Comparative Study between Dielectric Properties and Compaction Parameters: Case Study on Three Laterite Quarries

This work studies the variability of the relationship between relative permittivity and compaction parameters as a function of certain geotechnical properties for different laterite types. This study allows to purpose the dielectric permittivity as a third compaction parameter allowing to obtain a non destructive control méthod. Preliminary studies on Diack laterite had shown a good correlation. Additional investigations are carried out to verify the possibility of generalizing this correlation to three new laterite careers: Ngoudiane, Yéba and Fandene. To proceed, particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, specific weight tests and compaction according to the modified Proctor test were performed on laterite samples. Using the radar method, experimental permittivities are determined for laterite samples by the point method of propagation times and confirmed by the diffraction hyperbole method. The geotechnical and radar data obtained allowed correlations between permittivity and water content on the one hand and between permittivity and dry density on the other. The results show that the maximum dry density as a function of permittivity corresponds with the optimum Proctor, which confirms the results previously obtained on Diack laterite.

Geochemical Analysis of Albian-Maastrichtian Formations in the Offshore Basin of the Abidjan Margin: Rock-Eval Pyrolysis Study

The Albian-Maastrichtian interval of the Ivorian sedimentary basin has been the subject of numerous sedimentological, biostratigraphic, and geophysical studies. However, its geochemical characteristics remain relatively unexplored. This study aims to determine the oil potential and the nature of the organic matter it contains. It focuses on the geochemical analysis (physicochemical method) of two oil wells located in the offshore sedimentary basin of Côte d’Ivoire, specifically in the Abidjan margin. A total of 154 cuttings samples from wells TMH-1X and TMH-2X were analyzed to determine their oil potential and the nature of the organic matter (OM) they contain. The analyses were performed using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, a method that characterizes the amount of hydrocarbons generated by the organic matter present in the rocks. The key parameters measured include Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Hydrogen Index (HI), oil potential (S2), and maximum pyrolysis temperature (Tmax). These parameters are used to assess the amount of organic matter, its thermal maturity, and its potential to generate hydrocarbons in the studied wells. The results show significant variations between different stratigraphic levels. In well TMH-1X, the Cenomanian and Campanian intervals stand out with very good quantities of organic matter (OM) with good oil potential, although often immature. In contrast, other stages such as the Albian and Turonian contain organic matter in moderate to low quantities, often immature and of continental type, which limits their capacity to generate hydrocarbons. In well TMH-2X, a similar trend is observed. Despite an abundance of organic matter, the oil potential remains low in most of the studied stages. The organic matter is primarily of type III (continental origin) and thermally immature, indicating a low potential for hydrocarbon generation. The study reveals that, although some intervals exhibit high-quality organic matter, the majority of the samples show insufficient maturity for effective hydrocarbon production. Wells TMH-1X and TMH-2X offer limited oil potential, requiring more advanced maturation conditions to fully exploit the hydrocarbon resources.

Impact of Genetic Diversity of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains on the Dissemination of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactam Resistance Genes in Côte d’Ivoire

The increase and spread of bacterial resistance to extended-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics are reported in many infections and are a real public health problem worldwide. Drug pressure is a factor that favors the emergence of a population of better adapted bacteria. However, there is no literature highlighting the genetic diversity and evolutionary structure of E. coli and K. pneumoniae in an environment with high selection pressure in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains circulating at the HKB Hospital in Abobo and at the Daloa Regional Hospital and its impact on the dissemination of extended spectrum beta-lactam resistance genes. A total of 39 strains isolated from the urinary tract of infected patients, including 30 strains of E. coli and 9 strains of K. pneumoniae were studied. A total of 39 strains isolated from the urinary tract of infected patients, including 30 strains of E. coli and 9 strains of K. pneumoniae were studied. From genomic DNA extracts, ESBL resistance genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced, in addition to genetic typing by ERIC-PCR. The data obtained were submitted to genetic and bioinformatics analyses. The results have shown a genetic diversity important in E. coli and K. pneumoniae with diversity indexs (SID) ranging from 0.5 to 0.77. The genetic structure of the bacterial species studied has shown a clonal distribution of strains with clones expressing TEM-9 and CTX-M-15 variants. Also, this clonal structure was correlated with the spread of resistance genes in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The spread of resistant clones is a factor that might limit the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Building the Capacity of Health Professionals in Monitoring and Evaluation in a Public Health Institution: Experience of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In the context of the fight against HIV, a lack of skills in monitoring and evaluating the personnel in charge of activities has been identified at the national level. It was the subject of a priority axis of the national plan for monitoring and evaluating the fight against HIV (2006-2010) that was aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors in this area. To increase the critical mass of competent human resources in the short term, the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire organized monitoring and evaluation training sessions for healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2016. Methods: A single case study with multiple levels of analysis was carried out, combining a qualitative survey and a literature review. An evaluation was carried out six months after each training session. In addition, the results of the pre- and post-tests and of the daily and final evaluations that accompanied the various training sessions were used to provide further information. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using INVIVO 15 software. Results: Some 89 health professionals (69% men and 31% women) working at the national level (51% at the central level, including 58% in health programs) and in development partner agencies (37%) participated in this capacity building program. Most participants were senior health managers (56%), data managers (23%), and statisticians and computer scientists (10%). Almost all the trainings were financed by 16 technical and financial partners (85%), mainly the MEASURE Evaluation project (27%). Conclusion: M&E training, despite all its imperfections, has made it possible to identify M&E training needs at the national level and to increase the critical mass of national skills and to have some culture in M&E.

Contribution of GIS to Soil Landscape Mapping by Multi-Criteria Analysis Using Weighting: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro (Centre) and Daloa (Centre-West) in Ivory Coast

As part of the drive to improve coffee and cocoa production in Ivory Coast, studies are carried out to identify soils that are favourable for these crops. It is therefore necessary to orientate soil investigations based on reliable criteria that best discriminate soil cover. With this in mind, this study is being carried out to help improve survey methods by mapping soil landscapes. It uses GIS and weighted multicriteria analysis. To do this, satellite images were processed and the geological map of the square degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa was reclassified. The results show that relief is the main factor in soil landscape differentiation, with respective weights of 0.58 and 0.67 for the forest and pre-forest zones. In contrast, the weight of geological formation in soil landscape differentiation remains low (0.05 for the forest zone and 0.07 for the pre-forest zone). The criteria used on the base of aggregation sum methods have made it possible to formulate soil landscape mapping prediction functions according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation of soil survey work. Nevertheless, other comparative methods, such as the coding mapping method, could provide elements for discussion to validate the models.

Urban Dynamics and Emergence of New Centers in the Dakar Region (Senegal)

Due to the status of the Dakar region as the former capital of AOF (French West Africa) and current capital of the Republic of Senegal, it is home to a very large part of the population and most of the socio-economic, administrative and cultural activities on a very small area of the country (0.28%). This situation makes it a very attractive region and subject to strong land pressure. The objective of this article is to study past and current urban dynamics as well as changes in natural spaces, in order to identify new urban centers. The methodological approach consists in analyzing satellite images to understand the evolution of different forms of spatial occupation in the Dakar region, and to study population movement flows and urban forms in order to reveal new urban centers. The results of the study show that the Dakar urban space is characterized by diverse forms which express a heterogeneous set of spaces. They also revealed the emergence of new clusters between 1986 and 2016, notably Ngor, Grand Yoff, Parcelles Assainies in the North-West, and Keur Massar and the North of the communes of Rufisque in the eastern part of the Dakar region.

Termite Attack and Damage in Cocoa Plantations in Daloa Department, Central-Western Côte d’Ivoire

Cocoa farming faces numerous constraints that affect production levels. Among these constraints are termites, one of the biggest scourges in tropical agriculture and agroforestry. The aim of this study is to assess the level of damage caused by termites in cocoa plantations. To this end, 3 plantations were selected. In each of the 3 plantations, 18 plots containing an average of 47 ± 6 cocoa plants were delimited. Sampling was based on 25 cocoa plants per plot. The study consisted in sampling the termites observed on the plants and noting the type of damage caused by them, taking into account the density of the harvest veneers and, above all, the termites’ progress through the anatomical structures of the plant, i.e. the bark, sapwood and heartwood. A total of 8 termite species were collected from cocoa plants. These species are responsible for four types of damage (D1, D2, D3 and D4), grouped into minor damage (D1 and D2) and major damage (D3 and D4). D1 damage ranged from 24.67% ± 5.64% to 39.55% ± 7.43%. D2 damage ranged from 6.88% ± 1.31% to 9.33% ± 2.79%. D3 damage ranged from 2.88% ± 1.55% to 6.44% ± 1.55%. D4 damage ranged from 1.11% ± 1% to 3.11% ± 1.37%. Among the termite species collected, Microcerotermes sp, C. sjostedti, A. crucifer and P. militaris were the most formidable on cocoa trees in our study locality. In view of the extensive damage caused by termites, biological control measures should be considered, using insecticidal plants.

Profile of Amoebic vs. Pyogenic Liver Abscess and Comparison of Demographical, Clinical, Radiological, and Laboratory Profiles of These Patients from Three Secondary Care Centers in Senegal

Background: Liver abscess (LA) is a suppurated collection in the hepatic parenchyma. In Africa, liver abscesses are most often of amoebic origin, but more recently, the rate of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) has increased. Objective: to assess the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, biological radiological findings, and outcomes of patients with PLA and with amebic liver abscess (ALA) in order to determine the potential factors that may help improve diagnosis and treatment for LA in the context of secondary care centers with limited medical supports. Methods: Retrospective review of LA diagnosed and treated at three secondary care centers in Thiès over 11 years. Results: 61 patients, were included, 52.45% had ALA and 47.54% had PLA. Males were predominant (79.31% in PLA vs 65.63% in ALA, p = 0.2). The median age was 38 years for the PLA group vs 39 years for the ALA group (p = 0.4). In both groups, the most common symptom was right upper abdominal pain (81.97%), hepatomegaly (81.97%). The PLA group had a higher prevalence of fever (79.31% vs 46.88%, p = 0,009), chills (51.72% vs 18.75%, p = 0.007), right basi-thoracic pain (55.17% vs 28.13%, p = 0.032), and jaundice (55.17% vs 28%, p = 0.032). There was no difference in radiological features between PLA and ALA. Patients with PLA had a higher level of White blood cell (20.600 vs 15.400, p = 0.014). The most common bacteria identified in PLA were Escherichia coli (58.8%). All patients had received antibiotic therapy, which was combined with aspiration puncture (37.3%), transcutaneous drainage (43.3%), and surgery (9.0%). Seven patients had received antibiotic therapy alone and all had amoebic abscesses. Elsewhere, the occurrence of complications was higher in PLA cases (75.86% vs 37.5%, p = 0.003). The overall hospital mortality rate was 13.11%, higher in cases of PLA (24.14% vs 3.13%, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Clinical and biological features were more severe in PLA. But radiological features cannot be used to distinguish between PLA and ALA.

Hydrological Modelling of the Casamance River in Its Upstream Section (Basin at Kolda Level) to Predict Its Future States as a Function of Different Stresses

Flow records for stations in the Casamance basin are incomplete. Several gaps were noted over the 1980-2021 study period, making this study tedious. The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of climate change on the flow of the Casamance watershed at Kolda. To this end, hydrological series are simulated and then extended using the GR2M rainfall-runoff model, with a monthly time step. Projected climate data are derived from a multi-model ensemble under scenarios SSP2-4.5 (scenario with additional radiative forcing of 4.5 W/m2 by 2099) and SSP5-8.5 (scenario with additional radiative forcing of 8.5 W/m2 by 2099). An analysis of the homogeneity of the rainfall data series from the Kolda station was carried out using KhronoStat software. The Casamance watershed was then delimited using ArcGIS to determine the morphometric parameters of the basin, which will be decisive for the rest of the work. Next, monthly evapotranspiration was calculated using the formula proposed by Oudin et al. This, together with rainfall and runoff, forms the input data for the model. The GR2M model was then calibrated and cross-validated using various simulations to assess its performance and robustness in the Casamance watershed. The version of the model with the calibrated parameters will make it possible to extend Casamance river flows to 2099. This simulation of future flows with GR2M shows a decrease in the flow of the Casamance at Kolda with the two scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 during the rainy period, and almost zero flows during the dry season from the period 2040-2059.

A New Proof for Congruent Number’s Problem via Pythagorician Divisors

Considering Pythagorician divisors theory which leads to a new parameterization, for Pythagorician triplets ( a,b,c )∈ ℕ 3∗ , we give a new proof of the well-known problem of these particular squareless numbers n∈ ℕ ∗ , called congruent numbers, characterized by the fact that there exists a right-angled triangle with rational sides: ( A α ) 2 + ( B β ) 2 = ( C γ ) 2 , such that its area Δ= 1 2 A α B β =n;or in an equivalent way, to that of the existence of numbers U 2 , V 2 , W 2 ∈ ℚ 2∗ that are in an arithmetic progression of reason n;Problem equivalent to the existence of: ( a,b,c )∈ ℕ 3∗ prime in pairs, and f∈ ℕ ∗ , such that: ( a−b 2f ) 2 , ( c 2f ) 2 , ( a+b 2f ) 2 are in an arithmetic progression of reason n;And this problem is also equivalent to that of the existence of a non-trivial primitive integer right-angled triangle: a 2 + b 2 = c 2 , such that its area Δ= 1 2 ab=n f 2 , where f∈ ℕ ∗ , and this last equation can be written as follows, when using Pythagorician divisors: (1) Δ= 1 2 ab= 2 S−1 d e ¯ ( d+ 2 S−1 e ¯ )( d+ 2 S e ¯ )=n f 2;Where ( d, e ¯ )∈ ( 2ℕ+1 ) 2 such that gcd( d, e ¯ )=1 and S∈ ℕ ∗ , where 2 S−1 , d, e ¯ , d+ 2 S−1 e ¯ , d+ 2 S e ¯ , are pairwise prime quantities (these parameters are coming from Pythagorician divisors). When n=1 , it is the case of the famous impossible problem of the integer right-angled triangle area to be a square, solved by Fermat at his time, by his famous method of infinite descent. We propose in this article a new direct proof for the numbers n=1 (resp. n=2 ) to be non-congruent numbers, based on an particular induction method of resolution of Equation (1) (note that this method is efficient too for general case of prime numbers n=p≡a ( ( mod8 ) , gcd( a,8 )=1 ). To prove it, we use a classical proof by induction on k , that shows the non-solvability property of any of the following systems ( t=0 , corresponding to case n=1 (resp. t=1 , corresponding to case n=2 )): ( Ξ t,k ){ X 2 + 2 t ( 2 k Y ) 2 = Z 2 X 2 + 2 t+1 ( 2 k Y ) 2 = T 2 , where k∈ℕ;and solutions ( X,Y,Z,T )=( D k , E k , f k , f ′ k )∈ ( 2ℕ+1 ) 4 , are given in pairwise prime numbers.2020-Mathematics Subject Classification 11A05-11A07-11A41-11A51-11D09-11D25-11D41-11D72-11D79-11E25 .

Screening of Myocardial Cardiotoxicity Induced by Anticancer Chemotherapy and the Importance of Global Longitudinal Strain

Introduction: The improvement of survival in patients with cancer and the expansion of therapeutic options have led to the emergence of a new profile of cardiotoxicity, specifically associated with antimitotic agents. Our study aimed to assess the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myocardial toxicity in patients with cancer. Patients and Methods: We conducted a looking-forward longitudinal cohort study including all patients admitted to the Cardiology departments of Aristide le Dantec Hospital and Dalal Jamm National Hospital Centre for apre-chemotherapy check-up. The included patients did not undergo any pre-existing cardiopathy. Results: Over a period of two years ranging from January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 37 patients were included in the study. Notably, there was a female predominance (92%) with an average age of 49.7 years ± 13.69. Breast cancer accounted for 70% of the neoplasms. Laboratory findings revealed moderate anemia in 19 patients (51%). At inclusion, the left ventricle (LV) was of normal size (LV diastole at 44.46 ± 4.97 mm). The systolic function of the left ventricle was normal in all patients, with an average ejection fraction (EF) of 63.1% ± 5.80 and a mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) of −20.4% ± 2.58. The most commonly used agents were anthracyclines. During follow-up, 3 patients (8.1%) developed clinical symptoms of left heart failure, and LV dysfunction on echocardiography was observed in 5 (13.5%) patients, with a significant decrease in EF Conclusion: The incidence of cardiac toxicity is not negligible, hence the importance of early screening. Strain imaging is an essential tool that should be performed as part of the assessment before chemotherapy and re-evaluated during treatment.

Detection of Oxidants Such as Hydroxyl Radicals and Chlorine Electrogenerated on a BDD Electrode by Simple Methods

The aim of this work is to detect electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals and chlorine by simple and less expensive methods. Preparative electrolyses of perchloric acid (HClO4) and sodium chloride (NaCl) were performed on a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. The hydroxyl radicals were quantified indirectly by assaying the samples from the HClO4 (0.1 M) electrolysis with a 10−4 M potassium permanganate solution. The investigations showed that the amount of hydroxyl radicals depends on the concentration of HClO4 and the current density. As for chlorine, a qualitative determination was carried out. A mixture of the electrolyte solution of HClO4 (0.1 M) + NaI (0.2 M) + 2 mL of hexane, taken in this order, leads to a purplish-pink coloration attesting to the presence of Cl2. The same test was carried out with NaBr and NaI giving pale and very pale pink colourations, respectively, showing that the intensity of the colouration depends on the strength of the oxidant present. In addition, oxidants were detected during the electrooxidation of metronidazole (MNZ). The results showed the participation of electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals. The generation of chlorine has also been proven. Furthermore, the degradation leads to a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate of 83.48% and the process is diffusion-controlled.

Performance Evaluation of Two Series Vertical Flow Filters for Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

This paper evaluates the efficacy of two sequential vertical flow filters (VFF), FV1 and FV2, implanted with Typha, in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment system. FV1 comprises three cells (FV1a, FV1b, and FV1c), while FV2 consists of two cells (FV2a and FV2b), each designed to reduce various physicochemical and microbiological pollutants from wastewater. Quantitative analyses show significant reductions in electrical conductivity (from 1331 to 1061 μS/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 from 655.6 to 2.3 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD from 1240 to 82.2 mg/L), total nitrogen (from 188 to 37.3 mg/L), and phosphates (from 70.9 to 14.6 mg/L). Notably, FV2 outperforms FV1, particularly in decreasing dissolved salts and BOD5 to remarkably low levels. Microbiological assessments reveal a substantial reduction in fecal coliforms, from an initial concentration of 7.5 log CFU/100mL to 3.7 log CFU/100mL, and a complete elimination of helminth eggs, achieving a 100% reduction rate in FV2. The study highlights the impact of design parameters, such as filter material, media depth, and plant species selection, on treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that the judicious choice of these components is critical for optimizing pollutant removal. For instance, different filtration materials show varying efficacies, with silex plus river gravel in FV1c achieving superior pollutant reduction rates. In conclusion, VFFs emerge as a promising solution for wastewater treatment, underscoring the importance of design optimization to enhance system efficiency. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of treatment practices are imperative to ensure water quality, allowing for safe environmental discharge or water reuse. The research advocates for ongoing improvements in wastewater treatment technologies, considering the environmental challenges of the current era. The study concludes with a call for further research to maximize the effectiveness of VFFs in water management.

Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium Strains Responsible of Bovine Tuberculosis Cases in Bobo-Dioulasso Slaughterhouse, Burkina Faso

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an endemic zoonosis significantly affects animal health in Burkina Faso. The primary causative agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) complex, mainly M. bovis. Cattle are considered as natural reservoir of M. bovis. However, in Burkina Faso, the circulation of these strains remains poorly understood and documented. This study aimed to identify and characterize Mycobacterium strains from suspected carcasses during routine meat inspection at Bobo-Dioulasso refrigerated slaughterhouse. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 on cases of seizures linked to suspected bovine tuberculosis. Microbiological and molecular analyzes were used for mycobacterial strain isolation and characterization. Out of 50 samples, 24% tested positive by microscopy and 12% by culture. Molecular analysis identified 6 strains of Mycobacteria, exclusively Mycobacterium bovis specifically the subspecies bovis (Mycobacterium bovis subsp bovis). In conclusion, M. bovis subsp bovis is the primary agent responsible for bovine tuberculosis in Bobo-Dioulasso. Continuous monitoring of mycobacterial strains is therefore necessary for the effective control of this pathology in the local cattle population.

Fermat and Pythagoras Divisors for a New Explicit Proof of Fermat’s Theorem:a4 + b4 = c4. Part I

In this paper we prove in a new way, the well known result, that Fermat’s equation a4 + b4 = c4, is not solvable in ℕ , when abc≠0 . To show this result, it suffices to prove that: ( F 0 ): a 1 4 + ( 2 s b 1 ) 4 = c 1 4 , is not solvable in ℕ , (where a 1 , b 1 , c 1 ∈2ℕ+1 , pairwise primes, with necessarly 2≤s∈ℕ ). The key idea of our proof is to show that if (F0) holds, then there exist α 2 , β 2 , γ 2 ∈2ℕ+1 , such that ( F 1 ): α 2 4 + ( 2 s−1 β 2 ) 4 = γ 2 4 , holds too. From where, one conclude that it is not possible, because if we choose the quantity 2 ≤ s, as minimal in value among all the solutions of ( F 0 ) , then ( α 2 ,2 s−1 β 2 , γ 2 ) is also a solution of Fermat’s type, but with 2≤s−10) is solvable in ( a 1 ,2 s b 1 , c 1 ) , s ≥ 2 like above;afterwards, proceeding with “Pythagorician divisors”, we creat the notions of “Fermat’s b-absolute divisors”: ( d b , d ′ b ) which it uses hereafter. Then to conclude our proof, we establish the following main theorem: there is an equivalence between (i) and (ii): (i) (F0): a 1 4 + ( 2 s b 1 ) 4 = c 1 4 , is solvable in ℕ , with 2≤s∈ℕ , ( a 1 , b 1 , c 1 )∈ ( 2ℕ+1 ) 3 , coprime in pairs. (ii) ∃( a 1 , b 1 , c 1 )∈ ( 2ℕ+1 ) 3 , coprime in pairs, for wich: ∃( b ′ 2 , b 2 , b ″ 2 )∈ ( 2ℕ+1 ) 3 coprime in pairs, and 2≤s∈ℕ , checking b 1 = b ′ 2 b 2 b ″ 2 , and such that for notations: S=s−λ( s−1 ) , with λ∈{ 0,1 } defined by c 1 − a 1 2 ≡λ( mod2 ) , d b =gcd( 2 s b 1 , c 1 − a 1 )= 2 S b 2 and d ′ b = 2 s−S b ′ 2 = 2 s B 2 d b , where ( 2 s B 2 ) 2 =gcd( b 1 2 , c 1 2 − a 1 2 ) , the following system is checked: { c 1 − a 1 = d b 4 2 2+λ = 2 2−λ ( 2 S−1 b 2 ) 4 c 1 + a 1 = 2 1+λ d ′ b 4 = 2 1+λ ( 2 s−S b ′ 2 ) 4 c 1 2 + a 1 2 =2 b ″ 2 4;and this system implies: ( b 1−λ,2 4 ) 2 + ( 2 4s−3 b λ,2 4 ) 2 = ( b ″ 2 2 ) 2;where: ( b 1−λ,2 , b λ,2 , b ″ 2 )={ ( b ′ 2 , b 2 , b ″ 2 ) if λ=0 ( b 2 , b ′ 2 , b ″ 2 ) if λ=1;From where, it is quite easy to conclude, following the method explained above, and which thus closes, part I, of this article. .

PCR-HRM for Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2: A Variant Detection Tool in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

The rise of new viruses, like SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 outbreak, along with the return of antibiotic resistance in harmful bacteria, demands a swift and efficient reaction to safeguard the health and welfare of the global population. It is crucial to have effective measures for prevention, intervention, and monitoring in place to address these evolving and recurring risks, ensuring public health and international security. In countries with limited resources, utilizing recombinant mutation plasmid technology in conjunction with PCR-HRM could help differentiate the existence of novel variants. cDNA synthesis was carried out on 8 nasopharyngeal samples following viral RNA extraction. The P1 segment of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S protein was amplified via conventional PCR. Subsequently, PCR products were ligated with the pGEM-T Easy vector to generate eight recombinant SARS-CoV-2 plasmids. Clones containing mutations were sequenced using Sanger sequencing and analyzed through PCR-HRM. The P1 segment of the S gene from SARS-CoV-2 was successfully amplified, resulting in 8 recombinant plasmids generated from the 231 bp fragment. PCR-HRM analysis of these recombinant plasmids differentiated three variations within the SARS-CoV-2 plasmid population, each displaying distinct melting temperatures. Sanger sequencing identified mutations A112C, G113T, A114G, G214T, and G216C on the P1 segment, validating the PCR-HRM findings of the variations. These mutations led to the detection of L452R or L452M and F486V protein mutations within the protein sequence of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. In summary, PCR-HRM is a vital and affordable tool for distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 variants utilizing recombinant plasmids as controls.

Influence of Production Factors on the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Fermented Cassava Dough and Sensory Evaluation of Attieke

Attieke is an Ivorian semolina which obtained by fermenting, pressing and steaming cassava dough. Attieke production remains a traditional activity carried out by less literate women. However, perceived differences in measurable factors and attieke qualities require an investigation of their influence on the characteristics of the pressed dough and attieke. The aim of this study is to improve the quality of the dough in relation to that of the attieke produced. The experiment was carried out on 4 production factors, namely the type of boiled or braised ferment, the incorporation rate of the ferment between 8 and 10%, the addition of oil from 0.1 to 1% and the fermentation time from 12 to 15 hours applied to the Improved African Cassava (IAC) variety. A complete experiment design of 16 samples of fermented dough and attieke was employed. These samples underwent physic-chemical analyses for the fermented dough and sensory evaluation for the attieke. It was found that, except for titratable acidity, reducing sugar content and ash content, the physico-chemical characteristics of the dough of IAC variety were significantly influenced by all production factors and their interaction. Fermentation time significantly influences 60% of the physico-chemical characteristics of the fermented dough. The type of ferment, the oil addition and the ferment rate have a significant influence at 40% of these characteristics. At the sensory level, color, acidity and grain binding with an explained variance of 34.60% were essential for the appreciation of the attieke samples. Thus, these production factors could be considered for the improvement of the fermented dough and attieke production process.

Properties and Characterization of Two Clays Raw Material from Mountain District (West of Côte d’Ivoire) for Use in Low-Carbon Cements

This work was devoted to the study of the physico-chemical properties of two clay minerals from the Mountain District (West Côte d'Ivoire) referenced ME1 and ME2. These samples were characterized by the experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Brunauer, Emett and Teller method (BET), laser particle size analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The main results of these analyses reveal that the two clay samples mainly contain quartz (52.91% for ME1 and 51.72% for ME2), kaolinite (36.60% for ME1 and 41.6% for ME2) and associated phases, namely goethite and hematite (13.47% for ME1 and 11.00% for ME2). The specific surface values obtained for samples ME1 and ME2 are 34.78 m2/g and 29.18 m2/g respectively. The results obtained show that the samples studied belong to the kaolinite family. After calcination, they could have good pozzolanic activity and therefore be used in the manufacture of low-carbon cements.

Multicriteria Analysis by Codification for the Determination of Soil Landscape Units in Forest and Pre-Forest Zones of Cote D’Ivoire: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa

The present study, carried out in the forest (Daloa) and pre-forest (M’Bahiakro) zones of Cote d’Ivoire, aims to determine soil landscape units using the coding method. Geological maps and satellite images (SRTM and Landsat) were used for this purpose. The methodological approach adopted consisted in producing maps of slope, geology, land use and topography using the codification method. These various maps, integrated into a GIS using the coding aggregation method, were used to generate soil landscape maps. Twenty-seven (27) soil landscapes have been identified for the pre-forest zone (M’Bahiakro), with a strong dominance of acid rock over a moderate relief under savannah, forest/degraded forest and crops/fallow. However, the forest zone (Daloa), with forty-one (41) soil landscapes identified over the entire zone, is characterized by a majority of mafic rocks on a medium altitude under forest/degraded forest, water and crops/fallow. The criteria used from the codification method (sum of aggregations) made it possible to predict the spatial distribution of soil map units according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation and reinforcement of soil survey tools. However, a comparative evaluation of the different multicriteria analysis methods for coding and weighting soil landscape unit mapping would enable us to identify the most suitable and efficient method for drawing up base maps for soil surveys.

Eco-Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Rabies in Côte d’Ivoire, 2012-2017

Introduction: Human rabies is a major public health problem in many African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire. The present work aims at describing the eco-epidemiological characteristics of human rabies cases recorded in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective cross-sectional descriptive study based on epidemiological surveillance data that ran from september 2014 to december 2017. The clinical data were extracted from the database of the human rabies epidemiological surveillance management service of the National Institute of Public Hygiene’s rabies centre. These data cover the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017. Results: Human rabies is endemic in Côte d’Ivoire, with most people exposed in the south and especially in the west of the country. There was no association between any of the climatological parameters (temperature, humidity, rainfall) and the occurrence of human rabies during the months of exposure to rabies infection. Conclusion: Ultimately, effective prevention and control of human rabies requires a thorough understanding of the links between climatological parameters and rabies. Health authorities must take ownership of these results if we are to achieve our goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.