The soils of rural roads in Guayas province are characterized by being clayey and expansive, causing problems for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This research analyzes the use of gravel as granular material in its natural state and then combined with another aggregate of the same category for soil stabilization. A qualitative experimental procedure was conducted to obtain laboratory results from natural and combined samples. After testing, soil properties were compared in both states, determining that a 50% dosage of each material improved the soil’s physical-mechanical characteristics: reduced plasticity index, increased maximum dry density, and significantly improved bearing capacity, meeting MTOP guidelines for subgrade improvement with selected material.

Introduction: An oligoclonal pattern on serum immunofixation electrophoresis (SIFE), is defined by the presence of more than two monoclonal bands on the gel. It results from the proliferation of small clones of plasma cells within the bone marrow. Material and methods: It is a retrospective study from July 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, analyzing results of SIFE performed on Hydrasis Sebia at Mohammed VI National Laboratory. When serum capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was also present, abnormalities were noted. Results: The study found 22 cases of oligoclonal pattern. Majority of patients are older than 50 years old (72,5%). Most frequent isotype is IgG associated with light kappa and lambda chains (55%). Corresponding serum CZE all included an abnormality in the gamma globulin area. Discussion: An oligoclonal pattern or profile results from the proliferation of small plasma cells clones. These abnormalities are common in elderly subjects due to the immune system’s impairment. The detection of oligoclonal bands is easy but must remain precautious. Etiologies associated with such profiles include autoimmune, infectious diseases or malignant pathologies (lymphomas, plasma cells leukemia). A contributive interpretation could include a detailed report of the bands found on the gel in order to allow the detection of any ulterior modification of the clonality. Conclusion: An appropriate interpretation of an oligoclonal profile can only be done according to patient’s clinical history. It is recommended to repeat the SIFE to allow an early diagnosis of any monoclonal gammopathy.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is the most cultivated and most marketed vegetable crop in the Diffa region. However, since 2015, insecurity related to the «Boko Haram» crisis has profoundly transformed the sector, leading to production restrictions in certain municipalities, notably Bosso. The present study aims to analyze the impact of the security crisis on bell pepper production and marketing in this municipality. The methodology used consists of documentary research, direct field observation, data collection through quantitative and qualitative surveys, and finally data processing and analysis. The results obtained showed that the security crisis had negative impacts on the bell pepper sector in the Bosso municipality. Thus, the surveyed producers reported that insecurity (50 %) and flooding (20 %) are the main constraints on bell pepper production in this area. The security crisis has led to a considerable reduction in the cultivation area and a drastic drop in production. Indeed, a decrease of nearly 780 hectares, or 90 % of the production area, and a drop in production of around 75 % have been observed. The crisis has also caused a reduction of over 80 % in the average annual income of traders. Furthermore, the restrictive measures of the state of emergency imposed by the government have negatively affected the production and marketing of peppers in the study area. To cope with this crisis situation, producers have developed several local strategies such as paying taxes and fees to the GANES, reducing the cultivation area, reducing working hours in the field, mobilizing a significant workforce, and adjusting their cultivation calendar. These results highlight the need to strengthen the organization of the market and sector actors while implementing appropriate support measures to revitalize the production and marketing of bell peppers in the municipality of Bosso.