Étude Ethnobotanique Des Plantes Utilisées Dans L’artisanat Chez Les Agni Du Centre-Est Et Nord-Est De La Côte d’Ivoire

Dans le but de valoriser le savoir traditionnel des plantes utilisées dans l’artisanat, une enquête ethnobotanique a été conduite chez quatre tribus Agni du Centre-est et du Nord-est de la Côte d’Ivoire. Les entretiens semi-structurés à travers l’approche du « porte-à-porte » suivis de randonnées dans le milieu environnant ont permis d’obtenir les informations sur l’usage des plantes. Cette étude a montré que 104 espèces réparties en 95 genres et 35 familles sont utilisées dans l’artisanat. Pour ces quatre tribus, seulement 14,42% des plantes ont un indice d’importance culturelle élevé. Il s’agit entre autres de Baissea multiflora, Holarrhena floribunda, Mansonia altissima, Nauclea diderrichii, Nesogordonia papaverifera, Pseudocedrela kotschyi, etc. L’analyse du coefficient de Jaccard a montré des différences majeures au niveau de l’usage des plantes entre ces quatre communautés, avec seulement 13,46% d’usage commun. Il a été également observé que les savoirs liés aux plantes à usage artisanal s’érodent progressivement, à cause notamment de l’abondance des matériaux modernes et surtout de la raréfaction des plantes utilisées due à la dégradation de l’environnement. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among four Agni tribes in the central-eastern and north-eastern parts of Côte d’Ivoire. This study aimed to valorize the traditional knowledge of plants used in handicrafts. Semi-structured interviews through the "door-to-door" approach followed by walks in the adjacent vegetation provided information on the use of plants. This study showed that 104 species divided into 95 genera and 35 families are used in local handicrafts. For these four tribes, only 14.42% of the plants have a high index of cultural importance. These include Baissea multiflora, Holarrhena floribunda, Mansonia altissima, Nauclea diderrichii, Nesogordonia papaverifera, Pseudocedrela kotschyi etc. The analysis of Jaccard's coefficient showed differences in the use of plants between these four communities, with only 13.46% of these plants in common use. The knowledge related to plants for artisanal use is gradually deteriorating, for several reasons: obsolescence of uses, the unavailability of plants due to environmental degradation and competition with modern materials

A mixed-methods study of maternal health care utilisation in six referral hospitals in four sub-Saharan African countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction In sub-Saharan Africa, referral hospitals are important sources of key maternal health services, especially during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study prospectively assessed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health service utilisation in six large referral hospitals in Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda during the first year of the pandemic. Methods Mixed-methods design combining three data sources: (1) quantitative data based on routine antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care data collected March 2019–February 2021, (2) qualitative data from recurring rounds of semi-structured interviews conducted July 2020–February 2021 with 22 maternity skilled heath personnel exploring their perceptions of service utilisation and (3) timeline data of COVID-19 epidemiology, global, national and hospital-level events. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately, framed based on the timeline analysis and triangulated when reporting. Results Three periods including a first wave, slow period and second wave were identified. Maternal health service utilisation was lower during the pandemic compared with the prepandemic year in all but one selected referral hospital. During the pandemic, service utilisation was particularly lower during the waves and higher or stable during the slow period. Fear of being infected in hospitals, lack of transportation, and even when available, high cost of transportation and service closures were key reasons affecting utilisation during the waves. However, community perception that the pandemic was over or insinuation by Government of the same appeared to stabilise use of referral hospitals for childbirth. Conclusion Utilisation of maternal health services across the continuum of care varied through the different periods and across countries. In crisis situations such as COVID-19, restrictions and service closures need to be implemented with consideration given to alternative options for women to access and use services. Information on measures put in place for safe hospital use should be communicated to women

A mixed-methods study of maternal health care utilisation in six referral hospitals in four sub-Saharan African countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan Africa, referral hospitals are important sources of key maternal health services, especially during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study prospectively assessed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health service utilisation in six large referral hospitals in Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS: Mixed-methods design combining three data sources: (1) quantitative data based on routine antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care data collected March 2019-February 2021, (2) qualitative data from recurring rounds of semi-structured interviews conducted July 2020-February 2021 with 22 maternity skilled heath personnel exploring their perceptions of service utilisation and (3) timeline data of COVID-19 epidemiology, global, national and hospital-level events. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately, framed based on the timeline analysis and triangulated when reporting. RESULTS: Three periods including a first wave, slow period and second wave were identified. Maternal health service utilisation was lower during the pandemic compared with the prepandemic year in all but one selected referral hospital. During the pandemic, service utilisation was particularly lower during the waves and higher or stable during the slow period. Fear of being infected in hospitals, lack of transportation, and even when available, high cost of transportation and service closures were key reasons affecting utilisation during the waves. However, community perception that the pandemic was over or insinuation by Government of the same appeared to stabilise use of referral hospitals for childbirth. CONCLUSION: Utilisation of maternal health services across the continuum of care varied through the different periods and across countries. In crisis situations such as COVID-19, restrictions and service closures need to be implemented with consideration given to alternative options for women to access and use services. Information on measures put in place for safe hospital use should be communicated to women

‘We are not going to shut down, because we cannot postpone pregnancy’: a mixed-methods study of the provision of maternal healthcare in six referral maternity wards in four sub-Saharan African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Referral hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa are located in crowded urban areas, which were often epicentres of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper prospectively assesses how maternal healthcare was provided in six referral hospitals in Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Mixed-methods design using three data sources: (1) qualitative data from repeated rounds of semi-structured interviews conducted between July 2020 and February 2021 with 22 maternity skilled heath personnel (SHP) on perceptions of care provision; (2) quantitative monthly routine data on caesarean section and labour induction from March 2019 to February 2021; and (3) timeline data of COVID-19 epidemiology, national and hospital-level events. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately, framed based on timeline analysis, and triangulated during reporting. Results We identified three periods: first wave, slow period and second wave. The first wave was challenging for SHP given little knowledge about COVID-19, lack of infection prevention and control training, and difficulties reaching workplace. Challenges that persisted beyond the first wave were shortage of personal protective equipment and no rapid testing for women suspected with COVID-19. We noted no change in the proportion of caesarean sections during the pandemic, and a small increase in the proportion of labour inductions. All hospitals arranged isolation areas for women suspected/confirmed with COVID-19 and three hospitals provided care to women with suspected/confirmed COVID-19. Breastfeeding was not discouraged and newborns were not separated from mothers confirmed with COVID-19. Care provision was maintained through dedication of SHP, support from hospital management and remote communication between SHP. Conclusion Routine maternal care provision was maintained in referral hospitals, despite first wave challenges. Referral hospitals and SHP contributed to guideline development for pregnant women suspected/confirmed with COVID-19. Maternity SHP, women and pregnancy must always be included in priority setting when responding to health system shocks, including outbreaks

Linear models for total coverage problem with connectivity constraints using multiple unmanned aerial vehicles

International audienceThe use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has recently increased both in civilian and military operations, and the planning of their routes is critical. This research investigates a routing problem in which a UAV network, equipped with sensors, covers a given area and maintains connectivity with its neighbouring UAVs and the base station, while respecting to the UAVs lifetime. To cover the area, two integer linear programming models are formulated to solve two problems optimally. In the first one, covering means that all positions should be visited. However, in the second one, covering means that every position should be covered at least by one UAV. Due to the limited communication radius of the UAVs, connectivity then has to find inter-UAVs routing paths to satisfy the communication between UAVs and the base. We verify by experiments that the models, using Cplex, can provide an optimal solution of different area dimensions

Coverage Optimization using Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Connectivity Constraint

International audienceThe use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has evolved and increased recently both in civilian and military operations. In this research, we investigate the coverage of a given area using an autonomous UAV network and maintaining connectivity during the patrol; UAVs are equipped with an image and radio sensors, whose goal is to monitor a given area. Covering means that every position in the area should be covered at least by one UAV and connectivity consists to maintain the communication between UAVs and the base station during the patrol for better collaboration. Due to the communication range limit of UAVs, connectivity may then be needed to find inter-UAVs routing paths to satisfy the communication between UAVs and the base station.The problem is formulated and tested successfully, using the Solver CPLEX, as an integer linear programming model to solve it optimally. Computational experiments are generated on different grid sizes and multiple sensor ranges

Solving the Total Coverage Problem using a Multiple Mobile Sensor Network

International audienceThe use of drone have been increased recently both in civilian and military operations. In this research, we investigate the coverage of a given area using a fleet of drone. Drones are equipped with on-board camera pointing down, an image sensor, whose objective is to monitor a given area. Covering means that every point in the area should be covered at least by one drone. To achieve the full coverage area we define a new strategy based on the arc coverage. The problem is modelled and formulated as an integer linear program and has been solved optimally and tested successfully using the Solver CPLEX. Computational experiments are generated on different grid sizes

'We are not going to shut down, because we cannot postpone pregnancy': a mixed-methods study of the provision of maternal healthcare in six referral maternity wards in four sub-Saharan African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Referral hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa are located in crowded urban areas, which were often epicentres of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper prospectively assesses how maternal healthcare was provided in six referral hospitals in Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Mixed-methods design using three data sources: (1) qualitative data from repeated rounds of semi-structured interviews conducted between July 2020 and February 2021 with 22 maternity skilled heath personnel (SHP) on perceptions of care provision; (2) quantitative monthly routine data on caesarean section and labour induction from March 2019 to February 2021; and (3) timeline data of COVID-19 epidemiology, national and hospital-level events. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately, framed based on timeline analysis, and triangulated during reporting. RESULTS: We identified three periods: first wave, slow period and second wave. The first wave was challenging for SHP given little knowledge about COVID-19, lack of infection prevention and control training, and difficulties reaching workplace. Challenges that persisted beyond the first wave were shortage of personal protective equipment and no rapid testing for women suspected with COVID-19. We noted no change in the proportion of caesarean sections during the pandemic, and a small increase in the proportion of labour inductions. All hospitals arranged isolation areas for women suspected/confirmed with COVID-19 and three hospitals provided care to women with suspected/confirmed COVID-19. Breastfeeding was not discouraged and newborns were not separated from mothers confirmed with COVID-19. Care provision was maintained through dedication of SHP, support from hospital management and remote communication between SHP. CONCLUSION: Routine maternal care provision was maintained in referral hospitals, despite first wave challenges. Referral hospitals and SHP contributed to guideline development for pregnant women suspected/confirmed with COVID-19. Maternity SHP, women and pregnancy must always be included in priority setting when responding to health system shocks, including outbreaks

Obstetric referrals, complications and health outcomes in maternity wards of large hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods study of six hospitals in Guinea, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic affected provision and use of maternal health services. This study describes changes in obstetric complications, referrals, stillbirths and maternal deaths during the first year of the pandemic and elucidates pathways to these changes.Design Prospective observational mixed-methods study, combining monthly routine data (March 2019–February 2021) and qualitative data from prospective semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed separately, triangulated during synthesis and presented along three country-specific pandemic periods: first wave, slow period and second wave.Setting Six referral maternities in four sub-Saharan African countries: Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.Participants 22 skilled health personnel (SHP) working in the maternity wards of various cadres and seniority levels.Results Percentages of obstetric complications were constant in four of the six hospitals. The percentage of obstetric referrals received was stable in Guinea and increased at various times in other hospitals. SHP reported unpredictability in the number of referrals due to changing referral networks. All six hospitals registered a slight increase in stillbirths during the study period, the highest increase (by 30%–40%) was observed in Uganda. Four hospitals registered increases in facility maternal mortality ratio; the highest increase was in Guinea (by 158%), which had a relatively mild COVID-19 epidemic. These increases were not due to mortality among women with COVID-19. The main pathways leading to these trends were delayed care utilisation and disruptions in accessing care, including sub-optimal referral linkages and health service closures.Conclusions Maternal and perinatal survival was negatively affected in referral hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa during COVID-19. Routine data systems in referral hospitals must be fully used as they hold potential in informing adaptations of maternal care services. If combined with information on women’s and care providers’ needs, this can contribute to ensuring continuation of essential care provision during emergency

Gestion intégrée des ressources naturelles en zones inondables tropicales

De par leur richesse en ressources naturelles renouvelables, les zones inondables tropicales revêtent un intérêt social et économique majeur pour les pays en développement. Cependant, les fleuves tropicaux sont aujourd'hui de plus en plus aménagés pour satisfaire les besoins liés à de nouvelles activités. Les zones jusque-là régulièrement inondées par la crue annuelle se réduisent ou alors les rythmes de leur inondation sont profondément modifiés. Les impacts de tels changements sont nombreux et portent atteinte à la biodiversité et à la durabilité des systèmes d'exploitation. Il s'avère alors nécessaire de définir de nouvelles approches de la gestion de l'eau, des espaces et des ressources vivantes, qui tout à la fois préservent les écosystèmes et prennent en considération les besoins des différents usagers. Tel est l'objectif de cet ouvrage qui pose, dans un premier temps, la problématique sociétale autour de laquelle cette gestion doit être repensée, en faisant apparaître la diversité d'acteurs et d'institutions concernés. Il présente ensuite les acquis les plus récents de la recherche sur le fonctionnement de ces écosystèmes ainsi que sur les pratiques et stratégies déployées par les populations qui les exploitent. Enfin est abordée la question des instruments à mettre en place pour assurer l'effectivité d'une gestion durable des zones inondables tropicales : après avoir fait le point sur les apports de la recherche concernant les outils de traitement et de partage de l'information environnementale, l'ouvrage se termine par un débat sur les conditions de création et de fonctionnement des institutions de suivi, de concertation et de décision