Determination of the Genetic Structure of the Oleaginous <i>Lagenaria siceraria</i>of the Nangui Abrogoua University Germplasm Collection

Thirty accessions of Lagenaria siceraria from the Nangui Abrogoua University germplasm collection were analyzed using three microsatellite markers. The average Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value was 0.61. The average observed heterozygosity value (H0 = 0.631) compared to the average expected heterozygosity value (He = 0.645) did not show significant differences in the selected accessions, which suggested random mating in the set of accessions. Within accession inbreeding estimate (FIS), was 40% and was not significantly different from zero. The reduction of heterozygotes was likely the result of presence of null alleles. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) within and among 30 accessions of L. siceraria revealed that 39% of the total variation resides among accessions and 61% within accessions. Accession structuring pattern derived from Bayesian clustering analysis revealed two clusters. Based on the genetic structure of the accessions analyzed, a sampling strategy to collect and conserve genetic resources of L. siceraria was suggested.

Using Optical Tweezers to Study the Friction of the Red Blood Cells

In the last two decades the study of red blood cell elasticity using optical tweezers has known a rise appearing in the scientific research with regard to the various works carried out. Despite the various work done, no study has been done so far to study the influence of friction on the red blood cell indentation response using optical tweezers. In this study, we have developed a new approach to determine the coefficient of friction as well as the frictional forces of the red blood cell. This approach therefore allowed us to simultaneously carry out the indentation and traction test, which allowed us to extract the interfacial properties of the microbead red blood cell couple, among other things, the friction coefficient. This property would be extremely important to investigate the survival and mechanical features of cells, which will be of great physiological and pathological significance. But taking into account the hypothesis of friction as defined by the isotropic Coulomb law. The experiment performed for this purpose is the Brinell Hardness Test (DB).

Optimization of Tin-Doped Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskites are a category of materials with a unique crystal structure that allows them to absorb sunlight efficiently. This efficiency is particularly high in the case of CH3NH3Pb1-xSnxI3 mixed perovskites. The combination of lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) in this matrix provides a broad spectrum of sunlight absorption, enabling the generation of a larger voltage and, subsequently, increased power. The primary objective in solar cell development is to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Mixed perovskites like CH3NH3Pb1-xSnxI3 have demonstrated significant potential in this regard. Their tunable bandgap, courtesy of varying the Pb: Sn ratio, allows for the optimization of sunlight absorption. The result is solar cells that surpass many conventional counterparts in terms of energy efficiency. Another significant advantage of these mixed perovskite solar cells is their cost-effectiveness. They can be manufactured using solution-based processes, which are less expensive than the high-vacuum methods required for traditional silicon solar cells. While the prospects for mixed perovskite solar cells are undeniably promising, there are concerns about the toxicity of lead, a key component of these cells. Lead is known to have harmful effects on the environment and health. The aim of our work is to reduce or eliminate lead toxicity in the perovskite cell while maintaining its efficiency. Thus, in a theoretical and experimental approach, we obtained following efficiencies of samples: CH3NH3PbI3 (22.49%) CH3NH3Pb0.75Sn0.25I3 (22.72%), CH3NH3Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 (23.00%) CH3NH3Pb0.25Sn0.75I3 (22.61%), CH3NH3SnI3 (22.38%). Doping with 50% tin gives the highest result (23.00%). By replacing a fraction of the lead with tin, the research aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the cells while maintaining their high performance. However, the challenge is to achieve a balance that does not compromise performance while reducing toxicity. .

Glycemic Responses of Food Formulations Based on White Rice and White Bean

The management of diabetes mellitus is based on lifestyle and dietary measures suggesting the consumption of foods with a low glycemic index. The present study was conducted in order to propose food formulas based on white rice and white beans resulting in a lower glycemic response. For this, food formulations based on these foods were first made, in particular the formulation [75% white rice + 25% white beans] and the formulation [50% rice + 50% white beans]. Then, the biochemical composition of white rice, white bean and these two formulations was determined by the usual methods. Finally, their glycemic responses over 120 minutes were studied by the FAO/ WHO 1998 method. The results showed that white rice [100% white rice] had the highest carbohydrate content (54.61%) followed respectively by the formulation [75% white rice + 25% white bean] (45.69%), the white bean [100% white bean] (29.1%) and the formulation [50% white rice + 50% white bean] (26.16%). In terms of glycemic responses, the formulation [50% white rice + 50% white beans] presented the best evolution with a lower peak (6.041 mmol/L) observed at T45min and a lower postprandial glycemia (4.872 mmol/ L) at T120min. An increase in the proportion of beans is therefore recommended as it may suggest a beneficial metabolic effect.

Comparison of Chronic Wound Inpatients and Outpatients’ Diets and Meals Nutrient Content in Taabo Wound Management Unit, Côte d’Ivoire

Chronic and potential non-healing wounds are a great challenge for patients, physicians, and wound care professionals and the health system. A balanced nutrition intake is essential for health as well as a speedy recovery of such wounds. The study objective was to compare chronic wound inpatients supplemented with food nutrient content with outpatients with their usual intake in a cross-sectional study. Patients’ food samples were taken for chemical analyses. The protein, beta-carotene, sodium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium content prove statistically significant differences. Outpatients’ diets are more diversified than inpatients’ diets, and supplementation diet richest in beta-carotene and in protein. Outpatients have better dietary diversity than those who were hospitalized. The result provides insights of supplementary food as critical issues pertaining to chronic wounds management. However, analyzing bioavailability of nutrient on patients’ blood may provide more knowledge in the appropriate integrated wound management.

Agromorphological Characterization of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc., Zingiberaceae) Accessions Grown in Côte d’Ivoire

In C?te d’Ivoire, ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), generally used to make a drink called “Gnamankoudji”, has become an important source of agricultural income diversification. In order to assess the agromorphological diversity of a ginger collection from different regions of C?te d’Ivoire, a survey collection of accessions was carried out in the different production zones of the country. One hundred and eighty-eight ginger accessions were collected in 15 regions and one autonomous district of C?te d’Ivoire. Analysis of variance revealed that all the variables used in this study discriminated between the ginger accessions collected. Principal component analysis revealed morphological variability of 45.931% for the first two components. Ascending Hierarchical Classification was used to classify these accessions into three groups based on fourteen quantitative characters. These three groups were formed independently of collection areas and are characterized by moderate morphological variability. This variability has been structured into three distinct agromorphological groups, with thallus (rhizome) length and width, finger width, secondary finger length and yield in tons per hectare as distinctive characters. This revealed genetic diversity could be exploited in ginger breeding and improvement programs in C?te d’Ivoire.

Co-Occurring Plant Species of the West African Critically Endangered Aubregrinia taïensis Heine, in Côte d’Ivoire

The Upper Guinea Forest is subject to heavy deforestation. In this context, many endemic and/or rare plant species are threatened with extinction. This is the case of Aubregrinia taïensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Heine, a critically endangered Sapotaceae species, endemic to Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. After 3 years of investigation in and around the Tai National Park (TNP) in the West of Côte d’Ivoire, only one individual of this species was located and no sexual reproductive organs (fruits, seeds) were observed. Woody plant species around this individual were inventoried in order to know the species that can co-occur with Aubregrinia taïensis. For that a plot of 30 m of diameter was established around the individual and all of the woody species of this circle were inventoried. Then, the taxonomic diversity, the chorology of the species, the conservation status and their life-form were recorded. A total of 130 woody plant species belonging to 51 families were collected in the site. The most represented families are Euphorbiaceae (12 spp.), Rubiaceae (10 spp.), Annonaceae (7 spp.), Fabaceae, Moraceae, Malvaceae (6 spp. each) while the most represented genera are Diospyros L. (4 spp.), Cola Schott & Endl. and Vitex L. (3 spp.). Species from the Guineo-Congolese Region (GC) are the most abundant (72%). They are followed by West African endemic species (GCW, 19%). Microphanerophytes (mp) are the most abundant and represent more than 40% of the species. Three vulnerable species were found in this plot: Campylospermum amplectens, Placodiscus boya and Trichoscypha cavalliensis. Thus, the preservation of this forest is more than necessary.

Production and Characterization of Green Biosorbent Based on Modified Corn Cob Decorated Magnetite Nanoparticles

In most developing countries, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, corn cobs are considered as waste polluting the environment during the harvest period of this cereal. In order to valorize this agricultural waste, high-performance, inexpensive and low-energy consumption magnetic bioadsorbents were prepared from corn cobs. The chemically activated raw corn cob was magnetized by coating the surface with magnetite nanoparticles. The prepared biosorbents were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM associated with EDX, HR-TEM, TG analysis, BET surface area analysis and XPS. The maximum specific surface area of 35.22 m2/g was reached. An attempt to use of these magnetic biosorbents for the removal of heavy metal like Cr(VI) from aqueous solution was envisaged.

Human Health Risks from Exposure to Heavy Metals of Suspended Particulate Matter around the Tongon Gold Mine, Côte d’Ivoire

The Tongon mine, the largest gold mine in C?te d’Ivoire, has been in operation since April 2010. However, to our knowledge to date, no study has been conducted on metallic contamination in suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) where there is a lack of information on the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk to human health associated with the exposure of populations in the Tongon area to these pollutants. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the level of contamination of PM10;PM2.5 by heavy metals and their impact on the health of populations exposed to these pollutants in the Tongon gold mine area. The sampling and measurement of suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) were done using a MiniVol TAS passive air sampler. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (Nex ION 2000 ICP-MS, USA). The results indicate that the average concentrations of suspended particles (PM2.5 and PM10) obtained are all above the recommended exposure limits. In addition, among the heavy metals contained in the suspended particles, the concentrations of arsenic and nickel are high and all above the standard limit values. The assessment of the health risks related to the inhalation of PM10 particles reveals that their inhalation over a long period could cause a carcinogenic risk.

Design of New Thiadiazole Derivatives with Improved Antidiabetic Activity

Diabetes is a serious, long-term (or chronic) disease that occurs when a person’s blood sugar levels are high because their body cannot produce enough insulin, or does not produce enough insulin or that it cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. According to the literature, this disease has several causes, but certain types of diabetes such as type 2 diabetes are most closely linked to a metabolic disorder due to abdominal obesity. Thus, the number of individuals with type 2 diabetes is increasing. It is with this in mind that we work to improve human health. The aim of this study is to design new derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole with improved antidiabetic activity by the mathematical model of multiple linear regression (MLR) established previously. The analysis of the effect on the substituents influencing the antidiabetic activity, fourteen (14) new molecules coded CDTH were generated and presenting values of the potential of inhibitory concentration higher than that of the base compound (pIC50 = 2.526). But thirteen (13) of these new compounds belong to the domain of applicability of the MLR model established previously. In addition, the thermodynamic quantities of formation formed at 298K have been calculated. Lipinski’s rule and pharmacokinetic properties proved that five (5) (TH4, TH9, TH10, TH13 and TH14) new molecules can be used as diabetes medicine.

Abundance and Source Identification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments of the Ivory Coastal Zone (Toukouzou Hozalem-Assinie)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are strongly associated with agricultural, residential, transportation, industrial and petroleum activities. In this study, the presence of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) was investigated in sediments of the ivory coastal zone (Toukouzou Hozalem-Assinie). The main objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and to predict the source of PAHs in the sediments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze sixteen priority PAHs. Total PAHs concentrations were from 1.31 to 3992.68 mg/kg in sediment with an average concentration of (307.54 ± 16.10) mg/kg. Among all PAHs, Naphthalene (Nap = 332.72 mg/kg) and Phenanthrene (Phe = 41.75 mg/kg) were found in the highest concentration, whereas Benzo (k) Fluoranthene was found in the least concentration in the range of 0 - 0.85 mg/kg (mean 0.24 mg/kg). Bassam-Modeste Lagune (BML) sampling site was the site with the highest concentration of total PAHs (all 16 PAHs) compared to the others due to their location in a highly populated estuary area that receives commercial, tourism, port, petroleum and heavy industrial activities. Diagnostic ratios were used to determine the sources of PAHs and suggested that the PAH profile in the sediments was dominated by 2 and 3 ring PAHs. The patterns of PAH compounds in sediment indicated that contamination is from mixed sources, with a strong indication of petrogenic contamination potentially from spills of fuel, oil and industrial activities.

Comparative Performance Analysis of MAPbI3 and FAPbI3 Perovskites: Study of Optoelectronic Properties and Stability

The exploitation of fossil resources to meet humanity’s energy needs is the root cause of the climate warming phenomenon facing the planet. In this context, non-carbon-based energies, such as photovoltaic energy, are identified as crucial solutions. Organic perovskites MAPbI3 and FAPbI3, characterized by their abundance, low cost, and ease of synthesis, are emerging as candidates for study to enhance their competitiveness. It is within this framework that this article presents a comparative analysis of the performances of MAPbI3 and FAPbI3 perovskites in the context of photovoltaic devices. The analysis focuses on the optoelectronic characteristics and stability of these high-potential materials. The optical properties of perovskites are rigorously evaluated, including band gaps, photoluminescence, and light absorption, using UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques. The crystal structure is characterized by X-ray diffraction, while film morphology is examined through scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal significant variations between the two types of perovskites, directly impacting the performance of resulting solar devices. Simultaneously, the stability of perovskites is subjected to a thorough study, exposing the materials to various environmental conditions, highlighting key determinants of their durability. Films of MAPbI3 and FAPbI3 demonstrate distinct differences in terms of topography, optical performance, and stability. Research has unveiled that planar perovskite solar cells based on FAPbI3 offer higher photoelectric conversion efficiency, surpassing their MAPbI3-based counterparts in terms of performance. These advancements aim to overcome stability constraints and enhance the long-term durability of perovskites, ultimately aiming for practical application of these materials. This comprehensive comparative analysis provides an enlightened understanding of the optoelectronic performance and stability of MAPbI3 and FAPbI3 perovskites, which is critically important to guide future research and development of solar devices that are both more efficient and sustainable.

Rainfall Variability and Trends in West Africa

Rainfall variability associated with climate change has enormous impacts on ecosystems, agriculture and people in West Africa but few studies have been devoted to it. Monthly rainfall data from 1901 to 2013, provided by the Global Precipitation Climatology Center dataset, were analyzed using segmentation and empirical modal decomposition (EMD) methods to increase our knowledge on past and recent spatio-temporal rainfall trends and their impacts on the West African region. The results obtained showed that the peak of rainfall during the short rainy season is observed in September in C&#244;te d’Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia. The temporal variability of this rainfall is marked by several breakpoints whose durations range from 2 to 70 years. The periods of change in the rainfall regime, characterized by the appearance of breakpoints, vary from one country to another and are of unequal duration. The main breakpoint appears after 1960. Periods of relative or normal increase or decrease in precipitation are observed before and after 1960. The long-term variability of this rainfall is characterized by a decrease in the amount of rainfall over all West African countries. The results of this study can be used as a tool to help raise awareness among populations for sustainable management of water resources in response to climate change and its adverse effects.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study of the Elimination of Remazol Black on Activated Carbon Based on Ricinodendron heudelotii Shells

Activated carbon made from the shells of Ricinodendron heudelotii was used to remove the remazol black dye in aqueous solution. The results of the characterization of this carbon revealed that it is microporous, with a basic global surface (0.337 mmol/L) and a specific surface of 612 m2/g. The prepared carbon therefore has excellent adsorbent properties. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies were carried out to describe the adsorption mechanism of remazol black on this carbon. It appears from this study that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model is the best suited to describe this adsorption phenomenon with an equilibrium time of 200 min. The adsorption equilibrium study revealed that Langmuir and Freundlich models can help to describe the adsorption process. We note that the optimum pH and optimum mass for the removal of 20 mg/L of remazol black are 3 and 0.25 g, respectively. This carbon made it possible to eliminate more than 98% of the remazol dye in aqueous solution. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption is of the physisorption type, spontaneous and endothermic.

Study of the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Methacompost from a Poultry Company in Ivory Coast: Test for Growing Big Sun Chilli

The objective of this work was to determine the suitability of poultry methacompost from the 2nd methanizer of the BRIN FOUNDATION in Yaokokoroko (Bondoukou, Côte d’Ivoire), to be used in the improvement of soil fertility. The methacompost studied has a C/N ratio = 17.26, which could characterize a stable methacompost with high amending power. It also contains mineral elements Nitrogen (N) = 0.68% DM;Phosphorus (P) = 0.084% DM;Potassium (K) = 0.67% DM;Calcium (Ca) = 0.65% DM;Magnesium (Mg) = 0.15% DM. red in the standard relating to the organic amendments (NFU 44-051). The methacompost has fertilizing and amending properties and could not present any risk for vegetation and soils.

Desorption of Methylene Blue Adsorbed on Activated Carbon from Cocoa Pod Shell

Environmental protection has become a concern for the world. For this reason, the objective of this work is to remove methylene blue adsorbed on activated carbon. The coal used comes from cocoa pod shells. Before pyrolysis, the shells were ground, sieved and impregnated with orthophosphoric acid. Before desorption, the activated carbons were initially saturated with MB. These saturated coals were brought into contact with a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and then stirred. The evolution of the resorbed MB concentration was monitored by spectrophotometry. The desorption tests showed a remarkable elimination from the first 10 minutes. The desorption kinetics comprises two phases: a rapid kinetics between 0 and 30 minutes and a slow kinetics between 30 and 60 minutes. The desorption of the dye reaches a concentration aqual to 0.84 mg/l at pH = 4 at temperature = 80°C. For modeling, the coefficient of the Langmuir II model is greater than or equal to O.9893. The model of Langmuir III is less than or equal to 0.9373. The Freundlich model coefficient is 0.9842 or less. The desorption is thefore carried out on energy-homogeneous adsorption sites and without any interaction between the adsorbed cations of the dye. Experimental parameters such as pH, temperature and concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution influence the desorption of MB. And the model of Langmuir II describes well the process of desorption of the MB.

An Information Content and Set of Common Superconcepts-Based Algorithm to Estimate Similarity between Concepts of Ontologies

Ontologies have been used for several years in life sciences to formally represent concepts and reason about knowledge bases in domains such as the semantic web, information retrieval and artificial intelligence. The exploration of these domains for the correspondence of semantic content requires calculation of the measure of semantic similarity between concepts. Semantic similarity is a measure on a set of documents, based on the similarity of their meanings, which refers to the similarity between two concepts belonging to one or more ontologies. The similarity between concepts is also a quantitative measure of information, calculated based on the properties of concepts and their relationships. This study proposes a method for finding similarity between concepts in two different ontologies based on feature, information content and structure. More specifically, this means proposing a hybrid method using two existing measures to find the similarity between two concepts from different ontologies based on information content and the set of common superconcepts, which represents the set of common parent concepts. We simulated our method on datasets. The results show that our measure provides similarity values that are better than those reported in the literature.

Assessment of Soil Contamination and Human Health Risk around an Industrial Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire: The Case of Arsenic

The Tongon mine generates millions of tons of waste rock and tailings, which are stored in landfills in the vicinity of the mine. These tailings contain arsenic. The risk of soil contamination in this area is evident. This study assesses the arsenic contamination of soils around the mine and the health risks to the local population. Soil samples were taken from plastic bags and other materials used as working tools. Arsenic concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, after the soil samples had been concentrated and digested. Metal contamination indices were used to assess the degree of soil contamination. The results obtained indicate that soils in the industrial zone of the Tongon gold mine have very high average concentrations, well above the world average for uncontaminated soils of 6 mg/kg arsenic. Geoaccumulation index values range from 1.28 to 3.40. These values highlight severe arsenic soil contamination. The human health risk assessment revealed that exposure risks are well above the critical limit of 1 and are, in descending order, children > adult women > adult men. These results indicate an ecological risk, requiring environmental monitoring, underpinned by the development of an effective remediation strategy to reduce local pollution and contamination.

Quantitative Structure Anti-Cancer Activity Relationship (QSAR) of a Series of Ruthenium Complex Azopyridine by the Density Functional Theory (DFT) Method

A series of ruthenium azopyridine complexes have recently been investigated due to their potential cytotoxic activities against renal cancer (A498), lung cancer (H226), ovarian cancer (IGROV), breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (WIDR). Thus, in order to predict the cytotoxic potentials of these compounds, quantitative structure-activity relationship studies were carried out using the methods of quantum chemistry. Five Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models were obtained from the determined quantum descriptors and the different activities. The models present the following statistical indicators: regression correlation coefficient R2 = 0.986 - 0.905, standard deviation S = 0.516 - 0.153, Fischer test F = 106.718 - 14.220, correlation coefficient of cross-validation = 0.985- 0.895 and = 0.010 - 0.001. The statistical characteristics of the established QSAR models satisfy the acceptance and external validation criteria, thereby accrediting their good performance. The models developed show that the variation of the free enthalpy of reaction , the dipole moment μ and the charge of the ligand in the complex Ql, are the explanatory and predictive quantum descriptors correlated with the values of the anti-cancer activity of the studied complexes. Moreover, the charge of the ligand is the priority descriptor for the prediction of the cytotoxicity of the compounds studied. Furthermore, QSAR models developed are statistically significant and predictive, and could be used for the design and synthesis of new anti-cancer molecules.

NBO Population Analysis and Electronic Calculation of Four Azopyridine Ruthenium Complexes by DFT Method

The molecular structure, the Natural Bond orbital (NBO) and the Time Dependent-DFT of both isomers cis or γ-Cl and trans or δ-Cl of RuCl2(L)2, where L stands respectively for 2-phenylazopyridine (Azpy), 2,4-dimethyl-6-[phenylazo]pyridine (Dazpy), 2-[(3,5-dimethylphenyl)azopyridine] (Mazpy) and 2-pyridylazonaphtol (Nazpy) were calculated with DFT method at B3LYP/LANL2DZ level. The prediction of the frontier orbitals (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital or HOMO and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital or LUMO) shows that the most active complexes suitable for electronic reactions are admitted to be the trans isomers. Moreover, δ-RuCl2 (Azpy)2 is discovered to react more actively as photo-sensitizer since its energy gap is the minimum. Besides, electronic structures of all complexes through NBO calculation indicate that Ru-N bonds are made of delocalization of occupancies from lone pair orbital of N atoms to the ruthenium. Moreover, Ru was assumed to have almost the same charge regardless the structure of the azopyridine ligands in the complex indicating that the ligands provide only a steric effect that is responsible for the ruthenium’s selectivity. Concerning the transition state, NBO analysis also highlights that the transition LP(Ru) π*(N1-N2) does correspond to t2g?π*(L). This transition is assumed to correspond to Metal to Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) that is responsible for the photo-sensitiveness of the metallic complex. Besides, TDDFT calculation of complexes showed that δ-RuCl2(Nazpy)2 displays the largest band during the absorption. For that reason, it is admitted to be the best photosensitizer due to a large system of conjugation provided by Nazpy ligand.