In Niger, livestock farming is a promising sector for the economy of rural households. The livestock value chain has a positive impact on household nutrition. This study aims to characterize the consumption of animal-based foods by agro-pastoral households. Data are collected through a questionnaire survey of 200 randomly sampled heads of households. Data are analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software. The results show that animal-based foods are consumed by the majority (64.54%) of households surveyed, with dominance in the Maradi region (51.73%) compared to Tillabéri (12.91%) region. These diversified foods are regularly consumed by households. The most consumed foods are meat (83%), fish (81%), and goat’s milk (38%). Households turn to animal-based foods for nutrition’s reasons, eating habits and taste. Children aged 6 to 24 months consume more eggs (43%), fish (42%), red meat (27%), and cow’s milk (19%). Lack of financial means, low production and ignorance of the virtues of animal products are the main constraints on household consumption of animal-based foods. These results suggest that promoting the consumption of animal-based foods could improve household nutrition and well-being, especially in rural areas.

This work was carried out with the aim of analyzing the growth parameters of Hepsetus odoe (Bloch, 1794) caught in the Ebrié lagoon with a view to contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of this fish. A total of 220 fish from commercial artisanal fishing were sampled from July 2022 to June 2023 in sector IV of the Ebrié lagoon. Each specimen was weighed and measured to the nearest gram and millimeter respectively. The length-weight relationship and the condition factor were calculated. The data collected were processed on Excel and Statistica 7.1 software. The size of the individuals varies from 11.2 to 36 cm and the weight oscillates between 10.2 and 196 g. The size frequency distribution is unimodal ([17; 20 [cm). In general, growth is of the positive allometry type regardless of sex and size. It appears that the species is gaining weight faster than it is growing. In males and females the mean value of the condition factor K is 0.638 ± 0.02 and 0.700 ± 0.014 respectively. These individuals are not overweight in their biotope regardless of their sex and size.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2023 along the downstream of River Nkam in Yabassi locality (Littoral-Cameroon). The objective was to determine parasite fauna, the prevalence, abundance, mean intensity and risk factors of parasitic infections in wild freshwater fishes as for their control during their successful domestication and conservation. A total of 151 fishes comprising 43 Ctenopoma petherici, 31 Clarias jaensis, 21 Parachanna obscura, 25 Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and 31 Oreochromis niloticus randomly captured from the River Nkam were used for the determination of the parasitological indexes. The results showed an overall high prevalence of multiple infections of 72.85% of all the fish species by five groups of parasites (p<0.0001) namely monogeneans (61.53%), trematodes (18.54%), myxosporeans (19.90%), cestodes (2.83%) and nematodes (8.72%). Besides, the abundance and mean intensity of monogeneans infection were either low or average and not influenced by the fish species. The significance of the effect of the fish sex, size and weight on the infection by monogeneans depended on fish species. Fishes from the Nkam river should be quarantined and treated against parasites before farming.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a vital oilseed crop extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to assess the agro-morphological performance and genetic variability of 11 sesame lines under the Sudano-Sahelian conditions of Burkina Faso. Conducted over three years at the INERA/Saria’s experimental station, 12 phenological and agronomic traits were evaluated using a randomized block design with three replicates. Results revealed significant differences among lines for most traits, including flowering time (DFLS), capsule length (HFCI), and yield components. Heritability values were high for parameters such as plant height at maturity (62.24%) and height of the first capsule insertion (79.31%), indicating their strong genetic influence. Yield variability was substantial, with the Wollega line achieving the highest mean yield of 1612.82 kg/ha. This analysis provides critical insights into the genetic potential and adaptation of sesame lines, laying the groundwork for future breeding programs to enhance productivity and resilience in semi-arid regions.

This article presents a rare case of intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni in a pregnant woman, complicated by rectal bleeding and intrauterine growth restriction. Diagnosis was confirmed through stool analysis and placental smear. Despite antiparasitic treatment, the pregnancy resulted in a premature birth and neonatal death. The case highlights the need for prenatal schistosomiasis screening in endemic areas.

Internet of Things (IoT) is a futuristic vision of the world where everything is linked by means of appropriate information and communication technology, to enable a new set of applications and services. IoT has changed the way we think and implement things in our life. For 21st-century learners, traditional institutions and classical teaching methods are no longer appealing. With the advent of IoT, future educational institutions will evolve into smart institutes, offering a new platform for teaching and learning for both educators and modern learners.

Due to the emergence of nanoscience and technology, metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used as antimicrobial agents and are synthesized following various protocols. Several methods (Physical and Chemical) are used to synthesize nanoparticles, but biological methods are preferred due to their environmental friendliness, cleanliness, safety, cost-effectiveness, ease and efficiency for high productivity and purity. Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising new tool in the field of bio-nanotechnology. Intra- or extracellular biosynthesis of NPs can be achieved by a wide range of biological entities, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, actinomycetes and plant extracts. Biosynthesized NPs are characterized using a variety of techniques, including UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and zeta potential analyses. NPs synthesized using the green approach can be used in the food industry, smart agriculture and wastewater treatment. They can be incorporated into various biotechnological fields as antimicrobial agents, antioxidants and phytopathogen control agents. This review will focus on the role of biosynthesized AgNPs for their antimicrobial application, leading to improved health, environment and prevention of infectious diseases.

In the African context, where agricultural by-products and natural resources are often underutilized or considered waste or invasive species, this study aims to valorize locally available raw materials through the development of fully bio-based insulating composite materials. The materials were produced using typha, rice husk, residues from threshing millet ears, and cassava starch, through a simple and reproducible process accessible even at an artisanal scale. A total of 25 formulations were created by combining one to three of these raw materials with a natural binder. The resulting composites were characterized. The bulk density of the materials ranged from 198.64 to 361.02 kg/m3, while their thermal conductivity varied between 0.07 and 0.17 W/m·K. These results highlight the strong potential of these bio-based composites for use as thermal insulation in sustainable building applications.

Mineral fertilization is difficult in rural areas due to the very high price of chemical fertilizers. However, organic waste, which sometimes disrupts the environment, can boost plant production. This investigation aims to determine some optimal conditions for fertilizing oil palms using ash from oil mill boilers to improve palm fruit production. To do this, different doses of this ash were tested on oil palm trees in production. Agronomic, physical, and agro-climatic parameters were evaluated. The results showed that fertilization using this ash, regardless of the dose, contributed to improving palm fruit production. To optimize this fertilization, a dose of 5 kg of this ash per palm tree, a significant amount of fine elements in this ash, and adequate levels of agro-climatic parameters are required.

In order to carry out our field investigations, our study population consisted of a sample estimated at 44 agents. The research question was whether staff were managed in accordance with legislative principles, and whether this resulted in good performance. We were subject to the hypothesis that there were irregularities in personnel management that could lead to poor service performance. Our specific objectives were to evaluate personnel management and determine its impact on service performance. To achieve these objectives, we conducted a cross-sectional analytical study based on an evaluative approach. Data collection was based on interviews and documentary analysis. Our results show that the Tshofa HGR has a staff of 44, including 11 A1 nurses (25%), 11.4% general practitioners and 6.8% laboratory technicians, and 6.8% other nurses. There are 75% new unit agents and 25% unpaid matricules. No agent is salaried in this structure: 47.7% of staff receive hazard pay; male staff represent 56.8%; no agent is better rewarded locally. The bed occupancy rate is 39% in 2019, 28% in 2018 and 25% in 2017. In view of these results, we believe that in light of the salary situation as presented above, service performance would be low at the Tshofa General Reference Hospital.