基于Plant Simulation的化纤自动落丝系统仿真实验分析

基于Plant Simulation软件,构建一种化纤自动落丝系统的3D数字化模型,对系统效率关键输入因子进行参数化设置,将系统各工位三维数字模型导入软件中建立层次化运动机构图形结构,并运用Simltalk语言实现三维动作仿真,通过基础物理参数设置,保证了仿真数字化模型与现实系统更具一致性。通过多级实验设计分析了系统影响因子对于系统效率的影响特性曲线,并进一步通过动态参数化实验方法,计算出双输入因子对系统效能影响的敏感度。该实验结果可为化纤自动落丝系统的建设成本控制与可行性分析提供指导,具有较好的工程应用价值。

基于Plant Simulation的压气机叶片型线加工产线分析与优化

运用专业仿真软件Plant Simulation,根据压气机叶片型线机械加工工艺特点和物料运行流程建立生产线仿真模型,从产能、设备利用率及产线瓶颈等多方面进行仿真分析与优化。结果表明:Plant Simulation仿真平台的仿真可以找出规划设计方案中存在的问题并验证方案的合理性。该仿真结果为型线机械加工产线的优化设计提供了可靠依据,达到了节约投资成本和缩短设计周期的目的。

基于Plant Simulation的生产车间仿真优化研究与应用

针对生产车间焊接阶段物料难以齐套引发的工序等待问题,通过使用Plant Simulation仿真软件构建模型,以车间实际生产数据为输入验证仿真模型的可信性,建立方便交互的可视化交互界面,方便模型复用和生产参数的调整.通过仿真模型结合启发式算法优化生产线,保证了生产车间的物料齐套性,缩短了焊接等待时间,提供了一种使用仿真软件进行生产线优化的可行方案.结果表明,所建立的仿真优化模型能够提供高效的排程方案,有效提高了企业生产效率.

Influence of Topography on the Distribution and Structure of Woody Plants in the Senegalese Sahel (Sandy Ferlo)

This study describes the floristic composition and structure of a woody stand in the Senegalese Sahel, paying particular attention to the edaphic factors of its floristic composition. A stratified inventory considering the different relief units was adopted. Woody vegetation was surveyed using a dendrometric approach. The results obtained show that the flora is dominated by a few species adapted to drought, such as Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Calotropis procera Ait. and Boscia senegalensis (Pers.). The distribution of this flora and the structure of the ligneous plants are linked to the topography. In the lowlands, the flora is more diversified and the ligneous plants reach their optimum level of development compared with the higher relief areas. In the lowlands, there are a few woody species which, in the past, were indicative of better climatic conditions. These are Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.), Commiphora africana (A. Rich.), Feretia apodanthera Del., Loeseneriella africana (A. Smith), Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich). It is important that their reintroduction into reforestation projects takes account of their edaphic preference.

Gastrointestinal Ulcers Treatment: Plants and Recipes Used by Herbalists of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou Districts, Southern Benin

This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in which informants who agreed freely were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 85 herbalists were surveyed. The data were processed with Microsoft Excel to calculate the relative frequencies of citation of the various species mentioned by the herbalists and various indices including Simpson’s Index were adapted to test the distribution of their knowledge. Multiple regression and correspondence analysis were performed using R studio. Our results revealed that the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, all equitable in their knowledge of anti-ulcer plants, are likely to know more than the other ethnic groups. On the other hand, respondents practicing Islam are more likely to know many antiulcer plants than those practicing Vodoun and Christianity. This constant distribution of knowledge of anti-ulcer plants among the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, three different ethnic groups seems normal and attests to the fusion between these different ethnic groups in view of this knowledge. A total of 70 anti-ulcer recipes, made from 71 species of medicinal plants or non-floristic resources were recorded. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Ocimum gratissimum were the top 03 most frequently cited in descending order of frequency. All the species cited are grouped into 44 botanical families among which the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae were strongly represented. Benin’s flora abounds in a diversity of medicinal plant species known to herbalists in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers. The results of this study constitute a good archive for the selection of plant species for in-depth studies with a view to formulating improved traditional medicines for gastrointestinal ulcers.

Management of Strawberry Grey Mold Disease Using Biocontrol Agents and Plant Extracts

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a significant global soft fruit crop, prized for its nutrient content and pleasant flavor. However, diseases, particularly grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. poses major constraints to strawberry production and productivity. Grey mold severely impacts fruit quality and quantity, diminishing market value. This study evaluated five B. cinerea isolates from various locations in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. All isolates were pathogenic, with isolate SGM 2 identified as highly virulent. Host range studies showed the pathogen-producing symptoms in the fava bean pods, marigold, gerbera, and chrysanthemum flowers and in the fava bean, gerbera, and lettuce leaves. In vitro tests revealed that neem extract (15% w/v) achieved the highest mycelial growth inhibition at 76.66%, while black turmeric extract (5% w/v) had the lowest inhibition at 9.62%. Dual culture methods with bio-control agents indicated that Bacillus subtilis recorded the highest mean inhibition at 77.03%, while Pseudomonas fluorescens had the lowest at 20.36% against the two virulent isolates. Pot evaluations demonstrated that B. subtilis resulted in the lowest percent disease index at 20.59%, followed by neem extract at 23.31%, with the highest disease index in the control group at 42.51%. Additionally, B. subtilis significantly improved plant growth, yielding an average of 0.32 kg compared to 0.14 kg in the control. The promising results of B. subtilis and neem leaf extract from this study suggest their potential for eco-friendly managing grey mold in strawberries under field conditions.

Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Study of Medicinal Plants Sold in the Markets of the City of N’Djamena

The use of medicinal plants occupies an important place in traditional Chadian medicine, this study was carried out with the aim of listing the medicinal plants sold in the markets of the city of N’Djamena, and knowledge of the medicinal flora Chad, such as the leaves of Guiera senegalensis in Arabic called Khibeche, the roots of Cassia occidentalis called Am kwala-Kinkéliba in Arabic;the bark of Khaya senegalensis (Desv) A. Juss called Muraї in Arabic and the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum called Helbé in Arabic in order to treat the most frequently cited diseases such as malaria, the common cold, mother and newborn care, and typhoid. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted from September to December 2022, in three markets in the city of N’Djamena, based on individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, with 30 herbalists and traditional practitioners. Phytochemical screening analyses of the organs of four plants were carried out in the chemistry and biology laboratory of the Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences (FSEA) following a standard protocol established by [1] and slightly modified by [2] [3]. The results of the surveys identified 68 species divided into fifty-five (55) genera and twenty-seven (27) families, the most represented of which were Caesalpiniaceae (10 species), Mimosaceae (5 species) and Combretaceae (4 species). The leaves were the most commonly used parts (43%), with decoction (70%) the most frequently used method of preparation. The oral route was the most popular with 73% of recipes. The phytochemical study revealed a wealth of secondary metabolites such as Trapezoidal Sterols, Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavonoids, Free Quinones, Anthocyane, Anthraquinones, Saponosides and Heterosides. These results can be considered as a source of information for scientific research in the field of phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Urinary Tract Infections in N’Djamena (Chad)

Introduction: Infection disease is a real publique health problem. The rise of resistance for modern antibiotic in infections treatment imposed us order alternatives. The study objective was to contribute in the knowledge of medicinal plants uses in urinary infections treatment in N’Djamena (Chad) in view for amelioration the traditional medicine in future. Methodology: The study was conducted in the city of N’Djamena in the Republic of Chad that interviewed 60 traditherapists on using 11 plants for urinary tract infections treatment. The methodology of this study consisted of the knowledge of medicinal plants that used by traditherapists, and the plants identification was done in the laboratory of IRED at Farcha. Results: A total of 60 traditherapists was interrogated on the plants used in the treatment of urinary tract infections among the population of N’Djamena. The majority of traditherapists interrogated in this study were male with the rate of 61.67% against female with the rate of 38.33%. The age range of traditherapists was between 20 to 80 years, 25 (41.67%) from the age range between 30 - 50 years and 35 (58.33%) in age range from 50 to 70 years. For the origin of their knowledge, the study showed that 72% of traditherapists inherited the knowledge from their family, while 15% inherited from the family and from training. The ethnic groups of the traditherapists were Sara (16%), Maraba (12%) and Massa (11%). According to the results, 18.33% were illiterates, 49% attended primary school and 33.34% the secondary school. Our study found that 11 species of plants belonging to 11 families were used in the treatment of urinary tract infection and the Ziziphus spina-christi was the most represented. According to traditherapists the Ziziphus spina-christi, Cassia obovata and Euphorbia hirta were the most frequent plants used in the urinary tract infections treatment. The parts of plants used in the treatment were leaves and bark, grained leaves and entire plants with the proportion of 50%, 16.67 and 15% respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the medicinal plants are variously used in the treatment of infection urinary tract in the city of N’Djamena.

Evaluation of Biochemical and Molecular Parameters of Patients Suffering from Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Treated by a Medicinal Plant Recipe of a Health Care Practitioner in Burkina Faso

Chronic viral hepatitis B (HBV) remains a major public health problem in Burkina Faso. Since access to diagnostic tests and treatments is limited because of their high cost, the majority of the population turn to traditional herbal treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a plant recipe called Hepatib tiben. It consisted of comparing certain biochemical and molecular parameters of patients infected with HBV that were supported by the recipe. The patients were recruited in Ouagadougou by the traditional health practitioner according to the requirements of the study. Thus 44 patients aged 20 to 61 years and carrier of HBsAg for at least 06 months were treated with Hepatib tiben. The tests were performed in the laboratory before and three months after the treatment. ELISA tests were used to confirm the presence of HBsAg and search for anti-HCV antibodies;transaminases, creatinine were quantified by the “Chem 400” automaton and the viral load of HBV by Real-time PCR. The analysis of the results reveals an improvement of the biochemical and molecular parameters of the patients with the following means (ASAT: 21.02 ± 9.97;ALAT: 21.11 ± 13.27;DNA: 1571.82 ± 3990.97 with p = 0.01 for each). As for HBsAg, its disappearance was observed in 4.55% of patients after treatment. The evaluation of the creatinine parameter explained that the recipe of plants has a tolerated effect on the kidneys of treated patients. These results, while encouraging, need to be complemented by further research for the development of effective phytomedicine to treat and eliminate this viral hepatitis B virus.

Assessing the Efficacy of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) Extracts in Combating Black Pod Disease: Sustainable Solutions for Controlling Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon’s Cocoa Plantations

The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Blumea balsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthora megakarya. We assessed the efficacy of the most promising combination (75% B. balsamifera, 25% C. citratus) after storage at room temperature for up to 9 days. Agar microdilution and in vivo bioassays were conducted to determine antifungal susceptibility and effectiveness. Blumea extract exhibited the highest overall inhibitory activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (117 µl mL−1) while C. citratus had a narrower range of MIC (146 to 233 µl mL−1). The combination of C. citratus and B. balsamifera demonstrated a synergistic effect against P. megakarya, achieving growth inhibition on V8 media (92.72 ± 4.20% to 100%) and on artificially infected detached pod cortex (92.24 ± 4.53% to 98.75 ± 1.25%), which was not significantly different from the positive control (Ridomil). Furthermore, this combination maintained its effectiveness for up to 9 days at room temperature. These findings suggest that combining plant extracts can enhance their antifungal properties.

Nature’s Pharmacy under Siege: Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Endophytic Bacteria of Medicinal Plants

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating a thorough understanding of its prevalence in various ecological contexts. Medicinal plants, renowned for their therapeutic properties, host endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. Understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics in these bacteria is vital for human health and antibiotic efficacy preservation. In this study, we investigated antibiotic resistance profiles in endophytic bacteria from five medicinal plants: Thankuni, Neem, Aparajita, Joba, and Snake plant. We isolated and characterized 113 endophytic bacteria, with varying resistance patterns observed against multiple antibiotics. Notably, 53 strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 14 exhibiting extensive drug resistance (XDR). Thankuni-associated bacteria displayed 44% MDR and 11% XDR, while Neem-associated bacteria showed higher resistance (60% MDR, 13% XDR). Aparajita-associated bacteria had lower resistance (22% MDR, 6% XDR), whereas Joba-associated bacteria exhibited substantial resistance (54% MDR, 14% XDR). Snake plant-associated bacteria showed 7% MDR and 4% XDR. Genus-specific distribution revealed Bacillus (47%), Staphylococcus (21%), and Klebsiella (11%) as major contributors to MDR. Our findings highlight diverse drug resistance patterns among plant-associated bacteria and underscore the complexity of antibiotic resistance dynamics in diverse plant environments. Identification of XDR strains emphasizes the severity of the antibiotic resistance problem, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.

The Application of Nicotiana benthamiana as a Transient Expression Host to Clone the Coding Sequences of Plant Genes

Coding sequences (CDS) are commonly used for transient gene expression, in yeast two-hybrid screening, to verify protein interactions and in prokaryotic gene expression studies. CDS are most commonly obtained using complementary DNA (cDNA) derived from messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted from plant tissues and generated by reverse transcription. However, some CDS are difficult to acquire through this process as they are expressed at extremely low levels or have specific spatial and/or temporal expression patterns in vivo. These challenges require the development of alternative CDS cloning technologies. In this study, we found that the genomic intron-containing gene coding sequences (gDNA) from Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Brassica napus, and Glycine max can be correctly transcribed and spliced into mRNA in Nicotiana benthamiana. In contrast, gDNAs from Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor did not function correctly. In transient expression experiments, the target DNA sequence is driven by a constitutive promoter. Theoretically, a sufficient amount of mRNA can be extracted from the N. benthamiana leaves, making it conducive to the cloning of CDS target genes. Our data demonstrate that N. benthamiana can be used as an effective host for the cloning CDS of plant genes.

Hypoglycaemiac Medicinal Plants Used by Diabetics at CNHU-HKM

Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health problem. Medicinal plants are frequently used either combine with industrial treatment or exclusively, in Africa and particularly in Benin. Our study aims to identify the different medicinal plants used by diabetic patients at the CNHU-HKM. Method: we carried out a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. It took place at the University Clinic of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition of CNHU-HKM over a of 3 months period from 20th of June to 16th of September, 2022, over diabetic followed-up. Results: One hundred and seventy-three (173) patients were gathered using an anonymous inquiry form. In the study population, the age of the patients varied between 31 and 75 years with an average age of 59 +/− 1.43 years, women represented 59% with a sex ratio (male/female) of 0.69. Sixty-five (65) or 37.6% of the population had used medicinal plants. Among given reasons for using medicinal plants were, mainly the positiveness on a third party. Data analysis outcome twenty-nine species of plants belonging to twenty (20) botanical families, the most represented being the Annonaceae and Fabaceae. The most used species are Phyllanthus amarus (hlenwé in fon), Mangifera indica (mangatin in fon), Momordica charantia (gninsikin in fon), Combretum micranthum (kinkéliba in fon), and Picralima nitida (ayorkpè in fon). Most used parts of the plants are the leaves. The recipes are prepared mainly by infusion and are administered exclusively by mouth. Most of the patients who used the hypoglycaemic medicinal plants were satisfied and no adverse effects were reported by them. Conclusion: Hypoglycaemic medicinal plants could be subjected to pharmacognosy and marketed due to their richness in active components, after further toxicological studies.

Effect of Variety and Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of variety and plant spacing on yield and growth of groundnuts. The field experiment was laid in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The factor A included three (3) groundnut varieties (Nkatie Sari, Sum Nutt 22 and Yenyawoso) and Factor B was the three (3) spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm and 30 cm × 40 cm. All recommended agronomic practices were followed. Data was collected from eight (8) tagged plants. Growth data were recorded on plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, and the number of flowers while yield data were collected on the number of flowers, number of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight and the pod yield (kg/ha). The plant spacing significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the growth and yield parameters. Groundnut grown at a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm produced the maximum plant height, whereas the maximum number of leaves, number of branches and number of flowers were produced from 30 cm × 40 cm. Yenyawoso variety with a wider plant spacing performed better vegetatively among all the varieties. The Yenyawoso variety produced the highest number of pods, 100 seeds weight and pod yield as compared to the other varieties. Also, Yenyawoso at 30 cm × 40 cm spacing and Nkatie Sari at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing produced the maximum pod yield.

Combination Activity of Standard Antituberculosis Drugs and Extracts of Medicinal Plants Commonly Used in Traditional Treatment of Tuberculosis in Uganda

Introduction: Resistance to antituberculosis drugs and adverse drug reactions remain the leading causes of tuberculosis therapeutic failure globally. Despite the increasing acceptance of medicinal plant use in combination with conventional antituberculosis drugs in treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda, there is paucity of knowledge on their combination effect. Aim: This research aimed to determine combination activity of standard antituberculosis drugs with extracts of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr. and Rubia cordifolia L., the two common antituberculosis medicinal plants in Uganda, against pansensitive (H37Rv) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Materials and Methods: Two reference MTB strains (H37Rv and MDR strain) were inoculated on Middlebrook 7H11 medium containing a combination of standard antituberculosis drugs and methanol extracts of Z. leprieurii and R. cordifolia at varying concentrations. The number of colonies on the plates was observed and counted weekly for up to 8 weeks. In vitro combination activity was determined using proportion method. Mean percentage inhibition was calculated for the reduction of number of colonies on drug-extract combination medium in relation to drug-extract-free control medium. Results: Drug-extract combinations showed good combination activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains when compared with individual standard anti-TB drugs. This was more exhibited against MDR strain. There was however a reduction in percentage inhibition when extracts were combined with ethambutol and streptomycin against H37Rv strain. Conclusions: Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Rubia cordifolia in combination with standard anti-TB drugs exhibited increased in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially MDR-TB strain. This justifies the local use of these plants in traditional treatment of tuberculosis especially in resistant cases in Uganda.

Fungi Associated with Sand and Plants from Marine Coastlines: Potential Relevance for Human Health

The fungal community associated with beach sand and plants located along marine coasts are an under-studied area of research despite its potential relevance to human health. In this study, we isolated and identified the cultivable mycobiota associated with sand and plants collected along the coast of Gran Canaria (Spain) using culture-dependent and -independent methods. Clinically relevant species belonging to Cryptococcus spp. and related genera such as Naganishia and Papilotrema were isolated and identified from shoreline plants. Moreover, Candida tropicalis was isolated from beach sand, and Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus strains were associated with both types of samples (i.e., plants and beach sand). We conclude that beach sand and shoreline plants are potential reservoirs of fungi of high clinical interest. We recommend including beach sand and plants from the environment when assessing the quality of marine coastal systems. Our results open a framework for studying the natural marine environment and its role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases in order to more accurately manage public health.

Carbon Footprint in Waste Sector of Hydropower Plant: A Case Study of Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant

While hydropower is generally considered a clean energy source, it is important to recognize that their waste can still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The purpose of this study is to assess the carbon footprint associated with the waste sector throughout the operational phase of the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant in Laos. Understanding the environmental impact of the waste sector is crucial for ensuring the plant’s sustainability. This study utilizes the theoretical estimation method recommended in the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, as well as the Requirements for Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals. We emphasize the significance of implementing sustainable waste management practices to reduce GHG emissions and minimize the environmental impact of hydropower operations. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, this paper also provides insights into the environmental implications of waste management in hydropower plants and identifies strategies to mitigate the carbon footprint in the waste sector. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental sustainability of hydropower plants and provide valuable guidance for policymakers, energy producers, and environmental practitioners involved in hydropower plant design and operation.

31 Plant Species against Blood Feeding and Disease Vectors Insects: Beyond Anti-Insect Properties, Unvalued Opportunities and Challenges for Health and Sustainability

Plants with bioactive properties are greatly useful in preventing and controlling blood-sucking and disease-vector invertebrates, particularly in developing countries and low-income communities. Their application is a promising alternative to synthetic compounds whose use remains a health, environmental, and economic challenge. However, many are still unknown and unvalued, while others are becoming ignored and threatened. The main objective of this ethnobotanical study is to identify and characterize indigenous and locally grown plants against blood-sucking and disease-vector insects. Salient opportunities and challenges of using these plants are documented and discussed. Semi-structured interviews, using a prepared questionnaire, were conducted with 228 informants. The consensus index (CI) was calculated to analyze the reliability of the collected information. The identified 31 anti-insect plant species belong to 20 botanical families, four morphological categories, and six habitat types. They can be categorized as insecticidal plants (42% of the total), insect repellent (42% of the total), and both insecticidal and insect repellent (16% of the total). More than 54% of these are still abundant in the study area, while about 35.5% have become rare and difficultly accessible. Based on the numerical importance of related anti-insect plant species, the seven targeted blood-sucking insects range in the following decreasing order: Jiggers (16 species) > Fire Ants (9 species) > Flies (8 plants) > Mosquitoes (4 species) > Fleas (2 species) > Bedbugs (1 species) > lice (0 species). The three most commonly used plants, with the highest confirmation indices, are Tetradenia riparia (ICs = 0.712), Eucalyptus globulus subsp. maidenii (ICs = 0.302), and Solanum aculeastrum (ICs = 0.288). The antimicrobial role of many locally grown anti-insect plants and the multiple other associated valorization possibilities are ignored by most informants. Domesticating, propagating, protecting, and promoting the sustainable use of these plants would be an appropriate route for their conservation and continued availability.

Regeneration Status, Population Structure and Floristic Composition of Woody Plant Species in Sheleko Medicinal Natural Forest, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world endowed with rich biological resources. However, due to human impacts, the forest cover in Ethiopia has been decreasing rapidly. The study was carried out with the purpose of finding out the Regeneration Status, Population Structure and Floristic composition of Woody Plant Species in Sheleko Medihanialem Natural Forest in Gondar, North West Ethiopia, from October 2019 to September 2020. The systematic vegetation sampling method was used to collect data from Fifty plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) along five line transects. In addition, five, 5 m × 5 m subplots were laid within the main plot to sample seedlings and saplings. The floristic composition and population structure of woody individuals of trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥ 2 m were measured. DBH ≤ 2.5 cm and less than 1 m height were considered as seedlings and DBH ≥ 2.5 cm and height of 1 - 2 m as saplings. Vegetation data of density, frequency, basal area, and importance value index were computed. A total of 65 woody plant species in 54 genera and 34 plant families were recorded. Fabaceae, Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae were the dominant families in terms of species richness. Woody species densities for mature individuals were 2202.5 stems∙ha−1, seedling 2419.2 stems∙ha−1 and sapling 1737.6 stems∙ha−1. The forest was dominated by small-sized/young trees and shrubs, indicating the status of secondary growth and/or regeneration.

Stability Study of Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Network: Audit and Improvement of DJEGBE Mini Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in the Commune of OUESSE (Benin)

The supply of quality energy is a major concern for distribution network managers. This is the case for the company ASEMI, whose subscribers on the DJEGBE mini-power station network are faced with problems of current instability, voltage drops, and repetitive outages. This work is part of the search for the stability of the electrical distribution network by focusing on the audit of the DJEGBE mini photovoltaic solar power plant electrical network in the commune of OUESSE (Benin). This aims to highlight malfunctions on the low-voltage network to propose solutions for improving current stability among subscribers. Irregularities were noted, notably the overloading of certain lines of the PV network, implying poor distribution of loads by phase, which is the main cause of voltage drops;repetitive outages linked to overvoltage caused by lightning and overcurrent due to overload;faulty meters, absence of earth connection at subscribers. Peaks in consumption were obtained at night, which shows that consumption is greater in the evening. We examined the existing situation and processed the data collected, then simulated the energy consumption profiles with the network analyzer “LANGLOIS 6830” and “Excel”. The power factor value recorded is an average of 1, and the minimum value is 0.85. The daily output is 131.08 kWh, for a daily demand of 120 kWh and the average daily consumption is 109.92 kWh, or 83.86% of the energy produced per day. These results showed that the dysfunctions are linked to the distribution and the use of produced energy. Finally, we proposed possible solutions for improving the electrical distribution network. Thus, measures without investment and those requiring investment have been proposed.