Analysis of Market Structure and Conduct of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera, L.) in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Analysis of market structure and conduct of date palm was conducted in Jigawa state, Nigeria using multi stage sampling technique which led to the random selection of 121 respondents. All the traders were male, mostly married and within the mean age of 39 years. Majority (42.6%) of the wholesalers had no formal education, with 12–21 years of marketing experience, while 43.3% of the retailers had only attended primary school with 2–11 years marketing experience. High inequality was observed at wholesale (0.75 & 0.78) and retail (079 &0.75) levels. Pest infestation, increased transportation cost and inadequate capital were the major constraints observed. Development of improved varieties that are pests and diseases resistant, provision of appropriate storage, processing, credit and market facilities by all stakeholders, increased local production to boost marketable surpluses to offset demand and ensure all year-round supply of the product and reduced importation were recommended. Keywords: Market, Structure, Conduct, Date Palm, Jigawa State, Nigeria. DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/79-03 Publication date:May 31st 202

Seismic Vulnerability of Masonry Lighthouses: A Study of the Bengut Lighthouse, Dellys, Boumerdès, Algeria

In Algeria, lighthouses are an essential element of the maritime landscape and constitute a substantial part of the local historical and cultural heritage, marked by a great variety of styles, architecture, geometrical forms, and materials. The study presented falls into the general context of pre- and post-seismic conservation of Algerian lighthouses, since all these stone masonry buildings are situated in areas characterized by a medium–high seismic hazard. In the paper, a relevant example has been analyzed: the Bengut Lighthouse, which has been classified as "National Heritage" by the Algerian Ministry of Culture and has been severely damaged by the Boumerdès that occurred on 21 May 2003. After an overview of historical lighthouses in Algeria and their morpho-typological classification, the case study of the lighthouse at Cap Bengut is presented, showing the results of a detailed survey of the geometric and constructive features and of the actual cracking and damage pattern. First, based on the critical analysis of this knowledge framework, a preliminary qualitative evaluation of the seismic vulnerability has been made, analyzing and classifying the set of local and global failure modes coherently with the observed structural pathologies and damages. Then, numerical modeling has been implemented in TreMuri computer code, performing a set of pushover analyses. This allowed the investigation of the criticalities in the response of the building to seismic actions, characterization of the dynamic behavior, and comparison with the actual observed damages, which are discussed, providing an interpretation of the global and local failure modes. Based on the results of the visual assessment and numerical analysis, guidelines for the retrofitting intervention have been proposed, by considering, on the one hand, the objective of effectively mitigating the elements of vulnerability pointed out by the results and, on the other, the main principles of conservation and restoration. The presented study and its results, in perspective, are intended to provide a basis for developing risk and vulnerability analysis of typological classes of historical lighthouses at a large scale

Morbimortalité périnatale dans les grossesses gémellaires dans une maternité marocaine de niveau 3

Introduction: Les grossesses gémellaires sont associées à un risque de morbimortalité périnatale plus élevé que les grossesses simples. Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer la morbimortalité périnatale dans les grossesses gémellaires dans une maternité marocaine de niveau 3. Méthodes: Il s’agit d’une étude transversale comparative de la morbimortalité périnatale des nouveau-nés issus de grossesses gémellaires versus grossesses simples ayant accouché à la maternité Souissi de Rabat du 1 janvier au 28 février 2014. Résultats: Il y a eu 3297 naissances issues de 65 grossesses gémellaires et 3167 grossesses simples. Les grossesses gémellaires étaient associées à des taux plus élevés de prééclampsie et d’éclampsie (P = 0,046), de HELLP syndrome (P= 0,030), de rupture prématurée des membranes (P < 0,001), de présentation dystocique (P < 0,001), de prématurité (P < 0,001), d’hypotrophie chez les nouveau-nés à terme (P < 0,001), de détresse respiratoire néonatale (P < 0,001), de malformations congénitales (P = 0,015), d’hospitalisation en période néonatale (P = 0,001) et de mortalité périnatale (P = 0,001) par rapport aux grossesses simples. Les jumeaux monochoriaux présentaient des taux plus élevés d’hypotrophie en cas de grossesse menée à terme (P = 0,016) et de mortalité périnatale (P = 0,017) par rapport aux jumeaux bichoriaux. Conclusion: Les grossesses gémellaires étaient à risque plus élevé de morbimortalité périnatale par rapport aux grossesses simples en exposant notamment à la prématurité. Les grossesses gémellaires monochoriales étaient plus à risque en exposant notamment à l’hypotrophie chez les nouveau-nés à terme.Pan African Medical Journal 2016; 2

Estimation locale linéaire de la fonction de régression pour des variables hilbertiennes

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a new nonparametric estimation of the regression function when both the response and the explanatory variables are of the functional kind. First, we construct a local linear estimator of this regression operator, then we state its rate for the uniform almost complete convergence. This latter is expressed as a function of the small ball probability of the predictor and as a function of the entropy of the set on which the uniformity is obtained

Apport de l'IRM dans la maladie de Creutzfeldt-Jakob: à propos d'un cas

La maladie de Creutzfeld-Jacob (MCJ) est une affection très rare et fatale qui atteint le système nerveux central. Elle est caractérisée par une détérioration mentale aboutissant à une démence progressive, une symptomatologie pyramidale et extra-pyramidale ainsi que des myolclonies. Un diagnostic précoce est essentiel pour prévenir la transmission interhumaine. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient âgé de 62 ans chez qui le diagnostic de MCJ sporadique a été retenu, en se basant sur le tableau clinique fait de syndrome démentiel avec myoclonies précédées de troubles du comportement, des hallucinations et de dépression, et sur les données de l'IRM encéphalique qui a montré des hyper signaux au niveau du striatum et au niveau cortical en séquences pondérées Flair et diffusion

Une pneumopathie interstitielle diffuse révélant un syndrome des antisynthétases: à propos de 2 cas

Le syndrome des antisynthétases (SAS) est une myopathie inflammatoire fréquemment associée à une atteinte pulmonaire, surtout parenchymateuse (pneumopathie infiltrante diffuse). Les manifestations extrathoraciques associées à l'atteinte pulmonaire peuvent orienter le diagnostic: myalgies, polyarthralgies, syndrome de Raynaud, hyperkératose érythémateuse palmaire fissuraire et fièvre. Devant un tableau clinique et radiologique évocateur, la présence d'anticorps anti-ARN-t synthétases permet de confirmer notamment les anti-Jo-1. L'atteinte pulmonaire constitue un facteur pronostic majeur d'où l'indication une thérapie immunosuppressive intensive fondée sur la corticothérapie, les immunosuppresseurs ou l'association des deux. Une meilleure sensibilisation pour cette affection à révélation pulmonaire permettra d'adopter une prise en charge rapide et adéquate, et d'améliorer par conséquent le pronostic

Real-time monitoring device “panigraph” for bread fermentation with an Arduino-based data acquisition and management system

Monitoring and evaluating fermentative performance of sourdough used in bakery products typically involves discontinuous, destructive and costly analyses, resulting in substantial data that is expensive to exploit using conventional methods. The performance of sourdough is determined by its capacity to efficiently leaven the dough in the briefest timeframe possible, while simultaneously reducing the pH to an optimal level. This pH reduction facilitates the activity of enzymes, notably phytases, which break down phytates. Additionally, sourdough has the ability to generate ethanol, a crucial element contributing to the flavor and shelf life of the bread. A new, low-cost, non-destructive device has been developed with a system for real-time data acquisition, monitoring, visualization, as well as data processing, consolidation, and storage, thus simplifying the study of sourdough performance. Multiple specific sensors were integrated into an Arduino Uno board and placed in a connected fermentation chamber controlled by computer-installed software. The developed device enables real-time monitoring of critical parameters during sourdough fermentation. These include dough rising DRC (cm), gas release (CO2, ethanol) (ppmv or ml), pH, conductivity (uS/cm), moisture (%) and dough mass loss (g). Additionally, it measures temperature (°C), air humidity (%) and pressure (mbar) within the fermentation chamber. The device generates graphs, facilitating visual comparisons of sourdough fermentative performance. This graphical representation makes it easy to determine the end of fermentation. The developed application facilitated the management and utilization of the sourdough database. The device enables researchers to save time, reagents and equipment that are usually dedicated to such analyses. It achieves this by offering continuous and simultaneous monitoring of various sourdough fermentation parameters, allowing for an assessment of their fermenting capacity. Keywords: Sourdough, bread, fermentative capacity, data acquisition, monitorin

Fetal outcome in emergency versus elective cesarean sections at Souissi Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

Introduction: Perinatal mortality rates have come down in cesarean sections, but fetal morbidity is still high in comparison to vaginal delivery and the complications are more commonly seen in emergency than in elective cesarean sections. The objective of the study was to compare the fetal outcome and the indications in elective versus emergency cesarean section performed in a tertiary maternity hospital. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional prospective study of all the cases undergoing elective and emergency cesarean section for any indication at Souissi maternity hospital of Rabat, Morocco, was carried from January 1, to February 28, 2014. Data were analyzed with emphasis on fetal outcome and cesarean sections indications. Mothers who had definite antenatal complications that would adversely affect fetal outcome were excluded from the study. Results: There was 588 (17.83%) cesarean sections among 3297 births of which emergency cesarean section accounted for 446 (75.85%) and elective cesarean section for 142 cases (24.15%). Of the various factors analyzed in relation to the two types of cesarean sections, statistically significant associations were found between emergency cesarean section and younger mothers (P < 0.001), maternal illiteracy (P = 0.049), primiparity (P = 0.005), insufficient prenatal care (P < 0.001), referral from other institution for pregnancy complications or delivery (P < 0.001), cesarean section performed under general anesthesia (P < 0.001), lower birth weight (P < 0.016), neonatal morbidity and early mortality (P < 0.001), and admission in neonatal intensive care unit (P = 0.024). The commonest indication of emergency cesarean section was fetal distress (30.49%), while the most frequent indication in elective cesarean section was previous cesarean delivery (47.18%). Conclusion: The overall fetal complications rate was higher in emergency cesarean section than in elective cesarean section. Early recognition and referral of mothers who are likely to undergo cesarean section may reduce the incidence of emergency cesarean sections and thus decrease fetal complications.Pan African Medical Journal 2016; 2