Northern Egypt Research Articles

Role of dynamic topography in sustaining the Nile River over 30 million years

The Nile is the longest river on Earth and has persisted for millions of years. It has been suggested that the Nile in its present path is ~6 million years old, whereas others argue that it may have formed much earlier in geological history. Here we present geological evidence and geodynamic model results that suggest that the Nile drainage has been stable for ~30 million years. We suggest that the Nile’s longevity in essentially the same path is sustained by the persistence of a stable topographic gradient, which in turn is controlled by deeper mantle processes. We propose that a large mantle convection cell beneath the Nile region has controlled topography over the last 30 million years, inducing uplift in the Ethiopian–Yemen Dome and subsidence in the Levant Sea and northern Egypt. We conclude that the drainage system of large rivers and their evolution over time can be sustained by a dynamic topographic gradient. The path of the river Nile has been stable for as long as 30 million years, sustained by mantle convection, according to geophysical and geological evidence and geodynamic model simulations.

LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of Late Bronze Age blue glass beads from Gurob, Egypt

Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) analysis was undertaken on 37 blue glass beads excavated from a tomb in the southern Faiyum region of northern Egypt. The tomb was undisturbed, contained the remains of seven females and two children, and dated between the reigns of Amenhotep I (1525–1504 bce) and Tuthmosis III (1479–1425 bce). The glass beads were coloured by copper and the trace element concentrations were compositionally consistent with glasses from Mesopotamia rather than from Egypt. Therefore, these glass beads represent a rare example of Mesopotamian glass to be discovered in Egypt, in addition to being some of the earliest glass found. Gurob is known to have been the site of a ‘harem palace' established in the reign of Tuthmosis III, the implication being that these beads represent luxury items transported to Egypt by high‐ranking foreign women, possibly in connection with the harem palace.

Decontamination of earthquake catalog from quarry blast events in northern Egypt

Earthquake catalogs are often contaminated by man-made crustal activities such as quarry blasts. That is the case in northern Egypt, where many of cement quarries were working so long time ago since the beginning of the twentieth century (1911). Therefore, it is necessary and essential to separate these quarry blast events from the earthquakes for real seismicity and hazard analysis. Generally, discrimination of quarry blasts from tectonic events often done through different techniques and methods. In this study, the time and frequency-domain analyses of the Egyptian National Seismological Network (ENSN) digital seismograms have performed using three techniques and methods (S/P wave amplitude peak ratio, complexity, and spectral ratio). Moreover, the power of event (Pe) analysis comprising three techniques (S/P wave amplitude peak ratio, complexity, spectral ratio) was also used together to extend the discrimination accuracy as well. Finally, we have used a linear discrimination function (LDF) analysis. A total of 1473 seismic event waveforms (ML ≤ 3.0) from the ENSN digital database have been investigated. The obtained results indicate that for West of Nile Dislocation (zone no. 1) 78.1% of the investigated seismic events are tectonic events; however, 21.1% are quarry events and 0.8% are misclassified events. For the East Nile Dislocation (zone no. 2) 36.2% and 63.7% are earthquakes and quarry blast events, respectively and 0.1% are misclassified events. This means that the earthquake catalog for zone no. 2 in northern Egypt is highly contaminated and needs very high concern during the further treats especially with microearthquakes dataset for actually real seismicity and hazard analysis.

Stroke burden in Egypt: Data from five epidemiological studies

Purpose Accurate data on the epidemiology of stroke in Egypt is scarce. The aim of this review is to address this issue based on available community-based studies and compare the resulting findings to those of other regional and international studies. Method A systematic literature search was conducted to identify population-based epidemiological studies of stroke in Egyptians. Original articles published in English between 1990 and 2016 were included. Five studies from five different governorates in southern Egypt fulfilled the study criteria (Qena, Sohag, Assiut, New Valley and Red Sea). Results The mean and median crude prevalence rates (CPRs) across the five studies, which were conducted in southern Egypt were 721.6/100,000 and 655/100,000, respectively. The mean and median crude incidence rates (CIRs) were 187/100,000 and 180.5/100,000, respectively. The average CPR weighted by sample population size was 613/100,000 and the average CIR weighted by sample population size was 202/100,000. Conclusion The incidence and prevalence of stroke in Egypt are high. More population-based studies are urgently needed in northern Egypt and in Cairo – the capital of Egypt.

Decision support system for optimum soft clay improvement technique for highway construction projects

Abstract Identifying a soft clay improvement strategy is a main challenging in highway construction projects due to the various conditions involved. Hence, the objective of this paper is to present a Decision Support System (DSS) to select the optimum soft clay improvement technique for this type of projects. Value Engineering (VE) is integrated with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for the proposed (DSS). Using the AHP provides a robust means of identifying the relative importance of any criteria or factors for soft clay improvement alternatives. The scope of this study includes four of the most commonly used techniques for soft clay improvement: soil replacement, pre-loading, vertical drains, and the construction of embankments on piles. The proposed methodology was verified using four case studies of highways under construction in northern Egypt. The results show that the proposed (DSS) successfully predicted the optimum soft clay improvement technique in three out of the four cases.

Biodiversity and habitat use of wintering and breeding waterbirds in Burullus Lake (Ramsar site), Egypt

The present study seeks to assess the bird biodiversity at the Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site,Lake Burullus, northern Egypt. Waterbirds biodiversity was assessed at 14 selected sites in the lake duringwinter and spring seasons. The assessment included richness, composition, evenness, abundance, andSimpson and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices. Bird species diversity varied spatially and temporallyamong different sites during the study period. Estimated species richness was 49 species. Winter birdswere mainly migratory waterbirds like waterfowl, distributed in the islets for foraging, which was the mainactivity of 51% of total birds, followed by 36% roosting and 13% breeding at the lake. Evidence ofbreeding was recorded, such as collecting nest material, courtship behavior and food collecting forjuveniles. The hierarchical cluster analysis separated the lake sites into four distinctive habitats: lakeshores, open water, islets and reed beds. Seven bird species showed significant affinities with differenthabitat types: Laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) favored the lake shores habitat (P< 0.04); Littlebittern (Ixobrychus minutus) (P< 0.04), Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) (P< 0.04), Common kingfisher(Alcedo atthis) (P< 0.02), Pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) (P< 0.04), and Graceful prinina (Prinia gracilis)(P< 0.01) were found in islands habitat. Little egret (Egretta garzetta) dominated the reed beds habitatgroup (P< 0.03). The results reflected the importance of Burullus Lake as a wintering and breeding habitatfor birds and suggested that more implemented conservation and management strategies should beadopted.

Muhammad ibn al‐Zain's basin (baptistère de Saint Louis)

AbstractThe traditional baptismal font of the kings of France for centuries, the so‐called baptistère de Saint Louis is part of 1750s–1900s French national legend. Against all evidence, the name suggests that it is the spoils of Louis IX's crusade of 1250–1254. In fact, that large, copper vessel of exceptional quality, with gold and silver figural decoration, was probably produced in Damascus or Cairo in 1320–1340, almost a century after French downfall at the hands of the Mamluks in Northern Egypt in 1250. As part of the crown treasure of France and because of its outstanding artistry, it is one of the most thoroughly researched Islamicate objects in the Louvre. The association with Louis IX is pure fiction that illustrates the nonsensical and yet persuasive economies of French national legends. Paradoxically, the ransom that the French army paid to leave Egypt in 1250 was one of the stepping stones for the rise of the Mamluk dynasty, renowned for gold and silver incrusted metalwork objects, such as the basin. In another paradoxical turn, the Mamluks who ruled the Central Islamic area from 1250 to 1517 are the military elite recruited from enslaved non‐Muslims, including Turkic and Christian populations. The basin invites us to connect the points on the archipelago that includes France, the Eastern Mediterranean (fall of Acre, 1291), Cyprus and Armenia under the Lusignans, Sicily, Naples, and the South of Italy under the Angevins. Further still, this splendid and still enigmatic work of art brings together Ming China, Mongol Persia, Mamluk Islam, and Gothic France. This paper includes the earliest French description of the basin, from 1606, published in 1642 and reproduced later, including in 1742 (Piganiol de la Force, 1742). The paper also discusses the French tradition of medievalists opposing white supremacist fantasy of white, Christian medieval origins of the French nation. Finally, the paper notes some differences between French and U.S. mentalités in relation to race, in the context of recent events (2019), based on the French ideal of republican universalism, citing such symptomatic events as the replacing of the word “race” by “sex” in the French constitution, the reluctance to base activism on collective identitaire claims, the reluctance to think in terms of race and use race‐related or communautariste terms with which to think about complex social, historical, or artistic rights and responsibilities, and the prohibition to collect race‐based statistics, but also, often in advance of similar laws enacted in other countries, such acts as the Taubira law of 2001 that recognizes France's responsibility for slavery and slave trade beginning in the fifteenth century as a crime against humanity and provides for teaching, research, and commemoration.

Biodiversity and habitat use of wintering and breeding waterbirds in Burullus Lake (Ramsar site), Egypt

The present study seeks to assess the bird biodiversity at the Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site,Lake Burullus, northern Egypt. Waterbirds biodiversity was assessed at 14 selected sites in the lake duringwinter and spring seasons. The assessment included richness, composition, evenness, abundance, andSimpson and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices. Bird species diversity varied spatially and temporallyamong different sites during the study period. Estimated species richness was 49 species. Winter birdswere mainly migratory waterbirds like waterfowl, distributed in the islets for foraging, which was the mainactivity of 51% of total birds, followed by 36% roosting and 13% breeding at the lake. Evidence ofbreeding was recorded, such as collecting nest material, courtship behavior and food collecting forjuveniles. The hierarchical cluster analysis separated the lake sites into four distinctive habitats: lakeshores, open water, islets and reed beds. Seven bird species showed significant affinities with differenthabitat types: Laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) favored the lake shores habitat (P< 0.04); Littlebittern (Ixobrychus minutus) (P< 0.04), Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) (P< 0.04), Common kingfisher(Alcedo atthis) (P< 0.02), Pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) (P< 0.04), and Graceful prinina (Prinia gracilis)(P< 0.01) were found in islands habitat. Little egret (Egretta garzetta) dominated the reed beds habitatgroup (P< 0.03). The results reflected the importance of Burullus Lake as a wintering and breeding habitatfor birds and suggested that more implemented conservation and management strategies should beadopted.

A multifaceted risk model of brucellosis at the human-animal interface in Egypt.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis affecting humans and a wide range of domesticated and wild animal species. An important element for effective disease containment is to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of afflicted communities. This study aimed to assess the KAP related to brucellosis at the human-animal interface in an endemic area of Egypt and to identify the risk factors for human infection. A matched case-control study was conducted at the central fever hospitals located in six governorates in northern Egypt. Face-to-face interviews with cases and controls were conducted using a structured questionnaire. In total, 40.7% of the participants owned farm animals in their households. The overall mean practice score regarding animal husbandry, processing and consumption of milk and dairy products were significantly lower among cases compared with controls (-12.7±18.1 vs. 0.68±14.2, respectively; p<.001). Perceived barriers for notification of animal infection/abortion were predominate among cases and positively correlated with participants' education. The predictors of having brucellosis infection were consumption of unpasteurized milk or raw dairy products and practicing animal husbandry. Applying protective measures against infection significantly reduced its risk. A model predicting risk factors for brucellosis among those who own animal showed that frequent abortions per animal increased the chance for brucellosis infection among human cases by 50-fold (95% CI: 8.8-276.9), whereas the use of protective measures in animal care reduced the odds (OR=0.11 [95% CI: 0.03-0.45]). In conclusion, consumption of unprocessed dairy products was equally important as contact with infected/aborted animals as major risk factors for Brucella spp. infection among humans in Egypt. There is poor knowledge, negative attitudes and risky behaviours among villagers which can perpetuate the risk of brucellosis transmission at the human-animal interface. This supports the need for integrating health education into the national brucellosis control programme.

The relationship and relativity between three isolates of Potato virus Y Potyvirus infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Alexandria and El-Beheira governorates, northern Egypt

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a highly pathogenic virus, causing enormous economic losses in potato (S. tuberosum) crop. Three isolates of PVY were obtained from naturally infected potato plants showing mosaic; yellowing and vein necrosis symptoms, during 2017-2018 growing seasons at certain locations of El-Beheira and Alexandria governorates, Egypt. PVY could be easily transmitted mechanically by aphids. Detection of the PVY-3 in different organs of infected Nicotiana glutinosa plants by Indirect-ELISA; Dot blot immunoassay (DBIA) and Tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA), indicated the possibility of using these methods for viral detection. Egyptian PVY (MK376452) isolate was of close homology to PVY isolated from South Africa. The other Egyptian isolates were found to be close to a French PVY (KJ741115) isolate. There were variations on comparing nucleotide and amino acid sequences; however, nucleotide sequencing could be more reliable. Application of sequence inspection allowed us to identify the PVY isolates by phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the genomic coat protein (CP) from 24 PVY isolates registered in GenBank indicated the presence of relationships between each other's. This reflected the high degree of genetic variability among our local Egyptian isolates. The aims of the current work were to; isolate and detect PVY from naturally infected potato plants in northern Egypt, characterize the PVY isolates using different assays, detect PVY in different organs of infected potato plants, study the CP gene of the PVY isolates using Reverse transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and register these isolates in GenBank.

Distribution of essential heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Manzala, Egypt

Lake Manzala is the largest and most productive lake of Egypt's northern coastal lakes and has socio-economic impacts. Pollution by heavy metals is the most significant type of pollution worldwide, particularly in Lake Manzala, which receives mixed discharges from densely populated areas. Water samples were collected at twelve sites around the lake in winter and summer of 2015. Samples of Eichhornia crassipes were collected in the winter, and Oreochromis niloticus samples were collected at two sites (8 and 10). V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn were analysed in these samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The average metal concentrations were below the internationally accepted upper permissible limits and are improved compared to those in previous studies. However, the metal concentrations at the eastern and southeastern sites were higher than the allowable limits due to multiple waste discharges. Pollution assessment using pollution risk indicators indicated low to moderate concentrations of metal enrichment in the sediment and biota of the lake, except at sites near the eastern and southeastern drains; these latter sites were considered to be hazardous and should be taken into account in the current development efforts of the lake. Complete removal of floating plants transported by drains is recommended.

Newly-Identified Type of Late Antique Palestinian Amphora

This study discusses a new type of Late Antique (second half of seventh century ad) Palestinian commercial amphora. Archaeological finds from surveys and excavations, along with petrographic analysis, indicate that this amphora type was produced in and/or around the town of Yavneh, on the southern coastal plain of historical Palestine. The morphology of the Yavneh-type amphora is alien to local ceramic traditions but has strong affiliations with the contemporaneous Mediterranean and Black Sea globular amphorae group; nevertheless, it has no close parallels among the many types of Late Antique and early medieval globular amphorae known from regions outside Palestine. Furthermore, the distribution of this amphora is thus far confined only to the vicinity of Yavneh and to two Christian sites in northern Egypt. These and other data make it possible to suggest that the production of the Palestinian globular amphorae was short-lived, geographically restricted and marginal in terms of its role in the local economy, and that these amphorae might have carried Palestinian wine marketed to ecclesiastical communities in Egypt. Overall, the study of these amphorae contributes to knowledge about the local ceramic repertoire and international trade connections in the first decades after the coming of Islam.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in dogs in northern and southern Egypt.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the parasitic roundworms, Toxocara canis, commonly found in the intestine of dogs. Identification of frequent shedders for Toxocara canis eggs and the associated risk factors overwhelmingly remain an important cornerstone of conducting evidence-based deworming regimens to reduce the environmental contamination with the parasite eggs. The present study was undertaken to prevalence rate of shedding of Toxocara canis eggs in dogs in Egypt combined with the possible risk factors naturally associated with the infection A total number of 296 fecal samples of dogs were collected in the period from July 2016 to June 2017 and properly screened for the presence of possible infection with an. Importantly, The overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs was 53.04% whereas, seasonal dynamics, dog breeds, the irregular anthelmintic use, defecation sites, and unconfined management of dogs were among the risk factors with a significant association with Toxocara canis infection. Taken together, our present data reveal the high overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs shedding in in several Egyptian provinces and provide novel information that should pay our attention of the local authorities combined with the public engagement towards implementation of effective control strategies against this disease of zoonotic importance.

The bagworm, Amicta quadrangularis (Christoph), and its natural enemies in Northern Egypt (Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

The bagworm, Amicta quadrangularis (Christoph) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), was found infesting the white broom, Retana raetam (Frossk.) (Fabales: Fabaceae), a flowering wild plant native to northern Africa, in the desert area of Northern Egypt. This study sheds the light on some biological, morphological, and behavioral aspects of this insect species. A survey of the natural enemies associated with the larval stage revealed insectivorous birds (29–33%), a high percentage of parasitism by the ichneumonid, parasitoid species, Exeristes (Pimpla) roborator (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) (8–11%), and the tachinid, Exorista (=Tachina) larvarum L. (Diptera: Tachinidae) (14–21%). The total percentage of attacking larvae by different natural enemies reached (51–65%) at the area of study.

Detection of Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus in infected cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata L.) from northern Egypt

Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) was isolated from naturally infected Cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata L.) showing different symptoms of mosaic; mottle, dwarfing, and vein clearing, grown at certain locations of Alexandria governorate, Egypt, during the growing seasons from 2011- 2012. CMV isolate was transmitted by Aphid nerii, A. gossypii, and Myzus persicae in non-persistent manner. The virus was partially purified using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000, and differential centrifugation. The ratio of A 260/280 was 1.622 and A 280/260 was 0.617. Whereas, the ratio of A max/ min was 1.915. Concentration of the virus in the preparation was estimated using an extinction coefficient of E 2600.1% = 5. Yield of purified virus was about 6.88 mg/ 100g fresh weight of leaves of Nicotiana glauca. Antiserum titer was determined by Indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive ELISA values were obtained up to dilutions of 1: 25600. The virus was detected by indirect ELISA in infected sap at 8, 16 and 24 days after inoculation; and by Tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) on nitrocellulose membrane after the same period. The unused face of the processed nitrocellulose membrane already printed with plant tissues was tested. Results revealed that both faces of nitrocellulose membrane and Canson paper could be used as solid carriers in TBIA, for detection of CMV in infected leaves. According to Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the size of amplification of the obtained product was approximately 870 bp for CMV isolate; and was assigned accession number of LN606587. The Phylogenetic tree was generated using partial sequence of CMV isolate, with those of other CMV isolates obtained from GenBank. The aims of the current work were; to produce specific polyclonal antiserum against the purified CMV isolated from cowpea plants, and to register this isolate in GenBank.

Assessment of Soil Suitability for Improvement of Soil Factors and Agricultural Management

The dramatic growth of the world’s population is increasing the pressure on natural resources, particularly on soil systems. At the same time, inappropriate agricultural practices are causing widespread soil degradation. Improved management of soil resources and identification of the potential agricultural capability of soils is therefore needed to prevent further land degradation, particularly in dryland areas such as Egypt. Here, we present a case study in the El-Fayoum depression (Northern Egypt) to model and map soil suitability for 12 typical Mediterranean crops. Two management scenarios were analyzed: the current situation (CS) and an optimal scenario (OS) of soil variables. The Almagra model was applied to estimate soil suitability under CS and OS. Management options based on the CS assessment were proposed to reduce some limiting factors: a fixed value of 2 dSm−1 for soil salinity and 5% for sodium saturation; these defined the OS. Under optimal management, the OS scenario showed potential, where a notable increase of the area covered by a high suitability class (around 80%) for annual and semi-annual crops was observed. There was also a marked increase (about 70% for CS and 50% for OS) for perennial crops shifting from the marginal to moderate soil suitability class. The results reveal the importance of proper management to massively alter soil suitability into better states in order to achieve sustainable land use in this fertile agro-ecosystem.

Assessment of Satellite-Based Precipitation Measurement Products over the Hot Desert Climate of Egypt

The performance of three satellite-based high-resolution gridded rainfall datasets, namely the gauge corrected Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), and the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) in the hot desert climate of Egypt were assessed. Seven statistical indices including four categorical indices were used to assess the capability of the products in estimating the daily rainfall amounts and detecting the occurrences of rainfall under different intensity classes from March 2014 to May 2018. Although the products were gauge-corrected, none of them showed a consistent performance, and thus could not be titled as the best or worst performing product over Egypt. The CHIRPS was found to be the best product in estimating rainfall amounts when all rainfall events were considered and IMERG was found as the worst. However, IMERG was better at detecting the occurrence of rainfall than CHIRPS. For heavy rainfall events, IMERG was better at the majority of the stations in terms of the Kling–Gupta efficiency index (−0.34) and skill-score (0.33). The IMERG was able to show the spatial variability of rainfall during the recent big flash flood event that hit Northern Egypt. The study indicates that accurate estimation of rainfall in the hot desert climate using satellite sensors remains a challenge.

EVALUATION OF THE REPORTING PROGRAMS IN THE UPPER EGYPT SATELLITE CHANNEL IN LIGHT OF ITS DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIMENSIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CULTURE AMONG THE VIEWERS

The present study aimed at evaluating the viewer's reporting programs For this purpose, the researchers prepared a list to measure the dimensions of the environmental culture of the reporting programs in the Upper Egypt satellite channel (the cognitive dimension - the emotional dimension - the skill dimension). And then analyze the content of the reporting programs in the Upper Egypt satellite channel in light of the list of dimensions of environmental culture and then determine the trends of the viewers in the region of Upper Upper Egypt and then a proposed scenario is developed for reporting programs and to identify the effectiveness of this to visualize the proposal through a measure of environmental culture. The researchers used the descriptive approach (survey method - analytical method) in its steps and procedures to determine the objectives of the study. The researchers measured the dimensions of the environmental culture of the viewers of the Upper Egypt satellite channel. The sample of the study was (20) of the citizens of northern Upper Egypt and then used the researchers similar approach Experimental. The application of the program and its dimensions to measure the effect of the independent variable (the proposed program) on the dependent variable (environmental culture) was measured by its dimensions. The researchers were sure from the study data obtained from the respondents and The results showed differences in the effectiveness of the proposed program for reporting and support programs to develop the dimensions of the environmental culture of the viewers and the presence of differences of significance between the mean and tribal measurements for remote control at the level of 0.01%.

Ambient Noise Level and Site Characterization in Northern Egypt

The characterization of the background seismic noise in any seismological network is an essential task for checking the performance of the recording stations. Hence, a funded project from Science and Technology Funding Authority (STDF) was awarded by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in 2017 to detect the recording capabilities of the Egyptian National Seismological Network (ENSN), established after the Cairo Earthquake which occurred in Egypt on October 12, 1992. This article covers the first output of the project which shows the results of noise assessment for nine broadband stations located in northern Egypt. For a proper assessment of seismic data quality for a part of the ENSN network, the PASSCAL Quick Look Extended (PQLX) software was used, which is based on the calculation of power spectral density (PSD) and probability density function (PDF) for the background noise. The analysis covered almost one year of continuously recorded seismic data. The results show that some stations have very low detectability and higher noise level in some frequency bands which affects the recording of seismic events, while others show good performance. Complete site analysis for all stations was done to illustrate the present site response to be able to recommend whether to keep a station or to relocate it. To achieve this, the seismic noise data extracted from all stations of the considered zone was studied to determine the horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectral ratio method to study the amplification parameters of the recording site. The output of this study is useful for detecting operational problems in the northern part of the Egyptian seismological network and could be relevant for the reconfiguration and optimization of ENSN stations.

Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Wheat in Northern and Middle Egypt

Distribution and identification of phytonematodes associated with wheat grown in twelve provinces of Northern and Middle Egypt were investigated during two growing seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). A total of 929 soil and root samples were collected from 119 localities (villages/farms) belonging to 37 districts. Samples contained fourteen nematode genera and species viz., Aphelenchoides, Criconemella, Ditylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Heterodera, Hirschmanniella oryzae, Hoplolaimus, Longidorus,Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Tylenchorhynchus, Ttylenchus and Xiphinema. The stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), the root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.), the spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.) and the cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.) were the most frequent nematodes in all samples. The stunt nematodes had the highest occurrence with 47.4%, population density with 48.2 and prominence value with 33.2. The root-lesion nematodes ranked the second after Tylenchorhynchus spp., in terms of frequency of occurrence (13.77%), while the cyst nematodes had the second order after the stunt nematodes, in terms of population density (24.8) and prominence value (5.4). The spiral nematodes occupied the third rank, in terms of frequency of occurrence (5.5%), and the last rank in terms of both of population density and prominence value (9 and 2.1, respectively).