Region Of Algeria Research Articles

Durability enhancement in self-compacting sand concrete using mineral additives

Purpose The study aimed to explore the effects of mineral admixtures – especially limestone filler (LF), brick powder (BP) and ceramic powder (CP) – on the performance of self-compacting sand concrete (SCSC). It studies their effect on mechanical properties and mass loss when exposed to acidic solutions (H2SO4 5% and HCl 5%) over periods of 28, 90 and 180 days. The study seeks to develop SCSC technology by taking advantage of locally available sand resources. Design/methodology/approach Using an experimental design, the study explores different formulation parameters, including the use of silty sand (AS) and dune sand (DS) in fixed proportions, where AS constitutes 70% and DS 30% of the total sand content. The superplasticizer ratio (SP) and water-to-binder ratio (W/B) are constant with varying amounts of mineral additives. The study immerses SCSC samples in acidic solutions (5% H2SO4 and 5% HCl) for 28, 90, and 180 days to evaluate mass loss and mechanical properties. This endeavor to advance such concrete technology is motivated by the desire to incorporate sand concrete into the realm of self-compacting concrete technology while also harnessing the advantages of locally available sand resources, particularly dune sand, which is abundant in the southern regions of Algeria. Findings SCSC results with mineral additives showed enhanced resistance in both tensile and compression tests, indicating improved durability compared to the reference sample without additives. However, excessive proportions of BP (>60%) or CP led to exceptions in this trend An exception to this trend was observed when BP was added in proportions exceeding 60% or when CP, indicating potential limitations in some additive formulations. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into improving the performance and durability of SCSC through the strategic incorporation of mineral admixtures, contributing to advances in self-compacting concrete technology. Originality/value 1 – Valorization of local materials and recycling of waste: DS, LF, BP and CP, which are available in great quantities in the south of Algeria; 2 – Combination, at the same time, of alluvial sand and dune sand as aggregate and LF, BP and CP as filler. 3 – Application of the design of experiments method methodology for the optimization of these elements of the new sand concrete studied. The new building material elaborated present indeed a technical, economic and environmental interest.

Water productivity and date palm production: a field study in Biskra Region

In southern Algeria, agriculture is mainly based on groundwater irrigation, leading to significant water consumption, Improving water productivity in field-scale irrigation is critical for sustainable water management and the protection of this valuable resource. In the present study, to analyze water productivity, data were collected on the volumes of irrigation water applied and the resulting yields from 24 farmers through a survey questionnaire during the 2022-2023 agricultural season water productivity for date palm cultivation was evaluated in Biskra region of Algeria. The study found that water productivity values ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 in kg m-3 with an Average of 0.83 kg m-3, consequently, producing one kilogram of dates requires 1220.35 liters of water. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the water productivity of date palms was moderate compared to the results of other studies conducted in various regions around the world. This research highlights the critical need for strategies to enhance water-use efficiency, including the implementation of advanced irrigation technologies and improved management practices.

Artemisia campestris L. as a promising source of potential antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2: Docking and dynamic simulation studies

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been considered as global public health security threats. Due to its rapid spread, high mortality rate and unavailability of treatment, we need to find a potent drug against SARS-CoV-2. Natural products are useful agents for the discovery of new potential drugs to combat coronavirus. Artemisia campestris, an aromatic plant widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in southern region of Algeria, is recognized for its essential oils and phenolics compounds possessing a wide range of biological activities. This study selected sixty-nine compounds from this plant to determine their binding interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and receptor-binding domain of the spike (S-RBD) protein, by using computational methods. Rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide were shown to be the most potent inhibitors for Mpro and S-RBD with docking scores and Ki values ranging from -16.06 to -10.67 Kcal/mol and 0.005 to 30.01 nM, respectively. Evaluation of ADMET pharmacokinetic properties and the drug likeness in silico revealed that only 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3–4–5-tricaffeoylquinic acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, and rubescensin A could be more effective drugs against COVID-19. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (100 ns) and MM-GBSA calculations confirmed the stability of ligand-protein complexes via hydrogen bonding interactions with crucial residues. The analysis of structural parameters (RMSD, RMSF, H-bonds, Rg, and SASA) indicates that 3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic acid and rubescensin A compounds have good stability and significant binding affinity with the Mpro and S-RBD protein. Taken together, our findings confirm that Artemisia campestris as a plausible source of anti-SARS-COV-2 phytochemicals and suggest that may play important role in this activity.

The efficient strategy of operating the active cooling systems incorporated with photovoltaic panels for the three climatic regions: A case study

ABSTRACT Photovoltaic stations in Algeria are considered an effective solution to overcome the problem of its lack of electrical power and achieve the goals of sustainable development. The weather in Algeria is continental, it has three main climate zones from north to south, and the climate in Algeria is desert, which causes an increase in the temperature of photovoltaic modules and thus a decrease in their production of electrical power. Then the active cooling systems that use water as a cooling medium represent a good option to reduce the PV module temperature and thus increase electrical power generation rates. Due to the change in weather in Algeria from north to south and during the four seasons, in some periods, the operation of cooling systems is ineffective and leads to a decrease in the net output electrical power of photovoltaic stations. Therefore, this manuscript aims to develop an advanced strategy for operating active cooling systems incorporated with PV stations to achieve the highest net electrical power output from PV stations in Algeria. To achieve this goal, the theoretical study was conducted on three different regions in Algeria that express its continental climate, namely, Algiers (36°46′ N, 3°03′ E), northern Algeria, and Djelfa (34°40′ N 3°15′ E) in central Algeria and Ghardaïa (32°29′ N 3°40′ E) in southern Algeria, to get the optimal cooling strategies that achieve the highest net electrical power produced by PV stations. The simulation results presented that the average improvement in the electrical power generated from the PV panels incorporated with active cooling systems reached 15.1%, 17.8%, and 19.7% under the climate conditions of Algiers, Djelfa, and Ghardaïa, respectively. The optimal operating strategies of active cooling systems integrated with PV stations in Algeria increase the average net output electrical power of the PV stations by a rate reached 7.65%, 7.13%, and 4.91% for Algiers, Djelfa, and Ghardaïa, respectively.

Barn Owls (Tyto alba Scopoli, 1769) in the Saharan Region of Algeria (Souf): Valuable Predators for Rodent Control in Agriculture

Background: Barn Owls (Tyto alba Scopoli, 1769), which are nocturnal birds of prey, play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations that damage crops. They are valuable allies for farmers because they can effectively hunt small rodents. In Algeria, the Barn Owl is represented by two subspecies, Tyto alba alba and Tyto alba guttata. Methods: This study focuses on the Barn Owls' diet in the Saharan region, specifically in the Souf region, characterized by a dry climate. The research examines the contents of the Barn Owl's reject balls, which are regurgitated, to determine their diet. Result: The study reveals that each reject ball contains 1 to 9 prey items. The researchers identified 23 prey species, with rodents being the most abundant, making up 88.3% of the diet. The most commonly found prey species in Barn Owl balls are G. gerbillus, G. campestris, M. musculus, G. nanus and G. tarabuli. Overall, the Barn Owl's diet in the Saharan region is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations.

Variation in blood glucose, cholesterol, urea and calcium levels according to the physiological stage in Ouled-Djellal ewes in Algerian arid zone. Technical note

Sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria is confronted with large fluctuations in the availability of fodder, which is all the more restrictive for pregnant ewes whose needs are at a maximum and constitute a major obstacle to the development of this sector. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the physiological stage on the energy, nitrogen and mineral status of Ouled-Djellal ewes living in arid zones (Biskra), by determining the plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, urea and calcium. Blood samples were taken from 40 ewes divided into two groups according to their physiological stage (pregnant and empty). The obtained results showed that the physiological stage had a significant influence only on blood glucose, being higher in empty sheep than in pregnant sheep (P<0.05), whereas for the other blood parameters: cholesterol, urea, and the plasma concentrations of calcium do not seem to be influenced by the physiological stage.

Detection of antibiotic residues by a novel rapid test in cow’s milk from north Algeria

Detection of antibiotic residues by a novel rapid test in cow’s milk from north Algeria Veterinary treatments, particularly antibiotics used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in dairy cattle, can be the cause of antibiotic residues in raw milk. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of antibiotics in the dairy cattle industry and to detect the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk at collection centers using the SNAPduo ST Plus Test in the Bouira and Bordj Bou Arreridj (BBA) regions of Algeria. The results of the survey of 114 breeders showed that the Montbeliarde and Holstein breeds are the most dominant in the farms studied, the frequency of veterinary interventions in cattle farming is always, the curative veterinary intervention represents the highest rate and the beta-lactam is the most family used with 46.25% in Bouira and 85% in BBA, then the oxytetracycline was 22.5% and 15% respectively. Regarding the use of antibiotics by breeders, the majority of them use antibiotics for their animals, with 76.25% in the region of Bouira and 91% in the province of BBA. The antibiotic test of 122 samples of raw milk showed that 19.67% (24/122) of the samples were positive for antibiotic residues with the beta-lactam showing the highest value (79.16%) followed by tetracycline residues with 20.83%. This study showed the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk in the study area, which may affect the health of dairy consumers.

Metals in honey, cow’s milk and eggs in North-East Algeria and health risk

ABSTRACT Metal contamination of foodstuffs is a major public health challenge of increasing concern. The present study aimed to determine lead, cadmium and mercury in honey, cow’s milk and poultry eggs collected from the North-Eastern region of Algeria and to evaluate the health risks associated with their regular consumption. To this aim 30 samples of each foodstuff were analysed using ICP-MS. Among the quantified heavy metals, Pb was found at the highest level in both honey (0.752 ± 0.16 µg g−1) and poultry egg (0.988 ± 0.19 µg g−1) in the region of Skikda. The highest values of Cd (0.798 ± 0.12 µg g−1) and Hg (0.097 ± 0.02 µg g−1) were found in poultry eggs collected from the same region. For infants the Hazard Index was well above 1 in honey samples from all three locations, in cow’s milk collected from Mila and Skikda and in poultry eggs collected from Skikda.

Comparison of Essential Oils of Schinus molle L. Leaves Growing in Different Regions of Algeria in Terms of Their Chemical Compositions and Various Biological Activities

ABSTRACTThis preliminary study investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils derived from Schinus molle L. leaves obtained from three specific regions in Algeria: Algiers (SMA), Djelfa (SMD), and Mascara (SMM). Gas chromatography (GC) and Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses confirmed the presence of 52 compounds (100.0%) in SMA essential oil, 50 compounds (100.0%) in SMD, and 72 compounds (100.0%) in SMM essential oils. The main components of SMA oil were camphene (31.82%), limonene (14.71%), and p‐cymene (9.25%). In SMD and SMM oils, α‐phellandrene (14.25% and 12.70%), limonene (13.02% and 11.90%), and germacrene D (10.62% and 10.15%) were the major components, respectively. The antioxidant characteristics were evaluated using five methods: β‐carotene‐linoleic acid, DPPH, ABTS+, CUPRAC, and Metal chelating assays. The results revealed a moderate to low anti‐oxidant effect, with SMA essential oils exhibiting the highest activity. A moderate inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, urease, and tyrosinase was observed, indicating anti‐enzymatic activity. Nevertheless, all samples had higher IC50 values for both antioxidant and anti‐enzymatic activities than 200 μg/mL. It was determined that regional differences in the locations where S. molle grows showed both qualitative and quantitative differences in essential oil components. This difference was also detected in the biological activities of the essential oils. The anti‐inflammatory capacities of the three samples were assessed using Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation and egg albumin denaturation techniques. The results showed effective anti‐inflammatory activity in all three samples. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using a range of tests, such as anti‐quorum sensing, violacein inhibition, anti‐swimming, and anti‐swarming assays, demonstrating moderate activity. No toxic effects were observed at the tested dosages when assessing cytotoxicity against a healthy cell line (CCD18‐Co). This thorough examination provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and bioactive properties of essential oils derived from S. molle. These findings indicate the possible use of these essential oils in the food, medicinal, and cosmetic industries.

Effect of adding dune sand to tuff in Saharan road construction

The south region of Algeria is characterized by a wide surface, a scattered population and a very small ratio of road length per habitant. To allow the development of agricultural, industrial and touristic activities between different cities in the south of Algeria, it is necessary to maintain and to develop the road infrastructure. However the development of these infrastructures necessitates the use of huge amount of certified aggregates from quarries which is not available in the vicinity of the need. For these raisons, in the framework of sustainable development, a strategy which consists in using local materials like fine sediments (dune sand) and other types of material is engaged. The materials constituting the road layers, until today, have been limited to certain so-called noble materials (gravel, aggregates, etc.), but these are being depleted as a result of the intensive exploitation and the scarcity of quality careers. Gypso-limestone encrustation tuffs, the most used materials in pavements (base course and base course) in the Saharan areas such as southern Algeria, have shown acceptable behavior for many years until these last days, when this type of material begins to present certain limits under the effect of the intensity of the traffic. In order to promote the abundant wind sands in these regions, we are interested in developing the dune sands in the pavement as a mixture with the tuffs. The present work presents a contribution to the study of the behavior of the tuff of the Adrar region (South of Algeria) alone and mixed with the sand dunes in different formulations. The aim is to evaluate the evolution of mechanical properties including resistance to simple compression, the ability to compaction and punching (RBC). The work also discusses the influence of the addition of cement in low levels on the performance of the mixture.

Synthesis and characterization of lithium alumina silicate (LiAl(SiO3)2) from naturally sourced silica: a comparative study

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of lithium aluminosilicate (LiAl(SiO3)2) using naturally sourced silica (NSS) from the Djamâa region in Algeria and compares it with laboratory-sourced silica (LSS). The synthesis was conducted using the sol–gel method and solid-state reactions with lithium carbonate, aluminum oxide, and SiO2. Characterization techniques included X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the synthesized lithium aluminosilicate, revealing distinct crystal phases: the NSS material exhibited a tetragonal spodumene-II phase. In contrast, the LSS material showed a hexagonal spodumene-III phase. The crystallite sizes were 21.96 μm for NSS and 22.14 μm for LSS, with crystallinity percentages of 60.77% and 57.55%, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy verified the successful incorporation of lithium and aluminum into the silica framework. SEM analysis provided detailed insights into surface morphology and particle size distribution, highlighting the uniformity of the materials. Specifically, the LSS material exhibited cylindrical spaces between particles, whereas the NSS material displayed spherical spaces.

Navigating complex riskscapes: the Koudiet Eddraouch GIS substation project in Sub-Saharan Africa

Learning outcomes Risk identification and qualitative assessment are the learning outcomes. Case overview/synopsis The Bharat Bijlee Construction Limited (BBCL) was one of the largest construction companies operating in the power sector in India. After successfully completing a few projects in the Middle East, BBCL decided to expand its presence into African region. The BBCL was awarded a $85m contract for three sub-station projects to modernise Algeria’s power grid system by the “Shariket Karhaba Koudiet Eddraouch Spa”, a state-owned company in charge of power generation, transmission and distribution in Algeria. The project, which is the first of BBCL in Saharan region in Algeria’s, presents many unique situations that company had never encountered before, including sand dunes, severe weather, remote locations, supply chain & logistics, strict contractual deadlines and a high level of construction risk. The project manager for BBCL was sceptic about how well his company would perform under the present project circumstances. How could he better align himself with the client, the various on-site local contractors and the numerous suppliers spread around the world? The case emphasises the identification of various project risks that the project manager might encounter in the project. What do the PESTLE and ASCE frameworks for risk identification each represent, and how are they helpful for the project team in understanding various risks? How should the project’s qualitative risk assessment be conducted? And how can a heat map be a better tool for comprehending the criticality of each risk in the project? Complexity academic level Undergraduate and post graduate courses in project management, civil engineering and architecture domain. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 2: Built Environment.

Evaluation of the in vitro toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L. harvested from northwestern Algeria.

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties, to treat various ailments and maintain health. This study was carried out to test the in vitro toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L., native to the north-western region of Algeria. Toxicity was studied in vitro by the hemolysis test and anti-hemolytic activity on human red blood cells, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vitro by the protein denaturation method. The study of toxicity by hemolysis of red blood cells showed a high rate of hemolysis at a dose of 200 mg/mL, with a hemolytic percentage of around 88.64%, while a high rate of anti-hemolysis was observed at a dose of 25 mg/mL, with an inhibition percentage of around 83.17%. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed a high percentage of inhibition of ovalbumin denaturation, reaching 63.53% at the 2000 ug/mL dose, while the lowest percentage was obtained at the 3500 ug\mL concentration with 10.16%. This extract has a toxic substance but does not exceed the toxicity threshold which achieves significant anti-inflammatory activity with depandant doses.

Intraspecific diversity of Erwinia amylovora strains from northern Algeria

BackgroundFire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora, is the most destructive bacterial disease affecting plants in the Rosaceae family, leading to significant economic losses. In Algeria, this disease has been reported since 2010. This study aimed to investigate the origin of fire blight in Algeria, in order to increase knowledge of the epidemiology of this serious disease and contribute to its management. A comprehensive characterization of 18 E. amylovora isolates recovered from northern Algeria between 2016 and 2021 to evaluate their phenotypical and genotypical diversity was conducted.ResultsPhenotypic differences, particularly in growth kinetics, virulence, and fatty acid profiles, allowed differentiation of strains into five groups, possibly indicating distinct introduction events. Genetic characterization revealed that only one strain lacked the ubiquitous plasmid pEA29, which is correlated with reduced virulence, while none harbored the pEI70 plasmid. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated sequences of the recA, groEL, rpoS, ams, and hrpN genes grouped Algerian strains with those from a broadly prevalent clade. CRISPR genotyping identified a novel CR1 pattern and three genotypes, two of them previously unreported.ConclusionsThis study represents the first phenotypic, genetic, and phylogenetic investigation of E. amylovora strains in the region, and provides valuable information on the possible pathways of the introduction of this fire blight pathogen in northern Africa. The findings suggest one or more introduction events from a common ancestor, likely originating in northern Italy, followed by dispersal in various regions of Algeria.

A hybrid renewable energy system for Hassi Messaoud region of Algeria: modeling and optimal sizing

The growing global energy demand and the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions have driven the exploration of sustainable and efficient energy solutions. In Algeria, where the energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, integrating renewable energy systems is essential for enhancing energy security and reducing environmental impacts. This study focuses on optimizing a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for off-grid applications in the Hassi Messaoud region of Algeria to balance technical performance, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.A hybrid system consisting of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), fuel cells (FC), and diesel generators (DG) was modeled and optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA). The optimization process aims to minimize the annual cost of the system while ensuring high reliability, as measured by the loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and maximizing the use of renewable energy. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach was also implemented for comparison, highlighting the advantages of the GA in terms of cost distribution and system reliability. The optimized HRES demonstrated that renewable sources (PV and WT) provided 77% of the total energy demand, with an overall system cost of 0.18080$×kWh−1, significantly lower than recent studies, which reported costs between $0.213 and 0.609$×kWh−1. FCs contributed 14% to the load, whereas DGs were limited to 8% to minimize emissions, resulting in annual CO2 emissions of 10,865 kg and a relative emission rate of 3.608 gCO2eq×kWh−1. Economic analysis showed that DGs and FCs accounted for 44% and 24% of the annual cost, respectively, highlighting the impact of backup systems in ensuring reliability.Sensitivity analysis under varying load demands and renewable energy availability confirmed the robustness of the system, and the GA approach was found to be more effective than PSO in maintaining cost efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the social analysis highlighted a renewable fraction (RF) of 91.5%, emphasizing the contribution of the system to sustainable energy practices. These findings validate GA-based optimization as a superior method for designing cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable HRES, offering significant potential to reduce fossil fuel dependency in industrial applications. These results not only support the broader adoption of renewable energy systems in similar regions but also contribute valuable insights for future research and policy development in the field of energy sustainability.

Extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of prevalence and abundance of hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

BackgroundTicks are ectoparasites and can be vectors of a wide range of pathogens, posing significant health risks to livestock. In the Sahara Desert of Algeria, particularly among one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), there is a need to better understand the factors influencing tick infestation patterns to improve livestock management and health outcomes. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence, intensity, and abundance of hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) among dromedaries, examining both intrinsic factors (sex, age, coat color) and extrinsic variables (farming systems, vegetation types, climate zones, and elevation) that might influence tick infestation in this region. MethodsTicks were collected from 286 dromedaries across nine sites in the pre-Saharan regions of Algeria, with elevations ranging from 736 m to 980 m. The sampled camels, which ranged in age from 6 days to 21 years, were examined for tick infestations. The ticks were identified through macroscopic and microscopic methods, and their abundance was analyzed in relation to the camels' characteristics and environmental factors. Three breeding systems were recognized: extensive, intensive, and mixed. ResultsA total of 980 ticks were collected, with Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 being the most abundant species (553 specimens), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze & Schlottke, 1930 (393 specimens), and Hyalomma excavatum Koch, 1844 (34 specimens). H. dromedarii showed a preference for parasitizing brown-coated dromedaries and exhibited significantly higher infestation levels during spring (p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between tick infestation and the camels' age or sex (p > 0.05). However, the farming system had a significant impact on tick abundance, with extensive and mixed systems showing higher tick burdens compared to intensive systems (p < 0.01). Additionally, the vegetation type, climate zone, and foraging habitat elevation were found to significantly influence tick densities and prevalence. ConclusionThis study provides essential insights into the tick infestation dynamics in dromedaries in drylands of Algeria. It highlights the influence of coat color, seasonality, and farming practices on tick burden, with brown-coated camels being more susceptible during the spring. The findings underline the importance of considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors when developing effective tick control strategies, especially for camels raised in extensive or mixed farming systems in diverse arid rangelands. Future research should expand the scope to cover other arid regions in North Africa for a comprehensive understanding of tick-host dynamics.

Drip Irrigation of Tomatoes in Biskra: Water Saving and Economic Profitability

A field survey of thirty tomato growing greenhouses in Biskara region of Algeria was undertaken to find out the kind of the irrigation method being used and to assess their water productivity and economics. 30% of the greenhouses employed drip irrigation (9 farms), 20% (6 farms) utilized furrow irrigation, while the rest used the mixed irrigation. The sowing/transplantation of tomato in greenhouses in the region was carried out from August to October. The production started from March and ended in June. The selling price per kilogram of tomatoes ranged between 25 and 105 Algerian Dinar (DA). Results revealed that greenhouses using drip irrigation had higher water productivity and lower total water requirements. Greenhouses using drip irrigation produced 71.7 tons tomatoes ha-1, which is 33.7% higher than that using furrow irrigation. Drip irrigated greenhouses exhibited maximum water productivity of 20.4 kg m3. Total water consumption in the greenhouses using drip was 3722.2 m3 ha-1 while it was 10248 m3 ha-1 in the furrow irrigated. Average financial returns from the drip irrigated greenhouses were about 36% higher than farms using furrow irrigation.

THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS BETWEEN TOURIST EXPLOITATION AND DEGRADATION, CASE OF EL KALA NATIONAL PARK (ALGERIA)

Algeria is the largest country in Africa by area and is among the countries in the world that possess a rich natural and cultural heritage due to its size, diversity of regions, environments, cultures, and the civilizations that passed through it, including Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Ottomans, and others. Our study area, the El Kala National Park, is one of the most important regions in Algeria with significant natural and cultural resources. It boasts an important coastal strip with numerous beautiful beaches and tourism expansion zones that could attract investors. Additionally, it contains various ecosystems, including lakes, dunes, forests, diverse flora and fauna and historical sites from different eras, most notably the El Kala Church. However, this heritage faces degradation due to irresponsible practices, such as the destruction of vegetation in summer 2022, despite existing protective laws. These challenges prompted our study, which partly examines Algeria's policies on tourism, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation. The research methodology employs a combined approach, starting with a historical analysis of the park's status since its UNESCO world heritage classification. We then address the natural ecosystems in the area, illustrated with images, and present a comprehensive study of tourism potentials. Finally, we conduct an in-depth analysis using the SWOT method to obtain a holistic view of the region's natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Based on our findings, we offer conclusions and recommendations to promote tourism and drive regional development while preserving the ecosystems and natural and cultural heritage of El Kala National Park from degradation and damage.

Triticum durum productivity and adaptability of two genotypes under water deficit in Algerian high plains

Over the past few decades, Algeria has experienced a significant decline in rainfall patterns, which has been exacerbated by increasing hot spells leading to elevated rates of evapotranspiration. This combination of factors has induced severe water stress, critically impacting agricultural productivity, particularly in cereal production. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, our study was conducted over two consecutive cropping seasons at the experimental agricultural site of Ibn Khaldoun University in Tiaret, located in the western region of Algeria. We specifically investigated the performance of two durum wheat cultivars, ACSAD 297 and CTA 159, under conditions of water stress typical of the Algerian high plains. Our research focused on the impacts of water deficits during the grain filling phase, assessing their effects on seed formation, seed quality, and overall yield development. The results highlighted that contributions from various plant components to grain filling were notably affected by water availability, with lower leaves contributing 22%, the flag leaf 15%, the ear 14%, the ear neck 10%, and awns less than 1%. Notably, the ACSAD 297 cultivar exhibited superior drought tolerance compared to CTA 159, indicating its potential for cultivation in arid conditions. Furthermore, we established strong correlations between grain diameter, thousand grain weight, and stem height, which could inform future breeding initiatives. These findings not only provide important targets for enhancing drought resistance in durum wheat but also have broader implications for improving wheat productivity in semi-arid regions around the world, contributing to food security in the face of climate change.

Practical Management of Sheep Farming in Eastern Algeria: Situation, Constraints and Perspectives

Successful sheep farming requires hands-on management and a thorough understanding of the factors that influence it. This necessitates a practical, well-organized approach to ensure the flock's health, productivity, and profitability. Various factors, such as climate, available resources, and management strategies, play a crucial role in determining the success of sheep farming. This study, conducted in the Batna region of Algeria, aimed to assess sheep breeding practices and production performance through a questionnaire distributed to farmers and veterinarians. The study encompassed 14,124 sheep, including 9,435 ewes, from 33 Batna region farms to evaluate production and reproduction performance. The findings revealed that the Ouled Djellal breed is the most prevalent, comprising 61.02% of the sheep population. The results indicated that sheep farming in the region largely relies on traditional extensive grazing systems. It is worth noting that breeding practices have not consistently followed recommended guidelines, as evidenced by a suboptimal sex ratio of 36.28. Additionally, only 21.94% of breeders had employed heat synchronization methods, and artificial insemination was not utilized. The low adoption of artificial insemination is primarily attributed to factors, including a lack of knowledge regarding reproductive management, along with challenges related to illiteracy and limited access to essential resources. The analysis further demonstrated that all categories of sheep were profitable; however, profitability was influenced by factors, such as environmental conditions, feed availability, and the age of the animals. The study underscored significant findings, including the prevalence of the Ouled Djellal breed and the limited use of advanced breeding practices, such as artificial insemination, in the Batna region. The value of the current study lies in its comprehensive examination of traditional sheep farming practices and its recommendations for enhancing productivity. These include improving management practices, increasing access to resources, and promoting genetic improvement by adopting advanced breeding technologies.