Exoscopy of Detrital Zircons from Niamey Neoproterozoic Sandstones (Eastern Edge of the West African Craton, Southwestern Niger): Interpretation of Detrital Sediments Provenance

This study focuses on exoscopic analyses of detrital zircon grains of Archean and Paleoproterozoic age, contained in the sediments from the Niamey Neoproterozoic sandstones (Niamey region), with a view to confirming the sediments sources already proposed (Kénéma-Man domain for Archean-age zircons and Baoulé Mossi domain for Paleoproterozoic-age zircons). Exoscopic analysis reveals that Archean zircon grains are more corroded, with rounded to sub-rounded shapes, while Paleoproterozoic zircon grains are less corroded and mostly angular in shape. The strong corrosion of Archean zircon grains, implying long-distance transport, is consistent with the remoteness of the Kenema-Man domain which are the source these sediments. The fact that the Paleoproterozoic zircon grains show little or no wear implies a proximal source of sediments, corresponding to the Baoulé Mossi domain.

Profile of Anemia in Cirrhotic Patients at the National Hospital of Niamey

Objective: To study the profile of anemia in cirrhotic patients diagnosed in the Hepato-Gastroenterology (HGE) department of the National Hospital of Niamey. Patients and Method: This was a prospective and descriptive study carried out from August 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, including cirrhotic patients, with anemia on the blood count, outside of any recent blood transfusion and/or treatment. History of anemia. Results: The diagnosis of anemia was made in 91 patients out of the 100 cirrhotics recorded, 91%. Men were more common, with a sex ratio of 2.79. The average age was 50 ± 14.22 years old. Anemia was moderate in 52.75% of cases (n = 48). It was non-microcytic in 50.55% (n = 46) and iron deficient in 55.56% of cases (n = 20). There was a statistically significant correlation between the severity of anemia and upper gastrointestinal bleeding with a p-value = 0.000. Conclusion: Cirrhotic anemia is multifactorial, which makes its etiological diagnosis complex.

Pathological and Etiological Aspects of Nephrotic Syndrome at the Niamey General Reference Hospital

Introduction: Studies have been conducted on nephrotic syndrome in Niger. The study aimed to determine the histological and etiological aspects of nephrotic syndrome. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective study from February 1st, 2018 to January 31st, 2024. All patients with nephrotic syndrome who underwent renal biopsy were included. Samples were analyzed at the anatomy-cytology pathology laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine in Dakar (Senegal). The variables studied included clinical, biological, histological and etiological characteristics. Data were analyzed using Excel 2013 and Epi-info 7.2.0 software. Results: The study included 119 patients with nephrotic syndrome. Prevalence of nephrotic syndrome was 11.24%. The male-to-female ratio was 2.25:1. The mean age at diagnosis was between 34.5 ± 18.84 years. Edema was the reason for admission in 40.34% of cases. The nephrotic syndrome was impure in 63.86% of cases. Nine histological lesions were identified. Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (40.09%), minimal change disease (23.53%), membranous nephropathy (13.45%), diabetic nephropathy (10.92%), membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis (3.36%), acute glomerulonephritis (3.36%), glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy (2.52%), non-IgA mesengial proliferative glomerulonephritis (1.68%) and amyloidosis (0.84%). Nephrotic syndrome was primary in 57.98% of cases. Secondary etiologies were dominated by diabetes (11.76%), followed by hepatitis B virus (9.24%), lupus, lymphoma, malaria, syphilis, cryoglobulinemia, sickle cell disease and HIV. Conclusion: Future studies should investigate the causes of glomerulopathy secondary to chronic tubulointerstitial lesions.

Hepatic Elastometry in the Management of Hepatitis B at National Hospital of Niamey

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a public health problem in Niger which is classified as a high endemicity area with a prevalence ranging from 8 to 17% depending on the studies [1] and that of HBV-related cirrhosis is about 40.26% in 2024. The decision to treat is based on a combination of three parameters: viral load, ALT values and the degree of hepatic fibrosis [2]. The latter is assessed by hepatic elastography (Fibroscan), which is a decisive factor in treatment. In Niger, until 2024, the decision to treat or not to treat a patient with HBV was based on the determination of viral load B and transaminases, and no work evaluating the contribution of this third element, liver elasticity, has been done, hence the interest of our study. Objective: To study the contribution of Fibroscan in measuring hepatic elasticity in the management of patients with HBV. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from January 05 to November 30, i.e. a period of 11 months, on clinically asymptomatic HBsAg-positive patients who had undergone FibroScan liver elasticity measurement. The examination was carried out by a hepatogastroenterologist who had received training in the Fibroscan. The median of ten measures of liver elasticity at the same point with an IQR of less than 30% was considered the valid measure and no or minimal fibrosis was defined as a value ˂7 Kpa, moderate fibrosis as a value between 7 and 10 kpa, severe fibrosis as a value greater than 10 Kpa, and the existence of cirrhosis as a value greater than 14 Kpa were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Out of 398 patients monitored for HBV, 60 cases met the inclusion criteria, i.e., a frequency of 15.07%. The mean age of the patients was 35.63 years, with extremes of 18 and 70 years. They were predominantly male, with a sex ratio of 3.2. Married patients accounted for 61.67% (n = 37). Jaundice was absent in 91.67% (n = 55). The circumstances of discovery of HBV were the routine health check-up, followed by blood donation with 50% and 46.67%, respectively. The viral load was >2000 UI/ml in 32.7% (n = 17). HBeAg was negative in 93.33% of cases (n = 56). ALT levels were normal in 47 patients (78.33%). Mean liver elasticity was 6.7 KPa. Fibrosis was classified as F0 - F1 in 75% (n = 45), F1 - F2 in 18.33% (n = 11) and F3 - F4 in 6.67% (n = 4) of patients. There was no significant relationship between viremia value, liver activity, degree of fibrosis and quantitative HBsAg. Conclusion: Measurement of hepatic elasticity has made it possible to diagnose cases of compensated cirrhosis and significant fibrosis in patients considered to be inactive carriers (viral load ˂2000 IU/ml and normal transaminases) in asymptomatic HBV+ patients. This made it possible to put these patients on Tenofovir in order to avoid decompensation for the first group and for the second the progression to cirrhosis. It is an excellent tool to aid in the decision to start treatment.

Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Maternal Diabetes in the Neonatology Department of the Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital, Niamey, Niger

Introduction: The association of diabetes and pregnancy is associated with a significantly higher risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with maternal diabetes at the Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital in Niamey. Methodology: This was a prospective case-control study conducted from April to September 2021 at the Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital in Niamey. “Cases” were neonates born to diabetic mothers, and “controls” were neonates born to non-diabetic mothers. The main dependent variable was the occurrence of perinatal complications. Analysis was performed using Epi info software 7.2.1. Pearson’s Chi2 test or Fisher’s exact test were used (p Results: Of the 2,225 admissions during the study period, 31 newborns were born to diabetic mothers (1.4%). Diabetic mothers were 2.8 times more likely to have a history of abortion (67.7% vs. 28.6%;OR = 2.82;p = 0.001). Similarly, a history of macrosomia was found in 29.0% of diabetic mothers versus 9.5% of controls (OR = 2.15;p = 0.01). Macrosomia was also more common in newborns of diabetic mothers (38.7% vs. 9.5%;OR = 2.63;p Conclusion: The risks of ante- and perinatal complications such as abortion, fetal macrosomia and stillbirth, as well as neonatal pathological events (macrosomia and malformations) were greater in newborns of diabetic mothers.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Infections in Sickle Cell Children in Two Referral Hospitals in Niamey, Niger

Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children with sickle-cell disease in two referral hospitals in Niamey. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2020 in two referral hospitals in Niamey. All children aged one (1) to 15 years with sickle cell disease admitted for suspected infection, including at least one bacterial culture, were studied. Bacteriological analysis was performed using the appropriate culture media, using BactAlert (Reference 4700003 BTA3D60 BioMérieux). Results: Over 36-months, 350 children with a mean age of 10.9 months were admitted. The sex ratio was 1.2. The SS electrophoretic profile was the most common (93.4%). Immunization status was up to date in 66% of patients. Fever was the common reason for consultation (55.1%). Infection was confirmed in 62 patients (17.7%). The primary diagnoses were bacterial gastroenteritis (24.2%) and urinary tract infection (19.4%). Blood cultures were isolated from Salmonella typhi (13.0%) and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Klebsiella spp (7.1%) and Escherichia coli (5.0%) were detected in cytobacteriological examination of urine. Salmonella typhi (23.5%) and Escherichia coli (5.9%) were isolated on coproculture. Conclusion: Bacterial ecology appears not different from that usually observed in sickle-cell children. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were predominant.

Factors Associated with Children’s Death Due to Congenital Heart Disease in Two National Hospitals of Niamey

Introduction: Congenital heart disease is a major cause of children’s death. In Niger, despite the frequency of these pathologies, very few studies have been carried out on associated mortality in a paediatric environment. The objective of this work was to look for the risk factors of children with congenital heart disease’s death in Niamey. Patients and Method: It is about a cross-sectional study for descriptive and analytical purposes in children aged from 0 to 15 years. Carriers of congenital heart disease followed from January 2016 to July 2021 in two national hospitals in Niamey. The variable depends and the main ante was the occurrence of deaths (yes or no). The explanatory variables were related to the characteristics of the patients, the type of heart disease and management among others. Chi’s tests2 Pearson’s or Fischer’s exact test were used (P Results: During the period of the research, 514 cases of congenital heart disease were studied, including 132 deaths (25.68%). The average age of patients was 14.64 months [10 days - 15 years]. The sex ratio was 1.08. The most common reason for consultation was respiratory distress that was found in 74.90% of patients. Interventricular communication (IVC) and intear communication (CIA) were the most found type of heart disease with 36.53% and 20.44% of cases respectively. Only 9.54% of patients (n = 48) had received surgical management. The risk factors associated with mortality were pulmonary arterial hypertension (54.17%), pulmonary disease (44.55%) and the presence of anemia (63.16%) [OR > 1;p Conclusion: Congenital heart diseases remain an important cause of death among children in Niger. The pulmonary arterial hypertension and the associated comorbidities such as broncho-pulmonary diseases were the main associated factors. In the meantime, an optimal technical management of these factors will help to reduce this mortality.

Rise of Urban Water Table as a Cause of Flooding: Improving Knowledge in the City of Niamey (Niger Republic)

Niamey, the capital of Niger, has experienced continuous demographic growth (+4%), accompanied by rapid urban expansion that is insufficiently controlled. This growth, combined with the effects of climate change as well as a drastic change in land use (urbanization of cultivated fields, deforestation of plateaus and erosion of slopes) disrupts the water cycle, thus leading to the superposition of three types of floods: 1) rain floods (monsoon period);2) river floods (Niger river);and 3) flooding caused by rising water table. In several neighbourhoods, the water table is now out in a sustainable manner and degrades already fragile sanitary conditions. This study aims to clarify the functioning of aquifers in the city of Niamey due to the combination of geological, geophysical and hydrogeological data. Hydrogeological investigations make it possible to identify, in areas flooded by the water table, a shallow aquifer with low capacitance (effective porosity of a few %) and low permeability (2 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4 m/s), overlying at a level shallow clay (~10 m) and lying on the Precambrian base (schists, granites). This configuration limits flows and has led to the appearance of permanent pools created by the water table in the valley thalweg in and around the city. Thus, in Niamey, an increase of up to twenty to forty meters was observed between 1961 and 2021 with seasonal piezometric fluctuations of a pluri-metric order following the rainy season. Beyond the health impacts, this trajectory negatively impacts land and locally causes degradation or displacement of traffic axes. Containing the level of the water table appears to be essential in the long term for sustainable sanitation in the city of Niamey.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Ground Water in the Basin of Gounti Yena Valley in Niamey City (Niger Republic)

The Gounti Yéna valley, the subject of this study, is a tributary of the Niger River, it is the main watercourse that divides the left bank of the city of Niamey into two unequal parts. The surface area of its watershed is estimated at about 62 Km2. The objective of the present study is on the one hand to evaluate the current state of the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of the water of Gounti Yéna basin, and on the other hand to define the risks of water pollution and its origin in the face of the phenomenon of rising water table of this basin. In order to carry out this work, we proceeded to a study of the evolution of the physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the water of the basin of Gounti Yéna during the period going from November 2020 to October 2021, at the level of four points of sampling chosen from the upstream to the downstream of the basin. The results obtained showed that the physico-chemical quality of the water in Gounti Yéna basin is influenced by the lithology of the watershed, climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) and anthropic actions. This study also highlighted the presence of fecal contamination in the water of the Gounti Yéna basin, with a greater degree of emphasis during the rainy season. This contamination remains a concern and may constitute a health risk.

Sensitivity of Solar Photovoltaic Panel Efficiency to Weather and Dust over West Africa: Comparative Experimental Study between Niamey (Niger) and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Energy demand is increasing while we are facing a depletion of fossils fuels, the main source of energy production in the world. These last years, photovoltaic (PV) system technologies are growing rapidly among alternative sources of energy to contribute to mitigation of climate change. However, PV system efficiency researches operating under West African weather conditions are nascent. The first objective of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of common monocrystalline PV efficiency to local meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) in two contrasted cities over West Africa: Niamey (Niger) in a Sahelian arid area and Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) in atropical humid area. The second objective is to quantify the effect of dust accumulation on PV efficiency in Niamey (Niger). The preliminary results show that PV efficiency is more sensitive to high temperature change especially under Niamey climate conditions (warmer than Abidjan) where high ambient temperatures above 33°C lead to an important decrease of PV efficiency. Increase of relative humidity induces a decrease of PV efficiency in both areas (Niamey and Abidjan). A power loss up to 12.46% is observed in Niamey after 21 days of dust accumulation.

Experience of Menopause for Women in the Niamey Region, Republic of Niger

Introduction: Menopause is poorly documented in Africa. For most of the women living there, the experience of this period does not seem to be very problematic. For women living in rural areas, other concerns are more prominent. Methods: The study was prospective, quantitative and qualitative about 500 cases collected over a period of 6 months. The study involved postmenopausal women in the Niamey region of public services, in certain residential areas, or accompanying people in health structures. Parameters taken into account were sociocultural, antecedents, experience, knowledge, and management of menopause. The data was entered and analyzed using Microsoft Office Word 2010 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. Results: The average age was 56.4 years with extremes of 40 and 80 years;57% were still living with their husbands and 39% widows;60.2% housewives;53% uneducated, 17% have higher education;60.2% had had at least 6 children and 39.6% had used contraception. The comorbidities observed were arterial hypertension (24.4%) and diabetes (7%). As for the representation that women made of menopause, for all of them, this stage is the beginning of old age. The most frequent signs were asthenia (86.2%) and mood disorders (70.6%). Almost all of the patients (99.8%) had not used hormonal treatment for the menopause and among them 27% the management of the menopause was with traditional means. Conclusion: Menopausal disorders are certainly a reality in our socio-cultural context. They are not a primary concern either through ignorance or resignation of the women concerned.

Outcomes of Thyroid Surgery at Niamey National Hospital

Introduction: Goiter is the most common endocrine disease in the world. The objective of our study is to assess and compare the morbidity linked to the surgical management of goiters and thyroid tumors in the general surgery department of the Niamey National Hospital. Result: We collected data on a prospective basis on 112 cases having undergone a thyroidectomy between March 2019 and April 2020. The female sex is predominant with 96.4%, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.037. The average age is 41.2 years with extremes ranging from 22 to 72 years old. The average duration of evolution of goiter is 7.5 years with extremes ranging from 5 months to 20 years old. The first reason for consultation is anterior cervical swelling. TSH testing confirmed euthyroidism in 107 patients (95.5%). Therapeutically, loboisthmectomy is the most performed procedure with 43.7%. The postoperative hormonal assessment revealed 32% hypothyroidism at 6 months, with a significant difference for cases of total thyroidectomy. The occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia was significantly greater after total and subtotal thyroidectomy. There is no significant difference in terms of recurrent complications. Conclusion: Thyroidectomies must be performed after adequate preparation and information to the patient on possible postoperative complications, hence the need for close medical monitoring immediately and remotely.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Sludge from the Goudel Drinking Water Production Plant in Niamey (Niger)

Population growth and increasing needs make our current societies a considerable source of environmental threats. Going towards sustainable cities where harmony exists between economic, socio-cultural and environmental issues is a necessity that is essential if we want to bequeath a livable world to future generations. Cities produce huge quantities of domestic and industrial waste, the management of which is becoming a growing problem for city managers. Located on the banks of the Niger River, the city of Niamey, capital of the Republic of Niger, is supplied with drinking water from this river. Significant quantities of sludge are produced by the plant following the treatment of this water. This study focuses on the physico-chemical characterization of this sludge which is now directly discharged into the Niger River. A total of 12 samples of pasty sludge taken from the pre-settling ponds were analyzed. The samples were previously dried, crushed, sieved and packaged. Physical (pH, EC and particle size), chemical (Ca, Mg, Na, K, CEC, AE, P, C, MO and N) and metallic trace elements (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn) parameters and Al) were analyzed in the laboratory. The results show that the sludge is weakly acidic (pH between 4.16 and 5.71), conductive (<0.35 mS/cm) and rich in fine elements (12.1% to 77.71% clay). The nutrient content is low in nitrogen (<0.25%), phosphorus (<2.5 ppm), potassium (between 1 to 188 Mèq/100g) and organic matter (less than 2.88%). The concentrations of ETM comply with the values admissible in residual materials (French decree of 08/01/1998). This sludge can be recovered, especially in agriculture.

Preliminary Results of Dementia Prevalence among Elderly People at Home by Cognitive Disorder Adapted Test of Niamey (Niger)

Introduction: Neurocognitive disorders are frequent with aging and are often seen at advancing stages in our context. It is really difficult to evaluate rapidly Nigerien elderly persons according to tools available on cognitive status while there is a great number of uneducated elderly people who suffer from cognitive deficiency. The purpose was to determine neurocognitive disorders prevalence in uneducated groups and Muslim elderly people by using the cognitive disorder examination (Codex) test adopted in the population living at home in Niamey (Niger). Materials and Methods: These are the results of a preliminary prospective study with simple three (3) random sampling concerning elderly people aged 60 and over living at home in whom the codex test adapted to Niamey was administered in uneducated Muslim elderly people for a total duration of four (4) minutes. This screen-adapted test should be completed by the mini-mental test of Senegal which is adapted globally to uneducated people in hospitals. The basic Codex test was developed in France for educated people, so we used this basic test in our educated people in the same study. Results: A total of 198 patients had been collected, of which 51.5% were female with an average age of 68 years with extremes of 60 to 84 years. 40 were educated. Among educated persons, 62.5% had a very low probability of dementia and 5% had a very high probability of dementia in the first step of the Codex. In the second step, 12.5% had a low probability of dementia and 20% had a high probability in the same group, while 51.3% had a very low probability of dementia and 21.3% had a very high probability of dementia in the first step of CODEX in uneducated elderly. In the second step in the same group, 12.6% had a low probability and 14.5% had a high probability of dementia. Conclusion: The adapted codex test of Niamey is simple and could be rapidly used to screen dementia among uneducated elderly Muslim prayers, and then could confirm it by complementary cognitive status test validated in the same population. However, it should be confirmed by using a large sample.

Global Harmonic Rate Assessment in the Electricity Distribution Network in Niamey City:Case Studies of Domestic,Industrial and Hospital Substations

Like others countries of the world, in Niger also, we are witnessing an increasing use of non-linear electric loads in the domestic, hospital and industrial sectors. However, these loads degrade the shape of the electrical signal and cause disastrous effects to the equipment of the distribution system and the devices which are connected to the network. This article highlights the presence of electric harmonics in the distribution network in Niamey city. In order to do this, measurements were taken at the secondary level of the substations using an energy quality analyze r (FLUKE 1735). By using this measuring instrument, we quantified the voltage and current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in the three substations. The results obtained show that, although the statutable rates set by the standards are not exceeded for phase conductors, the neutral contains a very critical percentage of distortion on the residential and hospital substations. Moreover, this assessment made it possible to observe the variation of harmonics in the presence of voltage drops.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 or Von Recklinghausen Disease: About Three Cases to the National Hospital of Niamey and Literature Review

We report three cases of neurofibromatosis type 1 disease with literature review, collected in the department of neurology and internal medicine from National Hospital of Niamey (HNN). Two of them were men and the first signs were noted by the mother at the birth in 2 cases. Only one case of consanguinity was observed. Clinically, light brown spots on the skin, neurofibromas, Lisch nodules were constantly observed. Histopathological’s exam confirmed neurofibromas. Moreover, cutaneous and ophthalmological manifestations lead to the diagnostic. Two cases of orthopedic complications were observed: one scoliosis and one Congenital dysplasia of the long bones. There was no specific treatment. Neurofibromatosis type 1 or von Recklinghausen’s disease is the most frequent phacomatosis and its diagnosis is usually composed of a set of clinical criteria of the National Institute Health (Bethesda, 1988).

Torsion of a Large Ovariancyst during the Postpartum Period: A Case Report from the Niger-Turkey Friendship Hospital in Niamey

Adnexal torsion is defined by the existence of a partial or complete torsion of the ovary and a tubal portion around its vascular pedicle. It is a rare gynecological emergency. We report the case of adnexal torsion on a large postpartum ovarian cyst in a 40-year-old patient. The diagnosis was suspected based on clinical and ultrasound signs and confirmed by exploratory laparotomy. The appearance of the cyst was suggestive of a mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary. The treatment was radical by performing an adnexectomy. The surgical piece weighed 5.2 kg. The postoperative course was simple. Anatomopathological examination had not been carried out;the parents had buried the operating piece.

Antibiotic Resistance in the Uropathogenic Enterobacteria Isolated from Patients Attending General Reference Hospital (GRH) of Niamey, Niger

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent reason for consultation and lead to a significant and sometimes inappropriate prescription of antibiotics. The latter favors antibiotic resistance and an increase in mortality as well as the cost of treatment. The present study aims to contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance of enterobacteria. Methods: This is a prospective study from January to December, 2021 in the Microbiology laboratory of the General Reference Hospital (GRH) of Niamey including 3369 urine samples. The antibiotic resistance of enterobacteria was determined using the Viteck-2 method. Results: At least 280 strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from the patient’s urine. Among these strains, Escherichia coli was the most predominant (74.64%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.07%) and Enterobacter cloacae (7.14%) and other enterobacteria 2.15%. These Enterobacteriaceae are more common in community patients than in hospitalized patients. The average age of patients is 52 years and the age group most affected by these enterobacteria is 46 - 60 years (23.33%). The female sex is the most affected sex with (51.07%) against (48.97%) for the male sex with 1.04 as sex ratio. The hospitalization departments most affected by these enterobacteria are Nephrology (29.23%) and Endocrinology (21.54%). Up to 75% of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates show high resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ticarcillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, cefixime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cotrimoxazole, nalidixic acid and ofloxacin. Conclusion: The high rate of antibiotic resistance among enterobacteria in urine is of concern. Only a few Enterobacteriaceae show low resistance to ertapenem, imipenem, amikacin, gentamicin, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin. Therefore, these antibiotics are recommended as first line treatment for urinary tract infections.

Heritability and Genetic Correlation of Niamey’s Local Chicken Growth (Niger)

The exploitation of industrial strains of chickens in the Sahelian climate of Niger is characterized by a decline in performance and significant costs associated with their maintenance. In contrast, local chickens are well adapted to these environmental conditions but with poor production performance. Genetic selection of these local chickens could improve their productivity. The first step is to determine if the genetic parameters of their growth are high enough to ensure a successful selection strategy. To do so, weekly weights of 69 parents and 119 offspring were followed for 20 weeks. The heritability and genetic correlations of these weights were estimated through the Bayesian approach using the MCMCglmm package on R software. At hatching, weights ranged from 23 to 25 g. At 20 weeks, these weights ranged from 1031 to 1052 g for females and 1308 to 1445 g for males. Heritabilities for hatch weights at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks of age were estimated to be 0.56, 0.31, 0.52, 0.53, 0.52 and 0.48 respectively and all genetic correlations were positive. In particular, weight at 8 weeks of age showed both good heritability (h2 = 0.52) and strong, positive genetic correlations with weights at older ages. These results indicate that genetic selection to improve weight at 8 weeks of age would be a good strategy to improve the overall growth performance of these chickens.

Impact of Climatic Parameters on the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Module in Niamey

The sensitivity of mono-crystalline solar PV module towards dust accumulation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and cloud cover is investigated from May to August 2015 for Niamey’s environment. Two solar modules with the same characteristics have been used to carry out the impacts of the dust on the solar PV module. One of the modules is being cleaned every morning and the second one was used for monitoring the effect of dust accumulation onto the surface of the unclean module for May and June. The ambient temperature around the solar PV module was recorded at the same time with the output voltage and the output current to assess the impacts of ambient temperature on the PV conversion efficiency. In addition to these field test measurements, the solar radiation data measured in National Center of Solar Energy (CNES) of Niamey were also used. Also the relative humidity for the study area data obtained NASA power agro-climatology website was used. Results show that the dust accumulation has the greatest impact on the performance of the PV module followed by temperature, relative humidity and cloud cover. Exposing the module in 23 days has reduced the energy output by 15.29%. The power output and the conversion efficiency of the PV module have dropped by 2.6% and 0.49% respectively. The relative humidity also has reduced the energy output by 4.3 Wh/m2/day.