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.

This study involved setting up a real time vehicle tracking system using the Arduino Mega 2560 board. This solution will be useful for anyone who wants to track their vehicle’s movements in real time. The aim of this project is to optimize vehicle geolocation by combining several geolocation methods, including GSM and GPS based geolocation. This system consists of two parts: a hardware component built using the Arduino board and its GPS / GSM SIM 808 and ESP 8266 modules and a software component built using the Laravel Framework to process data from the hardware system. The SIM 808 GPS / GSM module with a GPS sensitivity of -165 dBm has a good performance in challenging environments like urban or indoors places. This module enabled vehicle tracking with a speed accuracy (DGPS) of 0.05 m / s, an acceleration accuracy (DGPS) of 0.05 m / s2 and a time accuracy of 10 ns, in this study test speeds ranging from 35 km / h to 65 km /. Data transmission and reception by the ESP8266 module occurs at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and a network transmission signal level of +19.5 dBm.

Background: Malaria remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. In Bouaké, malaria prevention among pregnant women takes place in a context of high endemicity, characterised by the coexistence of biomedicine and traditional therapeutic practices. Objective: This study aims to analyse the social and cultural logics shaping malaria prevention behaviours during pregnancy, despite the implementation of national and international control policies. Matérials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through a survey of 150 pregnant women attending three maternity wards in Bouaké (Ahougnanssou, Belleville, and Nimbo). Qualitative data were obtained from three focus group discussions involving 36 participants and three semi-structured interviews with midwives. Results: The findings indicate a high level of awareness regarding malaria transmission, predominantly attributed to mosquito bites. However, knowledge of severe pregnancy-related complications, such as prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal mortality, remains limited. Long-lasting insecticidal nets and intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine are widely recognised, yet their effective use is inconsistent. In addition, 78% of respondents report resorting to traditional practices, particularly medicinal plants, regardless of educational level. These behaviours reflect a form of therapeutic syncretism, in which local remedies coexist with biomedical interventions perceived as effective but sometimes restrictive. Conclusion: Malaria prevention during pregnancy cannot be addressed solely through biomedical interventions. Context-sensitive strategies that incorporate sociocultural realities and strengthen community involvement are essential to bridge the gap between recommendations and actual practices.

The objective of this paper is to propose an adsorption isotherm model for methylene blue on composite activated carbons derived from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) hulls and capsules. The adsorption mechanism involved was described using a three-parameter model that is intermediate between the Langmuir and Frundlich models and is characterized by its ease of use and physical interpretability. The experimental adsorption data were first adjusted using nine classical isotherm models, whose performance was evaluated using five statistical criteria: the adjusted coefficient of determination, the residual sum of squares, the Akaike information criterion (AIC), and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The models were best fitted in the following order: Sips˃ Toth˃ Redlich-Peterson˃ Khan˃Langmuir˃ Frundlich˃ Jovanovich˃ Dubinin-Radushkevich. The proposed model provides the best fit with the experimental data for methylene blue adsorption on activated carbons derived from cottonseed shells and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) capsules, with a determination coefficient of 0.9910 and a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity qm of 820.86 mg.g-1, approximately double that predicted by classical models, illustrating an expected improvement in the predicted performance of the studied activated carbon.

Global population growth and the concomitant increase in biodegradable waste demand sustainable solutions for food production and waste management. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) represent a promising approach by converting organic waste into protein-rich biomass and frass, a nutrient- and organic-matter-rich by-product. Frass contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients, chitin, and a beneficial microflora, and exhibits favorable physicochemical properties (pH 7-8, temperature 24-27 °C, low heavy metal content). Its nutritional composition varies according to the rearing substrate, thereby influencing the concentrations of N, P, K, and other mineral elements. BSFL frass has demonstrated fertilizing potential comparable to that of traditional organic amendments and can be used to stimulate plant growth, improve soil fertility, and enhance plant defense mechanisms through chitin and antimicrobial peptides. In aquaculture systems, frass promotes plankton production, including Chlorophyta and Chrysophyta, which serve as nutritional sources for fish larvae. However, application rates must be carefully optimized to avoid phytotoxicity or microbial imbalance. Overall, BSFL frass represents a multifunctional, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective organic resource that can be integrated into circular production chains, contributing simultaneously to waste valorization, reduced fertilizer costs, and the sustainability of agricultural and aquaculture systems.

This article examines the growing engagement of women in informal economic activities in the city of Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and highlights their contribution to local socio-economic development. Faced with unemployment, persistent poverty, and limited opportunities in the formal sector, many women turn to the informal economy as a survival strategy and a pathway to economic empowerment. The study aims to understand the motivations behind this trend, identify the main types of activities carried out, and analyze the challenges encountered by these women. The research adopts an inductive approach based on semi-structured interviews, direct field observation, and data analysis. The findings indicate that women’s involvement in the informal sector is driven by limited access to professional training, financial constraints, lack of banking guarantees, administrative and fiscal barriers, and the low recognition of women’s socio-economic status. Despite these constraints, informal activities represent a crucial source of household income and significantly contribute to local economic dynamism. The study therefore recommends the implementation of supportive public policies, including improved access to microcredit, targeted vocational training programs, and stronger institutional support to enhance women’s empowerment and entrepreneurial development.

India’s paper industry operates under a persistent structural constraint: demand for pulpable wood is approximately 11 million tonnes per annum, while domestic availability is about 9 million tonnes, resulting in a sustained fiber deficit. In this context, non-wood agricultural residues including bagasse, wheat straw, rice straw, and bamboo represent strategically important alternative fiber sources. India generates nearly 500 million tonnes of crop residues annually, of which an estimated 234 million tonnes constitute surplus biomass potentially available for industrial use. Sugarcane processing produces roughly 100 million tonnes of wet bagasse each year, while surplus wheat and rice straw contribute approximately 25 million and 44 million tonnes, respectively. Despite this substantial resource base, agro-residues account for only 6 to 9 percent of total fiber input in Indian papermaking, compared to 73 to 76 percent from recovered fiber and 18 to 21 percent from wood and bamboo. This limited adoption reflects structural constraints including seasonal availability, storage challenges, high silica content in cereal straws, feedstock variability, and competition from energy and fodder applications. Technically, non-wood fibers exhibit shorter fiber length and distinct chemical composition relative to wood, requiring adapted pulping chemistry and recovery systems. However, commercial operations demonstrate that acceptable quality writing, printing, and selected packaging grades can be produced when processing parameters are optimized. This review evaluates agro-residue availability, current utilization patterns, technical characteristics, economic trade-offs, environmental considerations, and policy frameworks influencing non-wood fiber integration. It argues that while non-wood fibers cannot replace recovered paper or wood entirely, they represent a viable and underutilized component of India’s long-term fiber security strategy, provided that logistical, technological, and economic barriers are systematically addressed.

This study develops a typology of family farms in the commune of Fandène, located in the peri-urban area of Thiès, Senegal. A purposive sample of 100 farms across nine villages was selected using a non-probabilistic approach. Data collection combined two complementary tools: a structured questionnaire for quantitative surveys and an interview guide for qualitative insights. The analysis, integrating descriptive statistics with multivariate techniques, revealed three distinct farm types: (I) low-production and vulnerable (77%), (II) intermediate production with moderate diversification (15%), and (III) intensive and high-income (8%). These categories differ in farming practices and average annual income (Type I: 1,107,052 FCFA; Type II: 3,887,867 FCFA; Type III: 8,294,750 FCFA). Key constraints vary by profile, including limited access to motorized equipment, labor shortages, restricted financing opportunities, and land tenure insecurity. This typology underscores the heterogeneity of family farms at the local scale, particularly in peri-urban contexts, and provides a strategic framework for guiding agricultural policies and rural development interventions.

Rice productivity needs to be increased to feed Chad’s growing population. Productivity can be increased through the adoption of improved varieties and management practices, which require additional capital inputs. In this paper, we aim to estimate the effect of formal and semi-formal credit on rice productivity in Mayo-Kebbi East Province. We surveyed 600 rice farmers to achieve these goals. We used descriptive statistics, propensity score matching and Heckman’s endogenous treatment effect model to analyze the data. The results indicate that literacy, television and training have had a positive influence on access to formal credit. In general, loan recipients have achieved higher productivity than non-recipients. In the case of the source-specific effect of credit, we have seen mixed results. Given the estimated difference of 438 kg/ha to 495 kg/ha, the results indicated that formal credit recipients had significantly higher productivity than non-formal credit recipients. In contrast, the results of the endogenous treatment effect model suggest that formal and semi-formal credit sources have a significant effect on rice productivity. There is strong support for increasing the disbursement of agricultural loans through formal and semi-formal credit institutions. Financial education training helps improve farmers’ ability to make decisions about the most efficient source of credit.

Rice is a monocotyledonous plant in the Poaceae family. The cultivation of this cereal is prevalent in Madagascar. It is the staple food of the Malagasy people. This study concerns the determination of the lethal dose 50 of the X243 variety rice root by administering three different doses: 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 2048 mg/kg of the body weight of a Swiss-type albino mouse. The doses administered gave two values of LD50. The logarithmic value is 1258,93 mg/kg body weight, and the linear value is 1495,24 mg/kg. These values are very close. Consequently, the roots of the X243 variety rice are toxic. Moreover, phytochemical screening shows the presence of alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, and cyanogenic compounds. There’s no doubt that cyanogenetic compounds are extremely poisonous and responsible for poisoning. Our results confirm the presence of poison in the rice roots already known to the population.

Sustainable management of organic residues is a major challenge for modern agriculture. Pyrolysis appears as a promising technology to convert biomass into a stable carbon-rich material called biochar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of pyrolysis residues from whole Malagasy zebu horns (Bos indicus) as an organic amendment to improve soil fertility. Pyrolysis, carried out at controlled temperatures (450–490 °C) in a handmade furnace, resulted in a mass yield of approximately 40 %. The residues showed a high ash content (66.19 %), low moisture (4.09 %), and notable concentrations of major nutrients: total nitrogen 3.59 g/100 g, phosphorus 3.34 g/100 g, and potassium 0.089 g/100 g. Incorporation of these residues into soil could enhance water retention, nutrient availability, and organic matter stability. This study highlights the agronomic and environmental value of valorizing pyrolysis residues within a circular economy approach.

The Eburnean granitoids of the Zam area are located in the Boulsa square degree, in central-eastern Burkina Faso, approximately 80 km south of Ouagadougou. It is a group of granitic rocks (s.l.), of variable composition, calc-alkaline to alkaline, belonging to the Baoulé-Mossi domain of the West African craton. The petrography of the rocks that compose it reveals a range of facies. The lithological units observed show: i) a frequent association of gneissified tonalite-granodiorite; ii) biotite granites, sometimes muscovite granites, with passages of circumscribed porphyroid facies; iii) quartz-rich syenite massifs with felsic to neutral porphyritic veins at the western and eastern edges. Geochemical signatures, like petrographic studies, reveal contrasts in composition. The major elements, based on their silica content, show two groups: neutral rocks, with SiO2 < 65, and acidic rocks with SiO2 > 65. The analysis of rare earths and trace elements is telling. The various diagrams define an orogenic setting with varied sources (crustal, mantle, and mixed). Geochronological data from previous studies, combined with geochemical and petrographic data, show a sequential emplacement of these granitoids: i) Stage I: emplacement of tonalite-granodiorites; ii) Stage II: emplacement of granitic plutons; iii) Stage III: emplacement of the syenitic massif. (crustal, mantellic, and mixed).

The use of medicinal plants such as Garcinia kola in the treatment of several diseases, including those considered incurable, is becoming increasingly common throughout the world in general and in Africa (Ivory Coast) in particular. This popularity can be explained especially by the therapeutic properties attributed to these plants. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of Garcinia kola seed extract prepared with koutoukou on the renal function of Wistar rats. The animal and plant material consisted of adult albino rats and Garcinia kola (Guttifferea) seeds, respectively. The preparation of plant extracts, phytochemical screening, Acute Oral Toxicity (AOT), determination of the LD50, blood tests, histological sections, and statistical analyses were performed using standard and certified methods. The yield of koutoukou extract (EKGK) is the highest (30.4 ± 0.61%). Phytochemical screening of EKGK reveals the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, catechin tannins, saponosides, and alkaloids with an LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg of PC. Urea and creatinine did not increase significantly on day 14, confirming the absence of alterations in the renal parenchyma. In view of these results, it appears that EKGK belongs to the class of non-toxic substances and contains bioactive compounds that may confer therapeutic properties. Consumption of this cocktail showed no deleterious effects on renal function, a vital organ that plays a crucial role in body homeostasis.

An interview guide was developed and administered to a sample of 16 teachers who teach Physical Sciences/Chemistry in the 8th year of basic education in 30 secondary schools in Bunia city, with the objective of identifying the difficulties encountered by Physical Sciences teachers in teaching the chemistry component at this level. The results of the study revealed that these difficulties are related to the lesson plans preparation based on curriculum matrices, pedagogical resources, teachers’ professional knowledge, classroom management, the pedagogical approach used, and the time allocation of one hour per week provided for this discipline. When these results were analyzed using the Chi-square test, it was found that the observed differences between frequencies were significant for difficulties related to pedagogical resources, teachers’ professional knowledge, and the one-hour-per-week timetable allocated to this subject (with χ2cal > χ2tab at the 5% significance level). Consequently, the study recommends increasing the time allocated to the teaching of Physical Sciences, improving pedagogical resources in schools, and providing regular teacher training to ensure effective implementation of the situation-based approach, which is the pedagogical approach aligned with the curriculum of the Science Learning Domain for the 8th year of basic education.

This study aims to characterize raw earth bricks containing respectively 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of solid discharges from the flotation of oxidized, mixed and sulfur minerals stored in a dike of the Southern Katanga Mining Company in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This type of brick would promote better management of the environment following the evacuation of waste from their storage site and would limit deforestation. Estimated at more than 1534390 dry tons, they contain certain metals such as copper and cobalt. The micrographs of the different brick samples containing respectively 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% waste, along with their EDX spectra, revealed the presence of interparticle porosity and clay materials similar to kaolinite and illite. The presence of rhombohedral crystals was also detected, characteristic of the dolomite probably from the parent rock precursor of soils present in these bricks, and of the gangue of the ores initially treated by the General of Quarries and Mines also stored in the dike. The mechanical characterization of the samples by punching shows that the different material formulations have close punching resistances, which also appeals to the close results obtained during the sonic tests and which prove that the addition of the rejects almost does not modify the mechanical performance of the bricks. The pace of the punching curves and the shape of the craters are reminiscent of the presence of the collapse microstructure in the bricks.

Accurately detecting threats such as plastic firearms presents a complex challenge in modern security systems due to the difficulty in distinguishing these objects from harmless ones when examined using X-ray scanners. This paper explores CNN architecture and image projection methods to compare systems capable of classifying plastic firearms with high accuracy. The results show that integrating data from three sources (a Stream of Commerce dataset, staged images, and synthetically produced images) was crucial for achieving satisfactory classification performance. We also reveal that to improve accuracy and generalization, it is important to expand the training dataset and explore more advanced neural networks, despite the limitations imposed by available computing power. Future work could include exploring the need for multiple views of the baggage examined and the use of more sophisticated imaging technologies, such as CT scanners, to further improve detection capabilities.

Articles 83 and 84 of the Dahir of 12 August 1913 on land registration establish a key mechanism for protecting real rights created or altered during the land registration process, while ensuring their extinguishment through the final registration decision. This framework seeks to strike a delicate balance between legal certainty and transactional fluidity, reflecting the duality between the traditional Melk ownership system and the modern scheme inspired by the Torrens model. However, the coexistence of these provisions raises practical and interpretative uncertainties regarding their actual effectiveness: whereas Article 83 provides for the publication of a corrective notice in the Official Bulletin, Article 84 determines chronological priority through registration in the opposition register. Regulated by Law No. 14‑07, these formalities- based on authentic deeds and the payment of land registry fees- aim to guarantee both the enforceability and continuity of rights up to final registration. Nevertheless, procedural shortcomings relating to time limits and the autonomy of applicants highlight the need for reform to strengthen land security.

Waste production is an integral part of life, and its management is essential for our well-being and development. Unfortunately, we observe that its poor management in Bamako is detrimental to our health and environment. This is due to the inconsistency of the management chain, with efficient basic management supported by women and continuity lacking clear practical guidance because of the absence of women. In other words, women are excluded from the part of the chain where there are greater economic benefits. Worse still, even at lower levels where they fully perform their roles, they do not benefit from social security and protection. This jeopardizes the achievement of SDG1 (Sustainable Development Goal), SDG5, and SDG8 in the circular economy sector. After this study, we recommend to the Malian Government to creating a national waste agency for an efficient analysis of gender considerations in the household solid waste management system and chain in Bamako. The objective of our work is to highlight the harm to women and children, the role of women and consequently their level of responsibility in waste management in Bamako district.

Asymptomatic malaria, or asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium, poses a significant challenge to malaria control and elimination. Asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium is particularly common among children living in areas of high transmission. Microscopic diagnosis and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the two main methods recommended by the Permanent Secretariat for Malaria Elimination in Burkina Faso for the biological diagnosis of malaria prior to drug treatment. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Standard Q Malaria P.f/Pan Ag RDT compared to microscopy in asymptomatic school-aged children in Koubri, an area with high and stable malaria transmission. Data were collected during a cross-sectional survey of 751 children aged 5 to 15 years residing in the rural commune of Koubri, Burkina Faso. The standard Q Malaria Pf/Pan Ag RDT and thick blood/thin blood smear were used for laboratory diagnosis. The RDT reported a prevalence of 21.84% compared to 19.04% for microscopy. Compared to microscopy, used as the reference method, the standard Q Malaria Pf/Pan Ag RDT showed a sensitivity of 69.5% and a specificity of 95.1%, with positive and negative predictive values ​​of 0.79 and 0.91, respectively. These results show that despite its modest sensitivity, the standard Q Malaria Pf/Pan Ag RDT is suitable for community-based diagnosis in asymptomatic carriers.