The financial cost of coccidiosis in Algerian chicken production: a major challenge for the poultry sector.

Coccidiosis, caused by parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a significant economic burden to the poultry industry. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the financial losses associated with Eimeria infection in chickens in Algeria, relying on data provided by key stakeholders in the Algerian poultry industry to assess sub-clinical as well as clinical impact. We employed the updated 2020 version of a model established to estimate the cost of coccidiosis in chickens, taking into consideration specific cultural and technical aspects of poultry farming in Algeria. The findings predict economic losses due to coccidiosis in chickens of approximately £86.7 million in Algeria for the year 2022, representing £0.30 per chicken raised. The majority of the cost was attributed to morbidity (74.9%), emphasizing the substantial economic impact of reduced productivity including decreased bodyweight gain and increased feed conversion ratio. Costs associated with control measures made up 20.5% of the total calculated cost, with 4.6% of the cost related to mortality. These figures provide a clear indication of the scope and economic impact of Eimeria infection of chickens in Algeria, illustrating the impact of practices common across North Africa. They underscore the ongoing requirement for effective preventive and control measures to reduce these financial losses while improving productivity and welfare, ensuring the economic sustainability of the Algerian poultry industry.

Molecular characterization and haplotypes of hydatid cyst isolates collected from humans and ruminants in Setif Province (northeast of Algeria) based on mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) gene sequences.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus. The disease has significant health and economic impacts worldwide, particularly in endemic areas. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hydatid cysts in ruminants (cattle and sheep) (n = 2060) from the Setif Province of Algeria using microscopy. The results showed that hydatid cysts were detected in 9.6% (198/2060) of ruminants, with a higher prevalence in cattle (16.8%; 56/333) compared to sheep (8.2%; 142/1727). Molecular techniques were used to analyze a subset of animals consisting of 30 sheep and 4 cattle. Specifically, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) gene was sequenced and compared to sequences from seven humans from the same region. The results indicated that all isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto. Haplotype analysis identified 19 E. granulosus s.s. haplotypes arranged like a star, with the dominant haplotype (Hap04) at the center. Hap04 has been assigned a total of 17 positives, including positives from sheep, cattle, and two humans. This study is noteworthy for being the first to use a molecular approach to human and ruminant echinococcosis in Setif, a significant breeding region in Algeria.

Asymmetric impact of patents on green technologies on Algeria's Ecological Future.

This study examines how patents on green technologies impact Algeria's ecological footprint from 1990 to 2022 while controlling for economic growth and energy consumption. The objectives are to analyze the asymmetric effects of positive and negative shocks in these drivers on ecological footprint and provide policy insights on leveraging innovations and growth while minimizing environmental harm. Given recent major structural shifts in Algeria's economy, time series data exhibits nonlinear dynamics. To accommodate this nonlinearity, the study employs an innovative nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach. The findings indicate that an upsurge in green technologies (termed as a positive shock) significantly reduces the ecological footprint, thereby enhancing ecological sustainability. Interestingly, a decline in green technologies (termed as a negative shock) also contributes to reducing the ecological footprint. This highlights the crucial role of clean technologies in mitigating ecological damage in both scenarios. Conversely, a positive shock in economic growth increases ecological footprint, underscoring the imperative for environmentally friendly policies in tandem with economic expansion. Negative shocks, however, have minimal impact. In a similar vein, positive shock in energy consumption increases ecological footprint, underlining the importance of transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. Negative shock has a smaller but still noticeable effect. The results confirm asymmetric impacts, with positive and negative changes in the drivers affecting Algeria's ecological footprint differently. To ensure long-term economic and ecological stability, Algeria should prioritize eco-innovation and green technology development. This will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create new, sustainable industries.

Blood Lead Levels in the Population Living in Algeria: A Cross-Sectional National Study.

Lead poisoning, is currently recognized as a real public health problem, The WHO classifies lead as one of 10 chemicals of serious public health concern. In Algeria and North Africa, to date, no study on the evaluation of lead impregnation has been carried out at the national level. The main objective of this work is to assess the exposure of the general Algerian population to lead. A cross-sectional study was carried out over the entire Algerian national territory, on a population aged between 3 and 74 years old. The survey lasted three years, A questionnaire, a clinical examination and a blood sample were carried out for each individual. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine the factors influencing lead levels measured in blood samples. The study population, spread over 39 wilayas and 121 districts, consists of 3674 individuals. The mean lead levels were 28.27 µg/L, the median was 22.22 µg/L, and the 95th percentile was 73.83 µg/L, Blood lead levels were influenced differently by age, gender, wilaya of residence, dietary habits such as consumption of canned food and the way in which water is conserved for daily consumption. The use of kohl has been confirmed as a potential source of lead exposure. In Algeria, a blood lead value of 75 µg/L serves as the Reference Exposure Value, guiding public health responses and risk management strategies, Recommendations have been issued to reduce the blood lead levels of the general population in Algeria in terms of limitation of lead in the sources of exposure, installation of an effective health monitoring system.

Welfare evaluation of dairy cows reared in the East of Algeria.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare status of dairy cows raised in local conditions through health criteria. Important health problems have been identified as well as their effect on the milk yield. One hundred seven farms in eastern Algeria were visited. Data on health, productivity, and management practices were collected. Clinical examination of 1210 dairy cows was conducted to assess health scores. The relationship between herd health and milk yield was investigated using multiple linear regression models. The average milk yield per cow was 16.1 kg/day, and the average prevalence of thin cows (body condition score ≤ 2) was 35.1%. The cow dirtiness was a sign of poor facility hygiene, with 24.3% of cows had dirty udders, 44.5% had dirty flanks/upper legs, and 59.6% had dirty hind legs. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥ 3) and severe lameness (locomotion score ≥ 4) were 24.7% and 8.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hocks, knees, and neck injuries (score > 1) with wound and/or swelling ranged from 0 to 46.2%, 0 to 71.4%, and 0 to 14.3%, respectively. The clinical examination showed a percentage of cows with mastitis of 15.4%, diarrhea of 6.9%, cough of 3.2%, nasal discharge of 7.5%, and ocular discharge of 1.8%. Thus, the milk yield had associated with severe lameness, mastitis, thinness, and dystocia. In conclusion, the welfare indicators in this study reflect the serious health problems in dairy farming which influence the expression of the cow genetic potential.

Current status of ruminant anaplasmosis in Algeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease that is being recognised all over the world, with impact on animal health.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the rate infection of Anaplasma spp. infection in Algerian ruminants. Three databases were searched to identify eligible studies for the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The 'meta' package in the R software was used for the meta-analysis, and the random effects model was chosen to pool the data. Meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning 19 years (2004-2023), out of an initial pool of 737 articles retrieved from various databases. The study included a total of 1515 cattle, 190 sheep, and 310 goats, and the overall Anaplasma infection rate was estimated at 28% (95% CI, 17-41%). The analysis revealed varying infection rates among species, with cattle at 20%, sheep at 30%, and goats at 61%. Five classified species and two unclassified strains belonging to Anaplasma genus were identified in ruminants, which are A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum-like strains, and A. platys-like strains. Among these, A. marginale was prevalent in ten out of eleven cattle studies. The data also revealed regional variations, with Northeastern Algeria showing a higher infection rate (26%) compared to North-central Algeria (9%). In the subgroup analysis, clinically healthy cattle had a higher infection rate (28%) compared to suspected disease cattle (16%). Molecular biology screening methods yielded a significantly higher infection rate (33%) than microscopy (12%). Gender analysis suggested slightly higher infection rates among male cattle (19%) compared to females (16%). Age analysis indicated that Anaplasma infection was more common in cattle less than 12 months (14%) compared to those over 12 months (9%). This systematic review provides valuable insights, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and potential preventive strategies in different regions and among different animal populations in Algeria.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle herds using bulk tank milk analysis in Kabylia area, north Algeria.

Coxiella burnetii, or Q fever agent, has notable implications for human and livestock health. Infections in cattle primarily manifest through reproductive issues where infected animals shed the bacterium in birth fluids, placental tissues, and milk, serving as potential sources of transmission. Bovine herds become reservoirs, contributing to the environmental contamination of farming areas. Comprehensive studies on the prevalence, transmission routes, and associated risk factors among cattle contribute to the development of effective control strategies, ultimately safeguarding both livestock and public health.Here we determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies against in dairy cattle farms from Kabylia (northern Algeria) and identify the associated risk factors. Bulk tank milk samples from 184 farms were analyzed by indirect ELISA technique, 49 of them were tested positive which corresponds to a prevalence rate of 26.63% (95% CI 20.25-33.01%). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that the risk factors associated with detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies are: cohabitation of cattle with small ruminants(OR = 3.74 95% CI [1.41-8.92]), exposure to prevailing winds (OR = 5.12 95% CI [2.11-13.45]), and the veterinarian visits frequency(OR = 5.67 95% CI [2.55-13.60]). These findings underscore the susceptibility of dairy cattle to Q fever in the Kabylia region, highlighting practices that pose risks. We recommend the implementation of hygienic measures and adherence to proper farming conditions to mitigate the transmission of Q fever and reduce the associated zoonotic risk.

Digenea community structure of the Salema, Sarpa salpa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Teleostei, Sparidae), from the Central coast of Algeria.

The main goal of the current work was to describe and analyse the Digenean community structure in Sarpa salpa. A total of 114 specimens of S. salpa were collected from the Central Coast of Algeria at six localities. The fish were immediately transported to the laboratory to be examined for digeneans. From 107 of the 114 S. salpa examined, a total of 8,722 specimens of seven species belonging to three families were recovered. Among them, Robphildollfusium fractum and Mesometra orbicularis were the most prevalent and abundant species. Moreover, Lepocreadium album was found for the first time in S. salpa from the coast of Algeria, and Centroderma spinosissima and Wardula capitellata represent new parasites to the Algerian digenean fauna that infect teleost fish. The component community of these Digeneans is characterised by R. fractum as its dominant species representing 62% of the total number of collected Digeneans, as well by a Shannon diversity index (H') and Dominance Simpson index (D) of 1.03 and 2.23, respectively. According to Spearman's correlation test, Mesometra brachycoelia and W. capitellata were negatively correlated to the host biological factors. On the other hand, R. fractum showed a positive correlation between its mean abundance and the total length of the fish. With these findings, we provided the component structure of the Digenean fauna of S. salpa and highlighted their diversity, contributing to the biodiversity of the parasitic Platyhelminthes in Algeria.

Research cartography of implantable medical devices in the three Maghreb countries: A comparative study between Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Biosafety and efficacy are essential aspects in the use of implantable medical devices (IMD) in several medical and surgical disciplines. To this effect, and depending on the therapeutic indication, the diversity of IMD imposes enormous evaluation strategies from their design through to their impact on improving the patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To elaborate cartography which traces back the research tracks published on IMD regarding the three Maghreb countries, namely Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, and this through laying emphasis on a comparative study in view of highlighting the similarities and differences between them. METHODS: First, the research work was concerned with studies on IMD published between 2013 and 2023, which met the inclusion criteria, and which used the above-mentioned keywords on the four databases Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and PubMed. Second, the results are processed for a comparative descriptive study. In second, a descriptive and inferential analysis of association and classification to establish a research map on IMD. RESULTS: Articles selected; 86 articles out of 1081 for Morocco, 70 out of 900 for Algeria and 136 out of 1303 for Tunisia. Unlike domains (P=0.014), the research methods used highlights similarities in methodological research (P>0.05) ranging from simple descriptions to meta-analyses for the medical sciences with an inequitable distribution whose high share in favor of patient-reports. CONCLUSION: The design of maps raises a diversity of fields that concern medical and engineering sciences, while medical economic studies have yet to be developed in all three countries.

Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria: The case of Oran Province / Surmortalité pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 en Algérie : le cas de la wilaya d'Oran

Objective: This study aimed to estimate excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oran between March 2020 and December 2022. Method: Monthly all-cause data used to estimate excess mortality were modeled against the pre-pandemic period (January 2011-February 2020). Excess mortality between March 2020 and December 2022 was estimated using a quasi-Poisson regression. Analyses were stratified by age group. Results: From March 2020 to December 2022, there was a 30% excess mortality rate, corresponding to an average of 112 monthly excess deaths. Observed numbers of deaths were higher than expected for the age groups 20­39, 40­59, 60­79, and 80 and above. The age group 0­19 did not show excess mortality. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality in Oran. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring all-cause excess mortality as an indicator of the disease burden in situations such as the current pandemic.

Objectif: Cette étude avait pour objectif d'estimer la surmortalité pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19 à Oran entre mars 2020 et décembre 2022. Méthodes: Les données mensuelles toutes causes confondues utilisées pour estimer la surmortalité ont été modélisées par rapport à la période pré-pandémique (janvier 2011 à février 2020). La surmortalité entre mars 2020 et décembre 2022 a été estimée à l'aide d'une régression de quasi-Poisson. Les analyses ont été stratifiées par groupes d'âge. Résultats: De mars 2020 à décembre 2022, le taux de surmortalité était de 30 %, correspondant à une moyenne de 112 décès excédentaires mensuels. Le nombre de décès observés était plus élevé que prévu pour les groupes d'âge 20-39 ans, 40-59 ans, 60-79 ans et 80 ans et plus. Le groupe d'âge 0-19 ans n'a pas montré de surmortalité. Conclusion: La pandémie de COVID-19 a été associée à une augmentation significative de la mortalité toutes causes confondues à Oran. Nos résultats mettent en évidence l'importance de surveiller la surmortalité toutes causes confondues en tant qu'indicateur de la charge de morbidité dans des situations telles que la pandémie actuelle.

Haemophilia B in Algeria: Realities and therapeutic perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Haemophilia B is a debilitating hereditary coagulation disorder characterized by prolonged or spontaneous episodes of bleeding caused by a deficiency of endogenous factor IX. In Algeria, even though many studies are being carried out to evaluate the prevalence and management of haemophilia B, there is a paucity of locally published literature that can be used to understand the most recent information on the disease's epidemiology, diagnostic techniques and treatment options. AIMS: The aim of this manuscript is to raise awareness among patients and family clinicians about current practices, recent developments and unmet needs related to haemophilia B in Algeria. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through online scientific databases to review publications regarding haemophilia B in Algeria. Exclusions of the review include case studies, interregional comparisons, abstract-only papers and studies outside the range of 2012-2022. RESULTS: The findings discussed relate to the epidemiology of haemophilia B in Algeria, the clinical diagnostic process, disease symptoms, the benefits of molecular and genetic testing, advancements in prophylactic care, as well as unmet needs hindering the progression of optimal haemophilia B management. CONCLUSION: These findings are crucial to encourage the maintenance of national registries with updated epidemiological data, facilitate early and timely detection of disease symptoms, improve the provision of diagnostic facilities and enhance the overall treatment landscape for better patient outcomes.

Body composition and anthropometric indicators as predictors of blood pressure: a cross-sectional study conducted in young Algerian adults.

Various body indicators are used to predict health risks. However, controversies still exist regarding the best indicators to predict CVD. Using a large number of measurements, our aim was to assess their associations with blood pressure (BP) and to identify the most relevant parameters to be used in health surveillance studies. The population included 589 students (67·2 % women) aged 20-25 years from Constantine (Algeria). Sixteen parameters were considered, including crude body measurements, ratios and body fat indicators based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We used multi-adjusted linear regression models to assess the associations between body measurements and BP. According to WHO definitions, underweight, overweight-without obesity, obesity and hypertension (HT) were identified in 6·1, 18·0, 2·4 and 5·1 % of the subjects, respectively. Prevalence of HT was higher in men than in women (11·9 % v. 1·8 %; P < 0·001). In the whole sample, almost all indicators were positively associated with systolic and diastolic BP. The suprailiac skinfold had the strongest associations with systolic (ß = 3·498; P < 0·001) and diastolic (ß = 2·436; P < 0·001) BP, and as a whole, arm circumferences and weight were also good candidates. The currently used BMI, waist-to-hip, waist-to-height ratio and BIA indictors also predicted BP, but they did not seem to be better determinants of BP than crude anthropometric measurements. This study showed that overweight and HT were already found in the present population of young Algerian adults. Most body indicators were highly associated with BP, but simple anthropometric measurements appeared to be particularly useful to predict BP.

Assessing the Relative Importance of Satellite-Detected Methane Superemitters in Quantifying Total Emissions for Oil and Gas Production Areas in Algeria.

Methane emissions from oil and gas production provide an important contribution to global warming. We investigate 2020 emissions from the largest gas field in Algeria, Hassi R'Mel, and the oil-production-dominated area Hassi Messaoud. We use methane data from the high-resolution (20 m) Sentinel-2 instruments to identify and estimate emission time series for 11 superemitters (including 10 unlit flares). We integrate this information in a transport model inversion that uses methane data from the coarser (7 km × 5.5 km) but higher-precision TROPOMI instrument to estimate emissions from both the 11 superemitters (>1 t/h individually) and the remaining diffuse area source (not detected as point sources with Sentinel-2). Compared to a bottom-up inventory for 2019 that is aligned with UNFCCC-reported emissions, we find that 2020 emissions in Hassi R'Mel (0.16 [0.11-0.22] Tg/yr) are lower by 53 [24-73]%, and emissions in Hassi Messaoud (0.22 [0.13-0.28] Tg/yr) are higher by 79 [4-188]%. Our analysis indicates that a larger fraction of Algeria's methane emissions (∼75%) come from oil production than national reporting suggests (5%). Although in both regions the diffuse area source constitutes the majority of emissions, relatively few satellite-detected superemitters provide a significant contribution (24 [12-40]% in Hassi R'Mel; 49 [27-71]% in Hassi Messaoud), indicating that mitigation efforts should address both. Our synergistic use of Sentinel-2 and TROPOMI can produce a unique and detailed emission characterization of oil and gas production areas.

Food consumption, nutritional intakes and the role of milk formulas in nutrient adequacy among young children from birth to 2 years living in urban Algeria.

OBJECTIVE: Undernutrition, stunted growth and obesity remain a concern in Algeria. Currently, limited data are available on nutrient intakes among children. Our study aimed to describe food and nutrient intakes and the role of milk formulas among Algerian children. DESIGN: Dietary intakes were collected using a 4-d interview-based survey for children aged 0-24 months, living in urban areas in Algeria in 2019. SETTING: Food consumptions were described. For children aged 6-24 months, nutrient intakes and adequacy were estimated. Modelling was used to estimate the nutritional impact of substituting cow's milk for age-appropriate infant formulas (IF). PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 446 children aged 0-24 months. RESULTS: Before 6 months, 91·6 % of infants were breastfed. Breastmilk was also the main milk consumed between 6 and 12 months, whereas cow's milk predominated after 12 months. In children aged 6-24 months, nutrient adequacy prevalence was above 75 % for the majority of nutrients. However, less than 30 % of the children had adequate intakes for total fats, Fe and vitamin D. Simulated substitution of cow's milk for IF led to improved adequacy for proteins, Fe, and vitamins D and E. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that breast-feeding rates were high until 6 months, then declined with age. Consumed foods allowed Algerian children aged 6-24 months to meet most of their nutritional needs, but inadequate intakes were reported for some key nutrients. Our modelling suggested that milk formulas may help to improve nutrient adequacy among non-breastfed infants. Other dietary changes could also be further investigated to enable children to meet all nutritional recommendations.

Cattle co-infection patterns by hemopathogens and their phylogenetic analysis during the tick season in Constantine and Mila, Northeast Algeria.

Tropical theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis are the most dominant tick-borne infections in North Africa where they cause significant economic losses in ruminants' industry. The aim of the present work was to study infections and co-infection patterns in 66 cattle with clinical signs of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis in two localities, Beni Hamidene and Grarem Gouga, districts of Constantine and Mila (Northeast of Algeria), respectively. This study was conducted between early May and late September during four years 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. PCR showed that the most frequent pathogen in cattle with clinical signs of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis was Theileria annulata (66/66; 100%) followed by Babesia bovis (21/66; 31.8%), Anaplasma marginale (15/66; 22.7%), and Babesia bigemina (3/66; 4.5%) (p < 0.001). Giemsa-stained blood smears examinations revealed that 66.7% (44/66); 10.6% (7/66); and 9.1% (6/66) of cattle were infected by T. annulata, Babesia spp., and A. marginale, respectively (p < 0.001). PCR revealed seven co-infection patterns: T. annulata/A. marginale (15/66; 22.7%), T. annulata/B. bovis (21/66; 31.8%), T. annulata/B. bigemina (3/66; 4.5%), T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bovis (7/66; 10.6%), T. annulata/B. bovis/B. bigemina (2/66; 3%), T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bigemina (1/66; 1.5%), and T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bigemina/B. bovis (1/66; 1.5%). Phylogenetic analyses showed that T. annulata Tams1 and B. bigemina gp45 sequences were identical to isolates from Mauritania and South Africa, respectively. The three A. marginale amplicons obtained herein had 99.63 to 99.88% similarity between them. This study provides data that can be used to improve control programs targeting these cattle hemopathogens.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Argas persicus (Oken, 1818) (Acari: Argasidae) from domestic birds in eastern Algeria.

Argas persicus (the fowl tick) is a species of soft tick commonly associated with poultry farms. It has a wide geographic distribution and colonizes different climate regions. Morphological identification of A. persicus has been reported worldwide, but genetic data regarding its molecular characterization is limited. The present study provides data for morphological identification and genetic characterization of A. persicus collected from domestic birds in traditional farms from east Algeria (Setif region). Additionally, A. persicus samples originating from Gansu province in China were included for comparative molecular study. In total, 1518 ticks collected from 30 infested farms were examined and morphologically identified as A. persicus. Furthermore, the 14 tick samples obtained from China were morphologically identified as A. persicus. Molecular analysis of 30 ticks from Algeria (one tick from each infested farm) and the 14 Chinese samples based on PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of three mitochondrial genetic markers (16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, and cox1) confirmed morphological results where all samples belonged to the A. persicus group. However, phylogenetic analysis showed that all Algerian samples and two Chinese samples belong to A. persicus sensu stricto (s.s.), while the remaining Chinese samples represented A. persicus sensu lato (s.l.) (divergent lineage). The present study confirms the occurrence of A. persicus s.s. both in Algeria and China, as well as provides novel molecular data for a distinct Chinese lineage of A. persicus.

A cloud-integrated GIS for forest cover loss and land use change monitoring using statistical methods and geospatial technology over northern Algeria.

Over the last two decades, forest cover has experienced significant impacts from fires and deforestation worldwide due to direct human activities and climate change. This paper assesses trends in forest cover loss and land use and land cover changes in northern Algeria between 2000 and 2020 using datasets extracted from Google Earth Engine (GEE), such as the Hanssen Global Forest Change and MODIS Land Cover Type products (MCD12Q1). Classification was performed using the pixel-based supervised machine-learning algorithm called Random Forest (RF). Trends were analyzed using methods such as Mann-Kendall and Sen. The study area comprises 17 basins with high rainfall variability. The results indicated that the forest area decreased by 64.96%, from 3718 to 1266 km2, during the 2000-2020 period, while the barren area increased by 40%, from 134,777 to 188,748 km2. The findings revealed that the Constantinois-Seybousse-Mellegue hydrographic basin was the most affected by deforestation and cover loss, exceeding 50% (with an area of 1018 km2), while the Seybouse River basin experienced the highest percentage of cover loss at 40%. Nonparametric tests showed that seven river basins (41%) had significantly increasing trends of forest cover loss. According to the obtained results, the forest loss situation in Algeria, especially in the northeastern part, is very alarming and requires an exceptional and urgent plan to protect forests and the ecological system against wildfires and climate change. The study provides a diagnosis that should encourage better protection and management of forest cover in Algeria.

Harnessing Fishers' local knowledge and their perceptions: Opportunities to improve management of coastal fishing in Mediterranean marine protected areas.

To contribute to the sustainable management of the coastal fishing in the future Marine Protected Area (MPA) of "Taza" (Algeria, SW Mediterranean), the aim of this study was to evaluate the Local Knowledge (LK) of fishers operating near the forthcoming MPA and to understand their conservation-oriented attitudes. Data were collected through interviews and participatory mapping. To this end, 30 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and September 2017 with fishers, collecting socioeconomic, biological, and ecological information in the fishing harbor of Ziama (Jijel, NE Algeria). The case study focuses on both professional and recreational coastal fisheries. This fishing harbor is located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Béjaia, a Bay located within the area of this future MPA, but outside its boundaries. Based on fishers' LK, cartography of fishing grounds within the MPA perimeter was obtained, while the perceived healthy bottom habitats and polluted areas in the Gulf were mapped by the use of a hard copy map. The results show that fishers present detailed knowledge that is consistent with literature about different target species and their breeding seasons, showing awareness about the reserve effects 'spillover' in enhancing local fisheries. Overall, the fishers noted that the good management of the MPA relies on limiting trawling in coastal areas and avoiding land-based pollution within the Gulf. Some of such management measures are already included in the proposed zoning plan, but lack of enforcement is a perceived constraint. Given the gap observed between the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea in terms of both financial resources and MPA coverage, the use of local knowledge system (e.g., fishers' LK and their perceptions) can enable the implementation of a cost-effective method to encourage the creation of new MPAs in the Southern shore for more ecological representativeness systems of MPAs at a Mediterranean scale. Therefore, this work offers management opportunities that may be used for addressing the lack of scientific knowledge in managing coastal fishing and valuing MPAs in Southern Mediterranean low-income countries characterized by a data-poor context.

Analysis of monthly average precipitation of Wadi Ouahrane basin in Algeria by using the ITRA, ITPAM, and TPS methods.

Precipitation is one of the most significant components for the basin's hydrological cycle. Numerous features of a basin's water circulation may be affected by the chronological, geographical, and seasonal fluctuation of precipitation. It could be an important factor that influences hydrometeorological phenomena including floods and droughts. In this research, the innovative trend risk analysis (ITRA), innovative trend pivot analysis (ITPAM), and trend polygon star (TPS) methodologies of visualizing precipitation data are used to detect precipitation changes at six stations in Algeria's Wadi Ouahrane basin from 1972 to 2018. ITRA graphs show the direction of the precipitation trend (increasing-decreasing) and the trend risk class. Disparities in the polygons generated by the arithmetic mean and standard deviation ITPAM graphs demonstrate variations in precipitation seasonally and in the seasonal precipitation trends (increasing or decreasing) between sites. The TPS maps depict monthly variations in precipitation and highlight the autumn and spring transitions between the dry and wet seasons.

[Prevalence of mental symptoms in the Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf camps, Algeria, determined using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28]. / Prevalencia de síntomas mentales entre los refugiados saharauis en Tinduf, Argelia, utilizando el Cuestionario de Salud General Goldberg 28.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among Saharawi refugees and the influence of sociodemographic factors on the phenotypic expression of mental disorders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. LOCATION: Primary and hospital health care. PARTICIPANTS: 383 participants over 18 years of age, 59.8% women and 40.2% men, with a mean age of 37.2 (SD = 13.0), from the Laayoune camp, and from the Rabuni National Hospital. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out between January and August 2017. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the presence of mental symptoms, measured with the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire - 28. A descriptive analysis of each sociodemographic variable (age, sex, educational level, occupation) and its association with the main variable was carried out using Logistic regression. RESULTS: 43.3%, 95%CI (38.4-48.3) obtained a score that suggests the presence of mental symptoms. Women presented a mean score higher than men, in subscales A (somatic symptoms) and in subscale B (anxiety). Age over 50 years and having no educational level were associated with a higher probability of having mental symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the prevalence of mental symptoms among Saharawi refugees is high, and reinforces the need for more scientific research in the field of mental health to put the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in the focus of health policy.