Today, we are at the cusp of transitioning or welcoming a new era of computer science called ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI). A plethora of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technologies would now help augment or replace older technologies ranging from customer service, business analytics, gain knowledge, recommend decisions and at times predict the outcome of the strategies being implemented in-house. The prediction is done by Machine learning models which use various modelling techniques unique to Artificial Intelligence to mine vast amount of data. This helps organizations focus on other important tasks like production efficiency, sales growth, customer base retention, seek out new strategies to grow the bottom line and improve their risk and safety protocols.
We are seeing a lot of Artificial Intelligence models today from CHAT-GPT, Co-Pilot, Gemini and others which are integrated into their existing services. With the advent of AI, Microsoft’s Co-Pilot is a personal assistant that helps you find right information, faster than ever. So, the opportunities for a company to improve efficiency, make better business decisions to grow and expand are endless. One can see the number of automated bots ranging from car dealerships to telecom business today. These automated bots take the heavy burden of streamlining the customers to different categories and improve customer service. Some machine learning (ML) models can perform data analysis, detect anomaly, forecast cost expenditure, predict competition and dynamic pricing. In this paper, we would look in detail how ML and AI, is both an opportunity as well as a challenge for companies.
La presente investigación constituye una exhaustiva revisión de trabajos que abordan el impacto de las tecnologías emergentes en el proceso de aprendizaje de idiomas extranjeros, con especial énfasis en el inglés. Para ello, se ha llevado a cabo un análisis estadístico utilizando un recolector de datos, el cual se aplicó a una muestra representativa de estudiantes matriculados en una institución de educación superior. Esta muestra abarca estudiantes de todos los niveles de dominio del idioma inglés, con el propósito de determinar el grado de utilización de tecnologías para mejorar su competencia en dicho idioma. Los resultados obtenidos de esta recolección de datos se presentan detalladamente, acompañados de interpretaciones pertinentes que arrojan luz sobre el papel de las tecnologías emergentes en el proceso de aprendizaje de idiomas extranjeros. Sin embargo, se destaca la necesidad de profundizar en el análisis de estos resultados para obtener una comprensión más completa y precisa de su impacto en el contexto educativo actual.
The high risk of extinction of fauna species has generated great interest in studies of current and potential distribution under different future scenarios of climate change in order to implement conservation policies and carry out the preservation of ecosystems that can serve as reservoirs of biodiversity. The objective was to generate maps of potential distribution in two climate change scenarios of the Mexican Squirrel (Sciurus oculatus Peters, 1863) to serve as a basis for determining protection, conservation and management zones for this species in the Trans-mexican volcanic belt by means of ecological niche simulation models. We used 105 pairs of S. oculatus occurrence data from the GBIF-Mexico database, 19 climatic and environmental variables (BioClim) for two scenarios 2041-2060 and 2061-2080, from the GCM model CNRM-CM6-1 with RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, in addition to the current potential distribution. The Maximum Entropy Algorithm was used to generate the suitability maps using suitability values of 0.4-0.6 low, 0.61-0.8 medium and 0.81-1.0 high. The largest area with high suitability was the northwestern region of the State of Mexico; the areas with high suitability comprised 6359 ha (4 %), medium of 23,510 ha (14.7 %) and low of 26750 ha (16.7 %), for a present potential distribution. It is concluded that the modeling with Maxent’s algorithm allowed generating potential distribution maps in two future scenarios for the Mexican Squirrel (Sciurus oculatus Peters, 1863) with values of AUC > 0.959 and kappa > 0.8923.
The study aimed to showcase the village-level rubber pale crepe processing system in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, Philippines by establishing a processing system, actual operation and marketing of product, test the quality of the product, willingness-to-pay by the farmers and the feasibility of the project. Results showed that the farmers had to produce rubber latex as raw materials to process the rubber pale crepe. Though the nine-month actual operations were limited due to COVID pandemic time, the association processed an average of 387 kg/month dried rubber pale crepe and received an average income of P25,387.50/month. The product produced was with good quality as it passed the Philippine and ISO standards and the farmers’ WTP was higher than the actual rate. Based on the feasibility study, the two scenarios of the project showed a promising financial indicator. Scenario 1 offers to buy rubber latex from the farmers, mill and dry the pale crepe for 4 days/week and custom milling only with a charge of P5/kg of crepe. This operation gave the association a positive NPV, BCR of P3.01, Payback period of 1.68 years and IRR of 54.18%. Scenario 2 extends custom rubber milling only at P5/kg of crepe rate which had a positive NPV, P3.15 BCR, within 1.61years the investments would be recouped and IRR of 56.79%.
Cybercrime in social media by definition is any harmful act committed from or against a computer or Network, is a crime committed in a virtual space and a virtual space is fashioned in a way that information about persons, objects, facts, events, phenomena or processes are represented in mathematical, symbol or any other way and transferred through local and global Networks. Digital forensic analysis of social media platforms has emerged as a vital tool for enhancing criminal investigations and evidence collection. With the increasing popularity of social media, criminals often use these platforms to plan, commit, and boast about their crimes. However, identifying and retrieving digital traces from social media can be challenging due to the complex nature of these platforms and the dynamic nature of the content.
This project aims to explore digital forensic techniques and methodologies for effectively analysing social media data, including user profiles, posts, messages, and metadata. And it can aid in determining cyber threats and fraud by examining evidence present in emails, social media, and other forms of digital communication that are part of cyber-attacks and financial crimes.
Business intelligence (BI) today has evolved into a collection of sophisticated techniques that merge insights from business strategy, risk analysis, cognitive psychology, organizational behaviour and political science [2]. Business intelligence is also a force multiplier in terms of profit margin and was only seen as a deployable tool in large businesses a decade ago. Today, we see BI vendors catering to small businesses and this availability has become a buzzword from small to medium companies today. As BI evolved over years catering to large businesses in its sophistication and tools. BI vendors have also changed over years due to mergers and take overs. Such is the importance given to BI today that vendors complement each other in offering different tools and functions. In this paper, we will explore the business intelligence world and try to understand how different Business Intelligence vendor systems as a viable tool cater to small to medium business organizations.
This research was focused on the molluscan diversity along the coast of Damb, Balochistan. 3 classes (Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Cephalopoda) of phylum Mollusca were collected, identified and counted from this site from June-2022 to November 2022. 3 classes 23 families and 61species were identified from this site. A total 4818 specimens of molluscs were collected, among them 3283 (68%) specimens of 38 species of 16 families of class Gastropoda, while 1531 (31.56%) specimens of 22 species of 6 families of class Bivalvia were reported from this site. 14 specimens of 2 species of two families of class Cephalopod were collected. Simpson’s Diversity Index (SDI) of gastropoda was about 0.1503 which shown the low diversity of gastropoda of this area. While Simpson’s Diversity Index (SDI) of bivalvia was about 0.2795 which shown the high diversity of bivalvia of this site as compared to gastropoda. 3025 specimens of 6 species of family Potamididae of gastropoda was found in highest % of abundence which about (92.14%) of total collection of gastropoda. Family Tellinidae of class bivalvia with 3 species was found in highest % of abundence which about (84.64%) of total collection of bivalvia.
Insurance, as a fundamental pillar of the economy, offers essential financial protection against a multitude of unforeseen events. This research focuses on home insurance, a sector where guaranteed amounts significantly increase insurers’ exposure to risk. Insurers commit to covering financial losses in exchange for premiums, but accurately estimating the likely indemnity burden remains a challenge due to the random nature of events such as fires or property damage. Misjudging these risks can lead to severe financial consequences and compromise insurers’ solvency. To manage these risks and ensure their solvency, insurers turn to reinsurance, which allows them to cap their commitments, stabilize their financial results, and comply with regulatory requirements. The primary objective of this study is to develop a pricing model for reinsurance contracts, enabling insurers to better negotiate with their reinsurers. Before concluding a reinsurance agreement, insurers must conduct their own pricing to assess the costs and benefits of potential treaties. This involves modeling the annual number of claims and associated costs using various statistical laws and applying Monte Carlo simulation, a robust method for solving complex numerical problems. This study aims to provide insurers with a comprehensive tool to evaluate reinsurance contracts, ensure balanced financial results, and thus enhance their ability to protect policyholders against unforeseen losses.
Emotional distress encompasses a range of symptoms, which include anxiety, depression, and general psychological discomfort. It is seldom defined with precision. This may be either due to a présuméd common understanding of the term, or may reflect its reference to a range of experiences. Added to this is the fact that studies adopt different terminology, including ‘psychological distress’ and ‘mental distress’. When people are going through emotional distress, it destabilizes the individual, makes life uninterested, the individual is overwhelmed or overburdened which could make one to lose interest in one’s daily activities. Emotional distress, if not well handled could lead to suicidal ideation or actions. In view of the above, this study sought to investigate the predictors of social isolation, quality of life, and prison resilience on emotional distress among inmates of Agodi correctional centre, Ibadan, Nigeria.
The descriptive research design of ex-post-facto type was used in the study. A simple random sampling technique was adopted to draw a sample size of two hundred inmates from the entire population in the prison. Valid and standardized instruments were used to collect data from the participants. Data obtained was analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression statistical tools.
The results showed that the joint contribution of social isolation, quality of life, and prison resilience on emotional distress among prison inmates was significant. It also shows a coefficient of multiple correlation (R =.476 and a multiple R2 of.227. This means that 22.7% of the variance was accounted for by three predictor variables when taken together at α = 0.05. The results also showed that the analysis of variance for the regression yielded F-ratio of 24.057. This implies that the joint contribution of the independent variables to the dependent variable was significant and that other variables not included in this model may have accounted for the remaining variance.
Based on the above results, it was recommended that correctional administrators, mental health professionals, and social workers should collaborate to develop and implement programs aimed at fostering positive social interactions and supportive relationships among inmates. These programs may include organizing peer support groups, facilitating group therapy sessions, and providing opportunities for recreational activities to reduce social isolation within correctional facilities. Also, facility managers, and policymakers who are responsible for addressing issues related to overcrowding, inadequate healthcare services, and substandard living conditions in correctional facilities should wakeup to their responsibilities.
The aim of this research is to describe the trend in met needs (MN) and unmet needs (UN) for family planning (FP) among women in union in Chad, to identify the factors associated with satisfaction of these needs, and to explore the determining factors in changes in UN. The data come from the 1996-1997 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2014-2015 Demographic and Health Survey with Multiple Indicators (DHS-MICS). A sub-sample of 5,731 women in 1996-1997 and 13,439 in 2014-2015 was selected for analysis. The analyses were descriptive and multivariate. The results show that, between 1996 and 2014, the proportion of women in union expressing MN and UN increased, respectively from 4.4% to 5.7% for MN, and from 10.2% to 22.3% for UN. The factors positively associated with MN and UN are fertility, attendance at health facilities, school attendance, working outside the household and area of residence. The results show that the increase in the UN from 1996-1997 to 2014-2015 is explained more by changes in the effects of women’s characteristics than by changes in these characteristics. The results support the introduction of a voluntary family planning programme enabling women to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, and to choose a birth spacing that is better for their health and that of their children.
A study was carried out for four weeks to evaluate the impact of two protein supplements, notably snail meal and fish meal, on the juvenile growth of rabbits after weaning aged 36 to 40 days. This study shows that for the entire duration of the experiment, that is to say four weeks, the rabbits fed a base of snail meal presented higher average daily gains (398g) (p<0.01) than that of the batch with fish meal (255.1 g). In terms of consumption index, rabbits that consume food with snail meal have a consumption index of 6.79, whereas the consumption index associated with rabbits fed fish meal was as high as 11.2.
Because maize is so sensitive to weeds, weed control is an important factor in maintaining yields. The scarcity of manpower means that chemical weed control is the most commonly used method. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a post-emergence herbicide on weeds in maize crops. A completely randomised Fischer block design with nested control was used. The design consisted of seven treatments repeated four times. The floristic list, based on the «tour de champ» method, showed that broadleaf weeds predominated (78.36%). According to the European Weed Research Society rating scale, the herbicide based on Amicarbazone 74.667 g/l, Mesotrione 77.333 g/l and Nicosulfuron 40 g/l at doses of 0.75 l/ha and 1 l/ha was the most effective, with no signs of phytotoxicity. Yields were 8580 kg/ha at 0.75 l/ha and 9240 kg/ha at 1 l/ha of the product tested, compared with the reference controls 2,4-D amine salts (1 l/ha) and Nicosulfuron 40 g/l (1 l/ha) respectively, 5940 kg/ha and 5214 kg/ha, and the weed control (4620 kg/ha). Consequently, 0.75 l/ha of the product tested is recommended for post-emergence application to maize.
This study aims at identifying the constraints and the opportunities of duck farming in Butembo town. For this end, surveys and observations were carried out with 81 duck breeders in Butembo. The results show that there are two duck breeding systems in Butembo: 1. the extensive family system with roaming ducks and 2. The extensive backyard family system with captivated ducks. Ducks weigh between 2.4 and 3 kg for females against to 4.2 to 5.1 kg for adult males. The price of duck varies between US $5 and US $17 with an average price of $12.9. The price per kg of live weight is around $5. The price of ducklings ranges between $4 and $6 with an average of $4.8±1.
The constraints encountered by duck breeders are of various nature, the two most important of which are the distrust of ducks in the community (70.3%) and the absence of a nearby water point for swimming (70.3%). Other constraints are the lack of comfortable space for breeding (65.4%), the high cost of protein ingredients (62.9%), the deplorable quality of breeding infrastructure (56.7%), and the absence of a well-organized trade sector (40.7%). Most breeders (91%) say they do not use veterinarians for animal care. Breeders consider that duck breeding constitutes a source of income (73.3%), its adaptation to environmental conditions being easy (72.3%). Raising ducks guarantees the supply of fertilizer for the garden (67.9%). For 49.3% of breeders, selling ducks is easy.
According to 75% of breeders, valleys are more suitable than hills for raising wandering ducks because of the availability of water for swimming and the abundance of grasses as well as the presence of worms as source of proteins for ducks in addition to a larger uncultivated space.
An entomological study was conducted during the construction of a small hydro-agricultural dam at Raffierkro near Bouaké, in central Côte d’Ivoire, between June 2007 and November 2009. The objective of this research was to evaluate the variation in specific diversity, abundance and nuisance of mosquitoes species in correlation with the different stages of the dam implementation. Larvae were collected using a ‘dipping’ sampling method in irrigation canals, stagnant water footprints and fish breeding ponds to determine specific diversity. Adult mosquitoes were captured on human bait over 2 to 3 consecutive nights. A total of 20,925 adult mosquitoes and 489 larvae were collected, divided into 6 genera and 21 species, with the most prevalent being Anopheles gambiae and Mansonia africana. Abundances exhibited considerable variation from one year to the next, with a marked increase during the rice-growing season, which was accompanied by a significant nuisance, particularly in localities in proximity to the dam and rice-growing facilities. This study highlights the impact of the facilities on culicid dynamics, with potential implications for disease transmission.
This study aims to get teachers of English’s view on 3rform pupils’ poor performance on composition writing. The research adopted descriptive and exploratory designs. For collection of data, questionnaire was used as technique. It was addressed to 30 secondary school teachers of English teaching in secondary schools located in Mbunya township of Bunia. Sampling was done randomly among a population of 45 secondary school teachers. Data were coded and analyzed using the Descriptive Statistics such as frequencies and percentages with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Then, they were presented using frequency tables. Findings showed that problems encountered by pupils in composition lesson are as follows limited vocabulary, word misspelling, lesson teaching time management, incorrect structuring of sentences and conjugation of English verbs including lack of dictionary.
The purpose of this study was to assess challenges faced by teachers of English course when using Bloom’s taxonomy in Bunia secondary schools. The main objective was to know whether they apply Bloom’s taxonomy in English language teaching process as one of questioning strategies. The assumption of this study is that questioning is an integral part of teaching practice since there is no teaching without posing questions. The methodology of this research adopted descriptive research design. For Data collection, simple random technique was applied to deal with sampling. Questionnaire and documentary techniques were selected for carrying out the research. Questionnaire protocol was distributed to 40 teachers of English teaching in 4th form of Bunia secondary schools. As far as data analysis was concerned, Statistical Package for Social Sciences software technique was applied to get frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that these teachers face various difficulties when questioning pupils in the classroom, low level pupils are not able to understand questions asked by their teachers. As these pupils do not participate in class, they become resistant and refuse to answer instead of making mistakes. Teachers are obliged either to work only with bright pupils or use French to reformulate some questions to be well understood. In addition, it has been found that teachers of English are unable to apply Bloom’s taxonomy and classify questions according to their different levels; the main problem is that they misunderstand its use. As many pupils’ level is low, they difficultly answer high order questions.
The use of new materials for thermal comfort is becoming more and more a priority in the construction of comfortable and economical homes. It is in this context that, in our previous work, we developed bricks based on Iroko wood flour compressed and stabilized with recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin. There are six samples with respective contents of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%. This article aims to present an experimental study followed by a simulation using the Cast3M calculation code of their thermal behavior. To do this, we first determined their thermophysical properties which are thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal diffusivity. Then, after a study of the depth of heat diffusion in the different samples, we moved on to the simulation phase. It focused on the analysis of the effects of the HDPE rate, the thickness of the bricks and the air temperature. As results, the values of thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal diffusivity, for all the composites, vary respectively from 0.310 to 0.365 W.m-1.K-1, from 2.691 to 2.460 kJ.kg-1.K-1 and from 1.662 to 1.981.10-7m2.s-1. Thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and diffusion depth increase with increasing HDPE content; while the specific heat decreases. It also appears that for the temperature of 45°C imposed for a thickness greater than 2.7 cm, it is necessary to wait a time greater than at least 22 hours to reach a stationary state on the opposite side. From all of the above, it could be affirmed that the elaborate bricks have intrinsic capacities to be used in the construction of thermally comfortable habitats in local temperature conditions such as those of the Ivory Coast.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 268 women in the Sous-préfecture of Kokumbo in central Côte d’Ivoire, in order to provide information on the role of women in the gathering, processing and marketing of products from species associated with cocoa trees in agroforestry systems. These interviews were coupled with direct observations alongside the women involved. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the investigations indicated that the majority of women (74.25%) of age to collect products from cocoa agroforests are between 16 and 50 years old. Over 65% of the women were illiterate, and 31.34% were heads of cocoa farms. The majority (41.05%) of women surveyed are actively involved in harvesting the associated products. Product processing in the study area is carried out entirely by women (100%). Processed products enable women to make better use of their produce. Also, it is during the lean season that the products bring in the most profit. Harvested produce is used primarily for household food consumption, with the surplus sold on the market. Income from the sale of cocoa products contributes to improving household living conditions, and also to the financial empowerment of women, while preserving the forest. The domestication of certain associated products should be envisaged by the women in order to have them available all year round for household consumption and eventual commercialization.
This water problem in our rural environments pushes us to evaluate how the use of geophysical methods in the crystallophyllian basement with a view to studying drilling data to investigate the subsurface in order to delimit the potential of groundwater in the crystallophyllian base, from the territory of Lubao, Province of Lomami in the DRC. The study area is surrounded by tributaries and water sources among others (the Kamina, the Tshisanpa, the Mitonga, and the Lufubu) of the Lomami basin whose water is generally of poor quality, requiring adequate treatment which is not guaranteed.
The area concerned by our study is characterized in the central part, Cretaceous sedimentary lands of Mesozoic age (Loïa Formation indicated above), composed essentially of soft sandstones with intercalations of argillite, separating them into different levels aquifers. These are subhorizontal tabular terrains, laterally homogeneous, containing confined aquifers, flowing into the valleys. The water is of good quality, alkaline (pH = 6.5), weakly mineralized and with low hardness...
Using geophysical methods (magnetotelluric) we carried out our study by carrying out several profiles including 7 (seven) were favorable in the area.
The Lubao aquifers are essentially underlying sandstones and limestones, which means that prolific aquifers are absent. However, the main water resource lies in the limestones and sandstones, the first water sources of which are at 30m.
The vertical results of the electrical surveys gave dominant 4 geoelectric layers. The underlying rocks correspond to an altered upper soil; Not all declined areas are prolific. Farm aquifers exist at different depths which vary between 150 and 180m.
The data collected and processed by sites show the possibility of capturing groundwater in sufficient quantity in the fissures and Karst.
Geoelectric prospecting by Magnetotelluric surveys does not give any quantitative information on the significant exploitation flow by drilling, but rather indicate the location (the favorable point) for carrying out water drilling.
This study aims to determine the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates of the cover formation in the Batéké plateaus. The methodology adopted consists of carrying out the morphoscopic and exoscopic study of the quartz grains of the sands of this formation. After washing the samples, drying and dry sieving on a column of 6 sieves, the grains were selected for observations. The morphoscopic study reveals the presence of clean matte round quartz grains and shiny blunt grains. These results show that these sands have undergone double transport, aeolian and aqueous. The exoscopic study shows the existence of traces of mechanical and chemical actions on the surface of the two types of quartz grains. Mechanical traces of aeolian and fluvial types including certain aeolian traces have been polished in the fluvial environment. The superposition of these microstructures makes it possible to paleoenvironments and reconstruct to deduce paleoclimates. These sands experienced two phases of sedimentary deposition and two phases of immobilization in pedological environments. The first phase of deposition is aeolian, then immobilization in the soil environment undersaturated with silica marked by the dissolution figures. The second phase of deposition is the resumption of aeolian deposition in a low-energy fluvial environment, then the environment evolved into a podzolic soil environment supersaturated in silica. This study shows that the arid period of the Holocene, around 3,000 BP, to which the age of this formation is attributed, experienced variations, the climate experienced a humid phase marked by the fluvial evolution of the sediments.
The growing problem of antibiotic resistance calls into question practices related to the use of antibiotics. Their large-scale use to accelerate the rapid growth of food animals is of increasing concern to researchers. Currently, several studies are being carried out to find biological solutions as an alternative to the use of antibiotics in poultry farm. It is within this framework that the present study falls, the objective of which is to evaluate the effectiveness of an organic product, ALPHA-BIO+, on the production parameters of Lohmann Brown laying hens. Thus, two batches (control and experimental) subdivided into triplicate were formed from a sample of 458 animals. Thus, a classic breeding protocol with the use of antibiotics was applied in the control batches. As for the experimental batches, they received the food additive ALPHA-BIO+. The technical data obtained were subjected to statistical analyzes in order to assess the effectiveness of ALPHA-BIO+ on the animals zootechnical parameters. Indeed, in terms of ingested food, the values obtained varied from 97.7 to 120.87 g for the control batch and from 94.12 to 114.95 g for the experimental batch. Regarding the laying rate, the two batches reached peak laying between the 30th and 32nd weeks of age with 95.24% for the control batch and 98.54% for the experimental batch. However, the conversion indices did not show a significant difference between the two batches. According to the results, the food additive ALPHA-BIO+ could help reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry farms.
The aim of this analysis is to identify and prioritize the causes of failures in the supply of electrical energy to the Mbanza-Ngungu housing estate in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The context reveals recurring problems impacting the daily life of the inhabitants and the local economy. The problem focuses on the origins of the failures and how to prioritize them for effective intervention. The hypotheses envisaged technical problems (overloading of transformers and cables), and maintenance, consignment and work faults as the main causes. The objectives are to identify the major causes, assess their criticality using the criticality matrix, and prioritize them using the Pareto method. The methodology includes data collection, identification of causes, criticality assessment and prioritization of interventions. The final report will present the results of the analysis and recommendations for improving power system reliability.
This work concerns the inventory of avifauna frequenting the Murongo airport in Bunia. The bird specimens were obtained by the Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) method using the mist net trapping technique. In total, 6 nets (3 m wide, 10 m long and 35 mm mesh size) were used and observations (3 times per week) with the naked eye completed the sampling. Fieldwork was done every Sunday; the nets were installed in a line. They remained in place for nine hours and the surveys were carried out every 2 hours between 8: 00 a.m. and 5: 00 p.m. This study led to a census of 35 species of birds. The concession of the Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA: S1) presents a numerically high percentage, i.e. 89.02%. Specifically, the two sites (S1 and S2: around RVA) have the same number of species, respectively (50%) each. The species Psalidoprocne obscura has a high percentage (43.16%), followed by Corvus albus (20.14%). This work contributes to the knowledge of avian fauna that plays an important role in the functioning of different types of ecosystem (through dispersal, pollination of plants, destruction of insects and rodents harmful to other animals (including man) than for plants.
Since gaining independence and transitioning into a market economy, Benin has made significant changes in the governance of the agricultural sector to tackle the challenges. The changes involved experimenting with different approaches reflecting the prevailing ideologies of each period. Despite the implementation of various agricultural policies, an examination of the sector reveals several problems and challenges, raising questions about the effectiveness of these policies. Drawing on existing literature, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Benin, linking them to historical policy shifts. We explore the performance and outcomes of past and present agricultural policies in Benin, focusing on their ability to achieve intended objectives. Our findings indicate that the key changes observed include aligning agricultural policies with the directives of external powers more than national priorities. More recently, institutional reforms have focused on decentralizing agricultural development and streamlining the institutional landscape, yielding some positive outcomes compared to previous periods. To ensure the successful implementation of reforms, it is crucial to consider the aspirations of all stakeholders and encourage their ownership of agricultural policies.
This paper aims to explore the various perceptions regarding the origins of frequent electricity interruptions in the Mbanza-Ngungu housing estate.
By gathering the views of residents, the collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential causes of power cuts in the cité, with a view to improving network reliability.
Residents’ testimonies revealed that power cuts are caused by technical problems such as breakdowns due to outdated distribution equipment, overloading of HTA cables and network power transformers, as well as poor management of energy resources.
Subscribers also expressed their frustration at the slowness of local authorities to resolve problems linked to the supply of electrical energy in their community.
The article concludes that urgent measures need to be taken to solve the energy supply problems in the housing estate in order to improve the living conditions of the residents.
In this article the objective is to define the main strategies aimed at proposing the means to increase the rate of electrification in rural areas throughout the national territory not covered by the electricity distribution network. Furthermore, we also offer the possibilities of strengthening the capacity in terms of electrical service to areas covered by the electrical distribution network but operating under severe overload. This theme also aims to create a database that decision-makers can use to facilitate precision at a certain level.
This research focuses on the study of mineral parageneses of metamorphites that outcrop in the Nganda-Tsundi region and its surroundings located in the territory of Tshela, in order to obtain coherent information regarding the degrees of metamorphism that have contributed to the transformation of pre-existing rocks. The compilation of field (macroscopic analysis), laboratory results and previous work results revealed seven main petrographic facies in the study area: namely the biotitoschist, chloritochist, amphibolite, quartzophyllade, sericitoschist, garnet metaquartzite and graphitic shale. Mineralogical assemblages enabled us to distinguish three degrees of metamorphism in the study area: low-grade, medium-grade and high-grade. By combining structural data, such as the schistosities observed in the field and during microscopic in thin sections observations, with these last mineralogical observations, we can conclude that the rocks of our study area were affected by two distinct orogenic events namely: the Tadilian orogeny of Proterozoic age which is responsible for two types of schistosity which affected the chloritoschists and the West-Congolian Neoproterozoic orogeny, is responsible for a single schistosity affecting the other petrographic facies (biotitoschist, amphibolite, quartzophyllade, sericitoschist, metaquartzite and graphitic schist).
Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is one of the staple foods of the populations of northern Côte d’Ivoire. And, farmers serve as both producers, curators of millet biodiversity and are also repositories of knowledge to determine and differentiate the varieties of millet in their possession. It therefore seems necessary to carry out an investigation with them, in order to benefit from their knowledge on the management methods of the millet accessions cultivated in their possession as well as on the socio-cultural characteristics of the genetic diversity of millet. To do this, 176 producers in the savannah district were questioned during a survey. They were predominantly male and belonging to a diversity of ethnic groups using different local names to designate millet. Three varieties of millet were identified there, namely late and intermediate local varieties, with gray colored seeds, and early varieties which are improved with olive-yellow or light yellow seeds. The results showed that it is a food present in all the ceremonies of the peoples of the North and is consumed in several culinary forms. However, its cultivation is in decline due to certain constraints encountered there and would be neglected in favor of cash crops such as corn, cotton and cashew nuts. Given the important place this culture occupies within the populations of northern Côte d’Ivoire, actions must be taken to contribute to the promotion and development of its culture.
This study analyzes the environmental impacts of ecological BCERs on local ecosystems, their socio-economic impacts both in terms of improving income and food and nutritional security.
It was conducted on the basis of surveys carried out with thirty (30) producers benefiting from said BCERs, including two (02) women. The Kobotoolbox mobile application was used for data collection. The data collected was exported to EXCEL software for processing and analysis.
The analysis of the survey data made it possible to identify enormous trends in positive impacts linked to the main impacts studied.
On the environmental level, respondents are unanimous on the fact that BECRs improve soil fertility, 97% believe that they allow better resilience to climate variability. The increase in productivity and income by more than 50% as well as the securing of production as affirmed by 100% of respondents, are some results recorded on the socio-economic level. The second important point concerns a case study which made it possible to develop an operating account of a respondent, illustrating the financial profitability of the ecological BCER. This forecast operating account reveals that from the third year, the cash flow (2,387,835 FCFA) largely covers the investment cost of the BCER which is estimated at 1,800,000 CFA francs.
Some negative effects were noted in particular on the social level. They are linked to the risks of drowning of children that could be caused by the installation of the BECR.
In light of the results, a proposal for improvement was made to the administrative authorities and their partners involved in the BCER issue. This, in order to deepen the analysis of this theme in terms of securing BECR structures, their economic and ecological profitability for a better approach to the subject.
The Niamey area lies on the south-western edge of the Iullemmeden Basin. The Continental terminal 3 (Ct3) formation, the subject of this study, represents the last infilling deposits of this basin. In order to determine the depositional environments of the Ct3 formation in the Niamey area, a methodological approach based on field data analysis followed by laboratory analyses was implemented. The main objective of this study is therefore to improve the knowledge of the sedimentary dynamics of Ct3 deposits in the Niamey area. Specifically, the aim of this study is to determine the Ct3 depositional environments. Sedimentological analysis enabled us to distinguish five (5) facies labelled F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5. These facies consist of alternating clayey sandstones and ferruginous lateritic oolitic sandstones with indurated levels, locally showing sandstones levels with unclear oblique bedding. The presence of casts of Gastropods, Lamellibranchs and Echinoderms indicates that the Ct3 deposits were emplaced in a shallow, lagoonal to lacustrine freshwater basin subject to fluvial inputs.