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Profile of CT Scans of Petrous Bones at the UHC-Campus of Lomé
Get PDFIntroduction: the purpose of this work was to determine the profile of CT scans of petrous bones, to list the indications, to describe the techniques of realization and the pathological aspects of CT scans observed. Methods: this was a prospective and descriptive study carried out over a period of 6 months concerning the CT scans of the petrous bone carried out in the radiology department of the UHC-Campus at Lomé. The parameters studied concerned epidemiological data and lesions observed on computed tomography. Results: we had performed 34 CT scans of the petrous bons or 0.5%. Interns, specialty doctors and ENT doctors were the main prescribers in 58.8% and 32.4% respectively. Patients came more from emergency departments (50%). All age groups were concerned with a predominance of those 21-40 years (23.5%). The male sex was predominant with a sex ratio of 2.1. Drivers were more represented (23.5%). The most frequent indication was petrous bone trauma (44.1%) and road accidents were the leading cause (73.3%). The examination was performed in all cases without injection of the contrast and was pathological in 70.6% mainly in trauma, conductive hearing loss, chronic otitis media, EAC stenosis and pulsatile tinnitus. The main traumatic injury found was extralabyrinthine fractures (91.7%). Incudo-malleus dislocation was the main ossicular lesion found (25 %). The hemotympanum was found in 83.3%. CT was normal (29.4%) in vertigo/tinnitus, mixed deafness, conductive hearing loss/tinnitus, earache and non-traumatic facial paralysis. Conclusion: computed tomography remains the first choice examination in the exploration of petrous bone trauma, conductive hearing loss and chronic otitis media. On the other hand, it occupies a limited place in the exploration of vertigo / tinnitus as well as non-traumatic facial paralysis
Company’s Behavior, Time and Teleological Logic in Relevant Market Definition under Morocco–EU Law
Get PDFThis study explores the legal and economic foundations of the concept of the «relevant market» within the Moroccan and European Union competition law systems. It proceeds from the idea that both Moroccan Law No. 104-12 and the EU framework under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU require a precise delineation of the competitive space in which undertakings operate in order to ensure the effective enforcement of competition rules. The objective is to analyse how competition authorities in Morocco and within the EU define the relevant market to identify competitive constraints, assess corporate behaviour, and determine whether practices such as cartels or abuses of dominant position are capable of preventing, restricting, or distorting free competition.
Methodologically, the research adopts a comparative and analytical approach, combining legal interpretation, industrial-economics principles and organisational analysis. It draws on the Structure-Behaviour-Performance paradigm, integrates both macro- and microeconomic considerations, and incorporates temporal and finalistic dimensions that influence the deployment of undertakings within their respective competitive environments. This multidisciplinary method provides a clearer understanding of how market definition functions as both a normative requirement and a factual diagnostic tool.
The findings reveal three decisive factors that shape a pragmatic understanding of the relevant market in both systems: the structuring role of corporate behaviour; the importance of temporal factors, as cartels and dominance assessments rely on past and present market conditions; and the relevance of purpose, since the strategic intent of undertakings is essential for evaluating anti-competitive effects
The Dual Role of Public Debt in Morocco’s Investment Dynamics: Evidence from the ARDL Approach
Get PDFThis study examines the effect of public debt on investment performance in Morocco over the period 1990–2024. Gross fixed capital formation serves as the dependent variable, while public debt, government expenditure, inflation, and population growth are used as explanatory variables. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, the analysis captures both short-run and long-run dynamics. The results reveal that in the long-run, public debt has a negative and statistically significant effect on investment, which suggests that excessive indebtedness challenges capital formation. In the short-run, only public debt has a temporary positive impact that fades over time. The negative and highly significant error correction term confirms a stable long-run relationship between the variables. Diagnostic tests indicate that the model is free from serial correlation, heteroskedasticity and instability. Globally, the findings underscore that while debt can initially stimulate investment, sustained debt accumulation could hinder it, highlighting the importance and need for prudent debt management and more efficient use of borrowed resources in Morocco
Contribution of Satellite Imagery, Geographic Information Systems, Pedology, and Statistical Analysis to the Characterization of Water Availability Potential in Urban Watersheds: Application to the Former Municipality of Ratoma (Republic of Guinea)
Get PDFIn response to the challenges associated with drinking water supply in urban areas, this study proposes an integrated approach to characterize the water availability potential of watersheds in the former municipality of Ratoma, Guinea. The research combines remote sensing (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission of USGS), Geographic information system (automatic extraction of watersheds and hydro-morphometric parameters), soil characterization, and multivariate statistical analysis. Based on the Digital terrain model, 38 watersheds were identified and described according to 29 hydro-morphometric parameters. Principal component analysis explained 86.24% of the total variance across three main axes: structural dimension (45.05%), the density of the hydrographic network (23.41%), and the energy of the relief (17.78%). Ascending hierarchical classification distinguished two functional groups: on the one hand, small basins (0.16-1.67 km²) with a rapid hydrological response, and on the other hand, larger basins (1.76-7 km²) with slower dynamics. At the same time, Ratoma's soil analysis identified nine soil units, dominated by skeletal formations (75%) with rapid drainage. Granulometric and qualitative analysis of the samples revealed significant textural variability that may influence infiltration. Coarse soils have a high infiltration capacity but low water retention, while fine soils exhibit temporary hydromorphy. Cross-referencing the results made it possible to spatially identify areas with high water potential (hydromorphic soils) and transit areas (skeletal soils), providing a valuable tool for decision-making in the sustainable management of groundwater resources in urban contexts, particularly for selecting sites suitable for drilling and for planning sustainable supply strategies
Évaluation du niveau de connaissance de la cysticercose porcine dans la commune d’Oti Sud 1 au Togo
Get PDFLa cysticercose est une zoonose parasitaire classée parmi les maladies tropicales négligées, liée à la consommation de viande de porc crue ou insuffisamment cuite. Cette étude vise à évaluer le niveau de connaissance de la cysticercose porcine au sein de la population de la commune d’Oti Sud 1, au Togo, en 2023. Une enquête transversale a été réalisée auprès de 249 acteurs de la filière porcine (éleveurs-commerçants, charcutiers et consommateurs), sélectionnés à partir de listes officielles et par échantillonnage aléatoire. Les résultats révèlent que 78,71 % des enquêtés sont des hommes. Parmi eux, 70,28 % sont des éleveurs-commerçants, 4,41 % des charcutiers et 89,15 % des consommateurs de viande porcine. Un taux élevé de précarité en matière d’assainissement a été observé, avec 54,62 % des répondants ne disposant pas de latrines. L’élevage est majoritairement traditionnel (97,14 %), sans enclos (85,71 %), sans déparasitage (97,71 %) et basé sur une alimentation non contrôlée. La divagation des porcs en saison sèche concerne 97,14 % des cas. Bien que 92,77 % des participants déclarent connaître la cysticercose porcine, 99,57 % en ignorent la cause. De même, si 100 % des répondants connaissent l’épilepsie humaine, 97,99 % n’en connaissent pas le lien avec la cysticercose. Ce contexte traduit une forte vulnérabilité à la transmission de la maladie. Il apparaît nécessaire de renforcer les actions de sensibilisation, d'améliorer les pratiques d’élevage et de consolider le contrôle vétérinaire dans la commune d’Oti Sud 1 pour une lutte efficace contre cette zoonose.
Cysticercosis is a parasitic zoonosis classified among neglected tropical diseases, primarily associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about porcine cysticercosis among the population of Oti Sud 1 municipality in Togo in 2023. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 249 key stakeholders in the pork value chain (pig farmer-traders, pork butchers, and consumers), selected using official lists and random sampling at pork sale points. Among the respondents, 78.71% were men. Of the participants, 70.28% were pig farmer-traders, 4.41% were butchers, and 89.15% were pork consumers. Poor sanitation was evident, with 54.62% lacking access to latrines. Traditional pig farming was predominant (97.14%), with most respondents lacking pig enclosures (85.71%), deworming practices (97.71%), and relying on unregulated feed sources. Seasonal roaming of pigs during the dry season was reported by 97.14%. While 92.77% of participants claimed to know about porcine cysticercosis, 99.57% were unaware of its actual cause. Similarly, although 100% recognized epilepsy in humans, 97.99% did not understand its link to cysticercosis. These findings highlight a context highly conducive to the transmission of the disease. Strengthening community awareness, improving husbandry practices, and enforcing veterinary meat inspections are essential to combat this zoonotic threat effectively in Oti Sud 1
Evaluation of Fall Events and Fall Management Strategies in an Inpatient Care Facility
Get PDFIntroduction: Falls pose a significant risk to older people in nursing facilities. They can lead to serious health consequences, prolonged stays, and impaired quality of life. A systematic evaluation of falls can help identify causes and improve prevention strategies. Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze falls in a nursing facility over a three-year period. Methods: 290 documented falls were descriptively analyzed between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023. Results: The mean age of patients who experienced a fall was 81.26 years. A fall incidence of 5.21 falls per 1,000 patient cases was determined for the survey period. 142 males (48.96%) and 148 females (51.03%) fell. Among the 290 documented falls, 81,72% were single-occurrence events. Most falls (68%) occurred in the patient room, particularly between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while using the toilet, and while walking without assistive devices. The most frequently documented injuries were abrasions (n=45), 15.51%, and bruises. Significant risk factors identified included limited mobility, the use of assistive devices, unsuitable footwear, and a lack of accessibility. Conclusions: The results reveal important focal points for individual prevention measures. The targeted use of aids, an adapted environment, and supportive guidance in high-risk situations appears particularly effective
Facteurs socioculturels influençant l'utilisation et la gestion des eaux thermales dans la province du Sud-Kivu, en Republique Democratique du Congo (RDC)
Get PDFLe présent travail a pour objet d’étudier les facteurs limitant l’utilisation et la gestion durable des sources thermales au Sud-Kivu. Il se fixe un triple objectif : évaluer les facteurs socio-culturels et sanitaires des usagers des eaux thermales ; identifier les croyances entravant la gestion durable de ces eaux ; et enfin, évaluer le niveau d'implication des pouvoirs publics dans la gestion durable des sites thermaux. Il s’agit d’une analyse ethnographique consistant à examiner les facteurs socioculturels et institutionnels qui influencent l’utilisation et la gestion des sources thermales dans la province du Sud-Kivu, en RDC. La méthodologie utilisée porte sur une enquête menée dans les six sites thermaux auprès de 380 usagers locaux ciblés et choisis aléatoirement parmi la population vivant autour de ces sites d’eau thermale. En outre, la méthode qualitative basée sur les interviews a été utilisée auprès de 4 responsables des institutions publiques ayant en charge la gestion des ressources hydrauliques et la santé au Sud-Kivu. Les données collectées pendant la période allant du mois de mai au mois d’octobre 2024 ont été analysées grâce au logiciel STATA. Le test de Chi² de Pearson a été utilisé pour calculer l’OR, la P-value, la régression logistique et le test d’ANOVA pour comprendre les liens entre les divers paramètres retenus. L’étude a abouti aux résultats selon lesquels les croyances et pratiques liées aux sites thermaux sont fortement influencées par les traditions, les coutumes, les cultures et le niveau d’étude. La perception de l’eau thermale comme un "don de Dieu" ou un "héritage des ancêtres" (90,29 %). Elle est perçue comme des opportunités et des obstacles à la gestion durable des eaux thermales, etc. Les femmes sont significativement plus susceptibles d'utiliser les eaux thermales que les hommes (OR = 2,084, p = 0,005), ce qui justifie le rôle central joué par elles sur le plan socio-culturel et familial (santé de la famille, ménage, etc.). Les personnes ayant un niveau d'études plus élevé sont moins susceptibles d'utiliser les eaux thermales (OR = 0,695, p = 0,016). En plus, les personnes ayant moins de canaux de communication relatifs aux eaux thermales sont moins susceptibles de les utiliser durablement (OR = 0,631, p = 0,0028). La présence des microbes dans l'eau thermale est fortement associée à une utilisation moins fréquente (OR = 0,013, p = 0,0346 et OR = 0,630, p = 0,007 respectivement). Les agriculteurs prédominent (35,8 %), ce qui justifie l’effet soulageant des eaux thermales sur les douleurs et les fatigues liées aux travaux champêtres chez les agriculteurs. Faible niveau d’implication des institutions publiques s’expliquant par l'absence d'un cadre réglementaire spécifique, de cadre institutionnel et de maintenances adéquates.
The aim of this study is to investigate the factors limiting the use and sustainable management of thermal springs in South Kivu. It has a threefold objective: - to assess the socio-cultural and health factors of thermal water users; - to identify the beliefs hindering the sustainable management of these waters; and finally, to assess the level of involvement of public authorities in the sustainable management of thermal sites. This is an ethnographic analysis examining the socio-cultural and institutional factors influencing the use and management of thermal springs in South Kivu province, DRC. The methodology used involved a survey conducted at the six spa sites with 380 targeted local users randomly selected from the population living around these thermal water sites. In addition, a qualitative method based on interviews was used with 4 officials from public institutions in charge of managing water resources and health in South Kivu. The data collected during the period from May to October 2024 were analyzed using STATA software. The Pearson Chi² test was used to calculate the OR, the P-value, logistic regression and the ANOVA test to understand the links between the various parameters selected. The study found that beliefs and practices associated with spa sites are strongly influenced by tradition, custom, culture and level of education. The perception of thermal water as a “gift from God” or an “inheritance from the ancestors” (90.29%). It is perceived as an opportunity and obstacle to sustainable thermal water management, etc. Women are significantly more likely to use thermal waters than men (OR = 2.084, p = 0.005), which justifies the central role played by them on a socio-cultural and family level (family health, household, etc.). People with higher levels of education were less likely to use thermal waters (OR = 0.695, p = 0.016). In addition, people with fewer communication channels relating to thermal waters are less likely to use them sustainably (OR = 0.631, p = 0.0028). The presence of microbes in thermal water is strongly associated with less frequent use (OR = 0.013, p = 0.0346 and OR = 0.630, p = 0.007 respectively). Farmers predominate (35.8%), justifying the relieving effect of thermal waters on pain and fatigue associated with farm work among farmers. Low level of involvement of public institutions due to the absence of a specific regulatory framework, institutional framework and adequate maintenance
The Influence of Conversational AI on Consumer Behavior and Counterfactual Thinking: A Systematic Review
Get PDFThis document evaluates the development and importance of conversational AI, chatbots, and virtual assistants in shaping human behavior and decision-making,particularly in the context of e-commerce. It is designed to investigate the impact of AI on the personalization of user experiences, and maps how the automation of decision-making affects cognitive processes like counterfactual thinking and regret. The findings sugest that while conversational AI enhances the shopping experience through personalized product recommendations, it can also trigger cognitive biases such as regret by exposing consumers to alternative options, leading them to reconsider their initial choices. This raises concerns about AI risk mitigation, particularly regarding transparency, psychographic profiling,and the emotional influence of AI-driven decision-making. Importantly,the study highlights that consumers do not inherently dislike AI; rather,they seek a more ethical and culturally aware approach to its implementation. A responsible AI design could not only improve user experience but also strengthen consumer trust in AI-driven products and services.To fully understand tese dynamics, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of conversational AI on consumer satisfaction, loyalty,and decision-making. Additionally,cross-cultural comparisons will provide deeper insights into how consumer perceptions and interactions with AI vary across different markets