Ant community diversity in two agrosystems in Bejaia wilaya (Northern Algeria)

The present work studied the diversity of Formicidae in two agrosystems of Bejaia, a lemon orchard located at INRAA and an orange orchard located at Amizour.  We used the transect method by combining three (3) sampling methods: Barber Pots or Pitfall, Bait, and manual capture. We identified 18 ant species representing 11 genera and three subfamilies: Dolichoderinae (Tapinoma magnum), Formicinae (Cataglyphis, Camponotus, Lasius, and Plagiolepis), and Myrmicinae (Messor, Aphaenogaster, Crematogaster, Pheidole, Tetramorium, and Temnothorax). The species richness was 13 species in the Oued Ghir’s site and 12 species in Amizour’s site. At INRAA, Dolichoderinae and Myrmicinae have the same proportions (43.95 and 43.17%, respectively) followed by Formicinae (12.88%). In Amizour, Formicinae showed the higher frequency (40.28%), followed by Dolichoderinae and Myrmicinae (30.47 and 29.25%, respectively). In the INRAA lemon orchard Tapinoma magnum was the dominant species with a relative abundance of 43.95%, whereas in Amizour the predominance is attributed to the Cataglyphis viatica with a relative abundance of 39.05%

Ants’ diversity (Hymenoptera-Formicidae) in the Algeria’s humid forests, case of the Gerrouche forest massif (Taza National Park)

In order to contribute to the myrmecological fauna knowledg of the Guerrouche forest massif based in northeastern Algeria. A study was conducted on three oak groves (Quercus suber, Q. canariensis and Q.afares). A total of 60 plots were surveyed by using four sampling methods (manual capture, bait, pitfall and Winkler). The inventory revealed 34 ants species belonging to 15 genus and 4 sub-families; Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae and Ponerinae. Dispatch as follow,  22 species for Cork oak, 14 for Algerian oak and 17 for Afares oak. Myrmicinae dominate in Cork oak and in Algerian oak (82.83 and 81.23% respectively) while in the Afares oak, Formicinae are largely in the lead (68.54%). This study revealed an endemic species to Algeria (Aphaenogaster testaceo-pilosa ssp canescens), three endemic’ species to Algeria and Morocco (Camponotus laurenti, Messor antennatus ans Aphaenogaster foreli) and one endemic to Algeria and Tunisia (Bothriomymrmex decapitans). Comparison of the four sampling methods effectiveness, used reveals that it’s the bait (80.7% of the species total number harvested in the all stations) and manual capture (49.69% of the species total number harvested in the all stations), which allowed the capture of the largest number of species followed by pitfalls traps (31.64% of the species total number harvested in the all stations). The Winkler was much less effective (5.55% of the species total number harvested in the all stations)

Regional and experiential differences in surgeon preference for the treatment of cervical facet injuries: a case study survey with the AO Spine Cervical Classification Validation Group

Purpose: The management of cervical facet dislocation injuries remains controversial. The main purpose of this investigation was to identify whether a surgeon’s geographic location or years in practice influences their preferred management of traumatic cervical facet dislocation injuries. Methods: A survey was sent to 272 AO Spine members across all geographic regions and with a variety of practice experience. The survey included clinical case scenarios of cervical facet dislocation injuries and asked responders to select preferences among various diagnostic and management options. Results: A total of 189 complete responses were received. Over 50% of responding surgeons in each region elected to initiate management of cervical facet dislocation injuries with an MRI, with 6 case exceptions. Overall, there was considerable agreement between American and European responders regarding management of these injuries, with only 3 cases exhibiting a significant difference. Additionally, results also exhibited considerable management agreement between those with ≤ 10 and > 10 years of practice experience, with only 2 case exceptions noted. Conclusion: More than half of responders, regardless of geographical location or practice experience, identified MRI as a screening imaging modality when managing cervical facet dislocation injuries, regardless of the status of the spinal cord and prior to any additional intervention. Additionally, a majority of surgeons would elect an anterior approach for the surgical management of these injuries. The study found overall agreement in management preferences of cervical facet dislocation injuries around the globe

Effect of surgical experience and spine subspecialty on the reliability of the {AO} Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System

OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper was to determine the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System based on surgeon experience (< 5 years, 5–10 years, 10–20 years, and > 20 years) and surgical subspecialty (orthopedic spine surgery, neurosurgery, and "other" surgery). METHODS A total of 11,601 assessments of upper cervical spine injuries were evaluated based on the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System. Reliability and reproducibility scores were obtained twice, with a 3-week time interval. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine the percentage of accurately classified injuries, and Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to screen for potentially relevant differences between study participants. Kappa coefficients (κ) determined the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility. RESULTS The intraobserver reproducibility was substantial for surgeon experience level (< 5 years: 0.74 vs 5–10 years: 0.69 vs 10–20 years: 0.69 vs > 20 years: 0.70) and surgical subspecialty (orthopedic spine: 0.71 vs neurosurgery: 0.69 vs other: 0.68). Furthermore, the interobserver reliability was substantial for all surgical experience groups on assessment 1 (< 5 years: 0.67 vs 5–10 years: 0.62 vs 10–20 years: 0.61 vs > 20 years: 0.62), and only surgeons with > 20 years of experience did not have substantial reliability on assessment 2 (< 5 years: 0.62 vs 5–10 years: 0.61 vs 10–20 years: 0.61 vs > 20 years: 0.59). Orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons had substantial intraobserver reproducibility on both assessment 1 (0.64 vs 0.63) and assessment 2 (0.62 vs 0.63), while other surgeons had moderate reliability on assessment 1 (0.43) and fair reliability on assessment 2 (0.36). CONCLUSIONS The international reliability and reproducibility scores for the AO Spine Upper Cervical Injury Classification System demonstrated substantial intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability regardless of surgical experience and spine subspecialty. These results support the global application of this classification system

Enkele uitgangspunte by herkurrikulering in die vak ekonomie

MCom, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusAny significant degree of change in any major institution gives cause to concern. When those institutions are rooted in decades, even centuries of tradition, change is easily perceived as impending disaster. South Africa's economy is amongst others characterised by unsufficient economic growth to enable job creation, low productivity and low international competitiveness. Population growth is higher than the increase in economic growth, which causes unemployment. At the same time students leaving universities are struggling to find jobs, because of the lack of practical experience and the fact that they are educated in courses for which there exist a small demand in the labour market. To rectify the imbalance between the demand of labour and the supply thereof out of the universities, the curriculum at universities need to be reformulated to meet the needs of the labour market and the society. Curriculum reconstruction is taking place at top level, but has not been seen to include the diverse aims of the economy as a hole to contribute to sustainable development. Universities do not want to lose an iota of their ideals, status and achievements, financial realities are forcing them to take note of the demands of the labour market to enable better usage of human capital to enable economic growth so that the needs of the society are met. Universities, which are traditional leading providers of high-level manpower, are questione9 as to their real ability to provide the intellectual quality of manpower that South-Africa need to lead and manage the necessary changes. The study was divided into and discussed into three major parts. In the first part the different models of the way in which curriculum are developed were discussed. It was concluded that the spiral curriculum model was used by most education institutions because of its effectiveness and was therefore used as a basis in the study to create new objectives for a needs driven curriculum. The shortcomings in the current curriculum were discussed to enable the researcher to create new objectives in which curriculum at universities should be compiled. In the second part of the study the demand of labour in the economy and the supply thereof out of the university were discussed. It became evident that the majority of students are registered for courses in the Human and Social Sciences, although the labour market needed engineers, physical scientists and entrepreneurs to create economic development. In the third part of the study new objectives for the Department of Economics at the Vista University on the way in which curriculum should be compiled by means of the outcomes based education approach were discussed. It was concluded that the curriculum needed to be more practical. The effects of the technology could not be ignored when curriculum are compiled. Distance education gives an outcome to students to combine theory and practical experience at the -same time. Role players could not be ignored in the process of curriculating. International competitiveness needs to be taken into account in the curriculum. The recommendations of the Commission of Higher Education was all the way through used, as a frame in which the curriculum aims were developed.Master

Le rôle des réseaux de drainage agricole dans le ralentissement dynamique des crues : interprétation des données de l'observatoire « Orgeval » The role of agricultural drainage networks in the dynamic slowing of floodwaters: interpretation of the Orgeval observatory data

Le drainage agricole peut générer des impacts importants sur le cycle de l’eau, sur l’écologie du paysage et sur les cours d'eau. Sur le bassin versant expérimental de l’Orgeval, les équipes scientifiques d’Irstea étudient les processus de transfert des écoulements aux différentes échelles afin de comprendre le comportement des réseaux de drainage et le rôle qu’ils peuvent jouer, notamment en période de crues.The study of the effect of agricultural artificial drainage on catchment outflow has is complex. Predicting the drainage impacts on downstream peak flow involves different scales (spatial and temporal). This work follows up experiments carried out in two drained catchments at Orgeval site. Data observation showed that, during intense rainfall events, the drainage system may flow, temporary, under pressurised condition and the drainage discharge is limited. A frequency analysis of peak discharges based on data at the catchment outlet over 20 years was done. The results showed a peak discharge limitation phase for events with a return period of two and ten years. The pressuriation of the drainage network explains this limitation of peak discharge. Such flow conditions allow for drainage systems a self control of drainage discharge and then avoid the risk of flooding

Enkele uitgangspunte by herkurrikulering in die vak ekonomie

MCom, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusAny significant degree of change in any major institution gives cause to concern. When those institutions are rooted in decades, even centuries of tradition, change is easily perceived as impending disaster. South Africa's economy is amongst others characterised by unsufficient economic growth to enable job creation, low productivity and low international competitiveness. Population growth is higher than the increase in economic growth, which causes unemployment. At the same time students leaving universities are struggling to find jobs, because of the lack of practical experience and the fact that they are educated in courses for which there exist a small demand in the labour market. To rectify the imbalance between the demand of labour and the supply thereof out of the universities, the curriculum at universities need to be reformulated to meet the needs of the labour market and the society. Curriculum reconstruction is taking place at top level, but has not been seen to include the diverse aims of the economy as a hole to contribute to sustainable development. Universities do not want to lose an iota of their ideals, status and achievements, financial realities are forcing them to take note of the demands of the labour market to enable better usage of human capital to enable economic growth so that the needs of the society are met. Universities, which are traditional leading providers of high-level manpower, are questione9 as to their real ability to provide the intellectual quality of manpower that South-Africa need to lead and manage the necessary changes. The study was divided into and discussed into three major parts. In the first part the different models of the way in which curriculum are developed were discussed. It was concluded that the spiral curriculum model was used by most education institutions because of its effectiveness and was therefore used as a basis in the study to create new objectives for a needs driven curriculum. The shortcomings in the current curriculum were discussed to enable the researcher to create new objectives in which curriculum at universities should be compiled. In the second part of the study the demand of labour in the economy and the supply thereof out of the university were discussed. It became evident that the majority of students are registered for courses in the Human and Social Sciences, although the labour market needed engineers, physical scientists and entrepreneurs to create economic development. In the third part of the study new objectives for the Department of Economics at the Vista University on the way in which curriculum should be compiled by means of the outcomes based education approach were discussed. It was concluded that the curriculum needed to be more practical. The effects of the technology could not be ignored when curriculum are compiled. Distance education gives an outcome to students to combine theory and practical experience at the -same time. Role players could not be ignored in the process of curriculating. International competitiveness needs to be taken into account in the curriculum. The recommendations of the Commission of Higher Education was all the way through used, as a frame in which the curriculum aims were developed.Master

Couplage des processus hydrologiques reliant parcelles agricoles drainées, collecteurs enterrés et émissaire à surface libre : intégration à l'échelle du bassin versant

During high flood events, the discharge of artificial sub-surface drainage system could be seen as a possible cause of inundation. However, experimental monitoring during flood events showed that several internal processes within drainage network are atypical in regard to their ideal design. These processes include network outlet submersion sub-surface pipe overpressure. The main objective of this Ph.D is to increase current knowledge on such atypical processes and to show, through experimentation and modeling, how their relationship (interaction between different media and spatial interactions) influence the hydrological behavior of artificially drained catchments. A field experiment carried out in at Goins (included in the Orgeval catchment, Seine-et-Marne, France) showed that different cases can be distinguished, depending on pipes network configuration. Some of them demonstrated a very low influence on inundation; whereas, others could have a stronger impact, even for low discharges. These cases would result in significantly limiting drainage discharges and modifying water table flows. Drain pressurization did not allow a normal water table drawdown. The modeling strategy consisted in taking into account the various flow processes in the water table and in the drainage network, and the interactions between these media, by introducing appropriate boundary conditions. The first interaction was between the outlet of buried pipe network and the open ditch. The second interaction was between water table and buried drains which could be either under free-water surface (normal behavior) or pressurized (influenced behavior) flow conditions. During this study, a model of water table (D2D) was developed with specific conditions allow to simulate drainage flows under the previously mentioned different situations. The water table model was coupled with a network model based on the one-dimensional equations of Saint-Venant (Elixir). The coupled model was calibrated and validated using experimental data. Its application showed that drains pressurization led to a temporary storage of infiltrated water into the soil profile. During this phase, soil acted as a buffer. The rise of the water table to the surface also allowed surface storage and runoff transfer. The coupled model was then applied on a hypothetical drained catchment to test the impact of the drainage design on its behavior. Scenarios with a network drainage system sized according to the rule of design, undersized and oversized were tested. Results show that undersized network reduces significantly the peak flow at the outlet, without disturbing significantly the time and depth of water table drawdown, two important parameters in agricultural practices.En période de crue, le rejet des réseaux de drainage par tuyaux enterrés peut être perçu comme une cause possible d'inondations. Cependant, lors du suivi expérimental d'épisodes de crue les plus intenses, plusieurs processus internes aux réseaux de drainage et d'assainissement agricoles se sont révélés atypiques vis-à-vis du fonctionnement supposé idéal au moment de leur dimensionnement. Il s'agit notamment de la submersion du point de rejet du réseau et de la mise en charge des tuyaux. L'objectif principal de cette thèse consiste à renforcer les connaissances sur de tels processus atypiques et de montrer, par l'expérimentation et par la modélisation, comment leur articulation (interaction entre milieux différents et interactions spatiales) influence le comportement hydrologique des bassins versants drainés. L'expérimentation menée sur terrain (Site de Goins, inclus dans le bassin versant de l'Orgeval en Seine-et-Marne) a montré qu'on peut distinguer, selon la configuration des ouvrages, des cas de très faible influence et des cas au contraire d'influence forte, y compris pour de faibles débits. Cette influence peut induire de manière très nette une limitation des crues sortant de collecteurs drainés, voire modifier les écoulements dans la nappe drainée. La mise en charge des drains eux même ne permet plus un rabattement normal des nappes superficielles. En termes de modélisation, la stratégie suivie consiste à mettre en jeu les différents processus d'écoulement dans la nappe et dans le réseau de drainage, ainsi que les interactions entre ces milieux, par la définition de conditions aux limites adaptées. La première interaction se situe entre le point de rejet du réseau de tuyaux enterrés et le fossé à ciel ouvert, et la deuxième interaction se situe entre la nappe drainée et les drains enterrés et qui peuvent être à surface libre(comportement normal) ou en charge (comportement influencé). Dans le cadre de cette thèse, un modèle de nappe (D2D) à été développé avec des conditions particulières au niveau des drains lui permettant de simuler le drainage en tenant compte des différentes situations cités plus haut, et a été couplé à un modèle de réseau s'appuyant sur les équations de Saint-Venant monodimensionnelles (Elixir). Le modèle couplé a été calé et validé à partir des données expérimentales. L'application du modèle couplé a montré que la mise en charge des drains conduit à un stockage temporaire de l'eau infiltrée dans le sol. Durant cette phase de mise en charge des drains, ce dernier joue ainsi un rôle tampon. La remontée de la nappe à sa surface favorise également le stockage de surface puis le transfert par ruissellement de la pluie qui ne peut s'infiltrer. Le modèle couplé a été ensuite appliqué sur un bassin versant théorique pour tester l'impact du dimensionnement du réseau de drainage sur son comportement. Des scénarios avec un réseau de drainage dimensionné selon les règle de l'art, sous-dimensionné et surdimensionné ont été testés. Les résultats montrent qu'un réseau sous-dimensionné, permet de réduire significativement le débit de pointe à l'exutoire sans perturber notablement le temps et la profondeur de rabattement de la nappe, deux facteurs importants pour les pratiques agricoles