Symphyseal Disjunction after Dystocic Vaginal Delivery: About Two Cases at the SourôSanou University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso (CHUSS)

Diastasis of the symphysis pubis is a rare postpartum complication. We report two cases of symphysis diastasis after dystocic delivery, in two patients who presented in the postpartum period with functional impotence, pubalgia and acute urine retention. A frontal radiograph of the pelvis confirmed the diagnosis, showing a symphyseal separation of 12 mm and 18 mm. In our case, management was mainly medical, with a favorable clinical outcome.

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.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Antifungal Resistance Profile of Candida auris in Africa: Systematic Review

Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where several conditions are met for its emergence and spread, this worrisome fungus could cause large hospital and/or community-based outbreaks. This review aimed to summarize the available data on C. auris in Africa focusing on its epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile. Major databases were searched for articles on the epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris in Africa. Out of 2,521 articles identified 22 met the inclusion criteria. In Africa, nearly 89% of African countries have no published data on C. auris. The prevalence of C. auris in Africa was 8.74%. The case fatality rate of C. auris infection in Africa was 39.46%. The main C. auris risk factors reported in Africa were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, diabetes, HIV, recent intake of antimicrobial drugs, ICU admissions, surgery, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition and indwelling devices. Four phylogenetic clades were reported in Africa, namely clades I, II, III and IV. Candida auris showed a pan-African very high resistance rate to fluconazole, moderate resistance to amphotericin B, and high susceptibility to echinocandins. Finally, C. auris clade-specific mutations were observed within the ERG2, ERG3, ERG9, ERG11, FKS1, TAC1b and MRR1 genes in Africa. This systematic review showed the presence of C. auris in the African continent and a worrying unavailability of data on this resilient fungus in most African countries.

Morbidity and Mortality of Inpatients in the Department of Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Background: Infectious Diseases are responsible for nearly 17 million annual deaths worldwide. Burkina Faso, like the majority of poor countries, remains vulnerable to infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to analyze the profile of inpatients, including the mortality and causes of death, in the Infectious Diseases Department of SourôSanou teaching hospital (Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso). Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study based on medical records of all inpatients from 2011 to 2015. Results: We included 1169 patients. The gender ratio was 0.8. The age group 30 to 39 was more represented (30.2%) as well as housewives and farmers (73.7%). Over one-thirds of the patients (35.3%) were consulted within an average of 7 days. The most common reason for consultation was fever (65.1%). Around 62.0% of inpatients were infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Digestive diseases ranked first (21.8%) followed by nervous system disorders (19.4%) and tuberculosis (17.8%). Overall morbidity rate was 31.3%. About 42% were admitted to the emergency ward while 83.3% already arrived with poor health condition. And 82.1% of deaths occurred on pathological grounds of which 66.7% were related to HIV. Main causes of death included nervous system diseases (28.6%), tuberculosis (21.9%) and gastrointestinal diseases (18.3%). Conclusion: Infectious diseases remain a major public health issue. Further efforts are needed to improve their management in Burkina Faso.

Molecular Epidemiology of High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Sexually Active Women at Bobo-Dioulasso University Teaching Hospital

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV-HR genotypes in the population of sexually active women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Methods: This study took place at Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso from September to June 2017. A total of 234 women in the gynecological period and also sexually active were enrolled after they gave an individual consent. Swabbing of the endocervical canal was done. From the sample stored at -20°C, the viral DNA was extracted using the “DNA-Sorb-A” kit from SACACE biotechnologies&reg. Amplification of the PCR of the extracted DNA was made, using the “HPV Genotypes 14 Real-TM Quant” V67-100 FRT kit. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 17.0 and Epi Info 6. Chi-square and Fisher’s tests were used to compare proportions and averages;a link was significant when p 0.05. Results: The mean age was 30.7 ± 7.3 years (median: 30 years);84.5% of them were married, 43.5% had a socio-professional activity and 61% were schooled. A total of 20.6% of women were positive for at least one of the following HPV-HR genotypes: HPV 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Genotypes the most frequently found were HPV 52 with 11 cases (17.2%) and 66 with 10 cases (15.6%). Conclusion: Our results show a predominance of HPV-HR genotypes not covered by available vaccines. Mapping genotypes are needed to fully understand viral ecology at the national level. But for instance, the nonavalent vaccine, which has a better coverage of the predominant genotypes, is to be promoted.

Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Mothers’ Infant and Young Child Feeding Knowledge and Practices in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention aiming to improve the knowledge and practices of under 5 years children’s mothers on infant and young child feeding in peri urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were surveyed before and after the intervention using the FAO questionnaire for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) knowledge and practices assessment in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on mothers’ infant and young child feeding knowledge and practices. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of the mothers were between 20 and 29 years old. All indicators used to assess the mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and complementary feeding significantly improved after the intervention (all p-values < 0.05). In terms of child feeding practices, half of the indicators (early breastfeeding initiation, age of complementary feeding initiation, and minimum meal frequency) significantly increased (all p = 0.001) while two indicators (minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet) did not change (p = 0.06 and 0.67) after the intervention. Finally, continued breastfeeding, significantly declined after the intervention (73.3% vs 86.0% p = 0.001). Conclusion: The intervention improved the mothers’ knowledge on breastfeeding and complementary feeding and some child feeding practices. This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention to increase maternal knowledge and practices.

A Review on Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Euphorbia hirta L.

Euphorbia hirta L. is an annual medicinal herb throughout many tropical continents used to cure various diseases. Several studies have isolated many bioactive compounds from E. hirta. This study aimed at providing a collection of bioactive constituents in E. hirta. This review summarizes the extraction solvent, the structures and the properties of 38 bioactive phytochemicals isolated from E. hirta. It could help to understand the relationship existing between phytochemicals and their activities.

Influence of Sorbent Type on Drying Efficiency, Production Costs and Nutritional Values of Mango By-Products Feeds for Livestock

The aim of the study was to determine the best food absorbents between wheat, rice and maize bran and palm kernel cake, from a technical and economic point of view, in order to make a better recommandation for their use in the production process of food based on mango by-products (peels, peels + pulp). To this end, series of 18 kg of fresh feed were prepared and spread out in a stall for sun-drying using a randomized Fisher system. Preparations were made using either mango peels (75%) + absorbent (25%) or pulp + mango peels (67%) + sorbent (33%). The results show that mango Peel feed loses more water (WL) with lover production yields (PY), higher mango incorporation rates into dry feed (MRI), longer drying times (UDT) and lower production costs (CPkgPD) than mango peel + pulp. The average DM, MAT, ADF and NDF fiber contents were almost equal to those of mango peels + pulp feed. The average Crude Fiber (CF) (25.13%) and DEp (2839 kcal/kgDM) contents were higher for mango skin feed than for mango skin + pulp feed, at 8.59% and 2536 for MAT and DEp respectively. Mango peels + wheat bran (PSB25) and whole mango (MESB33) feeds recorded the highest and almost equal levels of TCP, NDF and MM. Production costs per kg of feed dry mater (CPkgDM) for feed produced at 25% were on average 33% higher than for whole mango (WM) feed. Excluding mango raw material, palm kernel meal (PK), rice bran (RB), maize bran (MB) and wheat bran (WB) can be ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in terms of cumulative performance of production parameters. Producers can then choose the type of sorbent they wish to use according to this ranking and the local availability of the sorbent. These feeds can be used for both ruminants and monogastrics, but are better suited to ruminant feeding due to their high fiber content.

Protein Profiles of Pod Borer Maruca Resistant Transgenic Cowpea

The grain legume cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is a major protein source used for food and feed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is affected by the pod borer Maruca vitrata against which transgenic lines were developed as part of the genetic control approach. This study aimed to assess the protein profiles in seeds and leaves of transgenic cowpea lines and their non-transgenic near-isogenic counterparts. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, and soluble proteins were quantified using Bradford dye binding assay. The average crude protein content ranged between 21.61% and 26.58% in the seeds and between 10.86% and 17.90% in the leaves. Total solubility varied between 13.03% and 20.64%. Osborne’s protein fractions contents in the seeds were 52.41% - 69.52% (albumin), 4.62% - 7.19% (globulin), 7.95% - 11.40% (glutelin) and 3% - 4% (prolamin). In any case, protein content differed significantly between cowpea genotypes but not between pairs of transgenic/non-transgenic lines. Insecticidal Cry1Ab protein expressed by transgenic lines was only detected in the albumin and globulin fractions. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the effects of genetic modification on cowpea protein content and composition, with potential implications for nutritional and safety assessments.

Relationship between the Polymorphism of the GSTP1 (rs1695) Gene and Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Genetic polymorphisms of some Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) which encode the enzyme responsible for the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics, have been associated with the risk of several pathologies that can progress to cancer such as Hepatitis B. This study aims to characterize the impact of the rs1695 polymorphism of GSTP1 gene among people with chronic Hepatitis B infection in Burkina Faso. Methods: rs1695 polymorphisms of GSTP1 gene genotyping was performed for 50 people infected with chronic Hepatitis B virus and 124 healthy people with the PCR-RFLP method. Conventional PCR was used for DNA amplification and Alw26I enzyme was used for enzymatic digestion. Results: The results show that the frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes are respectively 31.00%, 36.80% and 32.20% in general the study population with a mutation rate of 50.57%. However, the incidence of the AA, AG and GG genotypes are respectively 30.64%, 38.71% and 30.64% among people with chronic Hepatitis B virus infection and 32.00%, 32.00% and 36.00% among healthy people. In cases, the frequencies of the A and G alleles are 48.00% and 52.00% respectively, and in controls 50.00% each. No statistical difference was found by comparing genotypic and allelic frequencies between cases and controls (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study allowed us to determine the rate of GSTP1 rs1695 genotypes in the study population, cases and controls. From our analyses, GSTP1 rs1695 is not associated to chronic Hepatitis B virus infection in Ouagadougou.

Stabilization of a Lateric Clay from Burkina Faso with Cement-Metakaolin for an Application in Road Construction

The objective of this work is to obtain a composite of clay-cement-metakaolin having good mechanical properties and geotechnical. To do this, a lateritic clay from Burkina Faso referenced ALK was characterized by various methods (X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrometry, thermal analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma, Atomic Emission Spectrometry) in order to be used as a base course after adding cement and metakaolin. The results of the mineralogical characterization of this clay showed that it is composed of kaolinite (65.7 wt.%), quartz (19.3 wt.%) and goethite (10.8 wt.%). The geotechnical tests carried out showed that ALK is moderately plastic with a plasticity index Ip = 22%. The optimum moisture content and the maximum dry density are respectively 15.9% and 1.76 g∙cm-3. Simple compressive strength and splitting tensile strength are Rc = 1.59 MPa and ft = 0.149 MPa respectively. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) index at 95% is 40% and above the minimum value of 30% shows that ALK can be used as a sub-base course in road construction. The addition of cement and metakaolin in various proportions improved the CBR index and the mechanical strength of the composites produced. This improvement is due to the formation of hydrated calcium silicate (CSH) resulting from the pozzolanic reaction between the portlandite of the cement and the amorphous silica of the metakaolin. Thus the 2 wt.% metakaolin and 6 wt.% cement formulation with a 95%CBR index of 81% is suitable for the development of a base course in road construction.

Diversity, Host Plant Range and Distribution of Thrips spp. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Three Vegetable Production Basins in Burkina Faso

Onion is the most important vegetable produced in Burkina Faso. It contributes to food and nutrition security and is a source of income for farmers. Thrips, which feed on the leaves of the plant, are the main insect pest of onion. The objective of this study was to access the diversity, the host range and the distribution of Thrips spp. in three main onion production areas in Burkina Faso. Three sites were chosen in each vegetable production basin, and plant species present were sampled and inspected to determine their thrips’ infestation status. Seventeen cultivated or wild plant species were attacked by thrips. The incidence of attacks was highest on zucchini plants followed by cucumber, eggplant, and onion, respectively. Six thrips species were recorded of which Thrips tabaci (Lindemman) represented more than 70% of the total. The average density of Thrips spp. per plant varied significantly between production basins and plant species. The highest average number of Thrips spp. per plant was recorded on zucchini (40.28 ± 10.28;17.43 ± 13.48 and 14.33 ± 7.11 respectively in the North, Hauts Bassins, and Central Plateau). This study provided basic information that can lead to further research and the development of control methods.

Physical Transformations of Agri-Food Products during Their Convective Drying: Characterization of the Contraction and Isotropicity of Okra

The physical transformations in terms of contraction of okra dimensions during convective drying were examined. During drying, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of okra decrease over time. The lateral dimensions go from their initial value to around 53%, 65% and 66% of this value after 530 min. The length of the two samples used goes from 8.65 and 9.02 cm to 6.79 and 7.52 cm after 14,300 min, i.e. a variation of 78.50% and 83.37%. All the two directions give variations almost linear depending on the water content. These linear contractions result in a volume contraction of the okra. It considerably decreases in volume during the drying process. The volume goes from 831.32 cm3 to 367.57 cm3 in min, a variation of 44.22%. The isotropic index reveals that okra does not behave the same in the lateral and longitudinal directions. It contracts its diameter more than its length.

Assessing the Pathogenic Ability of Six Species of Fusarium Genus on Onion Variety in Burkina Faso

Prema 178 onion variety is widely used in production in Burkina Faso. It is greatly appreciated but susceptible to basal rot. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenic ability of six strains of Fusarium genus identified in Burkina Faso on onion. Seeds, seedlings and bulbs were used for the test. A conidial suspension of each strain was made in tubes and adjusted to 1 × 106 conidia/ml with distilled water for the different tests. Germination test in the laboratory and greenhouse showed that all treatments with the strains of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, F. solani, F. falciforme, F. acutatum, F. proliferatum and F. sp. induced failure to emerge and showed a significant difference with the control. The different strains also induced stunting rates of coleoptile growth. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, F. acutatum, F. proliferatum, F. falciforme and F. solani were very aggressive, as they recorded above 50% damping-off rates. The test on the bulbs revealed that the strains were classified into two groups. The first consists of F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae, F. solani, F. falciforme, F. acutatum, which caused rots with respective lengths from 2.06;1.48;1.84;1.46 and 2.12 cm, thus very aggressive according to Ghanbarzadeh scale. The second is formed by F. proliferatum which recorded 0.90 cm of rot length, thus moderately aggressive. It would be appropriate to suggest a sustainable management method for these pathogens in order to improve the yield of onion production.

Effects of Agro-Ecological Practices on the Productivity of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and Soil Fertility in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

This study consisted to evaluate the effects of ecological practices on the yield performance of the JEWEL of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). The study was conducted in a Sudano-Sahelian cropping system (Lantargou, eastern region of Burkina Faso). Agro-ecological practices consisted of the inputs of 3.20 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash (CO + WA);4.90 t/ha of wood ash (WA);6.40 t/ha of compost (CO) were compared to control with no inputs (T0). Each treatment was repeated four times. The crop management consisted of plowing, harrowing, raising of ridges with 40 cm height, burying of treatments, transplanting of cuttings, two weeding’s, and using of biopesticide called PIOL for crop protection. Composite soil samples per treatment were also collected at tuber harvest and analyzed to determine the effects of treatments on residual soil fertility. Results showed that the plant heights and diameters under the CO were significantly (P < 0.001) improved by 16% and 12% compared to T0. The WA treatment significantly increased the number of large tubers by 43% (P ≤ 0.01) compared to T0. Total tuber numbers, large tuber numbers and tuber yields of sweet potato under CO + WA were significantly (P < 0.001) and respectively improved by 27%, 50% and 31% compared to T0. All treatments increased soil organic matter, N, P and K contents, and reduced soil acidity compared with those obtained under T0. Soil K content was improved by 39% under CO + WA, and soil N content by 34% under WA compared to T0. Soil C/N ratio under CO + WA was reduced by 20% compared others treatments. But, the CO + WA treatment outperformed by improving residual soil N content by 38%, and the WA treatment by increasing soil K content by 50% compared to T0. In addition, soil pHH2O increased by 1.2 units under WA treatment compared to T0. As conclusion, the application of 6.4 t/ha of compost performed well to improve the vegetative growth of orange-fleshed sweet potato while the inputs of 3.2 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash were efficacy to significantly increase the tuber yields and improve the residual fertility of soil.

Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralisation of a Lixisol in South Sudan Zone of Burkina Faso

In today’s environment where agriculture needs to produce sustainably, local fertilizer resources must be encouraged to achieve multiple crop performance and environmental goals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined inputs of biowaste and inorganic fertilisers on the mineralization of carbon and nitrogen of a Lixisol under continuous upland rice growing conditions. To this end, agronomic trials were set up in 2018 and 2019, using a Fisher randomized complete block design with 6 treatments and four replications at Farako-ba research station. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (NPK + Urea), T3 (7500 kgha of Chicken droppings);T4 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 100 kg/ha of urea);T5 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 500 kg/ha of Burkina Phosphate);T6 (7500 kg/ha of chicken droppings + 500 kg/ha of Burkina Phosphate + 100 kg/ha of urea). Highest respirometry was observed in treatments T3, T4 and T6 and treatment T4 significantly increased the mineralization coefficient by 15% after 21 days of incubation. T4 and T6 resulted in increases in ammonium ion of 74.15% and 100%, respectively, compared to the control. Likewise, treatments T4 and T6 resulted in a significant increase in nitrate ion of 104.83 and 103.25%, respectively. Biowaste combined with inorganic fertilizers may have a capacity to improve the availability of leachate nutrients under upland rice conditions.

Total Electron Content Diurnal and Seasonal Variations and Response to Solar Events at Koudougou Station in Burkina Faso

In this paper, we studied the seasonal behavior of the total electron content (TEC) during a part of solar cycle 24 ascending, maximum and decreasing phases at Koudougou station (Latitude: 12°15'09"N Longitude: 2°21'45"W). Response of TEC to solar recurrent events is presented. The highest values of the TEC in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were recorded on March and October, while in 2013 they were recorded on April and November, corresponding to equinox months. This observation shows that TEC values at the equinoxes are higher than those of solstices. Moreover, the monthly TEC varies in phase with the sunspots number showing a linear dependence of the TEC on solar activity. The ionospheric electron contents are generally very low both before noon and during the night, but quite high at noon and after noon. This pattern of TEC variation is due to the fluctuation of incident solar radiation on the Earth’s equatorial ionosphere. During quiet periods, the number of free electrons generated is lower than that generated during recurrent periods, which shows a positive contribution of recurrent activity to the level of the TEC. Investigations have also highlighted a winter anomaly and equinoctial asymmetry in TEC behavior at Koudougou station.

Distributions and Structure of the Solar Wind during Solar Cycles 23 and 24

To observe the level of interaction between the solar wind and the geomagnetic activity, we analyzed the distribution of the solar wind speeds according to the different classes of geomagnetic activity and the different phases of solar activity. We found that, the magnetic quiet activity reccord 80% of the solar wind speeds V s observed 88% of solar wind speeds V > 450 km/s. The shock activity observes 82% of the solar wind speeds V > 450 km/s. About 70% of the solar wind speeds V > 450 km/s, are observed in the corotating activity class. The cloud shock activity and fluctuating activity classes observed respectively 37% and 55% of the wind speeds V > 450 km/s. Furthermore, slow solar winds are mainly observed at the minimum phase of each solar cycle;but exceptionally the solar maximum phase of solar cycle 24, records a significant rate of slow solar wind. Shock winds are mainly observed around the solar maximum and recurrent winds are mainly observed at the descending phase of the solar cycle. Corotating stable winds and moderate shock winds dominate respectively at the descending phase and at the maximum phase.

Effect of High-Speed Solar Winds Turbulence Upstream of the Earth’s Magnetosphere: Case of the Outer Minima of Solar Cycles 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24

Highly turbulent environment, the solar wind is a stream of very energetic particles mainly made of protons and electrons. During its trip in the interplanetary space, this solar flow becomes more accelerated during the outer minima (descending phases) of the solar cycles and can therefore influence all of humanity and its technology. These disturbances lead to socio-economic consequences requiring a precise knowledge of the climate variability. Using a statistical approach, we evaluate the response of the Earth’s magnetosphere to the High-Speed Solar Winds (HSSW) forcing during the peaks of the last five outer minima. To do so, 1UA data of solar wind and magnetic field parameters were extracted from OMNI browser. Analysis of the energetic solar plasma particles shows that strong geomagnetic field variations can occur even in the absence of large solar disturbances. While the normalized reconnection rate was estimated to be ~21% of the total variance of the magnetospheric variables, the upstream of the magnetic cavity was perturbed 80% of the time with large energies recorded. As a result, Earth’s magnetosphere becomes denser (i.e., more drag), which is a problem for spacecraft. Thus, the coupled solar wind-magnetosphere system follows scale-invariant dynamics and is in a state far from equilibrium. Our analysis provides insight into the main cause of geomagnetic storms with more than 97% of HSSW imposed in the range 300 - 850 km/s. These high-speeds lead to auroras that can disrupt electrical and communication systems.

Validation of a Characteristics Dimensions for Transfers during Convective Drying of Sweet Potato Cubic, Cylindrical and Spherical Shapes

This present work solves the problem of initial shape influence on transfer during convective drying. A characteristic dimension is found for the cubic, cylindrical and spherical-shaped samples of the sweet potato. This characteristic dimension corresponds to the diameter D for the sphere, to the edge a for the cube and the diameter = height D = H for the cylinder. Unlike the sphere where this characteristic dimension is perfect, the cubic and cylindrical shapes have space factors which are, among other things, angles and borders. By fixing the same characteristic dimensions, we end up with overlapping curves, showing identical and uniform transfers.