular diseases. The study of risk factors analysis was focused on 300 voluntary individuals, their origins from different El-Oued areas, and the CAD and metabolic syndrome patients selected from public and private health interests. All the information was obtained by a questionnaire. The risk of socio-clinical factors has been estimated by Binary Logistic regression was carried out between CVD and its associated risk factors. P < 0.05 from two-sided statistical tests was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Through the results presented in our study, we found that the clinical factors such as hypertension (OR=154.846, and; P =0.000), the group aged> 60 (OR=154.84, and; P =0.000 and chest pain (OR=42.667, and; P =0.000), present significant risk factors with CAD patients compared to healthy people (control), respectively, in contrast we show that the most dangerous Socioeconomic factors alcohol consumption and stress respectively for (OR=13.500= and; P =0.001), and obesity (OR=4.495= and; P =0.000), but we estimate that sport is important protective factors for the disease with OR=52.6, P 0.500) in the CAD patients compared to metabolic syndrome patients. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease among the population has raised concerns for public health, which creates a health threat, especially with inadequate promotion and awareness programs.

Profile of Hemodialyzed Patients with Renal Insufficiency at Bab el Oued University Hospital

Hemodialysis emergencies are common and pose a threat to the prognosis of patients. We receive patients with acute renal failure requiring dialysis sessions daily at the Bab el Oued University Hospital Center. Through this study, we aimed to delineate the clinical, biological, etiological, and evolutionary profile of these patients in order to adapt and improve their management in collaboration with various stakeholders. This was a longitudinal, descriptive study conducted at the hemodialysis center of the Bab el Oued University Hospital, between December 2018 and November 2019, including patients with acute renal failure requiring one or more hemodialysis sessions. In addition to demographic data, the collected information included: source institution, medical history, acute or chronic renal involvement and its etiology, indication for dialysis, vascular access, and evolution.During this period, we provided 1621 hemodialysis sessions involving 250 patients, 162 with acute renal failure (ARF) and 88 with chronic renal failure (CRF). We included the 88 patients with ARF and excluded those with CRF. The mean age was 59 years with a range of 10 to 94 years. There were 66% males and 34% females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.93. Approximately 39% of patients were hypertensive, 32% were diabetic, and 26% had mainly urological neoplasms. Our patients came from various departments of the Bab el Oued University Hospital in 66% of cases and from other institutions in 34% of cases. As for etiologies, we identified 68% tubulointerstitial nephropathies, 17% obstructive nephropathies, 10% glomerular nephropathies, and 5% vascular nephropathies. Regarding dialysis indications, uremic syndrome accounted for 39% of cases, hyperkalemia for 33%, acute pulmonary edema for 14%, acidosis for 11%, and urgent transfusion for 3% of cases. Vascular access consisted of femoral catheters in 77% and jugular catheters in 23% of cases. The outcomes were complete recovery in 14%, partial recovery in 20%, transfer to chronic dialysis in 8%, death in 35%, and loss to follow-up in 23%. The morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing emergency dialysis remain high despite the availability of dialysis and improvements in renal failure management in Algeria. We should work more collaboratively with various stakeholders and strive to computerize patient records to be more responsive and better track and manage these patients with high morbidity and mortality.

The impact and risk factors of recreational drug poisoning in patients admitted to the emergency room of Bab El Oued

Recreational drug refers to the use of drugs that are not intended for medical reasons but for its psychoactive nature and leisure. In the Middle East and worldwide, drug abuse is a growing problem for authorities Materials and methods: We carried out a descriptive and analytic cohort study. We included all cases aged over 16 years presented to the emergency department (SU) of the Lamine Debaghine-Bab El Oued University hospital, between November 2020 to October 2021 presenting acute toxicity due to self-reported recreational drug use or exhibiting symptoms/signs consistent with acute toxicity. Furthermore, we carried out a multivariate analysis by logistic regression to eliminate all confounding factors around the risk of morbidity and mortality of poisoned patients. Results: The mean age was 18-year-old. they are mostly due to prescription medicine.50.7% of the cases are dual consumptions of leisure drugs. 51% stayed more than 13h. Starting from the initial model (Table 01), the explanatory variables which remained significant in the final model illustrated as follows: Signs of cardiac collapse or decompensation significantly increased the risk of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission. They multiplied the risk by 2.5: ORa= 2.5 (1.1 – 5.81) CI 95% Discussion: We highlighted that drug abuse started at a really young age in our population. we noticed a preponderance of dual and medicinal drugs, a longer duration of hospitalization and a significantly increased risk of cardiac events Conclusion: We could relate the pretty young age and duration of stay to the lake of awareness, social level and the accessibility to prescription medicine for a leisure purpose

Identifying risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis in an intensive care unit: Interest in early anticoagulant treatment

Thrombosis of the dural venous sinus or cerebral veins (CVT) of particular anatomical location of venous thrombosis with a complete or partial occlusion. Treatment of CVT with Heparin followed by VKA is recommended by current guidelines. Material and methods: We conducted a descriptive cohort study, of CVT recorded at the University Hospital Centre Lamine Debaghine Bab El Oued (Algeria) from April 2020 to December 2023. Results: We reported 16 cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) that were admitted to the intensive care ward from April 2020 to December 2023. It represents 7.4% of neurologic deficiency consultation in the emergency department in the studied period. The mean age of our population is 37.38. we found a preponderance in the female population. The aim of our study is to highlight the importance of early anticoagulation. Discussion: We found that early administration of anticoagulant therapy within the first 24 hours reduced mortality and outcomes in the study population. Our results were consistent with most studies reported in the literature. Conclusion: the introduction of the precocial anticoagulation impacts the mortality and outcomes in CVT however, more studies on the exact timing of introduction are required to define the right timing.

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)

Optimization and thermo-economic assessment of hemispherical solar distillers with a flat and concave basin: Experimental approaches

One of the challenging issues facing the world today is a lack of clean drinking water. The straightforward and efficient solution to this problem is the use of solar stills, which is one of the solar desalination methods that use renewable energy. The design selection of the solar stills is one of the strategies for distillate optimization, which aims to increase the productivity of solar distillates. To achieve this idea, this study deals with a comparative performance analysis of two solar stills with the same hemispherical cover, one contains a flat basin and the second contains a concave basin. Two hemispherical solar distillers, one of which has a flat basin (HSD-FB) and the other has a concave basin (HSD-CB) were designed and tested in El Oued, Algeria, under the same climatic conditions to get the better design of basin solar distillers. The results showed that the concave basin represents the best design that achieved the highest performance of hemispherical solar distillers. The daily productivity of the hemispherical solar distiller with a concave basin (HSD-CB) reached 5.50 kg/m3 with an improvement of 23.59% compared to HSD-FB. Also, with the utilization of the concave basin (HSD-FB), the daily thermal efficiency increased from 37.69% to 46.43% with an improvement of 23.19% compared to HSD-FB.

The Relationship between Psychological Stress and Future Anxiety among University Students: A Field Study on a Sample of Students at the University Of El Oued

The Relationship between Psychological Stress and Future Anxiety among University Students: A Field Study on a Sample of Students at the University Of El Oued

Portal Embolization: Algerian Experience

Portal embolization is an interventional radiology technique aimed at occluding the right portal branches to induce hypertrophy of the remaining liver. In this article, we will discuss the experience of the radiology department at Bab el Oued University Hospital.

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.