Northeast Algeria Research Articles

The use of bands ratio derived from Sentinel-2 imagery to detect built-up area in the dry period (North-East Algeria)

The use of bands ratio derived from Sentinel-2 imagery to detect built-up area in the dry period (North-East Algeria)

Floristic and phytoecological diversity of Holm Oak Quercus ilex forests in the Belezma Massif Biosphere Reserve, North-East Algeria

Abstract The holm oak is a species that forms interesting stands in the Belezma National Park (PNB). Studying it has allowed us to understand it’s ecological and phytoecological characteristics. Despite the importance of this species, individual trees remain exposed to multiple threats. Surveys were carried out at the level of the massifs of Kassrou and Om rkhaa which enabled us to carry out the floristic groups of the Holm oak. The study area is characterized by high floristic diversity, with 120 plant species belonging to 106 genera and 34 families, 46 of which are not included in the list of flora of the Belezma National Park. The most dominant families are Asteraceae (32 species; i.e., 27%) and Fabaceae (13 species; i.e., 11%), which are also families that are frequently found in Algeria, particularly in the Mediterranean region. The study of the phytogeographical spectrum shows that the field stations studied are dominated by the Mediterranean element (75%, 58%). Analysis of the biological types revealed the predominance of hemicryptophytes (30.33%). Therophytes were present with a high percentage at the two study sites (21%, 32%); the disturbance indices were respectively 46%, and 50%, showing high anthropogenic pressure. It is important to take the necessary measures for the preservation and conservation of this precious heritage.

Algerian Fig Trees: Botanical and Morphometric Leaf Characterization

Leaf morphology in plants is very important in the evaluation of intraspecific variation. Indeed, the leaves of the fig tree (Ficus carica L.) present a great diversity of shape and size. The present study consists of the botanical, morphological, and morphometric characterization of the leaves of 26 local fig tree varieties cultivated in different areas of Bejaia (northeast Algeria). Our results indicate that the morphological parameters of the leaves allowed a good differentiation of the studied cultivars according to the descriptors (UPOV) among varieties and independent of their growing environment. Moreover, the method of morphometric description proposed in this paper allows the differentiation of varieties and the comparison among them in an objective way and by simple mathematical methods. This method demonstrates the existence of a very high percentage of polymorphisms within the studied varieties, but also their classification according to the number of lobes, the depth of the lateral sinuses, and the degree of openness of the angles performed by the main veins of the leaves. The Azougagh variety is characterized by wider angles, and, on the contrary, the Tassahlit variety has the least-open angles. None of the studied varieties presented “entire” leaves. The majority presented leaves with five lobes. The varieties Tilizwith, Tazarzourth, Avarkan, Tamkarkourth, and Inconnu B differed clearly from the rest by showing leaves with seven lobes and deep lateral sinuses. In contrast, the varieties Zarika, Baccor Blanc, Avarkan Lisse, and Avgaiti presented leaves with only three lobes. This is the first work on fig tree characterization using morphometric methods, which are shown to be complementary to the UPOV code and efficient in separating even the closed varieties. It will be interesting to extend these studies to larger scales and areas.

Assessment of metal trace elements in the echinoderm Paracentrotus lividus from the North-Eastern coast of Algeria

The echinoderm sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus Lamarck, 1816 (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) is a good species to be used in environmental and toxicology research, in particular as a heavy metal bio-indicator. Our study’s objective is to evaluate the amounts of Zn, Pb, Fe, and Cu in sea urchin specimens collected from the coast of Skikda (Northeast Algeria) in order to validate the fact that sea urchins are good indicators of metal pollution and can be used effectively for environmental biomonitoring. To realize our objectives, three sampling sites were chosen based on suspected forms and sources of contamination. The main physicochemical parameters of the seawater were measured to determine their quality. 15 specimens of urchins in each station were obtained from exposed rocky surfaces and transported to the laboratory. Before dissection, the biometric parameters and the total wet weight were determined. The soft organs (gut and gonads) of individuals were separated and utilized to evaluate the levels of heavy metals. The condition index and metal indices were also determined. Our study confirmed that P. lividus may be considered a valuable bioindicator of heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems. The results show that the amounts of heavy metals differed significantly between stations. Samples taken from the Larbi Ben M’hidi station showed greater amounts of Pb, Zn, and Cu. These amounts are above the recommended limits for fish and aquatic animals. Also, the heavy metals found in sea urchins vary depending on the physicochemical parameters, trace metals in the seawater, and the individual biometric parameters. These higher concentrations of metals in seawater and in P. lividus individuals at the Larbi Ben M’hidi station are largely caused by the construction of a massive oil industry complex and terminal with several refineries and petrochemical units near this station, as well as by a considerable amount of domestic wastewater. Finally, to avoid this metallic pollution risk, it is necessary that permanent controls be imposed as soon as possible. Urban and industrial wastes must be treated before being released, in the hope of reducing future metal concentrations.

Language shift: gender differences in Chaouia use in Algeria

Abstract The paper explored the shift away from Chaouia, a variety of Tamazight, to the use of Algerian Arabic in Batna (northeast Algeria). The Chaouia-speaking community had recently witnessed a large rural exodus and significant social changes and mobility due to economic opportunities, education and ethnic contact. The paper focused on gender differences in language use and considered how socialisation and cultural ideologies regarding men’s and women’s relationship to language shape linguistic decisions and choices. Building upon representations of masculinity and femininity, we investigated the ways in which these gendered practices constrain or restrict Chaouia use among working-class Chaouias. We used a qualitative approach with an embedded quantitative element to analyse interviews and surveys across the domestic setting as well as schools and social networks in Batna to examine the interplay between gender identities and language socialisation at home, language choices at school and among friends. The increase in cross-ethnic contact with the larger Arabic-speaking community had introduced significant re-considerations of social and linguistic priorities in the community. The findings showed a clear impact of parents on the acquisition of a gendered pattern of language choice, with boys being socialised in Chaouia and girls in Algerian Arabic. This pattern was further reinforced at school and among peers through teachers and social networks. Females’ networks were ethnolinguistically heterogeneous whereas males’ networks were Amazigh-oriented. Hence, the traditional link of Tamazight to femininity was re-negotiated to generate a discourse of blame for the ongoing language shift and identity loss.

Spatiotemporal detection of abrupt change in trends of rainfall and dry and wet periods at different time scales: The case of the Medjerda basin in northeast Algeria

Spatiotemporal detection of abrupt change in trends of rainfall and dry and wet periods at different time scales: The case of the Medjerda basin in northeast Algeria

Impact of thermal water on environment case study of Mila and Guelma region, Algeria

A hydrochemical characterization of the waters of the study region (North-East Algeria) was carried out following samples taken at 36 thermal springs and their effluents during May 2022. The analysis of the waters allowed to establish the chemical facies and their classification according to the Stuyfzand's method and to deduce the aptitude of these waters for irrigation and the risks of salinity. The results revealed physico-chemical characteristics, relatively, variable. Q-mode cluster analysis was applied to the thermal water, generated four (4) groups clusters. Group1 represent a group of waters with low salinity dominatedby Na-HCO3; Stuyfzand's classification indicated that the waters are fresh-brackish with moderate to moderately high alkalinity. Taking into account the classification of Richards; we were able to identify the presence of the C3S1 class for the majority of the stations. The C3S1 class designates waters that can be used without any particular control for the irrigation of crops that are moderately tolerant to salts. These waters have average EC values of 3616.3µS/cm allowing their use in a less restrictive way for irrigation. Potential environmental effluents from the thermal spas could pollute both irrigation and drinking water, which represents a danger to the health of the region's inhabitants.

On the occurrence of Branchinecta orientalis Sars, 1901 (Crustacea, Anostraca) in Algeria, with some ecological notes

The first substantiated record of Branchinecta orientalis in Algeria is here reported. This species was found in a small freshwater pool (Jemot) in Oum El Bouaghi province, located in the High Plateaus of the Aurès region in North-East of Algeria. Details on biogeography, ecology and morphology of this Algerian population of the species are provided. In its Algerian occurrence locality, B. orientalis co-occurs mostly with Branchinecta ferox during autumn and spring but also with other large Branchiopoda with a maximum of 7 species occurring synchronically and 9 species in total.

Identification and mapping of potential recharge in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment of the Guelma region (North East of Algeria): contribution of remote sensing, multi-criteria analysis, ROC-Curve and GIS

Due to the rapid population increase in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment area in North-East Algeria, the intense agricultural practices, and the industrial development, precious water resources proven to be significantly challenged in their sustainable exploitation both in terms of quantity and quality. The aim of this study is to identify the most suitable areas for groundwater recharge in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment, over about 770.91 km², using remote sensing data and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Six factors are recognized to positively affect groundwater recharge: rainfall, land cover, topography, drainage density, lineament density, and lithology. According to their level of involvement in the recharge process, these parameters have been reclassified and then evaluated using the multi-criteria analysis known as “Analytical Hierarchy Process” (AHP). A potential recharge map of the study area was produced showing that 60% of this area, located in the southern and central parts of the catchment, has a high to very high potential. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve is used to validate the resulting groundwater potential recharge map using the existing wells in the study area.

Hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Terminal Complex aquifer system in an arid area: a case study from the Biskra region, north-east Algeria

Hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Terminal Complex aquifer system in an arid area: a case study from the Biskra region, north-east Algeria

Are tenancy land markets equitable? A review of the "farmer selection dynamics" in Algeria.

The significant development of the commodification of agricultural land in developing countries these last decades, notably through tenancy practices, raises serious questions about the equity of its redistribution. Studies on the equity of land markets show contradictory findings. By analyzing the rental market in the large irrigated perimeter of Guelma, northeast Algeria, this article contributes to this debate by answering the following research question: are tenancy land markets equitable? To answer this question, we essentially surveyed a quarter of the landowners in the main agricultural zone of the perimeter (52/208) and the direct tenants of the surveyed assignors (30) in 2020. We found that in the irrigated perimeter of Guelma, the rental land market has led to (1) the exclusion from the production system of landowners with few resources and unable to provide the necessary means for cash crops that have technically considerably evolved, and (2) the spatial exclusion from good lands of small tenants, relatively inefficient and unable to keep up with large tenants in the level of their rental offer. We refer to this general dynamic as "farmer selection".

Prophylactic Acts and Ethnoveterinary Medicine for Sick Cattle in Few Cow Farming in the Wilaya of Skikda ( Northeastern Algeria )

A sample of 130 dairy cattle farms distributed in twenty communes of the wilaya of Skikda located in the North East of Algeria was the subject of investigations on the prophylactic acts during 3 agricultural campaigns and on the therapeutic methods adopted by the breeders when diseases appear in their herds as well as knowledge of traditional remedies based on medicinal plants used in dairy cattle farming to treat certain diseases. Concerning prophylactic acts, the regular monitoring of internal and external parasitism of animals practiced respectively in 58.6% and 82.2% of farms surveyed is significant compared to other regions of the country. On the other hand, vaccination against rabies is only practiced in 25.5% of farms. While the screening operations for tuberculosis and brucellosis were only carried out in 38.2% of cases. The breeders surveyed in the wilaya of Skikda adopt different strategies to try to treat their sick animals: 65.4% of ‘among them call on the veterinarian while 18.5% try to treat their sick animals themselves with the use of medicinal plants against certain diseases and other breeders use drugs and medicinal plants at the same time to accelerate healing for fear of veterinary costs. In terms of ethnobotany, the 20 plant species used in the composition of 24 traditional remedies to treat various livestock diseases have shown that the aerial part of the plant is the most used part (65%) and the form of use the most. the most widespread is the infusion (50%). It seems important to encourage scientific research in order to identify the traditional remedies used in ethnoveterinary medicine and to test their effectiveness.

The floristic and chemical composition of the grass of permanent grasslands in north-east Algeria

This work shows that the botanical composition of the meadows studied according to the region and that the grass family is less well represented in R.Souk (13%) and Ain Khiar (14%) than in Oued El-Hout (18%). The Ain-Khiar region is dominated by leuminous plants (43%). Thus, all the grasslands studied do not follow the laws classically described for grasslands, namely the dominance of grasses followed by legumes. Differences were observed between the chemical compositions of grasslands. The Ain-Khiar region is distinguished in particular by higher average contents of mineral matter (24.6% DM) and crude protein (14.32% DM).

Surface Water Contamination by Mining Wastes: Case of the Sidi Kambar Region (Skikda North-East Algeria)

Abstract The objective of this work is to assess the contamination of the Essouk stream, under acid drainage from the Sidi Kambar mine (southwest of Skikda, Algeria), which has been widely exploited during the previous decades. The methodology was conducted to control the current state of water chemistry, its evolution in space and time according to the variation of water physicochemical parameters and the content of trace metals (Pb, Fe, and Zn). In general, Essouk stream are highly sulphated (reached 598.56 mg/L) and have an elevated salinity, resulting in a high conductivity (1925 µS/cm) and presented a low pH (3.01). In addition, Fe, Pb and Zn contents reached 5.17 mg/L, 2.05 mg/L and 4.05 mg/L, respectively. Such results were linked to the bedrock of Sidi Kambar that is composed of galena, pyrite and sphalerite.

Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Ethanolic Extract Inhibits the Growth of Human AGS and A549 Cancer Cell Lines.

The present study shows the chemical profile and cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extracts of Inula viscosa from Northeast Algeria. The extract was obtained by maceration using ethanol. Its phenolic profile was determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS), which allowed the identification and quantification of 17 compounds, 1,5-O-caffeoylquinic acid being the most abundant. The cytotoxic activity was assessed against human gastric cancer (AGS) and human non-small-cell lung cancer (A549) cell lines, whereas ethanolic extract elicited nearly 60 % and 40 % viability loss toward AGS and A549 cancer cells, respectively. Results also showed that cell death is caspase-independent and confirmed the involvement of RIPK1 and the necroptosis pathway in the toxicity induced by the I. viscosa extract. In addition, the ethanolic extract would not provoke morphological traits in the cancer cells. These findings suggest that I. viscosa can be a source of new antiproliferative drugs or used in preparation plant-derived pharmaceuticals.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Propolis from Northeastern Algeria

Propolis is a bee resinous substance consisting mainly of phenolic compounds having nutritional and therapeutic properties and formed by the mixing of the tree and plant secretions collected by honey bees. Herein, the present study was aimed to assess the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity of ethanolic and acetone propolis extracts from two sampling sites in Souk Ahras city (northeast Algeria). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by using the common antioxidant assays (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], acide 2-2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonique) [ABTS], galvinoxyl radical [GOR], and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC]), and the anticholinesterase activity was determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Moreover, the total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and condensed tannins (CTC) contents were quantified. The propolis extracts showed a potent antioxidant/inhibitory activity which almost met that of synthetic antioxidants used as standards (butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT] and butylated hydroxyanisole [BHA]). In addition, the AChE activity was highly strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the propolis extracts. The propolis extracts proved their richness in bioactive molecules able to enhance various biological activities and processes.

Analytical study of the transport problem in the city of Constantine (North-East of Algeria)

The problem of urban transport is considered to be one of the major concerns facing cities today; this situation is due to several factors, notably the lack of harmony and compatibility between spatial expansion, population growth and the development of road infrastructure in these cities, which are growing at a rate that exceeds that of the road network. The effects are multiple, congestion and traffic jams, pollution, economic and social impacts. Constantine, the third metropolis of Algeria and capital of the eastern region of the country, represents an ideal case to study the subject; given its physical and human geographical specificities, as well as the different interventions in terms of land use planning during the post-independence period. What we are going to approach through the present paper

Assessing Spatial Variability and Trends of Droughts in Eastern Algeria Using SPI, RDI, PDSI, and MedPDSI—A Novel Drought Index Using the FAO56 Evapotranspiration Method

Drought is one of the most severe natural disasters worldwide, but with a particular emphasis in sub-humid and semi-arid climates. Several indices have been created to appropriately identify drought’s characteristics and variability. The main objectives of this study consisted of analyzing the behavior of different indices applied in northeast Algeria and comparing them across a long-term data set (1961–2014). The SPI and RDI at 9-month time scales were compared to the PDSI and MedPDSI based on 123 rainfall stations and gridded PET data interpolated to all the locations. A principal component analysis (PCA) in S-mode with varimax rotation (RPC) was applied to the monthly values of all indices to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of droughts. Two principal components were retained, which identified two sub-regions with coherent differences related to their distance from the Mediterranean Sea and the UNEP aridity index. Trends in the RPC scores were assessed using the modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) test and Sen’s slope estimator, which showed a fundamental difference between the two sub-regions. The RPC of all drought indices showed trends of decreases in the frequency and severity of droughts in the northern sub-region, and trends of increases in the frequency and severity of droughts in the southern region, where the climate is mostly semi-arid and arid. Only a few cases were statistically significant, mostly when using the PDSI and MedPDSI for the southern sub-region. The spatial patterns of moderate, severe, and extreme drought occurrences were similar for the SPI and RDI pair of indices based on the probability of rainfall anomalies, and for the Sc-PDSI and MedPDSI pair based on water balance anomalies. The interpretation of the spatial variability of droughts, mainly of the extreme ones, was supported by an analysis of semi-variograms. The novel index MedPDSI compared well with the other indices and showed advantages of performing the soil water balance following the FAO56 dual Kc method with the actual olive evapotranspiration instead of PET, and of better explaining the spatial variability of extreme droughts; in addition, the trends detected were significant for both the northern and southern sub-regions.

Aquifer Vulnerability Assessment by DRASTIC and SI methods: The case study of Guelma Plain, Northeast Algeria

Guelma plain, located in northern Algeria, contains an alluvial nappe that provides economic opportunities such as industrial and agricultural employment. In Guelma, the pressure of anthropogenic origin is combined with unfavorable climatological conditions that expose it to environmental and social risks. The current study aims to assess the level of groundwater vulnerability to pollution using two methods, DRASTIC and SI. These are coupled with the Arc Gis software in order to carry out the mapping. From south to north, several levels of vulnerability have been identified, from low to high. The result comparison allows us to conclude that the SI method is the most appropriate for assessing the vulnerability to pollution of the study region's wetlands. The result of this study can be used as a decision-support tool for the management and protection of the quality of water resources in the Guelma plain.

Modelling Microcystis Cell Density in a Mediterranean Shallow Lake of Northeast Algeria (Oubeira Lake), Using Evolutionary and Classic Programming

Caused by excess levels of nutrients and increased temperatures, freshwater cyanobacterial blooms have become a serious global issue. However, with the development of artificial intelligence and extreme learning machine methods, the forecasting of cyanobacteria blooms has become more feasible. We explored the use of multiple techniques, including both statistical [Multiple Regression Model (MLR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)] and evolutionary [Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Bird Swarm Algorithm (BSA)], to approximate models for the prediction of Microcystis density. The data set was collected from Oubeira Lake, a natural shallow Mediterranean lake in the northeast of Algeria. From the correlation analysis of ten water variables monitored, six potential factors including temperature, ammonium, nitrate, and ortho-phosphate were selected. The performance indices showed; MLR and PSO provided the best results. PSO gave the best fitness but all techniques performed well. BSA had better fitness but was very slow across generations. PSO was faster than the other techniques and at generation 20 it passed BSA. GA passed BSA a little further, at generation 50. The major contributions of our work not only focus on the modelling process itself, but also take into consideration the main factors affecting Microcystis blooms, by incorporating them in all applied models.