Marine Species Introduced on the French Channel-Atlantic Coasts: A Review of Main Biological Invasions and Impacts

The impacts of anthropogenisation modify permanently the distribution patterns of brackish and marine species. Globalization leads to a rapid increase of the numbers of introduced species anywhere in the world. Biological invasions often result in significant losses in the economic value, biological diversity and function of invaded ecosystems. This review presents the main pathways of introduction of non-indigenous species and the main benthic taxonomic groups being established and/or invasive along the French Channel-Atlantic coasts. A focus is put on main invasive marine species in the intertidal and subtidal zones of Brittany (France), among macroalgae (Sargassum muticum, Grateloupia turuturu, Undaria pinnatifida, Codium fragile and Gracilaria vermiculophylla), halophytes (Spartina alterniflora) and benthic invertebrates (Mollusks: Crepidula fornicata, Crassostrea gigas and Venerupis philippinarum). The species biology, introduction vectors, reproductive and dispersal capacities are considered, together with proliferation patterns along the Channel-Atlantic coasts. The ecological impacts of these species on the environment are also described, as well as the European regulations existing to limit alien species introduction and some examples of struggle against the invaders including eradication trials and biomass valorization. Last, the on-going impacts of global changes on alien species invasiveness along the Channel-Atlantic coasts are discussed.

The morphological identification of Protoperidinium(Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) species on the coasts of China

The classification and identification for Protoperidinium species are the most difficult work during its taxonomic study. In this research, taxonomic status of Protoperidinium was clarified by tracing its taxonomic history, 23 species belong to genus Protoperidinium on the coasts of China were preliminarily identified, and morphological description and plate patterns were given for each species. The key differences of similar species were also discussed in this study, we believe that P. oceanicum and P. murry, P. tumidum and P. fatulipes, P. globules and P.majus are separate species; P. diabolum should be treated as the valid name instead of the reported names Peridinium globosum or Peridinium longipes; the taxonomic relationship between P. punctulatum and P.subinerme requires further study.

10th International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts(APAC2019),Hanoi, Vietnam, September 25–28, 2019

Introduction The International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts(APAC)is an international conference to promote academic and technical exchange on coastal related studies that include coastal engineering and coastal environmental problems,among the Asian and Pacific countries/regions.APAC

Similarities Between Granites on the East and West Coasts of the Pacific Ocean

The traditional idea proposes that granites on the east and west coasts of the Pacific Ocean are different. According to field investigations of the geology of the western United States coupled with the authors' long-term studies on granites in South China, granites both in eastern China and in the western United States are similar.

Semidiurnal radiational tides along the coasts of China

An improved procedure for extracting the radiational S2 tide from analyzed S2 is presented in this paper. The major improvement is that the nonlinear constituents are eliminated from the analyzed principal semidiurnal tides on the basis of the 'credo of smoothness' of admittance before using the procedure given by Zetler. The semidiurnal radiationai S2 tides for 42 stations along China's coasts are calculated using the method presented in this paper, and, for comparison, the results from Zetler's method are also given. In addition, the radiational S2 tides for 10 stations are analyzed with the response method. The results show that the mean amplitude ratio (radiational to gravitational) is 0. 17, the mean phase difference (radiational minus gravitational) is 119° for China's coasts.

Call for Paper of the 7th International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts (APAC2013)

The 7th International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts （APAC2013） will be held in Bali, Indonesia in September 2013. The aim of the conference is to promote scientific advancement, technological progress, information exchange, and cooperation among engineers and researchers in coastal, port, and ocean engineering and other related fields

Sixth International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts December 14-16, 2011

Summary Report The 6^th International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts, organised by the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, was held in the Sheraton HK Hotels ＆ Towers, Hong Kong during December 14-16, 2011.

A study on Holocene aeolian shell-clastic sandstonesalong the coasts of South China andthe analysis of its formation

The Holocene aeolian shell-clastic sandstones at 13 places along the coasts of Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan Provinces are studied in the following respects; describing their features from both macroscopic and microscopic views, listing their distributions, altitudes and forming ages, and discussing the nomenclatures of this kind of rock and its differences from beach rock.

Assessment of the Moroccan Mediterranean Coasts Contamination by Hydrocarbons (Non Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Linear Alkylbenzenes)

In order to evaluate the contamination of the Moroccan Mediterranean coasts by persistent organic pollutants we studied hydrocarbons and linear alkylbenzenes in bivalve tissues (cockles) collected seasonally from several points along the western Moroccan coasts in the Mediterranean Sea. Two fractions corresponding to non aromatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Non aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations vary in the range of 24.1 - 2731 μg/g dry weight (dw) while total n-alkanes vary from 2.2 to 68.2 μg/g. Few exceptions were noted with values up to 243 μg/g (dw), which is high compared to other Mediterranean sites. The presence of an important unresolved complex mixture (UCM) indicated a significant petroleum contamination, confirmed by the identification of 17α(H), 21β(H) hopanes. Biogenic contributions were also detected within the n-alkane distribution (n-C17, n-C18, n-C27, n-C29, n-C17, /Pr, n-C18, /Ph) and by the presence of alkenes. C13, and C14, linear alkylbenzenes were found at concentrations of 478 - 1954 ng/g. and point to pollutant inputs from wastewaters. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were present in low concentrations below the GC detection limit. The observed seasonal and spatial variations were linked to the magnitude of inputs from marine and land-based pollutant discharges.

The age of the "old red sand" on the coasts of south Fujian and west Guangdong, China

The sedimentary strata and deposition ages of the 'old red sand' distributed along the coasts of south Fujian and west Guangdong are determined by lithostratigraphy, magnetic stratigraphy and earth chemistry combined with TL, ESR and 14C-dating techniques. The research shows that the 'old red sand' was aeolian sediments deposited from 55 400 to 9 000 aBP, the last glacial period in the middle and later age of Late Pleistocene. Most of them deposited in two periods of 56-42 ka and 30-10 ka. The 'old red sand' deposited in the period of 30-10 ka, the later Wurm glacier substage (Q33), developed on the largest scale with the widest distribution.

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.

Prevalence of Work-Aggravated Asthma among Bakery Workers in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)

Introduction: Work-aggravated asthma is pre-existing or concomitant asthma whose symptoms are aggravated by the work environment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of this pathology and its associated factors among bakery workers in Abidjan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four (4) months from 18 December 2019 to 18 April 2020. Two questionnaires were used, one on employees and the other on the indoor environment of bakeries. In addition, a spirometry test was performed on all bakery workers. Statistical analysis was performed using stata 15.1 software. Results: A total of 599 bakery employees, including bakers (59.73%), sales assistants/ cashiers (23.52%), cleaners (6.34%) and administrative staff (10.18%), were investigated. The mean age was 30.8 ± 8 years, with a sex ratio (M/F) = 2.2. Asthma symptoms were found in 95 (15.86%) employees, of whom 74 (77.9%) had work-related asthma and 11 (14.9%) had asthma aggravated by work. The factors associated with work-aggravated asthma were personal or family history of allergy or atopy [ORa = 3.75;CI95%: 1.56 - 8.93;p = 0.003], exposure to dust [ORa = 5.01;CI95%: 1.43 - 7.50;p = 0.011] and humidity level (60% - 70%) [ORa = 1.80;CI 95%: 0.99 - 3.28;p = 0.05]. Conclusion: Work-aggravated asthma is a reality in bakeries in Abidjan, with an estimated prevalence of 14.9%. Two of the three factors associated with this condition suggest a link with indoor air pollution. Combating air pollution in these establishments must therefore be a priority for the relevant authorities, in order to provide employees with a working environment that protects their health.

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.

Micropenis Associated or Not with Cryptorchidism in the Endocrinology Department of Yopougon University Hospital in Ivory Coast: Epidemiological, Clinical, Paraclinical and Therapeutic Aspects

Background: Congenital malformations such as micropenis and cryptorchidism do not have immediate dramatic consequences. However, the diagnosis is often unknown at birth, and therefore late. In Ivory Coast, there are few studies on cryptorchidism and micropenis. We conducted this study to identify the epidemiological, clinical, etiological and therapeutic characteristics of the micropenis associated or not with cryptorchidism at Yopougon University Hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the Department of Endocrinology-Diabetology of the Yopougon University Hospital carried out over 13 years from January 2005 to December 2018. All patients were included regardless of the presence of a micropenis associated or not with cryptorchidism in the clinical or paraclinical examination. Results: A total of 14 micropenis were reported associated in 6 cases with cryptorchidism. It was unilateral cryptorchidism in 4 patients or 66.66% of cases. The average age of affected patients was 21.32 years with extremes ranging from 10 months to 48 years. The reason for consultation was micropenis in 12 out of 14 cases or 85.75%. The associated signs apart from cryptorchidism were obesity in 42.86% of cases, gynecomastia in 35.71% of cases. The aetiology was dominated by idiopathic causes. Treatment with testosterone enanthate was more effective in pre-pubertal children than in adults. Conclusion: The diagnosis of micropenis associated or not with cryptorchidism is late because of the frustrations, taboos and psycho-social states that it causes. However, drug treatment is effective when treatment is started early.

Response of the Maize Variety EV87-28 to a Fertilization Strategy Involving Indorama Granular Urea on Ferralsol in the Central Ivory Coast

In Côte d’Ivoire, the decline in soil fertility strongly impacts the productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) on heavily leached ferralitic soil. In this study, the general objective was therefore to improve the productivity of maize EV87-28 on the Ferralsols in pre-forested areas during different cropping seasons. Eight (8) micro-plots were set up according to a total randomization device with three repetitions. Two factors were studied: nitrogen fertilizer modalities (main factor) and crop season (secondary factor). Growth, flowering and yield parameters were measured and analyzed. The results showed that there was no interaction between the nitrogen fertilizer factor and the cropping season factor. In addition, this study showed the short rainy season had the most positive impact on growth, flowering and yield parameters than the long rainy season. The results also showed that the different nitrogen fertilizer modalities had no statistically different effects on growth, flowering and yield parameters. However, quantitative differences were reported, highlighting one nitrogen fertilizer modality, which is the combination of urea granule + farm manure (75% urea indorama granules and 25% farm manure). The combination of urea granule + farm manure (75% urea indorama granules and 25% farm manure) had the best effect on corn grain yield. So, the combination of urea (75%) and manure (25%), that resulted in yield gain, could be recommended for corn fertilization during the small rainy season.

Technical-Economic Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of COBB500 Broilers Fed Rations Incorporating Mango By-Product Feeds in Ivory Coast (West Africa)

The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass quality of COBB500 broilers fed two experimental rations incorporating feed and mango fine ED10 for a batch of 83 birds, ED20 (batch of 83 birds) in comparison with a commercial control ration CCD (84 birds). For this purpose, 250 day-old chicks of this breed were purchased in Korhogo and transported to Tengréla in Ivory Coast for rearing. The results show that substituting mango provender ans and mango seed flour for maize resulted in rations with costs per kgMS of 215.35FCFA, 2016.93FCFA and 320FCFA for the ED10, ED20 and CCD rations respectively. The production costs per kg of chicken (FCPkgLW) of the CCD ration were significantly higher than those of the ED10 and ED20 (p 0.05). ADGs were significantly different and decreasing from CCD, ED20 to ED10 (p 0.05). Average weights at 42nd day for ED20 and CCD were homogeneous (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than for ED10 (p 0.05). By day 49th the average weight of ED20 had reached and exceeded that of CCD by day 42nd. PSLW, HCW and CCW were significantly different and decreasing from CCW, ED20 to ED10 (p 0.05). Average hot (HCY) and cooled (CCY) carcass yields of ED20 and CCD rations were comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than those of ED10 ration (p = 0.009) and 0.003). Average drumstick and neck weights were significantly higher and lower for CCD, ED20 and ED10 (p 0.05). For all other parts of the cut, the average weights of the CCD ration were significantly higher (p 0.05) than those of the ED20 and ED10 rations, which were homogeneous (p 0.05). The incorporation of mango provender and mango seed flour in broiler rations offers the prospect of reduced production costs, less competition between man and animals over cereals, and lean meat production that is more appreciated than that of chickens fed conventional feed. As it stands, the ED20 ration can be recommended as a growth diet for broilers. It would be necessary to determine the levels of anti-nutritional substances in mango feeds and to assess the in vivo digestibility of mango ingredients and the diets incorporating them.

Analysis of the Quality of Physical and Chemical Parameters of Groundwater in Three Localities in the Sub-Prefecture of Zanzra (Ivory Coast)

The availability of groundwater of acceptable quality has become a difficult challenge to meet in many countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. The State of Côte d’Ivoire and rural populations are building hydraulic infrastructure for this purpose. However, the quality of water coming from these infrastructures remains to be determined. This study therefore aims to analyze certain physicochemical parameters of the groundwater of Gloazra, Kouezra and Trahonfla. These are temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, salinity level, hardness, alkalinity, chloride content and bicarbonate. To determine the pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, TDS, and salinity rate, an electrochemical analysis was carried out. The titrimetric analysis made it possible to determine the chloride and bicarbonate content, alkalinity, and hardness. The results indicate that the studied groundwater is soft and acidic with good mineralization. This water does not present a health hazard to consumers but can affect hydraulic equipment and household containers.

Contribution of SAR Radar Imagery in the Detection of Suspicious Vessels in the Ivorian EEZ

The present work proposed a method for match SAR and AIS data to detect vessels carrying out suspicious activity in the Ivorian EEZ. Two superposition methods, detected AIS and SAR data, based on point-to-point association on the one hand and point-to-line on the other hand, were used to detect suspicious vessels in Ivorian marine waters. The results showed that most vessels detected in the Ivorian EEZ do not declare their positions to avoid being spotted. These funds are likely to practice illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing (INN fishing). This clandestine activity is very recurrent in Ivorian waters. This is illustrated by the number of suspicious vessels detected by SAR radar imagery which is greater compared to declared or authorized vessels.

Calcium-Magnesium Ca/Mg Ratios and Their Agronomic Implications for the Optimization of Phosphate Fertilization in Rainfed Rice Farming on Acidic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Ivory Coast

This study is a contribution to improving rice productivity on acidic plateau soils of the tropical rainforest zone. It is based on taking into account the cationic balances of the soil in order to optimize the phosphorus (P) nutrition of rice on these acidic soils, where this nutrient constitutes a limiting factor for agricultural production. Three (3) pot trials were conducted in Adiopodoumé in the forested south of Côte d’Ivoire. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Ca ha−1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Mg ha−1) were evaluated on the response of NERICA 5 rice at doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha−1 of natural phosphate from Togo, applied only once at the start of the experiment. Additional fertilizers of nitrogen (N) (100 kg N ha−1) and potassium (K) (50 kg KCl ha−1) were added to each of the tests in a split-plot device. The test results revealed a paddy production potential of approximately 3 to 5 t⋅ha−1 for NERICA 5 on an acidic soil, under the effect of the interaction of P, Ca and Mg. The quadratic response of rice yield to the doses of these fertilizers would be more dependent on their balance, itself influenced by Ca nutrition. For the sustainability and maintenance of rice production in agro-ecology studied, it was recommended doses of 38 kg Ca ha−1, 34 kg Mg ha−1 in a Ca/Mg ratio (1/1) with intakes of 41 kg P ha−1, overall in a ratio 1/1/1 (P/Ca/Mg) more favorable to the availability of free iron considered a guiding element of mineral nutrition. Thus, these promising results should be confirmed in a real environment for better management of the fertilization of rice cultivated on acidic plateau soils in Côte d’Ivoire.