Adoption of Solar Pumping Systems by Vegetable Farmers in Niayes Agro-Ecological Zone of Senegal: Adoption as a Sequential Process

This article examines the determinants of the adoption of solar pumping systems (PV) by vegetable farmers in the Niayes area of Senegal. To measure the determinants, we used a sequential logit model to translate the adoption process from becoming aware of solar pumping systems to testing them, i.e. using them at least once, and then continuing to use them over time. The results show that the main variables affecting awareness of the use of solar pumping systems (PV) are age, marital status, experience, access to credit, the farmer’s knowledge of climate change, the farmer’s origin in the Thiès region and length of time in the Niayes area. The first use of PVs is influenced by factors such as the size of the plot, the distance of the plot from the main road or from the market. Finally, the decision to adopt or continue use is influenced by gender, experience, household size and access to credit. Surprisingly, access to credit does not affect the first use of solar pumping systems, but plays a key role in their continued use.

Pulmonary Embolism in Young Patients: About 24 Cases at the Cardiology Department of Dakar Principal Hospital in Senegal

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism is a relatively common life-threatening cardiovascular emergency. It remains a diagnostic problem because of its nonspecific clinical signs. Objective: The general objective was to study pulmonary embolism in young patients admitted to the cardiology department of Dakar Principal Hospital in Senegal. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study in the cardiology department of the Dakar Principal Hospital over a period of two (02) years from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 in young patients admitted for pulmonary embolism. Results: We collected 24 patients with a hospital prevalence of 2.18%. The average age was 42.29 years ± 8.41 years with a male predominance (sex ratio of 1.6). The Wells probability score was low in 54.16% of patients and medium in 45.83%. Functional signs were dominated by chest pain (83.33% of cases) followed by dyspnea (79.16% of cases). The thromboembolic risk factors found were gynecological-obstetrical in 16.6% of cases followed by prolonged bed rest. One case of thrombophilia was present with a deficiency of protein C and antithrombin III. The electrocardiogram recorded sinus tachycardia in 29.16% of patients;the Mac Ginn White sign (S1Q3T3) was found in 25% of cases. Echocardiography showed pulmonary arterial hypertension in 12.48% of cases, dilation of the right ventricle and a paradoxical septal motion in 14.28% of cases. CT pulmonary angiography showed 63.63% of cases with bilateral pulmonary embolism;it was unilateral in 22.72% of cases. Long-term anticoagulation was based on acenocoumarol 4 mg (66.7%) and Rivaroxaban (33.3%). 62.5% of the patients were seen at the 3rd month, when a checking was made to evaluate the tolerance of the treatment, and the evolution of the patient. Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism is not a rare condition in young subjects but is often underdiagnosed. Gyneco-obstetrical factors are predominant in this age group. Direct oral anticoagulants are more and more prescribed in our countries.

Change in Climate Indices Using Bias-Adjusted CMIP5 Models: The Case Study of the Fatick Region, Senegal

This study analyses change in rainfall and temperature indices by 2035 and 2050 in Senegal, with a focus on the Fatick region. These parameters are crucial for understanding the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on some vital socio-economic sectors such as agriculture and water resources in this region. To this end, a multi model ensemble mean of 21 bias-adjusted global climate models participating in CMIP5 has been used. We considered two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The results indicate an increase of 0.7˚C for maximum and minimum temperature by 2035 compared to the reference period (1976 - 2005). By 2050, an increase of 1.4˚C (2˚C) is projected for RCP4.5 (RCP8.5). These increases in temperature are statistically significant at the 90% confidence level. Conversely, the mean rainy season length decreases from 95 to 85 days by 2035 and less than 80 days by 2050. These decreases in rainy season length are mainly due to a delayed rainy season onset by 2035 and 2050, with the ensemble mean projecting an onset in the second half of July by 2050 instead of around the middle of June. The changes in both the onset and the length of the rainy season are significant at the 90% confidence level. Our results show a slight decrease in seasonal cumulated total rainfall by 2035 and 2050. However, we note a slight increase in seasonal cumulated extreme rainfall. These future changes in climate indices could induce yield reduction and water resources availability. To reduce yield losses, it would be interesting to adopt longer season varieties and also diversify income-generating activities. Concerning water resources, many actions could be done such as carrying out water retention works, treatment and reuse of non-conforming water for agriculture and livestock to reduce pressure on the resource.

Prevalence and Association of Criteria of Metabolic Syndrome in a Cohort of Diabetes Type 2 in Saint-Louis

Introduction: The metabolic syndrome is characterized by an aggregate of metabolic disorders whose coexistence in the same individual can correspond on the one hand to a common pathophysiological mechanism and on the other hand to expose the subject to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is increasing rapidly in both developed and developing countries, but has been poorly described in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of them reported the components of the metabolic syndrome only in isolation. Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out on a cohort of 76 patients followed at the Sait-louis regional hospital used the definition criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Results: The average age of our patients is 56.92 with extremes ranging from 32 to 80 years old. The sex ratio is 0.49. The average duration of diabetes progression is 68 months. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in this population is 67.1%. Abdominal obesity and high blood pressure are the most commonly found criteria. Abdominal obesity was the most associated component of MS in both sexes followed by high blood pressure. We found relatively weak data for dyslipidemia, especially hypertriglyceridemia. HypoHD is dyslipidemia more found in our cohort: in 45% of women and 21% of men. Conclusion: The management of the metabolic syndrome therefore requires fighting against all the factors that compose it, the first of which is the accumulation of visceral fat. Lifestyle modification is the first priority for these patients facing a society where the reduction of physical activity and the enrichment of the fat diet are becoming more and more important.