Some Statistical Aspects for Algerian Earthquake Catalogue

The scope of this study is to analyze some aspects of the Algerian earthquake catalogue between 1980 and 2009.Seismicity analysis is based on reliable compilation of earthquake catalogs obtained from different agencies.All intensities and magnitudes were converted to Ms magnitude using appropriate relationships.Dependent events were removed using adapted time and space windows.In addition,the completeness of the catalogue as a function of magnitude was determined from the standard deviation of occurrence rate plots,using the Stepp’s methodology.The remaining 2,016 independent earthquakes with Ms 2.2 were used to obtain various parameters(b-value,z-value)to characterize the temporal and spatial seismic activity for the entire northern part of Algeria.Finally,the obtained results are discussed to explain parameters variability.

Estimation of soil erosion and sediment yield in Wadi El Hachem watershed(Algeria)using the RUSLE-SDR approach

One of the most common types of soil degradation is water erosion.It reduces soil quality at the erosion site and may cause sedimentation issues at the deposition site.This phenomenon is estimated using a variety of models.The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE)model is the most often used,due to its consistence and low data requirement.It is useful for estimating annual soil loss at the watershed scale.To investigate the relationship between soil erosion and sediment deposition,the combined RUSLE and Sediment Delivery Ratio(SDR)models are used.The Wadi El Hachem watershed is a coastal and mountainous Mediterranean basin with rugged topography and high degree of climatic aggressiveness.Both of these characteristics can have an immediate effect on soil erosion and sediment yield.This research includes estimating the Average Annual Soil Loss(A)and Sediment Yield(SY)in the Wadi El Hachem watershed,mapping different RUSLE factors as well as A and SY,and studying the influence of rainfall erosivity(R)on A and SY in dry and rainy years.The A results vary from 0 to 410 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1)with an annual average of 52 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1).The Renfro's SDR model was selected as the best model for estimating SY,with standard error,standard deviation,coefficient of variation,and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency(NSE)values of 0.38%,0.02,0.07%,and 1.00,respectively.The average SY throughout the whole watershed is around 27 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1).The SY map for the entire Wadi El Hachem watershed revealed that sediment production zones are mainly concentrated in the Northeast of the basin,at the basin’s outlet,and in the tributaries of the dam.The simulation results of soil loss and sediment yield in dry and rainy years revealed that R is one of the main factors affecting soil erosion and sediment deposition in the Wadi El Hachem watershed.The mean difference in R factor between dry year and rainy year is 671 MJ·mm·ha^(-1)·h^(-1)·yr^(-1).As a result of this fluctuation,the soil loss and sediment yield have increased by 15 and 8 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1),respectively.The results of this research can be used to provide scientific and technical support for conservation and management strategies of the Wadi El Hachem watershed.

Trace Metals in Sediments, Macroalgae and Benthic Species from the Western Part of Algerian Coast

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in sediments and specimens of four marine organisms： green algae （Enteromorpha linza）, red algae （Corallina officinalis）, mollusc limpet （Patella ferruginea） and sea urchin （Paracentrotus lividus）. The samples were collected at four coastal stations located in two areas in the North-Western Algerian coast： Ghazaouet and Beni-saf. These areas are influenced by anthropogenic activities （harbour and industrial and urban wastes）. Metal concentrations measured in sediments and biota indicated that the area of Ghazaouet was the most polluted. We found high variability of metal bioaccumulation among the four species analysed. The highest concentrations were recorded in the algae whereas metal concentrations in sea urchin and limpet were more correlated with sediments metal concentrations.

Thriving green havens in baking deserts:Plant diversity and species composition of urban plantations in the Sahara Desert

Hot arid zones represent vital reservoirs of unique species and ecosystems,holding significant importance for biodiversity.This study aimed to explore the plant diversity associated with tree plantations in urban ecosystems under hyper-arid climatic conditions in the Sahara Desert of Algeria.In May 2022,30 quadrats measuring 1 m^(2) each were established at the base of Phoenix dactylifera,Leucaena leucocephala,and Tamarix aphylla,corresponding to the dominant tree species in each of three plantations.In each quadrat,the plant quantitative inventory was conducted to measure plant diversity and similarity among the studied plantations.Based on this,we assessed the plant functional traits and rarity/abundance status of the flora.The findings revealed a diverse flora associated with the studied plantations,comprising 29 plant species grouped into 27 genera and 12 families.Notably,Poaceae(accounting for 30.8% of the flora),Asteraceae(25.0%),and Zygophyllaceae(21.6%)were well-represented.With an overall density of approximately 555 individuals/m^(2),Zygophyllum album(120 individuals/m^(2))and Polypogon monspeliensis(87 individuals/m^(2))emerged as the most abundant species.Functional trait analysis underscored the pivotal role of therophytes(constituting over 50.0% of the flora)and anemochorous species(33.0%-62.5%).Phytogeographic analysis emphasized the prevalence of the Saharo-Arabic element(constituting over 31.0% of the flora)and the Mediterranean Saharo-Arabic element(9.5%-21.5%).The Cosmopolitan element thrived under disturbance factors,recording percentages from 13.0% to 20.0% of the plant community.The rarity/abundance status of the flora emphasized the significance of rare,common,and very common species in the studied plantations.These findings could provide fundamental data for the effective control and management of biodiversity in hot hyper-arid urban ecosystems.

Life Annuities Calculation in Algeria： Continuous Time Approach

The present paper aims to show the impact of continuous time calculation on life insurance pricing and reserving in the Algerian context. The discrete time approach allows insurance companies to facilitate calculation process but with less accuracy. This approach implies constancy of death quotients during a year. However, the death risk is a continuous function in time. For more accuracy and equity in pricing, calculation needs to consider the exact dates of different payments and also a continuous capitalization process. This gives more adequate premium with fewer hypotheses. This work shows how insurers can propose more adequate pricing using the same actuarial life table.

非洲公路项目施工过程关键技术分析--以阿尔及利亚贝佳亚连接线为例

随着中国对非洲援助的不断深入,国内的设计和施工队伍也不断走向非洲。由于所属地区的不同,非洲本地的实际情况、现场环境以及所采取的规范均有所不同,若不对本土情况进行了解,很容易造成工程项目的质量型问题出现。本文以阿尔及利亚贝佳亚连接线为例,该项目是连接贝佳亚港口-东西高速公路哈尼夫互通的关键性项目,项目所在处情况复杂,采用规范与国内均不同,为保证施工过程的稳定进行,对其在该公路项目施工过程的路基、桥涵的关键性技术进行分析。拟为相关类似工程提供参考。

The Floristic Diversity of the Tlemcen Southern Slope Scrublands （Western Algeria）

This work was completed on the study of the southern slope scrublands （matorrals） of Tlemcen region in the northwest of Algeria （Western Algeria）. These scrublands are under various states of degradation, made up of Quercus ilex, Juniperus oxycedrus, Thymus ciliatus, Rosmarinus officinalis. The problems sought in this study are to give the actual position of vegetable cover and in particular that of the formations to matorrals currently existing in the southern slope of the area of Tlemcen, while being based on the phytoecological aspect of the vegetable groupings which constitute this inheritance. Sampling is the first phase of work based on the analysis of the spatial variations of the structure and composition floristic and considering the nature of the problem to be treated, the authors considered to be useful to use the method Zuricho Montpeli6raine developed at the point by Braun-Blanquet, the method usually used consists to collect all the plant species and to make the list of the species on a small square of surface 100 m2 （have it minimal）. The floristic readings （150 on the whole） were taken according to the method of Braun-Blanquet. Our results show that there exists a therophytisation marked by a general invasion of annual species as show us as the synergistic action of the aridity and the anthropic action generated important modifications on the level of the vegetation in the dynamic direction. This advanced degradation leads a steppisation which results in a substitution of the elements of the matorrals by species more adapted much the xericity.

Study of Biodiversity Indices in Forest Formations of the Province of Saida （Algeria）

Biodiversity is a multidimensional concept involving several scientific disciplines. The study of biodiversity allows to initiate a multidisciplinary analysis and ecological reading of an environmental problem. The objective of this study is the knowledge of plant biodiversity and risk factors affecting the plant diversity in forest formations of Saida province （Algeria）. Plant biodiversity is estimated at 77 species with 37 best represented families （Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Fabaceae）. The geophytes dominate with a rate of 44.15%. Among the degradation factors that threaten the biodiversity in the study area, the forest fires, overgrazing and trampling by domestic animals was mentioned.

Study of Camelina Biodiversity in Southwestern of Algeria

In the framework of biodiversity＇s studies of animal＇s genetic resources in general and especially camels, the authors focused, in the case of biodiversity, on the phenotypic and genetic variability of each camel populations studied in southwestern of Algeria. The objective of the present study is to describe the conditions of dromedaries breeding, to analyze their phenotypic diversity, redefine the range flocks, highlight the perspectives of exploitation and use their products in livestock systems sustainablely. Knowing that the camel occupies a vital place in the socioeconomic development of breeders, owing to the multiple functions and services it provides. However, the pressures of diverse origins including population growth and recurrent droughts take serious threats to the development of the species. This survey was conducted during 2 years over 2500 animals owned by 60 farmers were studied. These animals were analyzed in terms of phenotypic and ethno-geographical evolution of breeding. A large number of blood samples （200） were collected, which allowed us to be the first DNA bank of camels in Algeria.

The Local Process of Governance in Integrated Water Resource Management： An Example of the Wadi El K^bir Watershed （Northeast of Algeria）

Alternatives to the sectoral and public policies and regulations of environmental and water resources＇ protection, and the experiments of integrated management have been rapidly multiplied since the year 1990. Water constitutes a principal stake of these environmental policies in the majority of the countries and especially in the countries of North Africa as Algeria, where this resource is threatened by repeated dryness and by the impact of the climate change. The integrated water resource management reflects today the world tendency of the governments to exploit and preserve this resource by a way based on a process of governance, which passes by the dialog of diversified actors （various sectors）. According to this policy and to the promulgation of the Algerian National Report on State effective implementation and coordination mechanisms are required. How this principle of integrated water management will be executed with various scenarios in Algeria and what are the main difficulties that can be met？ Or, more exactly, what are the variables that can influence the operation of the local water process governorship？ This analysis will be carried out through the example of the Wadi El K6bir watershed located in the northeast of Algeria, which is real natural area of water supply that feeds the communities, the natural and artificial basins, and preserves the perenniality of the existing natural ecosystems especially the one of the natural park classified by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization （U.N.E.S.C.O） in 1989 as the inheritance of humanity and six other sites classified according to the Ramsar convention as wetlands of international importance to be preserved.

Cartography of Air Pollution in an Industrial City in North-Eastern Algeria by Using Two Indexes： Poleotolerance Index and Atmospheric Purity Index

Of all the methods of studies on bio-estimation of air pollution by lichen flora, the authors cannot justify a choice of one method over another. Consultation of previous work by researchers has allowed us to compare these methods and to better understand their strengths and limitations. Under the terms of estimating the pollution, these methods are classified into three categories. Some are qualitative, quantitative and others are finally some indirect methods. The methods used to assess the overall air pollution relative value for each station studied. As part of our work, the authors have chosen a quantitative approach based on the combination of two methods. They are based on pollution indices obtained from mathematical formulas based on various parameters related to the lichen flora. They are represented by the I.P. （index poleotolerance） and the I.A.P. （index of atmospheric purity） and these two indices allowed us to map of global air pollution in the city of Skikda and petrochemical industry as well as peri-urban areas （Haddaiek, Hamadi Krouma, Hamrouche Hamoudi, Larbi Ben M＇Hidi）. The authors have identified areas of iso-pollution around different emission centers represented by the largest petrochemical area, traffic and households in urban areas of Skikda, Hamadi Krouma, Hamrouche Hamoudi and Larbi Ben M＇Hidi.

Tsunami Hazard Assessment in the Alboran Sea for the Western Coast of Algeria

In October 1790, a destructive earthquake occurred near Oran city in the western part of Algeria （MSK, Medvdev-Sponheuer-Kamik macroseismic intensity： X）. It generated a tsunami that inundated the Spanish and North Africa coasts. The regional tectonic includes NW-SE compressional stress in Algeria and NE-SW strike-slip structures in the Alboran basin. In this work, we identified tsunami sources for the Alboran from numerical modeling. The sea bottom displacement is calculated from the Okada equations. The tsunami＇s propagation is simulated with the SWAN code. The identified tsunami source for the 1790 event is a 7.5 magnitude earthquake at the entrance of the Oran harbor, with a pure reverse faulting, probably associated with the Murdjajo fold The tsunami wave height profile that is obtained for the city of Oran showed an initial withdrawal of the sea that was followed by tsunami waves reaching 2 meters in height. The results obtained in Spain agree with the observations reported in the literature. Finally, the simulations led to a better understanding of the interdisciplinary approach to be considered as for tsunami sources in the Alboran. Sedimentary mass-movements should be now included as an additional component in the tsunami hazard assessment for the West Mediterranean. The contribution of sedimentary disturbance due to the series of canyons offshore the western margin could induce water waves higher than 2 meters in Western Algeria.

The Strategic Importance of Cereal Virtual Water in Algeria： Report and Perspectives

In order to quantify the virtual water part which is contained in the imported cereals, compared with the hydraulic potentialities which are annually mobilised through the national territory, and on the basis of the agricultural statistics, we have determined the average quantities of the imported cereals per year in order to determine the virtual water volume that these cereals bind. The water needs of the cereals which are produced in Algeria have been calculated by the Cropwat software, in order to define the equivalent quantities of water in their production on the national scale. The obtained results confirm the importance of the annually imported virtual water, through the imported cereals, comparing with the national hydraulic potentialities. Our study shows also that in spite of the strategic importance of the virtual water in the imported cereals, a diminution has to take place, on the average term, by an improvement of the use efficiency of the precipitations （green virtual water） using the best mastery of the technical itinerary in general, and also the efficient use of precipitations in particular.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Algerian patients with hepatitis C virus infection

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of,and risk factors for,diabetes mellitus(DM) in Algerian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and in a control group.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was undertaken.A total of 416 consecutive patients with viral chronic hepatitis attending the Internal Medicine Department of the University Hospital Center Touhami Benflis in Batna [290 HCV-infected and 126 hepatitis B virus(HBV)-infected patients] were prospectively recruited.RESULTS:The prevalence of DM was higher in HCV-infected patients in comparison with HBV-infected patients(39.1% vs 5%,P < 0.0001).Among patients without cirrhosis,diabetes was more prevalent in HCV-infected patients than in HBV-infected patients(33.5% vs 4.3%,P < 0.0001).Among patients with cirrhosis,diabetes was more prevalent in HCV-infected patients,but the difference was not significant(67.4% vs 20%,P = 0.058).The logistic regression analysis showed that HCV infection [odds ratio(OR) 4.73,95% CI:1.7-13.2],metabolic syndrome(OR 12.35,95% CI:6.18-24.67),family history of diabetes(OR 3.2,95% CI:1.67-6.13) and increased hepatic enzymes(OR 2.22,95% CI:1.1-4.5) were independently related to DM in these patients.CONCLUSION:The high prevalence of diabetes in HCV-infected patients,and its occurrence at early stages of hepatic disease,suggest that screening for glucose abnormalities should be indicated in these patients.

Soil characteristics and plant distribution in saline wetlands of Oued Righ, northeastern Algeria

Saline wetlands are rare ecosystems in Saharan areas, which are important for conservation of many endemic and rare plant species. In this study, we investigated five saline wetland sites of the Oued Righ region, located in the northeastern Algeria, to determine the environmental factors controlling the composition and distribution of plant communities. We established a total of 20 transects to measure the vegetation parameters （density and cover） and soil characteristics （electrical conductivity, moisture, pH, CaSO4, CaCO3, organic matter, Na＋, K＋, Mg2＋, Ca2＋, SO42 , CI-, NO3- and HCO3-）. A total of 17 plant species belonging to seven families were identified. The natural vegetation was composed of halophytic and hydro-halophytic plant communities, presented specially by the species of Amaranthaceae family. Soils in the studied wetlands were moist, gypsiferous, alkaline, salty to very salty with dominance of chloride and calcium. Results of the Canonical Correspondence Analysis （CCA） showed that community structure and species distribution patterns of vegetation were mainly dependent on soil characteristics, mainly being soil salinity （CaSO4, K＋, Ca2＋ and CI-） and moisture. The distribution of plant species was found to follow a specific zonal pattern. Halocnemum strobilaceum was observed to grow in highly salt-affected soils, thus being the more salt-tolerant species. Phragmites communis plants were widely distributed in the study area with a high density at the edges of accumulated water body. Juncus maritimus, Tamarix gallica and Saficornia fructicosa grew in soils that are partially or completely flooded in winter. Suaeda fructicosa, Traganum nudatum, Arthrocnemum glaucum, Aeluropus littoralis, Cressa cretica and Cynodon dactylon were distributed in salty and moist soils away from the open water body. Plants of Zygophyllum album, Limonastrirum guyonianum, Cornulaca monacantha, Cistanche tinctoria, Mollugo nudicaulis and Sonchus maritimus were found in soils with less salty and moisture. They constituted the outermost belt of vegetation in the studied wetlands. This study will provide a reference on introducing the salt-tolerant plant species as a fodder resource in saline habitats and regenerating the degraded saline wetlands.

NOD2/CARD15 gene mutations in North Algerian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AIM: To analyse allelic frequency of NOD2 gene variantsand to assess their correlation with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) in Algeria.METHODS: We studied 132 unrelated patients diagnosed with IBD, 86 with Crohn's disease(CD) and 46 with ulcerative colitis(UC). Data was prospectively collected between January 2011 and December 2013. The demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded for all the patients. A group of 114 healthy unrelated individuals were selected as controls. All groups studied originated from different regions of North Algeria and confirmed the Algerian origin of their parents and grandparents. Informed and written consent was obtained from each of the participants. All individuals were genotyped for the three CDassociated NOD2 variants(p.Arg702 Trp, p.Gly908 Arg and p.Leu1007 fsins C mutations) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Allele and genotype frequencies in patients and control subjects were compared by χ2 test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(95%CI) were also estimated. Association analyses were performed to study the influence of these variants on IBD and on clinical phenotypes.RESULTS: The p.Arg702 Trp mutation showed the highest frequency in CD patients(8%) compared to UC patients(2%)(P = 0.09, OR = 3.67, 95%CI: 0.48-4.87) and controls(5%)(P = 0.4, OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 0.65-3.31). In CD patients allelic frequencies of p.Gly908 Arg and p.Leu1007 fsins C variants compared to HC were 3% vs 2%(P = 0.5, OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 0.44-6.34); 2% vs 1%(P = 0.4 OR = 2.69 95%CI: 0.48-14.87 respectively). In UC patients, allelic frequencies of p.Gly908 Arg and p.Leu1007 fsins C variants compared to HC were 1% vs 2%(P = 1, OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 0.17-4.74) and 2% vs 1%(P = 0.32, OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.05-2.87). The total frequency of the mutated NOD2 chromosomes was higher in CD(13%), than in HC(8%) and UC(5%). In addition, NOD2 variants were linked to a particular clinical sub-phenotype in CD in this Algerian cohort. As expected, the three NOD2 variants showed a significant association with CD but did not reach statistical significance, despite the fact that the allele frequency of NOD2 variants was in the range found in most of the European populations. This might be due to the non-exposure of the NOD2 carriers to environmental factors, required for the expression of the disease.CONCLUSION: Further analyses are necessary to study genetic and environmental factors in IBD in the Algerian population, using larger patient groups.

Algeria某油田低电阻率油气层的机理分析及测井解释

针对Algeria某油田油气层具有地层水矿化度高[（1．5～5）×10^5mg／L]电阻率低等特点，对储层非均质性，粘土矿物的附加导电作用及高矿化度地层水对油气层电阻率的影响进行了初步机理分析。根据实验数据得到不同岩性和不同地层水矿化度的m、n和b值的变化规律。实践证明用可变m、n和b值法计算储层的含水饱和度值比用固定的m、n和b值有明显改善。

Geochemical assessment, mixing behavior and environmental impact of thermal waters in the Guelma geothermal system,Algeria

A study of thirteen geothermal springs located in the geothermal field of Guelma,northeastern Algeria,was conducted.Samples were collected during the period between January 2014 and February 2016.Geochemical processes responsible for the chemical composition of thermal and mineralized water were evaluated.The hydrochemical analysis shows that the thermal waters are characterized by the presence of two different chemical facies,the first type SO4-Ca in the east,west and south of Guelma,the second type HCO3-Ca in the south.This analysis also attributed to sodium,chlorides,and sulfates to an evaporitic terrigenous origin by the molar ratio Sr2+/Ca2+.The thermal spring waters from Guelma geothermal system have a meteoric origin,and all samples are immature with strong mixing between hot and shallow waters with 19-38.5%rate of mixing.The silica geothermometer shows that these thermal waters have a temperature varying from 84 to 122℃and that the water came from a depth of 2100-3000 m through a fault system that limits the pullapart basin of Guelma.Potential environmental effluent from thermal spas could pollute in both the irrigation and drinking waters,and which imposes danger on the health of the inhabitants of the region.

A hydrochemical study of the Hammam Righa geothermal waters in north-central Algeria

This study focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics of 47 water samples collected from thermal and cold springs that emerge from the Hammam Righa geothermal field, located in north-central Algeria. The aquifer that feeds these springs is mainly situated in the deeply fractured Jurassic limestone and dolomite of the Zaccar Mount. Measured discharge temperatures of the cold waters range from 16.0 to 26.5 ℃ and the hot waters from 32.1 to 68.2 ℃. All waters exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.0-7.6. The thermal waters had a high total dis- solved solids （TDS） content of up to 2527 mg/l, while the TDS for cold waters was 659.0-852.0 mg/l. Chemical analyses suggest that two main types of water exist： hot waters in the upflow area of the Ca-Na-SO4 type （Ham- mam Righa） and cold waters in the recharge zone of the Ca-Na-HCO3 type （Zaccar Mount）. Reservoir tempera- tures were estimated using silica geothermometers and fluid/mineral equilibria at 78, 92, and 95℃ for HR4, HR2, and HRI, respectively. Stable isotopic analyses of the δ18O and δD composition of the waters suggest that the thermal waters of Hammam Righa are of meteoric origin. We conclude that meteoric recharge infiltrates through the fractured dolomitic limestones of the Zaccar Mount and is conductively heated at a depth of 2.1-2.2 km. The hotwaters then interact at depth with Triassic evaporites located in the hydrothermal conduit （fault）, giving rise to the Ca-Na-SO4 water type. As they ascend to the surface, the thermal waters mix with shallower Mg-rich ground- water, resulting in waters that plot in the immature water field in the Na-K-Mg diagram. The mixing trend between cold groundwaters from the recharge zone area （Zaccar Mount） and hot waters in the upflow area （Hammam Righa） is apparent via a chloride-enthalpy diagram that shows a mixing ratio of 22.6 〈 R 〈 29.2 %. We summa- rize these results with a geothermal conceptual model of the Hammam Righa geothermal field.

Floristic composition of the halophilic and salt-resistant plant population in Hammam-Boughrara (Oran-Algeria)

This phyto-ecological study is on halophilic and salt-resistant vegetation of Oran region. The semiarid and sometimes arid climate has been defined and confirmed from a bioclimatic point of view. The pedological approach used shows a soil with sandy to silty-sandy texture, favoring regression of the vegetation and a halophilic vegetation set up. In this study, we analyze the floristic composition of the northern region of Hammam Boughrara using multiple floristic surveys conducted at three stations along the Tafna wadi. Dominated by Mediterranean and Saharo-Sindian elements, the relatively poor flora (88 species in total) is biologically characterized by a clear dominance of therophytes (>33%) and chamaephytes (>19%) to the detriment of phanerophytes.