A Review on Conductive and Transparent Materials Used in the Design of Transparent Antennas

In this review, we highlight the essential parameters of some transparent materials for use in the design of transparent antennas. ITO films with a sheet resistance of Rs = 10 Ω/sq and a T = 90% transmittance, we turn to materials that can be serious alternatives for ITO, such as graphene T = 97% for Rs = 60 Ω/sq and the micro-mesh metal. Wire mesh seems to be the best alternative T = 93% for Rs Rs = 0.022 Ω/sq at T = 81%, this is the micrometric pitch mesh.

Petro-Structural Study of the Paleoproterozoic Formations of the Faboula Gold Deposit (Bougouni-Kékoro Basin, Leo-Man Shield)

Recent petro-structural investigations on the Faboula gold deposit located in the Bougouni-Kékoro basin, in southern Mali, north-west of the Leo-Man Shield, have provided new data on the nature and spatial organization of the lithostratigraphic units as well as their deformation style. The deposit is covered by a thick lateritic layer and is hosted by a metavolcano-sedimentary sequence of Paleoproterozoic age intersected by intrusive bodies and filled fractures of various shapes and types. The lithostratigraphic units consist of metagreywackes, metasiltstones, meta-argillites, slates and schists. Metagreywackes and metasiltstones are generally feldspathic, both may contain biotite and locally amphibole, just as slates may contain andalusite which is locally stretched. Plutonic units most often occur as stocks or as dikes on the drill core, up to 1 m. The metavolcano-sedimentary rocks are schistose and deformed under greenschist facies conditions, and locally they reach the epidote-amphibolite facies. The structural study revealed that the deposit is affected by several stages of deformation evolving from a ductile type to a brittle type via a ductile-brittle type. The dominant ductile and brittle-ductile deformations show a combination of isoclinal folding and strike-slip faults. Both the isoclinal folding and the strike-slip faults whose sigmoidal en-echelon tension gashes indicate a dextral movement in the NNE-SSW direction are the result of the same ENE-WSW regional shortening. Consequently, they highlight a transpressive deformation. This deformation noted here D2Fb, could be equivalent to the regional D2 or D3 deformations identified at the scale of the Leo-Man Shield if we refer to the style of deformation. There is an abundance of quartz veins networks. Their relation within the structural features indicates that the mineralization is structurally controlled during a hydrothermal event linked certainly to the circulations of fluids during the transpressive event D2Fb.

Molecular Identification and Characterization of a Begomovirus Associated with Okra Enation Leaf Curl Disease in Mali

Okra is one of the most widespread vegetable crops in the world, particularly in West Africa. However, several factors influence okra crops as biotic and abiotic factors. Among the diseases affecting its culture, okra leaf curl disease is a major threat. This study aims to assess begomoviruses from okra plants with symptoms like leaves curl by molecular approach. A total of thirteen serologically positive samples were tested by PCR assay, and one sample was sequenced among them. The begomovirus was found in six isolates, Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) in three isolates, and Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV) in three isolates, respectively. The begomovirus isolate sequences shared 90% identity with the Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus. Mixed infections between these viruses were found. Thus, these results highlight the need to monitor the spread of these disease-causing viruses for okra crops in Mali. In addition, they can also lead to a considerable loss in okra fields in Koulikoro, which is an agricultural region by excellence.

Structural Pattern Related to Gold Mineralization in the Essakane Area (Northern Burkina Faso, West African Craton)

The finite deformation structures recorded in the Essakane area, located in the northeast corner of Burkina Faso, highlight three major compressive deformation phases, successively named D1, D2, and D3. The D1 event phase, trending NE-SW, is characterised by P1 folds and S1 axial plane schistosity. The D2 phase trending NW-SE is characterised by folds P2, schistosity (S2) and shear (C) planes. And the D3 phase trending NNE-SSW to N-S is characterised by P3 folds, crenulation microfolds and S3 spaced schistosity. It has also been noted that gold mineralizations are mainly hosted in quartz, carbonate, pyrite, and arsenopyrite veins. Structural interpretation indicates that these veins are organized into lenticular bodies that were formed during the first two deformation phases (D1 and D2). This suggests a strong structural control typical of orogenic gold concentrations.

Complete Cervico-Uretral Transections: A Vesicovaginal Fistula Not Like the Other

Introduction: Complete cervico-urethral transection is a vesicovaginal fistula characterized by total disinsertion of the urethra from the bladder. It is a fistula of the cervico-urethral intersection threatening the mechanism of continence. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of this type of fistula. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study on patients who have had surgery for cervico-urethral transection from June 01, 2012 to June 01, 2015. Results: Cervico-urethral transections (n = 76) accounted for 33.77% of all urogenital fistulas admitted to our department of surgery during the study period. The average age was 25.02 ± 8, 6 years. Married patients accounted for 85.58%, 72.36% had not received any classical education. Fistulas less than one year old made up 56.58% of cases, associated lesions were perineal tears 25.0%, vaginal sclerosis, 21.05%, vaginal straps, 13.15%, rectovaginal fistula, 2.63% and the shortness of the urethra less than 2.5 cm in 42.10% of cases. All surgeries were performed vaginally with a 98.68% fistula closure rate and an average of 1.68 surgeries per patient. After closure of the fistula, 10.67% of patients presented a residual urinary incontinence. Conclusion: Complete cervico-urethral transection is a frequent vesicovaginal fistula. She sometimes exposes to urinary incontinence after closing the fistula. The results of his surgery are often good at the cost of multiple intervention.

New Method for Injectable Quinine Quality Assurance Control Using a Multi-Spectral Microscope

Africa is the world region that is most affected by malaria. Among the therapies used, injectable quinine is considered to be one of the effective antimalarial drug, however non-quality assured antimalarials clearly have a strong market penetration across Africa. To overcome this problem, it becomes more and more necessary to set up quantitative and qualitative analysis system for antimalarial quality control. The objective of the present investigation is an attempt to use customized multispectral microscope equipped with UV-Visible lasers for injectable quinine quality assurance control routinely. For that, we have established the calibration curve of quinine solution concentration as a function of area under light intensity histogram crossing the solution. From this calibration curve, we can check the conformity of any injectable quinine according to the pharmacopoeia involved. The proposed technique is a promising alternative for drug quality control routinely.

Bladder Cancer: Epidemiological, Clinical and Histopathological Aspects at the University Hospital Point G, Mali

Introduction: Bladder cancer is a new tissue formation most often of urothelial origin with potential for local, locoregional and distant invasion. Among its risk factors, urinary bilharzia is endemic in our study area. The aim of our study was to present the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological aspects of bladder cancer in our department. Patients and method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study over a 12-month period from January 1 to December 31, 2019. The study took place in the urology department of the university hospital Point “G”. It included all patients hospitalized for bladder cancer. The epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characteristics have been sought and described. Results: A total of 74 patients were included in the study. Bladder cancer was the leading cause of cancer, accounting for 57.9% of all urological cancers. The mean age of the patients was 52.8 ± 16.25 years. A slight male predominance was observed with a sex-ratio of 1.2. Housewives were the most represented with 43.2% followed by farmers with 24.3%. Hematuria was the reason for consultation in 87.8% cases. The main risk factors found were urinary schistosomiasis (48.6%) and smoking (31.1%). These two factors were associated in 23.0% of cases. At diagnosis, 85.7% of patients were classified as T3 or T4 stage. Squamous cell carcinoma with 58.2% was the most common histological type followed by urothelial carcinoma in 26.0% of cases. Conclusion: Bladder cancer is very common of cancer in hospitalized patients in our department. Diagnosis is more often made at an advanced stage. The most common histological type is squamous cell carcinoma.

Penile Skin Flap Urethroplasty for Urethral Stenosis at SominéDOLO Hospital of Mopti (MALI)

Introduction: Penile skin flap urethroplasty is a technique for replacing or enlarging an obstructed urethra. We aim to report our experience in the practice of this surgical technique. Patients and method: This was a prospective and descriptive study of penile skin flap urethroplasty indicated for urethral stenosis between January 2014 and December 2019. Results: A total of 21 penile skin flap urethroplasties for urethral stenosis were performed. The average age was 38.6 years old. The stenosis was of sclero-inflammatory origin in 15 cases (71.43%). It was of bulbo-perineal, penile, and penile-bulbar topography in about a third each. A history of urethral surgery was reported in 80.95% of the cases. The average length of the stenosis was 6.8 cm. Mundy circular skin flap urethroplasty about 15 cases (71.43%), and Quartey rectangular skin penile flap urethroplasty about 6 cases (28.57%) were the surgical techniques performed. The postoperative follow-up was favorable in 19 cases (90.48%). Two cases of urethral fistula (9.52%) underwent the 2nd urethroplasty. Urination at 1 year was satisfactory. No relapse has been reported to date. However, 4 patients (19.04%) reported asthenic ejaculation, and 1 patient (4.76%) a marked decrease in sexual pleasure. Conclusion: This surgical technique is effective in terms of voiding when the surgical indications are well chosen. The sexual aspect must be taken into account and the intervention only offered to those who really need it.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Spinal Pathology in Military People in a Country at War

Introduction: Lumbar and sciatic pain are frequent motives of disability in military people in Mali. As spine surgery isn’t recognized enough, our study aims to analyze etiologies, epidemiology, clinical features and surgical standards in order to improve troop abilities. Methodology: Our descriptive and retrospective study has included 31 operated military patients who underwent medical or surgical procedures between 2010 and 2018 in the Military Neurology/Neurosurgery Unit and Mère-Enfant Hospital Neurosurgery department. Results: Among 553 seen in consultation, fifty percent were between 30 and 50 years old. Main motive was sciatic pain (65.5%). Seventy eight percent of our patients were field militaires and sub-officers, and 83.2% were males. All of them have benefited a CT scan or MRI with medical treatment in rheumatology or neurology. Thirty-one patients underwent spine surgery and were included in the study, so 6% (mean age: 43.52 years, 90.3% males). Lumbar spine surgery represented 54.8% of cases with lumbar canal stenosis in 64.5% of cases. It appeared that spondylolisthésis with isthmic fracture was frequent (12.9%), and traumatic cervical spine fractures were dominant in 2012. Instrumented arthrodesis was performed for 41.9% of patients, lumbar discectomy for 32.3% and laminectomies for 22.6%. Degenerative etiology was found in 77.4% of cases and we’ve noticed a good outcome in 93.5% of operated cases. Conclusion: Spinal pathology in military people in Mali is in relation with training, weight carrying and transport conditions on tough terrain. Traumatic traffic injuries are the most common even in war time.

Geochemistry of Magmatic Rocks of the Syama Belt, Southern Mali, West African Craton

Within southern Mali, the Syama belt constitutes a linear major structure-oriented N-S, which host several gold deposits (e.g., Syama and Tabakoroni) and prospect areas (e.g. Tellem). The Syama Belt is formed by magmatic rocks (basalts, lamprophyres, andesites, dacites and microgranites);sedimentary rocks (shales) and volcano-sedimentary rocks (pyroclastics). The magmatic rocks are divided into two main volcanic series: tholeiitic affinity rocks (basalts and lamprophyres) and calc-alkaline affinity (andesites) that are the most evolved. The field relationships between rocks of these two series suggest that the calc-alkaline series are younger the tholeiitic series. These tholeiitic series present the Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB) affinity whereas the calc-alkaline series would be linked to an island arc-type. This coexistence is not an isolated case within the West African Craton (WAC). Otherwise, the Syama belt has all the characteristics of other belts, within which a number of gold deposits are developed, in the WAC.

Comparative Study of the Performances of Opaque and Transparent Patch Antennas

The performances of two microstrip patch antennas with low visual impact are presented in this paper and compared to an opaque solution. These consist in a copper film deposited on a Borofloat 33 glass substrate through a thin titanium gripping layer. The mesh is obtained by wet chemical etching. Antennas differ by the dimensions in the ground plane mesh pattern. The opaque antenna only consists of a full copper deposit. The transparency work was mainly carried out on the ground plane as it is the largest area available. Specific attention is paid to optical transparency in the visible light spectrum, sheet resistance and electromagnetic performances in the [2.8;3 GHz] bandwidth. They are measured in each case, compared and discussed. Both simulations and measurement results show good performance, especially the antenna with the most transparent ground plane: a high level of optical transparency of almost 73%, coupled with a sheet resistance of less than 0.028 Ohms/sq and a gain of about 3.22 dBi at 2.8 GHz, slightly higher than the gain of the reference opaque antenna of about 2.66 dBi at 2.99 GHz. The opaque reference antenna has a bandwidth of 1.30 GHz while those of the transparent antennas are about 1.60 GHz and 2.10 GHz (S11 < −10 dB). This solution presents a real interest for low cost integrated and discrete antenna solutions in ISM band.

External Dacryocystorhinostomy: 4 Years’ Experience from CHU-IOTA in Mali

Aim: To analyze the clinical characteristics and the surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical record of 62 patients who underwent external DCR for NLDO between November 2015 and November 2019 at CHU-IOTA in Mali. The preoperative clinical findings and the postoperative outcomes after a minimum follow up of 3 months were analyzed. Results: epiphora, discharges and canthal swelling were main symptoms of the 62 patients (68% women, 32% men), with the mean age of 47 years (10 - 76). Among them, 36 had chronic dacryocystitis, 12 had a traumatic NLDO and 8 followed a septal deviation. The majority (77%) were operated on under local anesthesia with sedation. Bicanalicular intubation was performed in 29% of patients. After postoperative follow up of at least 3 months, only 8 patients had persistent watering, thus a subjective functional success of 87%. Conclusion: In the nasolacrimal duct obstruction, most often secondary to chronic dacryocystitis, external dacryocystorhinostomy remains a technique of choice with very good success.