Northeast Algeria Research Articles

Assessment of thermo-hygrometric environment of historic museum building in Constantine-Algeria

Assessing the indoor microclimate of heritage and historic buildings is important to preserve them and their contents and study their decay and damage processes. This study aims to evaluate the thermo-hygrometric environment, and its impact on the exhibited objects and visitors’ comfort of an old Ottoman Palace (Ahmed Bey) converted into a museum. The National Museum of Traditional Arts and Cultural Expressions-Ahmed Bey Palace-is located in Constantine, North East of Algeria, characterized by a semi-arid climate. The building has internal courtyards and does not have an HVAC system. The most critical thermo-hygrometric parameters have been calculated and assessed in the exhibition’s permanents rooms using the HD32.3 datalogger during the winter period from January to March of 2019. The measured data were compared to acceptable values suggested by the Italian Standard UNI 10829 for artefact preservation and to the corresponding external outdoor conditions. The results show that the interior conditions of exhibition rooms are mainly dependent on the external climatic conditions. The air temperature values are out of the acceptable range, while the relative humidity values are higher than the acceptable values. Thus, the monitoring parameters are not reasonably acceptable for the preservation of the kind of objects exhibited and the thermal comfort of visitors.

Reproduction Activity of Flathead Mullet Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Wild Condition in the Northeast of Algeria

Reproduction Activity of Flathead Mullet Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Wild Condition in the Northeast of Algeria

Hydrogeochemistry and Therapeutic Effects of Thermal waters of Khenchela (North-East Algeria)

Hydrogeochemistry and Therapeutic Effects of Thermal waters of Khenchela (North-East Algeria)

Post-earthquake damage classification and assessment: case study of the residential buildings after the M w = 5 earthquake in Mila city, Northeast Algeria on August 7, 2020.

On August 7th, 2020, a magnitude Mw = 5.0 earthquake shook 5km north of Mila city center, northeast of Algeria, causing substantial damage directly to structures, and indirectly from induced impacts of landslides and rock falls, ultimately disrupt to everyday civilian life. Given the recent significant seismic occurrences in the region, a detailed and comprehensive examination and assessment of post-earthquake damage is critical to Algeria. This is primarily because masonry, concrete, and colonial-era structures are sensitive to horizontal motions caused by seismic waves, and because masonry and concrete structures constitute a substantial portion of today's Algeria's build environment. We present a post-earthquake investigation of the Mila earthquake, starting from the earthquake source, and a catalogue of buildings type, damage categorization, and failure patterns of residential structures in Mila's historic old town, where colonial-era brick buildings prevail. We find that structures that represent notable architectural achievements were severely damaged as a result of the earthquake. Data acquired during the immediate post-earthquake analysis was also evaluated and discussed. The graphical representations of the damages are detailed and complemented by photos. This seismic event has shown the fragility of Algeria's building stock, which must be addressed properly in future years. This study reports on an overall estimate of residential buildings in Mila's lower city, as well as an evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of three neighborhood towns (El-Kherba, Grareme-Gouga, and Azzeba). A generic database for graphical surveys and geometric research was developed and implemented making it possible to evaluate the shear strength on-site. The broad observations, collated data, and consequences were then loaded into the 3Muri structural verification program. Nonlinear static analysis was conducted to analyze probable failure paths and compare the real damage to the software results.

Formulation and rheological evaluation of liposomes-loaded carbopol hydrogels based on thermal waters

The aims of this study were to develop topical liposomal hydrogels based on thermal waters (TWs) acquired in the region of Biskra (Northeast Algeria) and also to investigate their rheological properties. Liposomes containing two highly mineralized thermal waters, Baraka (BTW) and Salhine (STW), were prepared by probe sonication using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (Chol), plain or mixed with phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Based on their lipid composition, obtained liposomes presented vesicle sizes of 60 nm, a low polydispersity index, and various negative zeta potentials. It was noted that with increasing counterions charge in TWs the zeta potential of liposomes decreased toward neutral values. Carbopol (1%, w/w) hydrogels prepared with BTW, STW, and also demineralized water (placebo hydrogel) showed a non-Newtonian behavior, pseudoplastic fluid adjusted to Carreau model. The composition of thermal waters influenced highly the rheological properties of Carbopol hydrogels. Liposomal hydrogels were prepared by dispersing liposomes in hydrogels formulated with the same encapsulated thermal water. Regardless of composition or lipid concentration of added liposomes, the viscosity and viscoelastic parameters of Carbopol hydrogels changed negligibly. Indeed, liposome composition and lipid concentration seemed to have no effect on the rheological properties of Carbopol hydrogel in the presence of an important charge of cations. Hence, hydrogels and liposomal hydrogels based on thermal waters had suitable rheological properties for topical application and delivery of minerals in the skin.

Assessment of the physiological markers, oxidative stress and neurotoxic effects of nematode Anisakis sp. on the Luciobarbus callensis (Teleosts, Cyprinids) in northeast of Algeria

Our study focused on the effect of parasites on the antioxidant system and their neurotoxic effect in Luciobarbus callensis (Teleosts, Cyprinids). In this context, cellular biomarkers, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase (CAT), molecules H2O2 as well as morphophysiological markers (condition factor (FC), hepatosomatic index (HSI), splenosomatic index (SSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI) were analyzed in fish infested with L3 larvae of Anisakis sp., nematodes of marine organisms, captured in Lake Oubéira (Algeria). The results showed a significant decrease in AChE activities in the heart (68 % p < 0.05) and muscles (81.55 % p < 0.05) in infested fish compared to those recorded in reference fish. In contrast, splenic AChE levels were significantly induced. CAT levels were significantly decreased in the spleen (73 % p < 0.05) and intestine (56 % p < 0.05) of fish parasitized by Anisakis sp. compared to healthy fish. HSI and SSI were significantly higher in healthy fish. On the other hand, Anisakis sp. had no significant effect on FC and VSI at the time of sampling. This study suggests that antioxidant defense disorders (CAT), due to a direct inhibitory action of nematode toxic products on this molecule and an increase in ROS production in these animals, leading to a high pro-oxidant state (H2O2), causing neurological effects (AChE) with enlargement of the spleen and liver of infested barb. In this regard, monitoring the effect of parasitic infections on physiological and biochemical marker profiles can be a crucial means of assessing fish health under natural conditions; to ensure the conservation and sustainability of aquatic biodiversity, including fish farming and artificial production.

Ethnobotanical study of Asteraceae from El Kala National Park (North-East of Algeria)

Ethnobotanical study of Asteraceae from El Kala National Park (North-East of Algeria)

Analysis of groundwater quality in the lower Soummam Valley, North-East of Algeria

Analysis of groundwater quality in the alluvial aquifer of the lower Soummam Valley, North-East of Algeria, was realised through the application of multivariate statistical methods: hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) in Q and R modes, factorial correspondence analysis (FCA), and principal component analysis (PCA), to hydrochemical data from 51 groundwater samples, collected from 17 boreholes during periods of June, September 2016 and March 2017. The objectives of this approach are to characterise the water quality and to know the factors which govern its evolution by processes controlling its chemical composition. The Piper diagram shows two hydrochemical facies: calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Statistical techniques HCA, PCA, and FCA reveal two groups of waters: the first (EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl–, SO42– and NO3–) of evaporitic origin linked to the dissolution processes of limestone rocks, leaching of saliferous soils and anthropogenic processes, namely contamination wastewater and agricultural activity, as well marine intrusion; and the second group (Na+, K+, and HCO3–) of carbonated origin influenced by the dissolution of carbonate formations and the exchange of bases. The thermodynamic study has shown that all groundwater is undersaturated with respect to evaporitic minerals. On the other hand, it is supersaturated with respect to carbonate minerals, except for water from boreholes F9, F14, and F16, which possibly comes down to the lack of dissolution and arrival of these minerals. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the utility of multivariate statistical methods in the analysis of groundwater quality.

Risk assessment of irrigation with water contaminated by trace metals on the soil–plant complex in the El Madher plain, north-east Algeria

Polluted water poses significant health risks when it is part of the water sources used for irrigation, leading to the contamination of soil and plants by various pollutants. This work aims, firstly, to assess the degree of pollution of Wadi El Gourzi water (Batna, Algeria), and then to verify the consequences on their use for the irrigation of market garden plants for everyday consumption (lettuce, cilantro, parsley and spinach), both in the aerial part (stems and leaves) and in the soil where they are grown. This study focuses on trace metals (Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd). Soil pollution was assessed by calculating the soil pollution index ( PI), while the uptake of these elements by plants was monitored by the transfer factor ( TF). The analyses of the Wadi El Gourzi water with the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) show a maximum abnormal concentration of Cr (17.37 mg∙dm –3), Pb (0.71 mg∙dm –3) and Cd (0.45 mg∙dm –3). For the analysis of the soils irrigated by these waters, the results of the PI show that the soils used for the cultivation of parsley and lettuce are polluted by several metals ( PI &amp;gt; 1). The concentrations of trace metals elements (TMEs) in the sampled plants show a significant accumulation of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr by the vegetables (coriander, parsley, spinach and lettuce). These concentrations are above the permitted standards.

Unattached carbonate platform evolution across the Aptian–Albian boundary: facies, magnetic susceptibility and sequence stratigraphy in the Constantine area of northeast Algeria

Unattached carbonate platform evolution across the Aptian–Albian boundary: facies, magnetic susceptibility and sequence stratigraphy in the Constantine area of northeast Algeria

Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for groundwater potential mapping in a Mediterranean catchment: the case of the Medjerda catchment in northeast Algeria

Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for groundwater potential mapping in a Mediterranean catchment: the case of the Medjerda catchment in northeast Algeria

Water Quality Assessment for Irrigation Purposes in a Semi-Arid Region: Wadi Baghai (North East of Algeria)

Water Quality Assessment for Irrigation Purposes in a Semi-Arid Region: Wadi Baghai (North East of Algeria)

Characterization and diversity of macroin-vertebrates in groundwater in the region of Souk-Ahras (North-East of Algeria)

Abstract A preliminary inventory of macroinvertebrate communities and a regular physicochemical analysis of groundwater were carried out in the Souk Ahras region (north-eastern Algeria). It aims to study and analyze the structure and distribution of underground aquatic species, thus determining the relationship that may exist between the quality of water in wells and springs with the diversity of aquatic fauna present in the habitats. Through 2018, 14 stations (10 wells and 4 springs) were monitored on a monthly basis, while water and aquatic fauna samples were taken. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the physicochemical quality parameters was carried out from the average values of each parameter. It has been observed that the waters are highly mineralized, due to the high values of total hardness, salinity, and sulfate levels in certain stations. The sources of contamination are mainly due to the raw wastewater circulating in the small canals. Also “seguias” are used either to evacuate wastewater or for irrigation, which seeps down to the water table. The collected aquatic fauna in all the 14 stations is diversified and contains 29 families which correspond to 4 taxa.

Reproductive phenology of the spider Micrommata ligurina (C.L. Koch, 1845) (Araneae; Sparassidae) across an elevational gradient in Northeast Algeria

Abstract Decreased ambient temperature and shorter reproductive seasons are the two main obstacles that ectotherms face at higher elevations. Studies have shown that some life history traits such as phenological windows of activity, duration, and fitness components vary as elevation increases. However, studies on the elevational gradient at the southern range limit of species are lacking. In this study, we aim at assessing some aspects of the life history of a spider species, the sprassid Micrommata ligurina (C.L. Koch, 1845), across an elevational gradient from 30 to 1030 m in Northeast Algeria. There was strong evidence of an elevational shift in the phenology of reproduction with a delay rate of 2.2 days per 100 m of elevation, and the three quantiles of the phenology (10, 50, and 90%) shifted with the same magnitude across elevation. In all sites from low to high elevation, the species showed a decrease in number of individuals. The mean number of eggs was 200 ± 35 eggs, and the mean number of hatching eggs was 110.9 ± 23.5 eggs. The clutch size at high elevation sites was higher than that of low-elevation sites, but in contrast, the hatching success was higher at lower elevation sites. Overall, the species exhibited clear elevational clines in life history traits and abundance, suggesting a high potential of plasticity. This work constitutes the first study carried out on spider species ecology in the region.

Population dynamics of Pseudophoxinus callensis (Guichenot, 1850) (Cyprinidae) in the National Park of El Kala (Northeast Algeria)

This study concerns the assessment of the morphological parameters, growth and abundance indices oftwo populations of Pseudophoxinuscallensisin Bouhchicha wadi and the Bleu lake within the National Parkof El-Kala (North-East Algeria). According to its environment, P.callensis shows an adaptation throughdifferent strategies. In Bouhchicha wadi, several cohorts coexist all around the year then gradually joinduring the summer season to form pseudo cohorts. In the Blue Lake, P.callensis shows an annual cycle witha single cohort that begins its cycle in April-May then diminishing gradually in late autumn. The FISAT IIanalysis reveals that for a 95% confidence interval, the growth parameters of P.callensis are 67.39-80.08 mmin Bouhchicha wadi, but lower with 43.31-61.20 mm in the Blue Lake. In Bouhchicha wadi, the asymptoticlength L” reaches the highest value (79.80 mm) with a growth coefficient K of 0.480 years-1. In the Blue lake,L” reaches 59.85 mm with a growth coefficient K of 0.180 years-1. In the Total Length-Weight relationship,the regression equation shows a clear difference between Bouhchicha wadi (R = 0.91) and the Blue lake (R= 0.64). Both populations exhibit sexual maturity at different times of the year.

Bayesian Modeling of COVID-19 to Classify the Infection and Death Rates in a Specific Duration: The Case of Algerian Provinces.

COVID-19 causes acute respiratory illness in humans. The direct consequence of the spread of the virus is the need to find appropriate and effective solutions to reduce its spread. Similar to other countries, the pandemic has spread in Algeria, with noticeable variation in mortality and infection rates between regions. We aimed to estimate the proportion of people who died or became infected with SARS-CoV-2 in each provinces using a Bayesian approach. The estimation parameters were determined using a binomial distribution along with an a priori distribution, and the results had a high degree of accuracy. The Bayesian model was applied during the third wave (1 January–15 August 2021), in all Algerian’s provinces. For spatial analysis of duration, geographical maps were used. Our findings show that Tissemsilt, Ain Defla, Illizi, El Taref, and Ghardaia (Mean = 0.001) are the least affected provinces in terms of COVID-19 mortality. The results also indicate that Tizi Ouzou (Mean = 0.0694), Boumerdes (Mean = 0.0520), Annaba (Mean = 0.0483), Tipaza (Mean = 0.0524), and Tebessa (Mean = 0.0264) are more susceptible to infection, as they were ranked in terms of the level of corona infections among the 48 provinces of the country. Their susceptibility seems mainly due to the population density in these provinces. Additionally, it was observed that northeast Algeria, where the population is concentrated, has the highest infection rate. Factors affecting mortality due to COVID-19 do not necessarily depend on the spread of the pandemic. The proposed Bayesian model resulted in being useful for monitoring the pandemic to estimate and compare the risks between provinces. This statistical inference can provide a reasonable basis for describing future pandemics in other world geographical areas.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR MODELING INFLOW AND OUTFLOW AND SALINITY OF LAKE FETZARA IN THE REGION-ANNABA (NE ALGERIA)

Lake Fetzara is one of the important lakes in the northeast of Algeria; the water supplying this lake comes from different precipitation and wadis. Moreover, Meboudja wadi constitutes the drainage channel. The water of the lake and the underlying groundwater is exposed to excessive overuse; which seriously threatens the hydrological and ecological balance. The overexploitation is explained by the increase in water mineralization, which poses a risk of soil salinization. To this end, this article deals with the subject of current salinity and predict its evolution over time by means of the modeling of the artificial neural network (ANN), according to the period of low water and the period of high water. The ANN were trained using three different algorithms: the Scaled Conjugate Gradient back propagation (SCG) algorithm and One Step Secant back propagation (OSS) algorithm and Quasi-Newton algorithm (BFGS). The performance results indicate that the three algorithms provided satisfactory simulations according to the determination coefficient (R 2 ) and the performance criteria of the mean square error (RMSE), with priority to the BFGS algorithm; where the coefficient of determination using the BFGS algorithm varies between 69.5% and 95.3%. The BFGS method presents better results in order to design appropriate institutional mechanisms, capable of leading to the protection of the quality of these resources essential to the promotion of sustainable development.

Impact of Mediterranean climate of northeast Algeria on the phytochemical composition and in vitro antiradical power of Tropaeolum majus L

ABSTRACT This paper reports an evaluation of Annaba city climate impact on phytochemical composition and antiradical power of Tropaeolum majus leaf, flower and fruit extracts. Significant phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and carotenoid levels were registered in leaf extract, whereas flower extract showed higher yield, vitamin C and anthocyanin contents. The 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging power was significantly higher in leaf extract. Conversely, hydroxyl antiradical power was significantly higher in fruit fixed oil. These results show that the Mediterranean climate of Annaba City improved Tropaeolum majus leaves and the nutritional qualities of flowers and fruits, enhancing their phytochemical composition as well as antiradical properties.

Comparative study of 220 kV overhead transmission lines models subjected to lightning strike simulation by using electromagnetic and alternative transients program

Introduction. In high voltage networks intended for the transport of electrical energy, lightning can strike an electric line striking either a phase conductor, a pylon or a ground wire, causing significant overvoltage on the transmission lines classified as stresses the most dangerous for transformer stations and electro-energy systems in general. Modeling transmission lines becomes more complicated, if the frequency dependence of resistance and serial inductance due to the effect of lightning strike in the conductors and in the earth is considered. The difficulty increases the fact that the parameters of the line can be defined and calculated only in the frequency domain, while the simulation of transients is wanted to be in the time domain. Problem. Several models (J.R. Marti, Bergeron, nominal PI, Semlyen and Noda) exist for the modeling of transmission lines, the Electromagnetic Transients Program/Alternative Transient Program software (EMTP/ATPDraw) gives the possibility to choose between these models which is delicate due to the fact that we do not have experimental results to validate and justify the choice among the models available in the software. In this context, practical value: the overhead transport line OAT-El Hassi (220 kV) of the city of Sétif located in the north east of Algeria is used for the modeling of lightning strike by using the EMTP/ATPDraw software. Originality. A comparative study of the investigation of a lightning strike on an existing high voltage transmission line by different models of existing lines in the EMTP/ATPDraw software library of this software. Results. It was concluded that the choice of the model of the line is very important given the accuracy and quality of the curves of the voltage presented at the different calculation points.

Larval description of Limnephilus barbagaensis Malicky, Sekhi amp; Lounaci 2019 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), a micro-endemic of Algeria, with notes on its ecology.

The hitherto unknown larva of Limnephilus barbagaensis Malicky, Sekhi Lounaci 2019, micro-endemic of the Aures Mountains (Mounts des Aures, Algeria), is described. The diagnostic features of the species are listed, illustrated, compared with those of similar species, and some information on the ecology is included. In addition, the first record of Hydropsyche siltalai Dhler 1963 in the Aures Region and Northeast Algeria is also reported.