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The use of reverse osmosis (RO) for desalination holds great promise for addressing water scarcity issues in many parts of the world. However, membrane fouling is a significant impediment in this regard, as it reduces the quality and quantity of water produced, increases energy consumption, requires cleaning, and shortens membrane life. The use of granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption in conjunction with ultrafiltration (UF) as a pre-treatment ensures that high-quality seawater enters the desalination process free of contaminants that could harm the plant. This method increases the efficiency and longevity of the equipment, lowers maintenance costs, and produces high-quality desalinated water for a variety of applications. In this study, GAC was made from commercially available charcoal and used to remove organic compounds, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants from seawater. A preliminary study was conducted to determine GAC's effectiveness in removing methylene blue (MB). The removal efficiency was found to be 78 and 99% at initial MB concentrations of 50 and 10 mg/L, respectively. The isotherm modeling confirms that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir model. In addition, the kinetic study demonstrated that MB adsorption on GAC follows the pseudo-second-order model. GAC filtration removed more than 99% of COD and significantly reduced metal concentrations such as Zn, Cu, and Cd. Bacteriological analysis of seawater treated with GAC revealed a significant reduction in total and fecal coliforms, as well as fecal streptococci, indicating the efficacy of the GAC/adsorption filtration system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objectives of our study were to highlight the annual incidence of Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) in Algeria. A retrospective study was conducted on CanL in Algeria between 2010–2019, by means of a questionnaire survey of 30 canine veterinarians practising in the North central region, Algiers. The retrospective study showed 78 cases of Canine Leishmaniasis (2010 and 2019), with an average of 13.73 per year. The highest mean was observed in 2013:3.400, [1.517–5.283] 95%, with a significant difference (p = 0.028). The cross-sectional survey showed that 44.4% of canine leishmaniasis cases are prevalent in spring and summer. Weight loss was the most frequent clinical sign of 88.9% and skin sampling was the most used diagnostic test to confirm this disease 66.9%. Our study provides a general view of the situation of this disease, particularly the number of cases, and their geographical distribution in Algeria. Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a serious zoonosis. Strict measures must be put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Algeria, camel husbandry is undergoing a shift from a traditional extensive system to one more intensive. Such a move in the production system of the dromedary camel should be well investigated in terms of animal welfare, health, and production status. The main objective of this study was to define and evaluate the effects of production systems on physiological responses (hematological and biochemical parameters) in Sahraoui dromedary camels to understand possible changes caused by intensive livestock farming. We analyzed the biochemical and hematological blood profiles in Sahraoui dromedary camel to evaluate and establish the differential responses to intensive conditions. Blood samples were taken from 41 healthy Sahraoui dromedary camels as part of routine veterinary analysis in southern Algeria. In total, 28 camels were from an intensive production system (IS) fed with formulated concentrate and a supply of minerals, and 13 camels were reared in a traditional extensive system (ES) maintained exclusively on grazing. Animals were of a different sex: 16 males and 25 females, and they were divided into three age categories: less than 4 years, 4 to 8, and above 8 years. All animals were healthy. This enabled us to simultaneously check the effect of age and sex on the blood profiles. Results showed that the production system affected the blood parameters of Sahraoui dromedary camel; as total protein, total cholesterol, and urea concentration were significantly higher in the plasma of animals in the intensive production system (P < 0.05). Glucose, triglycerides, and urea values differed significantly (P < 0.05) in camel plasma between age categories. Sex in our study had no effect on enzyme activities (P > 0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in camels reared in the extensive production system (1454.13 ± 290 IU/l) than those reared in intensive production system (1313.17 ± 32 IU/l). Age and sex had a marginal effect on mineral status in dromedary camel plasma as only iron concentrations were significantly higher in male camels (P < 0.05), while Ca, P, and K concentrations were increased in the intensive system. On the other hand, our findings showed that sex, age, and production system did not affect the hematological parameters of Sahraoui dromedary (P > 0.05), except for hematocrit (PCV %) that was significantly higher in the extensive system. This work contributes to a better understanding of Sahraoui dromedary camel biology regarding the effect of different production systems on hemato-biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis in dromedaries is an intestinal protozoan infection caused by apicomplexan parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria. A prospective examination was conducted at two slaughterhouses in southern Algeria. The primary objective of this investigation was to ascertain the prevalence of intestinal parasites in camels, elucidate the associated microscopic lesions, and identify the risk factors contributing to this infestation. In pursuit of this, we procured four segments of the intestines from 31 dromedarieas that appeared healthy and displayed no symptoms. Subsequently, these samples were collected, preserved, subjected to routine processing, and subsequently stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Intestinal parasitic infection showed an incidence rate of 45.16% (14 out of 31). Specifically, two types of parasites were discerned in the intestinal specimens through microscopic examination, namely Eimeria (41.93%; 13 out of 31) (p-value = 0.046) and Taenia (3.22%; 1 out of 31) (p = 0.001). Eimeria cameli was observed in the ceacum (41.93%; 13 out of 31), jejunum (12.90%; 4 out of 31), and in one instance in the duodenum (3.22%; 1 out of 31). Furthermore, numerous development stages of coccidia were identified, including gamonts, schizonts and oocysts. Deep microscopic lesions attributed to Eimeria cameli were detected, such as enteritis, eosinophilic infiltration and inflammation. In addition, associated risk factors were identified. This study has furnished valuable insights into parasitic infestations affecting dromedaries, particularly Eimeria cameli. The molecular studies are needed to delineate the diverse variations within Eimeria strains. Effective parasite control strategies specific to dromedary camels need to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, reverse osmosis water desalination has developed rapidly and has become the most competitive and widely used technology in the world. The number of desalination plants is increasing rapidly as freshwater needs increase. Various membrane technologies have been developed and improved, including nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO), whose desalination costs have been relatively reduced. Therefore, this work proposes an experimental study for a small desalination unit based on RO generated by renewable energy, which is mainly suitable for arid regions or desert areas that do not have electricity and water and can be applied for emergency treatment to meet strong freshwater resource needs. In this study, to meet the drinking water demand, a reverse osmosis desalination system is designed and evaluated in order to improve and optimize its operation. This system has a daily capacity of 2 m3. We used brackish groundwater, which has been characterized as reference water, to produce synthetic water for different salinities until seawater. The analysis is based on data obtained from experiments carried out in the standalone RO pilot designed for the production of fresh water. For this purpose, we conducted relevant experiments to examine the influence of applied pressure, salt concentration and temperature on the RO membrane performance. The effects of different factors that affect the energy consumption in the RO desalination process were analyzed, and those with significant influence were explored. The effectiveness of RO desalination coupled with a photovoltaic (PV) energy system is shown. We found the recovery rate for system operation to be 32%. An optimization study is presented for the operation of an autonomous RO desalination system powered by photovoltaic panels. The energy produced by the PV system was used to feed two pumps forthe production of drinking waterwithanRO membrane, under the conditions of the town of Bou-Ismail. As results, a 3 kWp PV system was installed based on the energy demand. The design data have shown that a 3 kWp PV system can power a 1.8 W RO load given the Bou-Ismail climate. Energy consumption in the case study under Bou-Ismail weather conditions were analyzed. The desalination of brackish water at a TDS value of 5 g/L requires an energy of about 1.5 kWh/m3. Using seawater at a TDS value of 35 g/L, this value increases to 5.6 kWh/m3. The results showed that the optimal recovery rate for system operation was determined to be 32% for a feedwater salinity of 35 g/L, and 80% for a feedwater salinity of 1 g/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study to optimize the operating parameters on the yield, composition, time and kinetics in extraction of essential oils from different Lavandula angustifolia flowers by microwave assisted steam distillation (MSD) in comparison to conventional steam distillation (SD). A preliminary study allowed for the determination of the most influential operating factors, namely water vapor flow rate and microwave heating power. The yield obtained by MSD was comparable to that obtained by SD, while the extraction time was considerably reduced with 6 min for MSD compared to 30 min for SD. Optimization of the operating parameters was assessed using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal treatment conditions obtained were: 8 g·min–1 for the steam flow rate, 500 W for the microwave power and 6 min for the extraction time. The main compounds identified in the different lavender essential oils extracted by MSD chosen as the variables in a multivariate study. A composite centered design based on a response surface methodology was investigated for each major constituent found in the oils. The results showed that the chemical composition of the lavender essential oil was strongly influenced by the MSD operating conditions. The choice of particular operating parameters will allow for extraction of a specific compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experimental work was to synthesize biofuels from used food oils by a transesterification chemical process. The influence of the parameters affecting the yield of the transesterification reaction were assessed and consequently optimized to obtain good quality biodiesel, with an optimal conversion. Their chemical composition and calorific value make biofuels good alternatives to fossil fuels. To make them compatible with engines, some transformations are required to decrease their viscosity and improve their properties. The processes and their parameters were optimized by experimental methods and the produced fuels were characterized with respect to European Norms (EN 14214). The results of the investigation showed that the best yield is obtained using a mass of CaO = 0.895 g, a temperature = 40°C and a reaction time = 68.85 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficiency and to optimize the operating conditions of photodegradation of paracetamol in the presence of suspended titanium dioxide catalyst in a photoreactor. An experimental design study was carried out using central composite design modelling. Optimization was applied to the tubular reactor under fixed photonic flux with radiation from two 24-watt UV-A lamps. The optimal values of the operating parameters were found to be pH of 7.288, TiO2 concentration of 0.9932 g·L-1 and paracetamol initial concentration of 15 mg·L-1. The paracetamol degradation rate approached 98.46% under optimal conditions. Modelling of the system led to a second-degree polynomial. Regression analysis gave an R² value of 0.977 which meant good agreement between the experimental results and the predicted values. An interaction was demonstrated between the catalyst and the operating parameters (pH, CPara and CTiO2) as well as between the model pollutant concentration and the pH had an insignificant effect on the yield compared to that of the quantity of the catalyst and the initial pollutant concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to study for the first time the chemical composition of Salvia officinalis essential oil from Algerian region of Kabylia (Kalaa n'Ath Abas) and to evaluate its antifungal activity. The originality of this work consists in the development of a new nanosystem based on natural excipients (β-cyclodextrin, xanthan gum and arginine) to increase its antifungal activity. The yield of Salvia officinalis essential oil was 2.07%, it is mainly composed of α-Thujone (23.21%), 1,8-Cineole (14.17%) and Camphor (11.02%). Nanoemulsion based on β-cyxlodextrins has an average diameter of 219.1±5.2 nm, a zeta potential of 36.2±4.8 mV and a viscosity of 0.87±0.03 Pa.s. This essential oil showed a good antifungal activity against all tested strains (Candida albicans, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton equinum). Moreover, a significant increase of this activity was noted after essential oil nano-emulsification. The easy penetration of nanodroplets composing the prepared system through fungal cell wall and their high solubility in fungal cell cytoplasm permit to increase antifungal activity of studied essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aquaculture is among the fastest growing sectors in agriculture. Freshwater and marine aquaculture production has increased remarkably recently as has the growing demand for seafood. A study was conducted for 15 days on Oreochromis niloticus fry aiming to assess the effect on animal performance of a Lactobacillus strain used as probiotic incorporated in a diet formulated for tilapia fry. The parameters measured were daily live weight gain, standard length, total length and survival rate. Our results showed that the overall individual average weight gain as well as the survival rate were not significantly higher for animals supplemented with probiotic when compared to control animals. Longer lasting experiments are required to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) comprises closely related species responsible for human and animal tuberculosis (TB). Efficient species determination is useful for epidemiological purposes, especially for the elucidation of the zoonotic contribution. In Algeria, data on MTBC genotypes are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and diversity of MTBC genotypes causing human and bovine TB in Northern Algeria. During a two-year sampling period (2017–2019) in two regions of Northern Algeria, we observed an overall prevalence of 6.5% of tuberculosis (TB) among slaughtered cattle, which is higher than previous Algerian data yet comparable to neighboring countries. A total of 296 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates were genotyped by spoligotyping: 181 from tissues with TB-like lesions collected from 181 cattle carcasses and 115 from TB patients. In human isolates, we identified 107 M. tuberculosis, seven M. bovis and one "M. pinnipedii-like", while for bovine samples, 174 isolates were identified as M. bovis, three as M. caprae, three as "M. pinnipedii-like" and one as "M. microti-like". The majority of isolates (89.2%) belonged to 72 different known Shared International Types (SIT) or M. bovis spoligotypes (SB), while we also identified seven new SB profiles (SB2695 to SB2701). Twenty-eight of the SB profiles were new to Algeria. Our data suggest zoonotic transmission in Sétif, where significantly more TB was observed among cattle (20%) compared to the slaughterhouses from the three other regions (5.4%–7.3%) (p < 0.0001), with the isolation of the same M. bovis genotypes from TB patients. The present study showed a high genetic diversity of MTBC isolated from human and cattle in Northern Algeria. Even though relatively small in terms of numbers, our data suggest the zoonotic transmission of TB from cattle to humans, suggesting the need for stronger eradication strategies for bovine TB. Author summary: To establish the circulating genotypes causing human and bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Algeria, spoligotyping was used to characterize 296 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates of human (n = 115) and bovine (n = 181) origin. Molecular identification showed that most human isolates were identified as M. tuberculosis, with few M. bovis isolates, while among cattle, M. bovis, M. caprae, "M. pinnipedii-like" and "M. microti-like" isolates were found. Among M. tuberculosis isolates, 84 (78.5%) were classified into six families, with three prevailing genotypes (Latin–American Mediterranean (LAM), T clade and Haarlem). Concerning M. bovis, three spoligotype profiles (SB0120, SB0121 and SB0134) were predominant in Algeria, as in other Northern African countries. In addition, we identified some new M. bovis types (SB2695 to SB2701). For the first time in Algeria, M. bovis was found in 6% of human cases analyzed in this study. Furthermore, we documented regional variability in the prevalence of bovine TB among slaughtered cattle and in the probability of human TB being caused by M. bovis, suggesting the zoonotic transmission of M. bovis. This finding should draw the attention of Algerian health authorities to the importance of the effective control of bovine TB, including the establishment of traceability systems for livestock from the farm to slaughterhouse and between farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed 98 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates collected in 2 regions of Algeria in 2015-2018 from 93 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. We identified 93/98 isolates as M. tuberculosis lineage 4 and 1 isolate as M. tuberculosis lineage 2 (Beijing). We confirmed 4 isolates as M. bovis by whole-genome sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymus algeriensis Boiss. et Reut. pretreated with gamma irradiation at the doses of 0, 10, 20 and 30 kGy were submitted to hydrodistillation and the resulted essential oils were analyzed for their chemical composition by GC and GC-MS and for their antioxidant activity evaluated by inhibition of lipid peroxidation, ferric reducing antioxidant power and scavenging of radicals DPPH• and ABTS•+. On the other hand, the non volatile ethanol extracts obtained by Soxhlet, were analyzed in terms of the dosage of total phenols and flavonoids and for their antioxidant activity. Although there were no qualitative changes in the chemical composition of the essential oils of the irradiated samples, minor quantitative changes were observed for some compounds for some irradiation doses, especially for the three main components: carvacrol for all the doses in addition to p-cymene and γ-terpinene for 10 kGy and γ-terpinene for 30 kGy. The antioxidant activity of the oils was dependent on the method employed to determine such activity. Total phenolics content (149.33-236.17 mg GAE/g Extract) and flavonoids (35.74 - 52.25 mg QE/g Extract) as well as the antioxidant activities decrease for the samples irradiated at 20 and 30 kGy. Contrariwise, the irradiation at 10 kGy increases total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results suggest that gamma-irradiation of T. algeriensis up to 10 kGy could be used as beneficial decontamination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the first time to investigate the efficiency of a new process developed in our laboratory: Microwaves Steam Distillation (MSD) on the oregano essential oil extraction. The selected parameters are steam flow, microwave power and extraction time, the response is essential oil yield. According to the statistical method, a second-order polynomial function was assumed to approximate the yield. The coefficient of determination R2 (91.33%), revealed a quite agreement between experimental and predictive values. Optimal conditions were: 6 g. min-1 for steam flow, 300 W for microwave power and 8 min for time. DPPH tests showed that MSD oil was the most efficient than eugenol, SD oil and the main compounds (carvacrol and thymol), and has comparable antioxidant activity to that of BHT. In the other hand, MSD and SD oils have an insecticidal effect againstRhizopertha dominica, but SD oil was most efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species responsible for tuberculosis in cattle and zoonotic tuberculosis in humans, is present in Algeria. In Algeria however, the M. bovis population structure is unknown, limiting understanding of the sources and transmission of bovine tuberculosis. In this study, we identified the whole genome sequence (WGS) of 13 M. bovis strains isolated from animals exhibiting lesions compatible with tuberculosis, which were slaughtered and inspected in five slaughterhouses in Algeria. We found that six isolates were grouped together with reference clinical strains of M. bovis genotype-Unknown2. One isolate was related to M. bovis genotype-Unknown7, one isolate was related to M. bovis genotype-Unknown4, three isolates belonged to M. bovis genotype-Europe 2 and there was one new clone for two M. bovis isolates. Two isolates from Blida exhibited no pairwise differences in single nucleotide polymorphisms. None of these 13 isolates were closely related to four zoonotic M. bovis isolates previously characterized in Algeria. In Algeria, the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in cattle is partly driven by cross border movements of animals and animal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]