Table of Contents: Volume 17; Issue 10; October2025

In the northern region of Côte d’Ivoire, alum sludges from the Sinématiali drinking water production plantare directlyrejected into the natural environment without any specific treatment.This constitutes a source of pollution and potential health hazards. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potentialvalorisation of these alum sludges in construction materials by carryingout physico-chemical characterisation tests. Chemical, mineralogical, spectral, microscopic and wettability studies were performed on these alum sludges. The results of the chemical composition through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis shows that the most abundant oxides in alum sludges are silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) with respective proportions of 50.80%, 36.57% and 10.32%. Potassium oxide (K2O), sodiumoxide (Na2O) and titanium oxide (TiO2) are onlypresent in small quantities. Mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals that the alum sludges are mainly composed of poorly crystallised kaolinite (78%). Minorphases such as hematite (9.3%), illite (7.2%) and quartz (4.5%) were also detected. Infrared spectroscopy reveals the presence of absorption bands at 688.778 and 743 cm-1, 1007, 1013 and 1077 cm-1 characteristics of clays in kaolinite form. Microscopic observation shows a microporous and amorphous structure of these clayey sludges. The high value of water demand (1133 µL/g) favors a good reactivity of these sludges in aqueous solution. These characterisations indicate that alum sludges of Sinématiali are highly suitable for incorporation with Portland cement in the production of refractory construction bricks, as well as mortars and reinforced concretes.

A comprehensive framework for extreme value analysis grounded in hierarchical Bayesian modeling of the Generalized Pareto Distribution (HB-GPD). This study proposes a robust and computationally intensive framework for extreme value analysis via a three-tier HB-GPD. The model rigorously captures within-group volatility and cross-group heterogeneity through structured prior and hyperprior hierarchies. To address the limitations of classical estimators under sparse data and heavy-tailed regimes, we compare Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), Method of Moments (MoM), Probability-Weighted Moments (PWM), and Empirical Percentile Method (EPM) against our Bayesian paradigm. Posterior inference is conducted using advanced Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, including Metropolis-Hastings within Gibbs sampling and the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS), ensuring efficient posterior exploration in high-dimensional spaces. Asymptotic Relative Efficiency (ARE) as performance diagnostics. Simulation studies and empirical financial data from Nifty 50 and S&P 500 sectors substantiate the model's superiority in estimating Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall, thereby affirming its relevance in actuarial science, operational risk, and financial solvency analytics.

For more than half a century, proton flow in biology has been treated as a partial process confined to mitochondria. Here we describe a closed nine-stepped cycle of proton conductance that completes this picture by uniting intracellular bioenergetics with systemic physiology. The Ambaga Closed 9-Stepped Cycle tracks every proton and electron from food-derived hydrogen through mitochondrial redox reactions, serum buffering, erythrocyte carbonic exchange, and pulmonary - tissue oxygen substitution, returning the same protons to the next metabolic turn. This continuity fulfills complete proton bookkeeping and integrates the chemiosmotic theory of Mitchell, the binding-change model of Boyer, and the ATP-synthase structure of Walker into a single self-consistent system. The cycle predicts measurable redox-potential transitions (alpha,betta, gamma membrane states) and isotopic proton conservation across compartments. These findings establish a unified framework for energy metabolism, oxygen transport, and soft-drug activation, redefining the proton as the central quantized currency of life.

Genetic diversity is considered as a series of differentiation in the genetic composition of species. This diversity is subject to major environmental constraints. For sustainable management, it is necessary to improve species through knowledge of their genetic structure through well-adapted tools, to face new imperatives. This is how molecular markers such as SSRs and SNPs are used to analyze this structure. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relevance of SSR and SNP markers in the analysis of the genetic structure of natural populations. The use of the PRISMA approach made it possible to identify the articles considered, through keywords launched in search engines such as Google scholar, PubMed and Hal science. A total of 1125 studies were identified, of which twenty-six (26) were included after applying the eligibility, inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these included studies, sixty-one percent (61%) favored SNP markers against thirty-nine percent (39%) using SSRs. In addition, studies using plant material predominate with a frequency of sixty-eight percent (68%), compared to those using animal material (32%). According to these biological trends, plant studies clearly prefer SNP markers (46.43%), while animal studies use SNPs and SSRs at comparable frequencies (14.29% and 17.86%, respectively). The analysis revealed that various statistical methods or combinations of statistical methods are used to assess the diversity and genetic structure of populations. Statistical indicators used within this meta-analysis revealed highly significant heterogeneity between studies (12=97.3% and P-value < 0.0001), suggesting publication bias due to the methodological limitations intrinsic to small samples, combined with the specificities of genetic markers, type of biological material and data analysis methods.

Background: Pneumothorax is air in pleural cavity. Spontaneous Pneumothorax may be primary or secondary. The aim of the study is to present the role of Chest Computer Tomography to Spontaneous Pneumothorax. Methods: In a 30 year period a retrospective study took place. During the years 1993 to 2024 (30 years) 1189 patients (978 male and 211female), treated for spontaneous (primary or secondary) pneumothorax in the department of Thoracic Surgery of the General Hospital of Nicaea-Piraeus.Results: In a 30 year period 1189 patients, 978 (82,253%) male and 211 (17,746%) female, age 17 – 87 years old mean age 38 years old. Only 155 patients of 1189 (12,699 %) received conservative treatment (oxygen administration, analgesic monitoring), while 1038 (87,300 %) were treated with chest drain insertion. Operation underwent 278(23,380%) out of 1189 patients. The average patients age was 38 years old (max 87, min 17) while the average hospitalisation stay was 7.1 days (max 21, min 1).The elderly patients for spontaneous secondary pneumothorax had a longer stay in the hospital compared to younger population of the study. All patients underwent Chest CT preoperative and postoperative as follow up patients. Conclusion: Chest CT considered gold standard. Considered also very helpful for diagnosis preoperative (diagnosis of PNX, Bullae disease- study of parenchyma) and postoperative too (follow up).

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be one of the world’s leading causes of illness and death, with lack of physical activity identified as a key modifiable risk factor. Interestingly, Salah, the Islamic prayer performed five times a day, incorporates a series of gentle, rhythmic movements such as standing (qiyam), bowing (rukuʿ), prostration (sujud), and sitting (jalsa). These postures engage major muscle groups and encourage smooth, coordinated motion. Research has shown that performing Salah can lead to mild cardiovascular effects, including slight increases in heart rate and blood pressure, similar to those observed during light aerobic exercise. To assess the potential cardiovascular benefits of Salah, viewed as a form of physical activity, and to examine how regular practice might contribute to promoting cardiovascular health among Muslims who perform it consistently. A descriptive observational design was employed for the study. Data collection involved structured assessments of heart rate, blood pressure, and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) conducted before and after the Fajr prayer. The participants were adult Muslims, categorized based on their regularity of performing Salah into regular and non-regular practitioners. The participants who regularly performed Salah exhibited notable reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as in resting heart rate, following the Fajr prayer compared to their baseline measurements. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in their six-minute walk test (6MWT) distances. These outcomes suggest that engaging in Salah provides moderate cardiovascular benefits, reflecting its potential role as a light aerobic activity that supports heart health. Salah is more than an act of worship; it also functions as a gentle, consistent form of physical activity that supports cardiovascular well-being. The coordinated rhythm of its movements, combined with controlled breathing and focused mindfulness, contributes to improved heart function, enhanced blood circulation, and reduced stress levels, reflecting its holistic impact on both physical and mental health.

Background & objectives: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), an enzyme involved in oxidative stress and glutathione metabolism, is increasingly recognized as a cardiovascular risk biomarker. Limited data are available on its association with stroke in the Indian population. This study aimed to evaluate serum GGT levels in acute stroke patients and analyze variations across stroke subtypes and established vascular risk factors. Methods: This hospital-based case–control study included 50 consecutive patients aged ≥18 years presenting within 24 hours of their first acute stroke and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients with liver/kidney disease, alcohol use, or prior stroke were excluded. Serum GGT was measured enzymatically and compared between groups and across subgroups (smokers vs non-smokers, diabetics vs non-diabetics, hypertensives vs normotensives, haemorrhagic vs non-haemorrhagic strokes). Statistical analysis used unpaired t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Mean GGT levels were significantly higher in stroke patients than controls (50.46 ± 23.57 vs 33.52 ± 18.77 U/L; p = 0.0001). Elevated GGT correlated significantly with smoking (p = 0.03), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01), and hypertension (p = 0.03). No significant difference was observed between haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic stroke subtypes (p = 0.6). Age showed a positive correlation with GGT, while gender did not. Interpretation & conclusions: Elevated GGT levels in acute stroke patients support its potential role as a biomarker reflecting oxidative stress and vascular risk. Larger longitudinal studies are warranted to explore its prognostic value in stroke.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a zinc-dependent enzyme, plays a critical role in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). As a member of the gelatinase subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including tissue repair, wound healing, angiogenesis, and embryogenesis. It is primarily responsible for the degradation of type IV and V collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and elastin, which are essential components of the ECM. MMP-2 is secreted as an inactive pro-enzyme (proMMP-2) and activated through proteolytic cleavage and by some chemical agents like pAPMA, with its activity being precisely regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) precisely by TIMP-2. Dysregulation of MMP-2 has been linked to a variety of pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetic complications, kidney diseases and cancer. In cardiovascular diseases, it contributes to vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and aneurysms, while in fibrotic diseases, it mediates excessive ECM degradation leading to tissue scarring. In diabetes, elevated MMP-2 activity exacerbates complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular diseases. In cancer, MMP-2 facilitates tumor invasion and metastasis by degrading ECM components and promoting angiogenesis. Despite its essential roles in both physiological and pathological processes, targeting MMP-2 for therapeutic purposes presents challenges due to its dual functions in tissue remodeling and repair, raising concerns about unplanned consequences such as impaired tissue healing or excessive tissue damage. These challenges underscore the need for future research to focus on developing selective modulators that can precisely balance their activity under specific disease environments. Clinical trials targeting MMP-2 modulation highlight the potential of gelatinase inhibitors, including those targeting MMP-2, to reduce tumor progression in fibrosarcoma, breast, and lung cancers. This paper reviews the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-2, its involvement in disease pathogenesis, and the potential challenges in the therapeutic implications of modulating its activity.

Background: Anaplasma is bacteria that infect the blood cells of domestic and wild animals, leading to a reduction in productivity. This study aimed to identify certain species of Anaplasma in goat blood of Béoumi's locality (Côte d'Ivoire). Methods: In order to determine their prevalence in dwarf goats in Béoumi locality, blood samples were taken from them during the dry season and the rainy season. A total of 270 dwarf goats were mobilized from December 2015 to September 2016 in areas close to watercourses and areas far from watercourses. Samples were taken from auricular venules, then placed on object slides in order to be observed under an optical microscope. Results: Of all goats examined, 12 were positive for Anaplasma. The prevalence was 4.44%. All the infested animals came from area B (near the waterways) and were only females over two years old. Two Anaplasma species were isolated: Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale. Anaplasma marginale was the most present with an overall prevalence of 4.44% versus 0.74% for Anaplasma centrale. Conclusion: This study showed the presence of Anaplasma in goats breeded in Béoumi locality, particularly near waterways. goat farmers will need to be informed about the methods to combat anaplasmosis.

Traditional healing knowledge encompasses a holistic view of health, encompassing not only physical illness but also mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Traditional healing knowledge is valuable for its affordability, cultural values, and accessibility. Ethno-medicine is the study of traditional medical practices and knowledge systems of different indigenous groups or tribal communities. Ethno-medicine often includes herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and the role of community healers. Tribal communities have dependent on ethno-medicine for healthcare, using resources available, particularly plants, herbs, and minerals. It often includes spiritual beliefs, along with health. The Oraon tribe balances traditional and modern health systems. They use various plants and natural resources for treatment, reflecting their strong connection to nature. Their health system is based on two main causes of illness: naturalistic (environmental) and personalistic (supernatural). Their spiritual healers perform rituals and restore balance when illness is thought to be caused by supernatural forces or ancestors. These healers face social isolation due to fear of perceived supernatural powers. As a result of rising globalization and modernity, the traditional knowledge of the Oraon tribal is threatened with loss. There is an immediate need to documented and safeguard their Ethno-medical practicing knowledge to ensure their cultural heritage will be preserved for future generations.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) is an essential component of treating cleft lip and alveolus and cleft lip and palate. Alveolar cleft repair involves creating a bony bridge to restore maxillary continuity.One of the main success factors for this bony bridge is its dimensions, which are assessed radiographically using specific scales. The results of SABG treatment influence where teeth should be placed in the cleft; in cases where a tooth is lost, they assist specialists in determining whether to close the gap or restore the missing tooth. X-ray images are used to assess the results of the treatment. This literature review aims to assess the various radiographic scales for evaluating alveolar cleft repair and analyse their key properties.The most well-known is the Bergland scale. The literature also suggests the Enemark, Long, Kindelan, Chelsea, and SWAG scales.All of them use periapical or occlusal x-rays to determine the height of the bony bridge or the degree of bone fill in the cleft area.

Due to the low density of passable streets in cities and in order to reduce the distances travelled during collection, trucks collect waste at collection points or sorting stations. Unfortunately, these locations are often non-existent and, when they do exist, they are poorly distributed. This is the case in Bouaké, the second largest city in Côte d'Ivoire, covering an area of 71.79 km² and with a population of over 785,133, where household waste is dumped illegally in some places, especially along roadsides. To solve this problem, the use of a Digital Algorithm for Optimal Location Identification (ANIOL) of collection points and sorting stations may be a credible alternative. The process of developing this algorithm is based on the use of geospatial data combined with clustering algorithms to determine the best locations for collection points and sorting stations. The basic software for programming is QGIS, and Python is used to generate the code. Next, Dijkstra's algorithm was used to determine and optimise collection routes. Based on the results, ANIOL suggests setting up 432 collection points and 62 sorting stations, compared to zero collection points and 79 sorting stations for the current (existing) system. Internal validity tests carried out on ANIOL in Bouaké gave the following results: 100% coverage, 77.63% coincidence rate with spontaneous deposits, and 80.32% proximity rate to roads. This would place the city of Bouaké among the leading and exemplary cities in terms of waste management. Monitoring the optimal route determined by ANIOL has resulted in a reduction of 302 km in daily travel and would save more than 60,000,000 CFA francs per year in collection costs and avoid the emission of nearly 300 tonnes of CO2 per year during waste transport.

This article explores the role of social influence theories—normative, informative, and persuasive—in the adoption of agile methodologies in educational settings. While agility is commonly studied in technological and organisational environments, little research has focused on its adoption in the field of higher education. Through an in-depth case study conducted at a university during the development of a project management learning platform, we analyse how social dynamics shape the acceptance or rejection of new organisational practices. The results reveal a three-phase sequence: initial persuasion by leadership, temporary normative conformity, and finally authentic adoption through informative influence and collective experimentation. The study highlights that the effectiveness of agility in education does not rely solely on its technical principles, but on the ability to orchestrate and channel the forces of social influence within teams. Theoretical and managerial implications are proposed, as well as avenues for future comparative research.

Les conduites automobiles à risque représentent un défi pour la sécurité routière à l'échelle mondiale. Des outils ont été développés pour les mesurer. Mais, ces instruments sont plus adaptés à la culture et aux réalités socioéconomiques occidentales. Or, les conduites automobiles à risque prennent de l’ampleur à Abidjan et il est nécessaire de disposer d’outils adaptés pour les évaluer. C’est pour répondre à ce besoin que la présente étude vise à construire une échelle de mesure des conduites automobiles à risque, adaptée à la population des chauffeurs du transport public informel à Abidjan. L’étude procède d’une méthodologie quantitative fondée sur le paradigme de Churchill (1979). Elle porte sur un échantillon par convenance de 416 chauffeurs professionnels interrogés par questionnaire. L’application de l’Analyse en Composantes Principales aux données récoltées révèle l’existence de trois facteurs nommés comme suit : « Stress, fatigue, distraction et erreurs de conduite » ; « Impatience, irritabilité et violation du code de la route » ; « Maintien en éveil, charge de travail et toxicomanie ». Ces facteurs expliquent 45,19% de la variance totale du phénomène analysé. Ce nouvel instrument met à la disposition des acteurs de la sécurité routière une échelle adaptée au contexte africain, précisément ivoirien. Cette échelle se distingue des autres par la mise en évidence de facteurs intégrant les formes de conduites automobiles à risque et les motifs de leur adoption.

India’s linguistic diversity has been central to its political and social fabric, shaping regional identities, governance structures, and national integration. The reorganization of Indian states along linguistic lines was a landmark decision that continues to influence the country’s federal structure. One of the most influential figures in this debate was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who provided a nuanced perspective on the formation of linguistic states. He not only supported linguistic reorganization as a means to enhance administrative efficiency, democratic representation, and cultural preservation, but also expressed concerns about linguistic chauvinism and its potential to fragment national unity. His vision of linguistic diversity remains relevant in contemporary India, where language continues to be a contentious issue in politics and governance. This paper revisits Ambedkar’s ideas on linguistic states and national identity, analysing his contributions to the state’s reorganization debate and the implications of his arguments in present-day India and also to explore the contemporary relevance of Ambedkar’s ideas in light of current language-related debates, regional linguistic movements, and demands for new states. The demand for linguistic states was a powerful force in post-independence India, with movements driven by cultural and administrative aspirations. While the reorganization of states on linguistic lines helped address regional grievances and created a more administratively efficient structure, it also led to the rise of regionalism and identity-based politics, validating some of Ambedkar’s concerns. The discussion also extends to Ambedkar’s views on Hindi as a national language and the role of English as a neutral link language in governance and education, which acts as a neutral medium for communication and access to modern education. The paper ends with linguistic identity politics, coupled with ongoing debates on language policies, highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects linguistic diversity while fostering national unity.

Libraries are undergoing a major transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), introducing technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and virtual assistants into library operations. AI-driven recommendation systems are emerging as key tools that analyze user behavior to provide personalized suggestions for books, articles, and digital resources. These systems enhance user engagement, improve information retrieval, and promote efficient resource discovery. Globally, institutions like the New York Public Library and the British Library are utilizing AI for e-resource recommendations and archival research, while in India, libraries such as IIT Bombay Central Library and the Delhi Public Library are adopting AI to strengthen academic and public services. However, challenges related to data privacy, ethical implementation, and staff adaptation persist. This paper examines the role, benefits, and limitations of AI-based recommendation systems in libraries, highlighting the need for responsible and balanced integration to advance user-centered information services.

L’orpaillage illégal en Côte d’Ivoire constitue un défi majeur pour les autorités publiques, notamment dans la région de la Nawa, fortement marquée par la pauvreté rurale, la faible régulation étatique et la montée des économies informelles. Loin d’un simple phénomène opportuniste, il s’inscrit dans des logiques sociales, politiques et économiques complexes, souvent ignorées par les approches répressives classiques. Cette étude vise à comprendre les facteurs de persistance et les mécanismes d’ancrage local de l’orpaillage illégal, en interrogeant les rapports entre informalité, gouvernance communautaire et stratégies de survie dans les zones rurales marginalisées. La méthodologie repose sur une approche mixte combinant enquêtes de terrain qualitatives (entretiens, observations participantes) et exploitation de données quantitatives issues d’un questionnaire administré aux acteurs locaux. L’échantillonnage a été réalisé selon une méthode raisonnée (ou par choix ciblé), en sélectionnant des sites d’orpaillage actifs et des profils variés d’acteurs (orpailleurs, chefs de site, transporteurs, commerçants, autorités locales). Les résultats révèlent que l’orpaillage illégal est soutenu par des facteurs institutionnels (corruption), économiques (absence d’alternatives viables) et sociaux (réseaux communautaires, légitimation sociale), qui renforcent son enracinement territorial et sa normalisation sociale. Cette recherche montre que l’orpaillage illégal ne peut être combattu efficacement sans repenser les politiques publiques sous l’angle d’une co-construction avec les acteurs locaux. L’informalité y apparaît comme un mode alternatif de gouvernance et de régulation sociale. L’étude contribue à renouveler les cadres d’analyse de l’économie informelle en Afrique de l’Ouest, en valorisant une approche interdisciplinaire centrée sur les dynamiques locales de résilience, de pouvoir et de justice sociale.