This research proposes an integrated methodological framework for assessing wind energy potential in the Oran region, Algeria, by combining the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This hybrid approach allowed for the integration and evaluation of technical-economic, environmental, and climatic criteria, while capturing uncertainty and subjectivity in the weighting. The ranking of factors revealed that wind resources are the most decisive (48%), followed by terrain slope (24%), proximity to the electrical grid (18%), and road accessibility (10%). The main constraints are the proximity of buildings (44%) and airport zones (31%). The mapping results, obtained at a height of 100 meters, show a differentiated spatial distribution, with highly favorable areas concentrated in the southwest and southeast of Oran. The comparison of aggregation methods highlights the impact of methodological caution: the highly favorable areas range from 11.60% (linear weighting) to only 6.23% (fuzzy AND operator, more restrictive). Ultimately, the study confirms the relevance of the integrated Fuzzy-AHP-GIS approach for sustainable spatial planning, identifying the southwest and southeast areas as priority sites for wind energy development. Future prospects emphasize refining the modeling and incorporating social acceptability.
Bioerosion traces (endobionts) from the Upper Miocene (Tortonian) deposits exposed along the southern margin of the Lower Chelif Basin, northwestern Algeria, are described and interpreted. Fifteen ichnotaxa, belonging to nine ichnogenera have been identified. These include traces produced by clionid sponges (Entobia), endolithic bivalves (Gastrochaenolites), polychaete annelids (Caulostrepsis, Maeandropolydora, Trypanites), cirriped barnacles (Anellusichnus, Rogerella), carnivorous gastropods (Oichnus), and phoronid worms (Talpina). Epibionts are rare and represented only by balanoid barnacles and juvenile oysters. The ichnoassemblage is assigned to the Entobia ichnofacies, a recurrent association typical of hard substrates such as boulders and oyster shells across a wide range of temporal and spatial settings. Taphonomic attributes and bioerosion patterns indicate that the oysters inhabited a shallow, nearshore, high-energy marine environment characterised by low sedimentation rates. Following death, the shells were likely transported downslope by storm-induced currents to a deeper shelf setting. The borings appear to have formed during multiple bioerosional phases, most of which occurred post-mortem and prior to final burial during the Tortonian. This bioerosional record provides valuable insights into the palaeoenvironmental conditions of the Tortonian Blues Marls Formation in the Lower Chelif Basin.
Kamel Daoud's The Meursault Investigation, published originally in French in 2013 as Meursault, Contre-Enquete, resulted in various conflicting reactions. Upon its publication, the novel was portrayed as a counter-canon to Albert Camus' The Stranger because the writer gives a name to The Arab, a central character whom Camus has left unnamed. Later, the novel began to unfold not as a critique of the colonial or the neo-colonial presence in Algeria but as a critique of Islamic religious manifestations in post-colonial Algeria. This article highlights the hegemonic discourse in Daoud's secular criticism displayed in his novel. It analyzes Daoud's critical perspectives on religious practices and signs of Algerian people and demonstrates their power relations and the moral injury they result in. This paper will also explore Daoud's secular affiliation and how it contributed to feeding Western misconception against the Muslim Arab world, a misconception that had started with Orientalist institutions and continued to exist because of secular machineries. By doing so, the study sheds light on the colonial legacy that pervades Daoud's narrative and revisits the novel's categorization as a counter-canon.
Aquatic ecosystems in hot arid environments can support a high level of biodiversity worldwide, particularly birds. This study focused on the evaluation of the ecological importance of the urban wetland Chott El Oued in north-eastern Algerian Sahara as a critical habitat for bird communities. Bi-monthly monitoring was conducted between September 2023 and August 2024 to assess avian community composition, phenological patterns, protection statutes, and populations dynamic of waterbirds. A total of 71 bird species (39 waterbirds and 32 terrestrial birds) were documented in our study area, belonging to 15 orders and 29 families. Four Near Threatened species (IUCN Red List) and 21 protected species under Algerian law were identified. Among the 12460 recorded individuals, waterbirds dominated (77.28%, 9926 individuals), with 11 key species such as the Near Threatened, resident-breeding Marbled Duck. Phenologically, 17 are breeding species, whereas 54 are non-breeding with 38 being passage visitors and 16 winterers. These findings highlight the contribution of Chott El Oued in maintaining the regional biodiversity despite ecological and anthropogenic challenges and consolidating the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies to protect its biodiversity. Safeguarding this vital urban wetland is essential not only for sustaining endangered species but also for maintaining regional and global ecological balance.
