Multiscale partitioning effects of livestock grazing management on plant community composition and diversity in arid rangelands.

Arid steppe rangelands in North Africa are highly significant ecosystems that are exceedingly sensitive to global warming and are also influenced by severe grazing and heavy utilization practices. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct extensive investigations regarding the impact of overgrazing due to increased sheep populations on plant diversity in these regions. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of two grazing managements (grazing-excluded vs.

Using ensemble modeling to predict the current distribution of Pistacia atlantica Desf. in Algeria.

To understand the distribution of Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) in Algeria, we analyzed the environmental factors influencing its habitat. This study employs an ensemble modelling (EM) approach, a robust predictive technique in ecological niche modelling that enables us to identify critical environmental drivers affecting plant distributions across different ecosystems' focal species.

Effects of incorporating biochar on soil quality and barley yield in microplastics-contaminated soils.

Biochar has been recognized for its potential to improve the fertility soils by reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers, mitigating carbon emissions, and fostering soil microbial growth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of biochar addition on the physicochemical properties of arid and semi-arid soils containing microplastics, while also assessing its effect on Barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield under drought stress. The experiment was conducted in a glass greenhouse.

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

Background: Ticks 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 (), there is a need to better understand the factors influencing tick infestation patterns to improve livestock management and health outcomes.

Objectives: This 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.

Biological Potential and Essential Oil Profile of Two Wild Apiaceae Species from Algeria ( L. and Mill.): Larvicidal and Antibacterial Effects.

Infectious diseases, including vector-borne and antibiotic-resistant infections, present significant global health challenges, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives for disease control. In this study, we investigated the essential oil (EO) profile as well as larvicidal and antibacterial properties of two wild Apiaceae species used in Algeria: L. (DCEO) and Mill.

A survey of nematodes in the European hake () intended for human consumption.

Ensuring the safety of fish for human consumption is paramount in safeguarding public health, particularly in relation to parasitic infections. The European hake ( Linnaeus, 1758) may harbor various parasitic nematodes, some of which have zoonotic potential. This cross-sectional survey analyzed a random sample of European hake collected from two fish shops in Batna city (NE Algeria).

Microbial screening of animal skin bags used in traditional cheesemaking.

Bouhezza is a traditional Algerian cheese produced and ripened in goatskin bags called Djeld. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial ecosystem from Djeld (fresh and dried Djeld for making Bouhezza cheese) and the changes introduced by Lben microflora during its preparation and to identify its role in cheesemaking and its safety. Two replicates of fresh and dried skin bags (FS and DS) were sampled and analyzed before and after contact with Lben.

Enhancing soil resilience and crop physiology with biochar application for mitigating drought stress in durum wheat ().

The use of biochar has recently garnered significant attention as an agricultural management technique highly endorsed by the scientific community. Biochar, owing to its high carbon content, contributes to increased organic matter storage in the soil, consequently enhancing crop growth. This study aimed to elucidate changes in physicochemical soil fertility and durum wheat () var.

Structure and diversity of earthworm communities in long-term irrigated soils with raw effluent and treated wastewater.

This study was conducted in two natural meadows: first, soils were irrigated with raw wastewater (SIRWW) and in the second, soils were irrigated with treated wastewater (SITWW). Earthworms were sampled in eight soil blocks spaced 10 m apart at each site. Earthworm community was characterized and compared using density, biomass, composition, structure, species richness, and diversity parameters.

Molecular detection and associated risk factors of Anaplasma marginale, A. ovis and A. platys in sheep from Algeria with evidence of the absence of A. phagocytophilum.

Anaplasma species are obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogens that cause significant diseases in animals and humans. Despite their importance, limited information on Anaplasma infections in Algeria has been published thus far. This study aimed to assess the infection rate, characterize Anaplasma species, and identify associated risk factors in selected sheep farms across Oum El Bouaghi region in Algeria.

Comparative effectiveness of exogenous organic amendments on soil fertility, growth, photosynthesis and heavy metal accumulation in cereal crops.

With soil fertility loss reached a critical state in arid and semi-arid regions, farmers are constrained to use mineral fertilizers, which are costly, non-eco-friendly and less effective in improving soil fertility than organic fertilizers such as dewatered sewage sludge (SS) and poultry manure (PM). In this regard, the current study aimed to highlight through experiments the positive effect of SS and PM applications on soil fertility and durum wheat growth. It targeted to demonstrate the safe and wise use of organic fertilization while assessing heavy metals in both soil and plant.

Yield, growth development and grain characteristics of seven Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes grown in open-field production systems under hot-arid climatic conditions.

Quinoa is an important Andean crop that can play a strategic role in the development of degraded lands in hot arid regions due to its high nutritional value, genetic diversity and its high adaptability to stressful environments. The aim of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance (growth development, grain yield and grain quality characteristics) of seven quinoa genotypes (Giza1, Sajama, Santa Maria, Q102, Q29, Q27 and Q18) cultivated under open field conditions in the Sahara Desert of Algeria. Using randomized complete block design (4 blocks), field trials were conducted during two cropping seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) from November to April.

On the sustainability of land applications of sewage sludge: How to apply the sewage biosolid in order to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield?

The fertilization using sewage sludge (SS) and/or SS-derived products have been extensively studied and known to increase crop yield as soil nutrients and plant growth are improved. This study aimed to evaluate two SS application methods (i.e.

Assessment of water quality at the largest dam in Algeria (Beni Haroun Dam) and effects of irrigation on soil characteristics of agricultural lands.

Beni Haroun Dam is a vital water resource for both potable water and irrigation in eastern Algeria. This study assessed water quality at the dam and investigated the impacts of this water on some soil characteristics of irrigated lands. The physicochemical parameters of the water were measured monthly at eight sites and related to soil characteristics sampled from six irrigated areas, which were compared to non-irrigated soils.

Biochemical Profile of an Adult Diabetic Population from Algeria in Relation with Anthropometric Parameters, Age and Gender.

Background: Diabetes is now a real global disease in particular due to various health problems associated with it. This study aimed to establish the relationship between diabetes and some biochemical parameters to assess the metabolic profile of an adult diabetic population in the region of Tebessa (Northeast Algeria).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Public Health Facility and the House of Diabetics in Tebessa between Feb 2013 and Apr 2013.

Modelling environment contamination with heavy metals in flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus and upper sediments from north African coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.

Heavy metals are a serious hazard for aquatic ecosystems and human health. They negatively affect aquatic life functioning through accumulation resulting physiological/growth disturbances in aquatic lifeforms. This survey focused on the assessment of heavy metal pollution in the Gulf of Annaba (northeastern Algeria), the largest and most diversified industrial hub in Africa, using a multi-compartment approach (water-sediment-biota).

Modeling seasonal and spatial contamination of surface waters and upper sediments with trace metal elements across industrialized urban areas of the Seybouse watershed in North Africa.

Industrialization and urbanization are the main sources of pollutions worldwide and particularly in developing countries. This study aims the determination of anthropogenic inputs with trace metals in aquatic ecosystems at the Plain of Annaba (NE Algeria), which is known as one of the largest industrial areas in Africa. Samples of surface waters and upper sediments were conducted in six stations: four in Meboudja wadi and two in Seybouse wadi.

Spatiotemporal variation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in olive (Olea europaea L.) roots across a broad mesic-xeric climatic gradient in North Africa.

This study aims to determine the spatiotemporal dynamics of root colonization and spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere of olive trees (Olea europaea) with different plantation ages and under different climatic areas in Algeria. Soil and root samples were seasonally collected from three olive plantations of different ages. Other samples were carried out in productive olive orchards cultivated under a climatic gradient (desertic, semi-arid, subhumid, and humid).

Effect of Socioeconomic Factors and Family History on the Incidence of Diabetes in an Adult Diabetic Population from Algeria.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a serious public health problem worldwide and particularly in developing countries. In Algeria, this metabolic disorder occurs with a wide variety or atypical forms that linked to multiple risk factors including local habits and traditions. This study aimed to determine the impact of risk factors (metabolic syndrome, social, cultural, physical activity, family history and the treatment used) on the incidence of diabetes.

Edaphic factors controlling the distribution of inland halophytes in an ephemeral salt lake "Sabkha ecosystem" at North African semi-arid lands.

This study aims to characterize soil properties and to investigate how these parameters, including soil salinity, are related to zonation and distributional patterns of halophytic plants occurring at edges of the Djendli Sabkha (northeastern Algeria). Soil samples were collected from four stations at Sabkha edges with seven samples for each station. Physicochemical soil parameters were analysed in each vegetation belt of halophytes.

Variation in White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) diet along a climatic gradient and across rural-to-urban landscapes in North Africa.

Assessing diet composition of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) breeding under North African conditions provides key information to understanding its trophic niche for conservation purpose. Since, climate controls productivities of foraging habitats and thus food availability for predators, this study examines how Storks' diet parameters varied following a climate gradient along with rural-to-urban landscapes in north-eastern Algeria. Feeding strategies to cope with severe conditions were discussed in light of climate aridity and urbanization and how these influence reproduction, population dynamics and distribution.

Ecological Status of Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Rural Communities of Northeastern Algeria.

Background: Algeria is among the most affected Mediterranean countries by leishmaniasis due to its large geographic extent and climatic diversity. The current study aimed to determine the ecological status (composition and diversity) of phlebotomine sandfly populations in the region of Oum El Bouaghi (Northeast Algeria).

Methods: An entomological survey was conducted during the period May-October 2010 in rural communities of Oum El Bouaghi.

Modeling the synergistic antibacterial effects of honey characteristics of different botanical origins from the Sahara Desert of Algeria.

Background: Honey has multiple therapeutic properties due to its composition with diverse components.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of Saharan honeys against bacterial pathogens, the variation of honey floral origins, and its physicochemical characteristics.

Materials And Methods: The antimicrobial activity of 32 samples of honey collected from the Algerian Sahara Desert was tested on four bacteria; Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Growth, physiology and yield of durum wheat (Triticum durum) treated with sewage sludge under water stress conditions.

In arid and semi-arid areas, low soil fertility and water deficit considerably limit crop production. The use of sewage sludge as an organic amendment could contribute to the improvement of soil fertility and hence the agronomic production. The study aims to highlight the behaviour of durum wheat to the application of sewage sludge associated with water stress.