Non-pancreatic hyperlipasemia:A puzzling clinical entity

BACKGROUND Increased lipase level is a serological hallmark of the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis(AP)but can be detected in various other diseases associated with lipase leakage due to inflammation of organs surrounding the pancreas or reduced renal clearance and/or hepatic metabolism.This non-pancreatic hyperlipasemia(NPHL)is puzzling for attending physicians during the diagnostic procedure for AP.It would be clinically beneficial to identify the clinical and laboratory variables that hinder the accuracy of lipase diagnosis with the aim of improve it.A more precise description of the NPHL condition could potentially provide prognostic factors for adverse outcomes which is currently lacking.AIM To perform a detailed clinical and laboratory characterization of NPHL in a large prospective patient cohort with an assessment of parameters determining disease outcomes.METHODS A Hungarian patient cohort with serum lipase levels at least three times higher than the upper limit of normal(ULN)was prospectively evaluated over 31 months.Patients were identified using daily electronic laboratory reports developed to support an ongoing observational,multicenter,prospective cohort study called the EASY trial(ISRCTN10525246)to establish a simple,easy,and accurate clinical scoring system for early prognostication of AP.Diagnosis of NPHL was established based on≥3×ULN serum lipase level in the absence of abdominal pain or abdominal imaging results characteristic of pancreatitis.RESULTS A total of 808 patients[male,n=420(52%);median age(IQR):65(51-75)years]were diagnosed with≥3×ULN serum lipase levels.A total of 392 patients had AP,whereas 401 had NPHL with more than 20 different etiologies.Sepsis and acute kidney injury(AKI)were the most prevalent etiologies of NPHL(27.7%and 33.2%,respectively).The best discriminative cut-off value for lipase was≥666 U/L(sensitivity,71.4%;specificity,88.8%).The presence of AKI or sepsis negatively affected the diagnostic performance of lipase.NPHL was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality than AP(22.4%vs 5.1%,P<0.001).In multivariate binary logistic regression,not lipase but increased amylase level(>244 U/L)and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)(>10.37,OR:3.71,95%CI:2.006-6.863,P<0.001),decreased albumin level,age,and presence of sepsis were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in NPHL.CONCLUSION NPHL is a common cause of lipase elevation and is associated with high mortality rates.Increased NLR value was associated with the highest mortality risk.The presence of sepsis/AKI significantly deteriorates the serological differentiation of AP from NPHL.

Influence of Various Earth-Retaining Walls on the Dynamic Response Comparison Based on 3D Modeling

The present work aims to assess earthquake-induced earth-retaining(ER)wall displacement.This study is on the dynamics analysis of various earth-retaining wall designs in hollow precast concrete panels,reinforcement concrete facing panels,and gravity-type earth-retaining walls.The finite element(FE)simulations utilized a 3D plane strain condition to model full-scale ER walls and numerous nonlinear dynamics analyses.The seismic performance of differentmodels,which includes reinforcement concrete panels and gravity-type and hollowprecast concrete ER walls,was simulated and examined using the FE approach.It also displays comparative studies such as stress distribution,deflection of the wall,acceleration across the wall height,lateral wall displacement,lateral wall pressure,and backfill plastic strain.Three components of the created ER walls were found throughout this research procedure.One is a granular reinforcement backfill,while the other is a wall-facing panel and base foundation.The dynamic response effects of varied earth-retaining walls have also been studied.It was discovered that the facing panel of the model significantly impacts the earthquake-induced displacement of ER walls.The proposed analytical model’s validity has been evaluated and compared with the reinforcement concrete facing panels,gravity-type ER wall,scientifically available data,and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO)guidelines results based on FE simulation.The results of the observations indicate that the hollow prefabricated concrete ER wall is the most feasible option due to its lower displacement and high-stress distribution compared to the two types.The methodology and results of this study establish standards for future analogous investigations and professionals,particularly in light of the increasing computational capabilities of desktop computers.

Robust design of sliding mode control for airship trajectory tracking with uncertainty and disturbance estimation

The robotic airship can provide a promising aerostatic platform for many potential applications.These applications require a precise autonomous trajectory tracking control for airship.Airship has a nonlinear and uncertain dynamics.It is prone to wind disturbances that offer a challenge for a trajectory tracking control design.This paper addresses the airship trajectory tracking problem having time varying reference path.A lumped parameter estimation approach under model uncertainties and wind disturbances is opted against distributed parameters.It uses extended Kalman filter(EKF)for uncertainty and disturbance estimation.The estimated parameters are used by sliding mode controller(SMC)for ultimate control of airship trajectory tracking.This comprehensive algorithm,EKF based SMC(ESMC),is used as a robust solution to track airship trajectory.The proposed estimator provides the estimates of wind disturbances as well as model uncertainty due to the mass matrix variations and aerodynamic model inaccuracies.The stability and convergence of the proposed method are investigated using the Lyapunov stability analysis.The simulation results show that the proposed method efficiently tracks the desired trajectory.The method solves the stability,convergence,and chattering problem of SMC under model uncertainties and wind disturbances.

Study of Harmful Vaginal Practices of Women in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the different vaginal practices of women using non-pharmaceutical products. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes that took place from January 15 to April 23, 2023, in the four largest markets in the municipality of Ouagadougou. This was performed using the data collection sheet in the KoboCollect application. Epi info 7.2.5.0. software was used for data analysis. For the analysis of associated factors, a p-value Results: In total, 977 women were surveyed. Among them, 43.19% underwent vaginal procedures using non-pharmaceutical products. The female practitioners were 34.34 ± 7.44 years old. The products used included plants, mineral substances, ointments, tablets, and solutions. Among the practicing women, 40.99% were looking for vaginal tightening. The main purpose was to maintain their partners (45.97%). Three-point thirty-two percent (3.32%) of the women who underwent vaginal procedures had reported adverse events. Conclusion: Raising awareness of the consequences of vaginal practices and encouraging women to go to a health center for any gynecological problem could significantly reduce the prevalence of vaginal practices.

Study of the Management and Disposal Practices of Unused or Out-of-Date Medicines by Households in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Not all medicines that pass-through consumers’ hands are used, and some often expire in households. These health products can be sources of accidental risks and pollution when they are not properly disposed of. In Burkina Faso, there are as yet no guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines in households. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of household possession of unused or expired medicines, and to describe attitudes and disposal practices. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering households in the Ouagadougou commune conducted from June to August 2021. Two-stage stratified sampling was used: selection of Enumeration Zones (EZs) and selection of households, with each EZ comprising several households. Data collection was based on direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: In total, 417 household residents were surveyed out of the planned 423 households, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.58% compared with the initial sample. Among the respondents, 79.62% had unused and/or expired medicines in their household. A total of 2562 drug packaging units were counted, for a total weight of 121.90 kg. Nearly 75% were aware that improper disposal was a danger to the environment. Some respondents kept their unused medicines at home until they expired (43.41%), and disposed of them mainly by throwing them in the household garbage (75.58%). The majority (79%) were in favor of the government setting up a take-back program for these medicines. Conclusion: The introduction of a take-back program for unused or out-of-date medicines will ensure safer disposal of medicines, and better protection for households and the environment.

Surface Water Processes in Coping with Anthropogenic Impact in a Coastal Eastern Mediterranean Region

Rivers are progressively being exposed to increased anthropogenic pollution stresses that are undermining their designated uses and affecting sensitive coastal areas. In this study, three adjacent eastern Mediterranean coastal rivers, Ibrahim, Kaleb and Beirut, were evaluated. Water quality samples were collected in dry and wet seasons from different sampling sites along the river from the source to the outlet which represent a gradient of increased urbanization. The spatiotemporal variability of the physio-chemical properties, heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd) and organic matter (DOC) were statistically analyzed to better understand the contribution of point and nonpoint pollution sources. The three rivers (Beirut, Kaleb and Ibrahim) show a similar behavior in calcium and carbonate alkalinity due to the carbonate mineral weathering effect, so they are of calcium bicarbonate type due to their calcareous geological nature. The speciation of anions was affected by temporal variation. Moreover, it is obvious that the Beirut River has a different behavioral characteristic where the water is a sulfate type water with a preferable metal-OM complexation mainly with lead, zinc and copper, whereas Kaleb and Ibrahim are considered to be of a nitrate phosphate type with a preferable metal inorganic complexation, especially copper, that has a consistent behavior in both types of waters. This difference is attributed to the urbanization effect highly impacting the Beirut River.

Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years in the Yénawa District of Cotonou (Benin) in 2023

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections remain one of the main causes of mortality in children aged 0 to 5. This work aimed to study the associated factors with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in children 0 to 5 years old in Yénawa, Cotonou in 2023. Subjects and Method: It was an analytical cross-sectional study of children aged 0 - 5 years and their mothers in Yénawa, selected by four-degree random sampling. The sampling size, calculated using the Schwartz formula, was 126 children and 126 mothers. The dependent variable was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. The independent variables were classified into four groups: socio-demographic and economic characteristics, behavioral factors, child-related factors, and environmental factors. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Associated factors were investigated by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 126 children aged 0 - 5 years and 126 mothers were surveyed, aged 23.5 (11 - 36) months and 30 (18 - 48) years respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 74.60% (CI95% = 66.89 to 82.30). The associated factors were the mother’s age between 18 and 28 (OR = 10.77;CI95% = 1.89 to 61.27;p = 0.007), the use of charcoal/wood for cooking (OR = 7.36;IC = 1.99 to 27.10;p = 0.003)), children's poor personal hygiene (OR = 8.87;IC = 2.92 to 26.97;p 0.001)), and cohabitation with domestic animals (OR = 7.27;IC = 1.67 to 31.71;p = 0.015). Conclusion: Communicating with mothers about the factors identified will help reduce the prevalence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 5.

Dissolved Organic Matter Features of Three Adjacent Eastern Mediterranean Urbanized Watersheds

Landscape urbanization broadly affects ecosystems in coastal watersheds, but, until now, the influence of nonpoint source urban inputs on dissolved organic matter (DOM) amount, composition, and source is poorly understood. To understand how DOM composition varied with urbanization, fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) were determined for urban and non-urban waters from upstream to downstream sites along three adjacent coastal watersheds that flow into the Mediterranean Sea. Two humic DOM fluorescent components (humic-like and fulvic-like peaks) and two proteinic components (tyrosine-like and tryptophane-like peaks) were identified by EEM fluorescence. The results indicated that urbanization had an important influence on DOM concentration and composition, with urban waters having a high degree of DOM variation due to different land uses surrounding each body of water. Urban waters show a higher DOM fluorescence index (FI), the highest fluorescence intensity of protein-like manifested also by BIX values, and a lower value of the humification index (HIX) than non-urban waters which were dominated by allochthonous inputs. In addition, the EEM was compared in dry and wet season where higher DOM amounts and FI appeared in summer due to autochthonous production coming from algae growth compared to allochthonous input from rainfall dominated in wet season. The concentration of DOC increased from upstream to downstream for the three rivers, especially Beirut River. The increase in DOC values was observed in both dry and wet seasons by 39 and 19 times respectively compared to upstream (0.93 - 0.91 mgC/L).

Distribution of Atmospheric Pollution in Southern Benin

This study focuses on air quality in southern Benin in order to show public authorities what the Beninese populations are exposed to for efficient decision-making. Two sampling campaigns were carried out, one in the wet period and the other in the dry season. The measurements were taken using a monitor called an “Air Quality Monitor”. For data processing, the multiple comparison methods of Dun (1961) and the Wilcoxon test were used. To maintain legitimacy, all spatial data were included in the official cartographic repository of Benin: WGS 1984, Transverse Mercator Universe Projection (UTM), Zone 31 North. The Moran statistic was used to measure the levels of spatial autocorrelation of the variables studied and to test the significance. In order to locate the spatial subsets, the local spatial association indices of Anselin Local Moran and Getis-Ord, Gi* were used. In terms of results, on the 13 monitoring sites and the 8 parameters chosen to determine air quality, we do not note any significant inter-seasonal difference. Of the eight parameters, only three parameters present spatial autocorrelation leading to predictions of ambient air quality over the entire study area based on the distance separating the points, namely, PM2.5, PM10 and ambient air quality index (AQI). The localities affected by atmospheric pollution in South Benin are located in the south-western part of Benin, headed by Cotonou, which is heavily polluted by CO2, TCOV, PM10 and PM2.5.

Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains in Bangui, from 2017 to 2022: Case of Serotype 1

Goals: The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains circulating in Bangui. Methodology: A prospective and analytical analysis was carried out at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health from 2017 to 2022. The strains came from our study on the contribution to the study of antibiotic sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. The multiplex PCR test was used for its cost-effectiveness in terms of amplifiers which can be purified in order to be sequenced. It also makes it possible to detect several germs as well as their serotypes. For a PCR reaction, several elements are involved in the reaction medium or Master Mix. These are the desoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs), the magnesium ions (MgCl2) and the primers. A set of 14 primers divided into 3 classes were used. Class 1 primers served as an internal control by targeting the cpsA gene. It is a highly conserved gene found in capsular loci characterized to date. The primers of the second class were used to target specific serotypes by specific reactions (out of six possibilities). The group reaction was carried out using the primers of the third class in order to carry out an initial screening of the samples and to classify the pneumococcal isolates. Related serotypes were grouped based on the amplification of common genes. Using the technique of electrophoresis on agarose gel and an ultraviolet radiation device, the migration bands are then visualized and analyzed. The data collected had been entered into Excel 2010 and analyzed with Epi info 7. The exact Fischer chi2 test at the 5% threshold, the relative risk and its 95% confidence interval were used to compare the proportions and determine the associations. Results: 187 antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae were collected. The average frequency of serotypes 1, 9A, 4 and untypeable identified were 43.59%, 18.18%, 18.27% and 39.57% respectively. The frequency of serotype 1 was predominant for the age group over five years old with 56.88%. The male sex was predominant with 55.08% for serotype 1. Resistance to penicillin and gentamicin for serotype 1 during this study, for the age group under 5 years old, was 77%. For serotypes 19A and 4, tetracycline resistance was predominant with 20% for the age group under 5 years. The resistance to penicillin and gentamicin of non-typeable serotypes was 33% for the age group under 5 years old. For the age group over 5 years old, resistance to erythromycin predominated at 37%. The distribution of serotypes by sex depending on antibiotic resistance was variable. There was a statistically significant association between identified serotypes and antibiotic resistance (p Conclusion: The study determined serotypes 1, serotypes 19A, serotypes 4 and non-typeable serotypes. These results would be due to the quality of vaccination or poor protection of vaccines.

Revisiting the standards of cancer detection and therapy alongside their comparison to modern methods

In accordance with the World Health Organization data,cancer remains at the forefront of fatal diseases.An upward trend in cancer incidence and mortality has been observed globally,emphasizing that efforts in developing detection and treatment methods should continue.The diagnostic path typically begins with learning the medical history of a patient;this is followed by basic blood tests and imaging tests to indicate where cancer may be located to schedule a needle biopsy.Prompt initiation of diagnosis is crucial since delayed cancer detection entails higher costs of treatment and hospitalization.Thus,there is a need for novel cancer detection methods such as liquid biopsy,elastography,synthetic biosensors,fluorescence imaging,and reflectance confocal microscopy.Conventional therapeutic methods,although still common in clinical practice,pose many limitations and are unsatisfactory.Nowadays,there is a dynamic advancement of clinical research and the development of more precise and effective methods such as oncolytic virotherapy,exosome-based therapy,nanotechnology,dendritic cells,chimeric antigen receptors,immune checkpoint inhibitors,natural product-based therapy,tumor-treating fields,and photodynamic therapy.The present paper compares available data on conventional and modern methods of cancer detection and therapy to facilitate an understanding of this rapidly advancing field and its future directions.As evidenced,modern methods are not without drawbacks;there is still a need to develop new detection strategies and therapeutic approaches to improve sensitivity,specificity,safety,and efficacy.Nevertheless,an appropriate route has been taken,as confirmed by the approval of some modern methods by the Food and Drug Administration.

Exactly Solvable Two-Parameter Models of Relativistic δ′s -Sphere Interactions in Quantum Mechanics

We make a systematic study of two-parameter models of δ ′ s -sphere interaction and δ ′ s -sphere plus a Coulomb interaction. Where δ ′ s interaction denotes the δ ′ -sphere interaction of the second kind. We provide the mathematical definitions of Hamiltonians and obtain new results for both models, in particular the resolvents equations, spectral properties and some scattering quantities.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-associated fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),particularly in the presence of liver fibrosis,increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality,but the nature of the cardio-hepatic interaction in the context type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is not fully understood.AIM To evaluate the changes in cardiac morphology and function in patients with T2DM and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis.METHODS T2DM patients with MASLD underwent a medical evaluation that included an assessment of lifestyle,anthropometric measurements,vital signs,an extensive laboratory panel,and a standard echocardiography.Liver fibrosis was evaluated using two scores[Fibrosis-4(FIB4)and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-Fibrosis Score(NFS)],and subjects were classified as having advanced fibrosis,no fibrosis,or an indeterminate risk.The correlations between structural and functional cardiac parameters and markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated through bivariate and multiple regression analyses.Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS Data from 267 T2DM-MASLD subjects with complete assessment was analyzed.Patients with scores indicating advanced fibrosis exhibited higher interventricular septum and left ventricular(LV)posterior wall thickness,atrial diameters,LV end-systolic volume,LV mass index(LVMi),and epicardial adipose tissue thickness(EATT).Their mean ejection fraction(EF)was significantly lower(49.19%±5.62%vs 50.87%±5.14%vs 52.00%±3.25%;P=0.003),and a smaller proportion had an EF≥50%(49.40%vs 68.90%vs 84.21%;P=0.0017).Their total and mid LV wall motion score indexes were higher(P<0.05).Additionally,they had markers of diastolic dysfunction,with a higher E/e’ratio[9.64±4.10 vs 8.44(2.43-26.33)vs 7.35±2.62;P=0.026],and over 70%had lateral e’values<10 cm/second,though without significant differences between groups.In multiple regression analyses,FIB4 correlated with left atrium diameter(LAD;β=0.044;P<0.05),and NFS with both LAD(β=0.039;P<0.05)and right atrium diameter(β=0.041;P<0.01),Moreover,LVMi correlated positively with age and EATT(β=1.997;P=0.0008),and negatively with serum sex-hormone binding protein(SHBP)concentrations(β=-0.280;P=0.004).SHBP also correlated negatively with LAD(β=-0.036;P<0.05).CONCLUSION T2DM patients with markers of MASLD-related liver fibrosis exhibit lower EF and present indicators of diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy.Additionally,LVMi and LAD correlated negatively with serum SHBP concentrations.

Analysis of Modeling the Influence of Electromagnetic Fields Radiated by Industrial Static Converters and Impacts on Operators Using Maxwell’s Equations

The study of Electromagnetic Compatibility is essential to ensure the harmonious operation of electronic equipment in a shared environment. The basic principles of Electromagnetic Compatibility focus on the ability of devices to withstand electromagnetic disturbances and not produce disturbances that could affect other systems. Imperceptible in most work situations, electromagnetic fields can, beyond certain thresholds, have effects on human health. The objective of the present article is focused on the modeling analysis of the influence of geometric parameters of industrial static converters radiated electromagnetic fields using Maxwell’s equations. To do this we used the analytical formalism for calculating the electromagnetic field emitted by a filiform conductor, to model the electromagnetic radiation of this device in the spatio-temporal domain. The interactions of electromagnetic waves with human bodies are complex and depend on several factors linked to the characteristics of the incident wave. To model these interactions, we implemented the physical laws of electromagnetic wave propagation based on Maxwell’s and bio-heat equations to obtain consistent results. These obtained models allowed us to evaluate the spatial profile of induced current and temperature of biological tissue during exposure to electromagnetic waves generated by this system. The simulation 2D results obtained from computer tools show that the temperature variation and current induced by the electromagnetic field can have a very significant influence on the life of biological tissue. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis using advanced mathematical models to evaluate the influence of electromagnetic fields. The findings have direct implications for workplace safety, potentially influencing standards and regulations concerning electromagnetic exposure in industrial settings.

Development of a Post Quantum Encryption Key Generation Algorithm Using Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Theory

In today’s rapid widespread of digital technologies into all live aspects to enhance efficiency and productivity on the one hand and on the other hand ensure customer engagement, personal data counterfeiting has become a major concern for businesses and end-users. One solution to ensure data security is encryption, where keys are central. There is therefore a need to find robusts key generation implementation that is effective, inexpensive and non-invasive for protecting and preventing data counterfeiting. In this paper, we use the theory of electromagnetic wave propagation to generate encryption keys.

Management of Severely Malnourished Children Aged 6 - 59 Months Hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of Kayanza Hospital/Burundi

The implementation of WHO guidelines has significantly reduced hospital mortality due to severe malnutrition. Nevertheless, severe acute malnutrition in children under five remains a major public health problem in all low-income countries and is little studied. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status and quality of management of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 06 to 59 months hospitalized in the pediatric ward of Kayanza Hospital. This is a prospective study with descriptive and analytical aims over 6 months from February 10 to July 9, 2023. All children aged 6 to 59 months admitted for severe acute malnutrition are included in this study. The results show that the most affected age group is 12 to 23 months (42.55%). Marasmus is the most common clinical form, at 70.2%. Housewives and mothers from rural areas are the most affected, with rates ranging from 69.14% to 91.49%. The study shows that the reasons for consultation are respectively: edema (29.78%), diarrhea (26.59%), vomiting (19.14%), and fever (14.89%). Dehydration and hypothermia were the main complications observed in 45.74% and 22.34% respectively. Medical treatment was provided by antibiotics (44.68%), artesunate (31.91%), and resomal (21.27%). Nutritional treatment consisted of F75 100% milk and F100 100% milk. Pathologies observed were: anemia 38.29%, malaria 37.23%, urinary tract infection 12.7%, measles 11.7%. The national protocol for integrated management of acute malnutrition (PCIMA) was followed. This study shows that 72.3% of children were successfully treated, with 9.5% dropping out and dying, and 8.5% not responding. We found that malnutrition remains a public health problem, affecting mostly children aged 12 to 24 months. The main complications or pathologies associated with malnutrition are diarrhea, malaria, and fever, and the majority of children suffer from marasmus.

Modeling and Implementation of a Data Security and Protection Medium Using the Generated Key Based on Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Theories

Today, the advent of quantum computers and algorithms is calling into question the semantic security of symmetrical and asymmetrical cryptosystems. The security of objects connected to the network, which must provide a security service and protect the privacy of users by providing protection against attacks such as identity theft, denial of service, eavesdropping and unauthorised access to personal and sensitive data. It is therefore necessary to find a robust method of using the key that is effective in protecting and preventing data tampering. In this paper, we design and implement a security and data protection method using a key generated on the basis of electromagnetic wave propagation theories. Modelling and implementation of a data security and protection method using a key generated on the basis of electromagnetic wave propagation theories.

Sensitive Information Security Based on Elliptic Curves

The elliptic curve cryptography algorithm represents a major advancement in the field of computer security. This innovative algorithm uses elliptic curves to encrypt and secure data, providing an exceptional level of security while optimizing the efficiency of computer resources. This study focuses on how elliptic curves cryptography helps to protect sensitive data. Text is encrypted using the elliptic curve technique because it provides great security with a smaller key on devices with limited resources, such as mobile phones. The elliptic curves cryptography of this study is better than using a 256-bit RSA key. To achieve equivalent protection by using the elliptic curves cryptography, several Python libraries such as cryptography, pycryptodome, pyQt5, secp256k1, etc. were used. These technologies are used to develop a software based on elliptic curves. If built, the software helps to encrypt and decrypt data such as a text messages and it offers the authentication for the communication.

Predicting Malaria Dynamics in Burundi Using Deep Learning Models

Malaria continues to be a major public health problem on the African continent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa despite the ongoing efforts and significant progress that has been made. In the case of Burundi, malaria remains a major public health concern in the general population. In the literature, there are limited malaria prediction models for Burundi knowing that such tools are much needed for intervention design. In this study, deep-learning models are built to estimate malaria cases in Burundi. The forecast of malaria cases was carried out both at the provincial and national levels. Long short term memory (LSTM) model, a type of deep learning model, has been used to achieve best results using climate-change related factors such as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, together with malaria historical data and human population. With this model, the results showed that different parameter tuning can be used to determine the minimum and maximum expected malaria cases. The univariate version of that model (LSTM), which learns from previous dynamics of malaria cases, gives more precise estimates, but both univariate and multivariate models have the same overall trends at the province level and country level.

Artificial Intelligence Adoption for Cybersecurity in Africa

Legacy-based threat detection systems have not been able to keep up with the exponential growth in scope, frequency, and effect of cybersecurity threats. Artificial intelligence is being used as a result to help with the issue. This paper’s primary goal is to examine how African nations are utilizing artificial intelligence to defend their infrastructure against cyberattacks. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems will make decisions that impact Africa’s future. The lack of technical expertise, the labor pool, financial resources, data limitations, uncertainty, lack of structured data, absence of government policies, ethics, user attitudes, insufficient investment in research and development, and the requirement for more adaptable and dynamic regulatory systems all pose obstacles to the adoption of AI technologies in Africa. The paper discusses how African countries are adopting artificial intelligence solutions for cybersecurity. And it shows the impact of AI to identify shadow data, monitor for abnormalities in data access and alert cyber security professionals about potential threats by anyone accessing the data or sensitive information saving valuable time in detecting and remediating issues in real-time. The study finds that 69.16% of African companies are implementing information security strategies and of these, 45% said they use technologies based on AI algorithms. This study finds that a large number of African businesses use tools that can track and analyze user behaviour in designated areas and spot anomalies, such as new users, strange IP addresses and login activity, changes to permissions on files, folders, and other resources, and the copying or erasure of massive amounts of data. Thus, we discover that just 18.18% of the target has no national cybersecurity strategy or policy. The study proposes using big data security analytics to integrate AI. Adopting it would be beneficial for all African nations, as it provides a range of cyberattack defense techniques.