Investigation of DDT resistance mechanisms in Anopheles funestus populations from northern and southern Benin reveals a key role of the GSTe2 gene

Background: Understanding the molecular basis of insecticide resistance in mosquito, such as Anopheles funestus is an important step in developing strategies to mitigate the resistance problem. This study aims to assess the role of the GSTe2 gene in DDT resistance and determine the genetic diversity of this gene in Anopheles funestus species. Methods: Gene expression analysis was performed using microarrays and PCR while the potential mutation associated with resistance was determined using sequencing. Results: Low expression level of GSTe2 gene was recorded in Burkina-Faso samples with a fold change of 3.3 while high expression (FC 35.6) was recorded in southern Benin in Pahou (FC 35.6) and Kpome (FC 13.3). The sequencing of GSTe2 gene in six localities showed that L119F-GSTe2 mutation is almost getting fixed in highly DDT-resistant Benin Pahou, Kpome, Doukonta and Nigeria (Akaka Remo) mosquitoes with a low mutation rate observed in Tanongou (Benin) and Burkina-Faso mosquitoes. Conclusion: This study shows the key role of the GSTe2 gene in DDT resistant Anopheles funestus in Benin. Polymorphism analysis of this gene across Benin revealed possible barriers to gene flow which could impact the design and implementation of resistance management strategies in the country

Susceptibility Profiles of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Deltamethrin Reveal a Contrast between the Northern and the Southern Benin

Helicoverpa armigera is an indigenous species in Africa and has been reported in the destruction of several crops in Benin. Management of H. armigera pest is mainly focused on the use of synthetic pyrethroids, which may contribute to resistance selection. This study aimed to screen the susceptibility pattern of field populations of H. armigera to deltamethrin in Benin. Relevant information on the type of pesticides used by farmers were gathered through surveys. Collected samples of Helicoverpa (F0) were reared to F1. F0 were subjected to morphological speciation followed by a confirmation using restriction fragment length polymorphism coupled with a polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). F1 (larvae) were used for insecticide susceptibility with deltamethrin alone and in the presence of the P450 inhibitor Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO). Deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin were the most used pyrethroids in tomato and cotton farms respectively. All field-sampled Helicoverpa were found to be H. armigera. Susceptibility assays of H. armigera to deltamethrin revealed a high resistance pattern in cowpea (resistance factor (RF) = 2340), cotton (RF varying from 12 to 516) and tomato (RF=85) farms which is a concern for the control of this major polyphagous agricultural pest. There was a significant increase of mortality when deltamethrin insecticide was combined with piperonyl butoxide (PBO), suggesting the possible involvement of detoxification enzymes such as oxidase. This study highlights the presence of P450 induced metabolic resistance in H. armigera populations from diverse cropping systems in Benin. The recorded high levels of deltamethrin resistance in H. armigera is a concern for the control of this major agricultural pest in Benin as the country is currently embarking into economical expansion of cotton, vegetables and grain-legumes cropping systems

Development of new hybrid composites reinforced by carbon and flax fibers : manufacturing and Mechanical characterization

L’objectif de cette thèse est, d’une part, l’optimisation de la mise en œuvre des matériaux composites àtravers l’étude du comportement des renforts secs en compaction et, d’autre part, le développement et lacaractérisation de matériaux composites stratifiés hybrides renforcés par des fibres de carbone et de lin.Durant la mise en œuvre de ces composites, les renforts sont soumis à un phénomène appelé compactiontransverse. La compréhension de ce mécanisme est importante pour l’amélioration de la mise en œuvre.La connaissance de la capacité de compaction des renforts secs sert également à la prédiction du taux defibres ainsi que de l’épaisseur de la pièce composite finale. Des essais de compaction réalisés sur douzerenforts présentant de différentes solutions techniques ont montré que la capacité de compaction d’unrenfort sec est influencée par plusieurs facteurs. Les résultats obtenus de ce travail portant essentiellementsur les renforts à fibres naturelles (lin) ont montré que ces types de renforts se compactent moinsbien que les renforts à fibres synthétiques (carbone, verre). Ainsi, pour pouvoir améliorer la capacité decompaction de ces renforts naturels, il faut choisir ceux dont le grammage est important, ceux dont lesmèches sont en fibre et non en fil, ceux qui sont unidirectionnels (ou quasi UD) plutôt que des tissés oudes bi-biais. De plus, il faut privilégier les séquences à plusieurs plis aux séquences mono-plis.Face à un fort besoin d’allègement des structures, les matériaux composites sont de plus en plus recherchésdans le secteur industriel notamment dans le domaine des transports. Cependant, les matériaux compositescomme tout autre matériau, en plus d’être mécaniquement performant, doivent remplir d’autresfonctions comme l’amortissement de chocs et de vibrations pour une bonne tenue en service. Pour remplircette double exigence, une des solutions est d’utiliser la technique d’hybridation qui consiste à utiliserau sein d’un même composite des fibres naturelles et synthétiques à la fois afin d’exploiter leursatouts respectifs. Respectivement en raison de leur rigidité et de leur pouvoir amortissant, les fibres decarbone et de lin ont été choisies dans le cadre de cette thèse. La caractérisation des plaques stratifiéesfabriquées en infusion de résine montre que le composite carbone a de meilleures propriétés mécaniqueset microstructurales tandis que le composite lin propose des propriétés amortissantes très intéressantes.Les résultats montrent que l’hybridation du lin avec du carbone permet d’améliorer considérablement lesfaibles propriétés mécaniques du composite lin et les mauvaises propriétés amortissantes du compositecarbone. La séquence d’empilement des couches a une influence significative sur le comportement et lespropriétés des stratifiés hybrides. Nos résultats ont montré que pour avoir une meilleure microstructureles couches de carbone doivent être disposées à l’extérieur. Cette façon d’hybrider permet égalementd’obtenir de meilleures propriétés en flexion et en choc. En revanche, lorsque les couches de lin sontplacées à l’extérieur, le composite hybride a une meilleure capacité d’amortissement. Cette séquenced’empilement garantit aussi une meilleure résistance en indentation. Ainsi, la séquence d’empilementhybride à choisir dépendra du besoin que l’on cherche à satisfaire.Enfin, grâce à une analyse basée sur la théorie classique des stratifiés, il a été démontré dans cette thèsequ’on peut dimensionner des composites stratifiés hybrides malgré que les couches constitutives soientde différente nature avec des propriétés dissemblables.The goal of this thesis is, on the one hand, the optimization of the manufacturing of composite materials through the study of the behavior of dry fibrous reinforcements in compaction and, on the other hand, the development and characterization of hybrid composite laminates reinforced with carbon and flax fibers. During the manufacturing process of these composites, the reinforcements are subjected to a phenomenon called transverse compaction. Understanding this mechanism is important for improving the manufacturing process. Knowledge of the compaction capacity of the dry reinforcements also serves to predict the fiber content as well as the thickness of the final composite part. Compaction tests carried out on twelve reinforcements presenting different technical solutions have shown that the compaction capacity of a dry reinforcement is influenced by several factors. The results obtained from this work, which focuses on natural fiber reinforcements (flax), have shown that these types of reinforcement are less compactable than synthetic fiber reinforcements (carbon, glass). Thus, to be able to improve the compaction capacity of these natural reinforcements, it is necessary to choose those whose area density is important, those whose tows are in fiber not in yarn, those which are unidirectional (or quasi UD) rather than woven or bi-bias. In addition, it is necessary to choose a multi-ply sequence rather than single-ply sequence. Faced with a strong need for lightening structures, composite materials are increasingly sought in the industrial sector, particularly in the transport sector. However, composite materials like any other material, in addition to being mechanically efficient, must perform other functions such as damping shock and vibration for good performance in service. To meet this double requirement, one of the solutions is to use the hybridization technique which consists in using within the same composite natural and synthetic fibers at the same time in order to exploit their respective advantages. Respectively because of their rigidity and their damping capacity, the carbon and flax fibers were chosen in the context of this thesis. The characterization of the laminate composite plates manufactured with resin infusion process shows that the carbon composite has better mechanical and microstructural properties while the flax composite offers very interesting damping properties. The results show that hybridization of flax with carbon considerably improves the low mechanical properties of the flax composite and the poor damping properties of the carbon composite. The stacking sequence of layers has a significant influence on the behavior and properties of the hybrid laminates. Our results showed that to have a better microstructure the carbon layers must be put outside. This way of hybridizing also makes it possible to obtain better properties in flexion and shock. By contrast, when the flax layers are placed outside, the hybrid composite has a better damping capacity. This stacking sequence also guarantees a better indentation strength. Thus, the hybrid stacking sequence to choose will depend on the need that is sought to meet. Finally, thanks to an analysis based on classical laminate theory, it has been demonstrated in this thesis that hybrid composite laminates can be dimensioned despite the fact that the constituent layers are of different types with dissimilar properties

Développement de nouveaux composites hybrides renforcés par des fibres de carbone et de lin : mise en oeuvre et caractérisation mécanique

The goal of this thesis is, on the one hand, the optimization of the manufacturing of composite materials through the study of the behavior of dry fibrous reinforcements in compaction and, on the other hand, the development and characterization of hybrid composite laminates reinforced with carbon and flax fibers. During the manufacturing process of these composites, the reinforcements are subjected to a phenomenon called transverse compaction. Understanding this mechanism is important for improving the manufacturing process. Knowledge of the compaction capacity of the dry reinforcements also serves to predict the fiber content as well as the thickness of the final composite part. Compaction tests carried out on twelve reinforcements presenting different technical solutions have shown that the compaction capacity of a dry reinforcement is influenced by several factors. The results obtained from this work, which focuses on natural fiber reinforcements (flax), have shown that these types of reinforcement are less compactable than synthetic fiber reinforcements (carbon, glass). Thus, to be able to improve the compaction capacity of these natural reinforcements, it is necessary to choose those whose area density is important, those whose tows are in fiber not in yarn, those which are unidirectional (or quasi UD) rather than woven or bi-bias. In addition, it is necessary to choose a multi-ply sequence rather than single-ply sequence. Faced with a strong need for lightening structures, composite materials are increasingly sought in the industrial sector, particularly in the transport sector. However, composite materials like any other material, in addition to being mechanically efficient, must perform other functions such as damping shock and vibration for good performance in service. To meet this double requirement, one of the solutions is to use the hybridization technique which consists in using within the same composite natural and synthetic fibers at the same time in order to exploit their respective advantages. Respectively because of their rigidity and their damping capacity, the carbon and flax fibers were chosen in the context of this thesis. The characterization of the laminate composite plates manufactured with resin infusion process shows that the carbon composite has better mechanical and microstructural properties while the flax composite offers very interesting damping properties. The results show that hybridization of flax with carbon considerably improves the low mechanical properties of the flax composite and the poor damping properties of the carbon composite. The stacking sequence of layers has a significant influence on the behavior and properties of the hybrid laminates. Our results showed that to have a better microstructure the carbon layers must be put outside. This way of hybridizing also makes it possible to obtain better properties in flexion and shock. By contrast, when the flax layers are placed outside, the hybrid composite has a better damping capacity. This stacking sequence also guarantees a better indentation strength. Thus, the hybrid stacking sequence to choose will depend on the need that is sought to meet. Finally, thanks to an analysis based on classical laminate theory, it has been demonstrated in this thesis that hybrid composite laminates can be dimensioned despite the fact that the constituent layers are of different types with dissimilar properties.L’objectif de cette thèse est, d’une part, l’optimisation de la mise en œuvre des matériaux composites àtravers l’étude du comportement des renforts secs en compaction et, d’autre part, le développement et lacaractérisation de matériaux composites stratifiés hybrides renforcés par des fibres de carbone et de lin.Durant la mise en œuvre de ces composites, les renforts sont soumis à un phénomène appelé compactiontransverse. La compréhension de ce mécanisme est importante pour l’amélioration de la mise en œuvre.La connaissance de la capacité de compaction des renforts secs sert également à la prédiction du taux defibres ainsi que de l’épaisseur de la pièce composite finale. Des essais de compaction réalisés sur douzerenforts présentant de différentes solutions techniques ont montré que la capacité de compaction d’unrenfort sec est influencée par plusieurs facteurs. Les résultats obtenus de ce travail portant essentiellementsur les renforts à fibres naturelles (lin) ont montré que ces types de renforts se compactent moinsbien que les renforts à fibres synthétiques (carbone, verre). Ainsi, pour pouvoir améliorer la capacité decompaction de ces renforts naturels, il faut choisir ceux dont le grammage est important, ceux dont lesmèches sont en fibre et non en fil, ceux qui sont unidirectionnels (ou quasi UD) plutôt que des tissés oudes bi-biais. De plus, il faut privilégier les séquences à plusieurs plis aux séquences mono-plis.Face à un fort besoin d’allègement des structures, les matériaux composites sont de plus en plus recherchésdans le secteur industriel notamment dans le domaine des transports. Cependant, les matériaux compositescomme tout autre matériau, en plus d’être mécaniquement performant, doivent remplir d’autresfonctions comme l’amortissement de chocs et de vibrations pour une bonne tenue en service. Pour remplircette double exigence, une des solutions est d’utiliser la technique d’hybridation qui consiste à utiliserau sein d’un même composite des fibres naturelles et synthétiques à la fois afin d’exploiter leursatouts respectifs. Respectivement en raison de leur rigidité et de leur pouvoir amortissant, les fibres decarbone et de lin ont été choisies dans le cadre de cette thèse. La caractérisation des plaques stratifiéesfabriquées en infusion de résine montre que le composite carbone a de meilleures propriétés mécaniqueset microstructurales tandis que le composite lin propose des propriétés amortissantes très intéressantes.Les résultats montrent que l’hybridation du lin avec du carbone permet d’améliorer considérablement lesfaibles propriétés mécaniques du composite lin et les mauvaises propriétés amortissantes du compositecarbone. La séquence d’empilement des couches a une influence significative sur le comportement et lespropriétés des stratifiés hybrides. Nos résultats ont montré que pour avoir une meilleure microstructureles couches de carbone doivent être disposées à l’extérieur. Cette façon d’hybrider permet égalementd’obtenir de meilleures propriétés en flexion et en choc. En revanche, lorsque les couches de lin sontplacées à l’extérieur, le composite hybride a une meilleure capacité d’amortissement. Cette séquenced’empilement garantit aussi une meilleure résistance en indentation. Ainsi, la séquence d’empilementhybride à choisir dépendra du besoin que l’on cherche à satisfaire.Enfin, grâce à une analyse basée sur la théorie classique des stratifiés, il a été démontré dans cette thèsequ’on peut dimensionner des composites stratifiés hybrides malgré que les couches constitutives soientde différente nature avec des propriétés dissemblables

An approach of modelling of the compaction of flax-carbon hybrid stack preforms

International audienceA model, based on the Van Wyk model, is developed to predict the compaction behaviour of stack sequence of dry fabric plies, and is used a set of 3 parameters (stiffness k, pressure sensitivity n and initial fibre ratio Vf0) with P = (k(Vf- Vf))n. The method originality is to construct the behaviour law of a complex stack sequence by the assembly of elementary behaviours. Elementary behaviours are identified using initial experimental compaction tests and are linked to the interaction of a fabric ply with its surrounding environment (another fabric ply or the surface of the compressive mould). This proposed modelling approach have been tested on various carbon, flax and carbon/flax hybrid stack sequence, and seems efficient to predict their compaction behaviour. Its validity is limited to the range of stack sequence of a reduced number of plies. With stack sequence made of numerous fabric plies, some new phenomena must be taken into account. In complement we proposed a method to decompose the compaction behavior curve into three stages (rigid body movement of the fabric plies, nesting of the plies, densification). This method is relevant to compare easily some compaction curves and to evaluate the internal strain state of a stack sequence

Use of tropical basil to reduce Hellula undalis F. incidence on cabbage in south Benin

Vegetable plays an important role in most food safety programs around the world. In West Africa, they significantly contribute to the quality of the diet of the population and to the incomes of many families. Among these vegetables, cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) is one of the most cultivated. However, its production is severely limited by the pest pressure. H. undalis is an important pest of this crop because each attack induces the total loss of the plant: the larva of this insect destroys the heart of the cabbage inducing the formation of cabbages with multi-head without commercial value. Field trials were conducted during the dry and rainy season at Abomey-Calavi in the south Benin to evaluate the potential of tropical basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) for managing cabbage webworm H. undalis. Two intercropping modalities were evaluated and compared to the control (cabbage alone): (1) cabbage plants in alternated rows with tropical basil plants, and (2) cabbage plot framed by tropical basil plants. The number of H. undalis larvae was counted once a week for eight weeks. The proportions of marketable and the multi-head cabbages were evaluated at harvest. Four replicates were performed for each treatment. The results have shown that there were relatively more numbers of H. undalis larvae on the cabbage alone, whereas lower numbers of larvae were counted when cabbage was planted with tropical basil. Generally, damages were also more on cabbage alone than cabbage intercropping with tropical basil. The marketable cabbage was relatively higher in the intercropping plots compared to cabbage alone. Among, both the intercropping design alternated row system showed the best results in terms of educing pest populations and damage than the cabbage plots framed by tropical basil. In conclusion, intercropping tropical basil/cabbage plants reduces H. undalis infestations on cabbage and improves production. These results indicate that this traditional vegetable (tropical basil) could be used in integrated pest management programs for other vegetables also. Optimizing of this agro-ecological approach could minimize the use of synthetic pesticides and consequently improve food and environmental sanitary quality

Impact of Resource-Based Economic Transformation Policy on Sulfur Dioxide Emissions: A Case Study of Shanxi Province

Air pollution, particularly SO2 emission, has become a global problem, seriously threatening the sustainable development and health of mankind. Based on the panel data of 248 prefecture-level cities in China during 2003–2018, this study used the Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Difference (PSM-DID) method within the counterfactual framework to evaluate the treatment effect of the policy made by the National Resource-Based Economic Transformation Comprehensive Supporting Reform Pilot Zone (CRZ) on sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The results show the following. (1) The benchmark regression results demonstrate that the CRZ policy has significantly decreased per capita SO2 emissions (PCSO2) and SO2 emissions per unit of GDP (PGSO2) in the pilot zone, and the placebo test indicates that the evaluation of the policy effect is robust. (2) The dynamic effect test indicates that there is a lag in the effect of the CRZ policy on reducing SO2 emissions. The policy effect of the CRZ policy on PCSO2 and PGSO2 was not obvious in the first stage (2011–2015), the CRZ policy significantly reduced the PCSO2 and PGSO2 in the second stage of policy implementation (2016 and beyond), and the reduction effect of CRZ policy on SO2 emissions is increasing over time. (3) The mechanism analysis shows that optimizing industrial structure, increasing human capital, strengthening technological innovation, and expanding opening to the outside world are the main ways for the CRZ policy to reduce SO2 emissions. The study will help promote SO2 emissions reduction in Shanxi Province, providing a reference for the transformation and development of other resource-based cities in China and the world and contributing to accelerating the achievement of regional emission reduction targets and sustainable development

Impact of Resource-Based Economic Transformation Policy on Sulfur Dioxide Emissions: A Case Study of Shanxi Province

Air pollution, particularly SO2 emission, has become a global problem, seriously threatening the sustainable development and health of mankind. Based on the panel data of 248 prefecture-level cities in China during 2003–2018, this study used the Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Difference (PSM-DID) method within the counterfactual framework to evaluate the treatment effect of the policy made by the National Resource-Based Economic Transformation Comprehensive Supporting Reform Pilot Zone (CRZ) on sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The results show the following. (1) The benchmark regression results demonstrate that the CRZ policy has significantly decreased per capita SO2 emissions (PCSO2) and SO2 emissions per unit of GDP (PGSO2) in the pilot zone, and the placebo test indicates that the evaluation of the policy effect is robust. (2) The dynamic effect test indicates that there is a lag in the effect of the CRZ policy on reducing SO2 emissions. The policy effect of the CRZ policy on PCSO2 and PGSO2 was not obvious in the first stage (2011–2015), the CRZ policy significantly reduced the PCSO2 and PGSO2 in the second stage of policy implementation (2016 and beyond), and the reduction effect of CRZ policy on SO2 emissions is increasing over time. (3) The mechanism analysis shows that optimizing industrial structure, increasing human capital, strengthening technological innovation, and expanding opening to the outside world are the main ways for the CRZ policy to reduce SO2 emissions. The study will help promote SO2 emissions reduction in Shanxi Province, providing a reference for the transformation and development of other resource-based cities in China and the world and contributing to accelerating the achievement of regional emission reduction targets and sustainable development

Experimental huts trial of the efficacy of pyrethroids/piperonyl butoxide (PBO) net treatments for controlling multi-resistant populations of Anopheles funestus s.s. in Kpomè, Southern Benin

Background: Insecticides resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes limits Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) used for malaria control in Africa, especially Benin. This study aimed to evaluate the bio-efficacy of current LLINs in an area where An. funestus s.l. and An. gambiae have developed multi-resistance to insecticides, and to assess in experimental huts the performance of a mixed combination of pyrethroids and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) treated nets on these resistant mosquitoes. Methods: The study was conducted at Kpomè, Southern Benin. The bio-efficacy of LLINs against An. funestus and An. gambiae was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) cone and tunnel tests. A released/recapture experiment following WHO procedures was conducted to compare the efficacy of conventional LLINs treated with pyrethroids only and LLINs with combinations of pyrethroids and PBO. Prior to huts trials, we confirmed the level of insecticide and PBO residues in tested nets using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Conventional LLINs (Type 2 and Type 4) have the lowest effect against local multi-resistant An. funestus s.s. and An. coluzzii populations from Kpomè. Conversely, when LLINs containing mixtures of pyrethroids and PBO (Type 1 and Type 3) were introduced in trial huts, we recorded a greater effect against the two mosquito populations (P < 0.0001). Tunnel test with An. funestus s.s. revealed mortalities of over 80% with this new generation of LLINs (Type 1 and Type 3),while conventional LLINs produced 65.53 ± 8.33% mortalities for Type 2 and 71.25 ±7.92% mortalities for Type 4. Similarly, mortalities ranging from 77 to 87% were recorded with the local populations of An. coluzzii. Conclusion: This study suggests the reduced efficacy of conventional LLINs (Pyrethroids alone) currently distributed in Benin communities where Anopheles populations have developed multi-insecticide resistance. The new generation nets (pyrethroids+PBO) proved to be more effective on multi-resistant populations of mosquitoes