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Assessing Climatic Variability in Data Scare Region of Morocco (UpperLarbaâ Basin): Drought Periods and Exceptional Precipitation Events from 1958 to 2023
Get PDFThe southern Mediterranean region is characterized by significant climatic variability, which profoundly affects precipitation patterns, a critical water resource. This region has been experiencing atypical weather events, including extreme precipitation and extended drought periods. The aim of this study is to investigate the climatic variability over data-scarce regions. To attend to this objective, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis within the upperLarbaâ basin, as a case study, situated at the edge of the Eastern Rif Mountains. Our research involved a thorough analysis of daily, monthly, and annual precipitation data spanning 65 years, from 1958 to 2023. The homogeneity test revealed a disturbance in the time series from the late 1970s to the early 1980s across all six rainfall stations used. Utilizing the Moving Average and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) model, we identified variations in rainfall amounts, demonstrating a notable trend from the southwest to the northeast of the basin. Furthermore, correlation analysis between precipitation levels and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index showed an inverse relationship, particularly evident in the northwestern section of the watershed. The Evapotranspiration Moisture Index (EMI) showed that drought lasted between 33 and 36 years, with one-third of the samples considered normal drought and two cases labeled as severe based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Our findings suggest that the Pearson type III distribution is the most appropriate for estimating the return periods of extreme precipitation in Taza, whereas the Gumbel distribution is better suited for Sebt Bouklal. We recorded precipitation levels of 45 mm in Taza and 54 mm in Sebt Bouklal for a 5-year return period. For a 100-year return period, the figures increased to 88 mm in Taza and 95 mm in Sebt Bouklal
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd., une espèce polyvalente dans la vie des communautés vivant autour des gommeraies au Niger
Get PDFAcacia senegal est l’une des espèces les plus utilisées dans les programmes de reboisement en Afrique du fait de sa rusticité et de son importance économique et écologique. La présente étude se propose d’explorer les différents types d’usages contemporains de l’espèce Acacia senegal et les modes de gestion et d’exploitation des gommeraies au Niger. Dans le cadre de la collecte de données, l’échantillonnage a concerné 4 localités toutes situées dans les bassins gommiers occidental et central où des questionnaires ont été administrés et des focus group et entretiens organisés. Les données qualitatives et quantitatives recueillies ont fait l’objet d’analyses descriptives et de corrélation. Il ressort de l’analyse des résultats que les modes de gestion et d’exploitation des peuplements artificiels et sites privés se sont avérées les plus efficaces, avec une densité et une fréquence de régénération appréciables du fait notamment d’un niveau adapté d’entretien et de sécurité. S’agissant des typologies d’usages de l’arbre, sa capacité dans l’amélioration de la fertilité des sols et son utilisation comme haie-vive sont les plus citées. Concernant l’usage domestique de ses produits, l’alimentation humaine/animale est la plus évoquée, avec respectivement la consommation de la gomme et des feuilles. A propos des usages spécifiques des organes, les feuilles sont principalement utilisées dans l’alimentation animale, l’écorce dans la phytothérapie, les racines pour fabriquer les filets lave-vaisselle, et le bois dans la production de l’énergie domestique. Grâce à cette étude, des pistes d’amélioration du modèle de gestion et d’exploitation d’Acacia senegal ont pu être identifiées. Cela consisterait notamment à transformer les relais communautaires en chérifs forestiers avec un renforcement de compétences dans la gestion environnementale. En outre, pour garantir leur réussite, les programmes de reboisement devraient considérer les intérêts locaux pour Acacia senegal en vue de promouvoir l’inclusion communautaire et l’appropriation.
Acacia senegal is one of the most widely used species in reforestation programs in Africa, due to its hardiness and economic and ecological importance. The aim of this study is to explore the different types of current uses of Acacia senegal, and the ways in which gum plantations are managed and exploited in Niger. As part of the data collection, 4 sites were sampled, all located in the western and central gum tree basins, where questionnaires were administered and focus groups and interviews organized. The qualitative and quantitative data collected were subjected to descriptive and correlation analysis. Analysis of the results showed that the management and exploitation methods used for artificial stands and private sites proved to be the most effective, with a significant density and frequency of regeneration due to an appropriate level of maintenance and safety. Regarding the uses of the trees, their ability to improve soil fertility and their use as hedgerows are the most frequently cited. Regarding the domestic use of its products, human and animal utilization is the most frequently mentioned, with gum arabic and leaves consumption. As for the specific uses of the organs, the leaves are mainly used for animal food, the bark for herbal medicine, the roots to make dishwashing nets, and the wood to produce domestic energy. Thanks to this study, new ways of improving the management and exploitation model of the Acacia senegal have been identified. This would involve transforming forest chiefs with enhanced environmental management skills. In addition, to ensure their success, reforestation programs should consider local interests in Acacia senegal to reinforce community inclusion and ownership
Etude de la co-circulation des virus Grippaux et SARSCoV-2 dans les sites sentinelles d’Infection Respiratoire Aigüe Sévère de la Grippe en République de Guinée (2023-2024)
Get PDFCette étude transversale, menée du 23 juillet 2023 au 23 juillet 2024, a évalué la co-circulation des virus grippaux et du SARS-CoV-2 dans les sites sentinelles d'Infections Respiratoires Aigües Sévères (IRAS) en Guinée. Sur 639 patients inclus, 8,29 % (53 patients) étaient positifs aux virus recherchés, avec une dominance des virus grippaux (66,03 %) par rapport au SARS-CoV-2 (33,96 %). Parmi les virus grippaux, les sous-types H3N2 (77,77 % des cas de grippe A) et B Victoria (100 % des cas de grippe B) étaient les plus fréquents. La tranche d'âge de 0-2 ans était la plus touchée (54,30 % des cas), suivie des 15-50 ans (18,78 %). Aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre les sexes ou les issues d'hospitalisation. Les résultats ont révélé des périodes distinctes de circulation virale : le SARS-CoV-2 était présent presque toute l'année avec un pic en décembre 2023, tandis que les virus grippaux circulaient principalement durant les saisons pluvieuses. Des co-circulations simultanées des virus grippaux et du SARS-CoV-2 ont été documentées, notamment en juillet, septembre et décembre 2023. Le site de Maférinyah a enregistré le taux de positivité le plus élevé (15,57 %), contre 5,56 % à Ignace Deen. Cette étude confirme la persistance du SARS-CoV-2 et sa co-circulation avec les virus grippaux en Guinée, soulignant l'importance d'une surveillance intégrée pour anticiper les risques épidémiques et guider les politiques de santé publique. Les enfants de moins de 2 ans restent particulièrement vulnérables, justifiant des mesures préventives ciblées.
This cross-sectional study, conducted from 23 July 2023 to 23 July 2024, assessed the co-circulation of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 at sentinel sites for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) in Guinea. Among the 639 patients included, 8.29% (53 patients) tested positive for respiratory viruses, with a predominance of influenza viruses (66.03%) compared to SARS-CoV-2 (33.96%). Among the influenza viruses, the H3N2 subtype accounted for 77.77% of influenza A cases, and the B Victoria lineage accounted for 100% of influenza B cases. The 0–2-year-old age group was the most affected (54.30% of cases), followed by the 15–50 age group (18.78%). No significant differences were observed between sexes or in hospitalization outcomes. The results revealed distinct periods of viral circulation: SARS-CoV-2 was present nearly year-round, peaking in December 2023, while influenza viruses mainly circulated during the rainy seasons. Simultaneous co-circulation of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 was documented, notably in July, September, and December 2023. The Maférinyah site recorded the highest positivity rate (15.57%), compared to 5.56% at Ignace Deen. This study confirms the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and its co-circulation with influenza viruses in Guinea, highlighting the importance of integrated surveillance to anticipate epidemic risks and inform public health policies. Children under the age of 2 remain particularly vulnerable, justifying targeted preventive measures
Recherches archéologiques dans les localités d’Ahouaty, N’dénou et Singrobo (centre de la Côte d’Ivoire) : contexte, bilan et perspectives
Get PDFEn marge des travaux pour la réalisation du projet de construction du barrage hydro-électrique de Singrobo-Ahouaty, la Société Ivoire Hydro Energy (IHE) a sollicité l’expertise d’une équipe d’archéologues, pour la mise en œuvre de la troisième phase du plan d’actions archéologiques 2021-2023. L’intervention des archéologues avait pour objectif de sauvegarder le patrimoine archéologique des zones rurales de Singrobo, N’Dénou et Ahouaty à travers la constitution d’une collection muséale. Cet article portant sur l’Etude du Patrimoine Archéologique dudit projet répond à ce besoin et est conforme aux exigences nationales et internationales en matière de gestion et de préservation du patrimoine archéologique. La méthodologie d’approche intègre l’étude diagnostique de la zone concernée par les travaux, à travers des entretiens groupés et individuels, la formation, la sensibilisation, la prospection pédestre et des sondages. Les investigations archéologiques effectuées sur le terrain ont fourni des informations importantes sur l’existence de14 points d’intérêt archéologique, dont 06 sites archéologiques et 06 points de collecte et 02 sondages archéologiques, de valeur patrimoniale indéniable. Pour l’ensemble de ces données, leur destruction définitive occasionnera une perte irrémédiable d’un pan de l’histoire de la Côte d’Ivoire. C’est pourquoi, l'exécution d’un programme de fouilles d'urgence s’impose. Cette intervention devrait contribuer à une meilleure connaissance du passé de cette zone.
As part of the construction of the Singrobo-Ahouaty hydroelectric dam, the Ivory Hydro Energy Company (IHE) called on the expertise of the archaeological team to implement the third phase of the 2021-2023 archaeological action plan. The archaeologists' intervention aimed to safeguard the archaeological heritage of the rural areas of Singrobo, N'Denou and Ahouaty through the creation of a museum collection. This article on the Archaeological Heritage Survey of the project responds to this need, and complies with national and international requirements for the management and preservation of archaeological heritage. The methodology of approach integrates the diagnostic study of the area concerned by the works, through group and individual interviews, training, awareness-raising, pedestrian prospecting and soundings. The archaeological investigations carried out in the field provided important information on the existence of 14 points of archaeological interest, including 06 archaeological sites and 06 collection points and 02 archaeological test pits, of undeniable heritage value. The final destruction of all this data will result in the irretrievable loss of a part of Côte d'Ivoire's history. This is why an emergency excavation program is needed. This intervention should contribute to a better understanding of the area's past
Multi-Level Governance and Industrial Engagement in Renewable Energy Communities: A Pre-Regulatory Study from Lombardy
Get PDFThis study investigates the early-stage development of renewable energy communities in Italy, focusing on how small and medium-sized industries in the Lombardy region perceived and responded to communication efforts before the full implementation of new regulatory frameworks and economic incentives. The research is based on data collected through a targeted survey conducted among industrial firms. The analysis explores the roles played by national and regional institutions, as well as local public authorities such as municipalities, in shaping awareness and interest in renewable energy participation. A non-parametric statistical test was used to assess the influence of different governance levels on industrial engagement. Results indicate that Local Public Authorities exert a significantly stronger influence on industrial perceptions and willingness to engage in Renewable Energy Communities (REC) than higher-level institutions. In the surveyed sample, 51% of Small and Medium-sized Industries (SMI) reported no or minimal awareness of REC, with 34% expressing no interest in participation, primarily due to limited communication and lack of familiarity. Conversely, the highest awareness levels (up to 26%) were recorded in areas where Local Public Authorities maintained proactive and trust-based communication, such as Lecco–Sondrio, suggesting that localized outreach is notably more effective than top-down regional campaigns. These findings highlight the need for coordinated, place-based governance strategies that reinforce the role of local actors in energy transition initiatives. Municipalities and similar authorities may serve as crucial intermediaries, translating national strategies into meaningful local action. By capturing industry perceptions prior to the implementation of national Renewable Energy Communities incentives, this study offers a unique and unbiased perspective on how businesses naturally engage with different levels of governance. It contributes to the broader understanding of how trust and proximity influence participation in sustainable energy systems
Environmental Accounting in Albania: Current Public Disclosure and the Reality Behind Closed Doors
Get PDFEnvironmental accounting (EA) has become an essential tool for incorporating environmental costs and performance into corporate reporting and decision-making. This paper analyzes the status of EA in Albania, a developing economy and EU candidate, by evaluating the public disclosure of environmental information and the internal practices of EA within enterprises. A content analysis was performed on the websites and financial reports of 100 big Albanian enterprises, in conjunction with a structured survey of 71 managers. Results indicate a substantial disparity between outward reporting and internal practices. Public environmental disclosures are scant; only a limited number of companies release quantitative or financial environmental data, and almost none produce independent sustainability reports, indicating a "gray" reporting environment. Survey results reveal that approximately one-third of organizations have initiated internal environmental accounting practices or sustainability initiatives, albeit without external communication. Significant obstacles hindering the wider implementation of Environmental Accounting encompass constrained financial resources, the absence of regulatory mandates, inadequate stakeholder pressure, and minimal awareness or expertise in sustainable accounting, as noted by prior literature in developing countries. Analyzing the results via stakeholder, legitimacy, and institutional theories indicates that the lack of external pressures and obligatory frameworks has resulted in complacency in disclosure, notwithstanding increasing internal awareness. The research underscores an immediate necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks, capacity development, and stakeholder involvement in Albania. In aligning with the EU’s CSRD (2022) and global reporting requirements, it is imperative to bridge the divide between public reporting and private practice to enhance corporate transparency and accountability
Upscaling Corporate Governance Principles for Performance of National Sports Federations in Kenya and Beyond
Get PDFThe sports industry in Kenya continues to grow swiftly and emerge as a vibrant and crowd-pulling phenomenon. However, few studies have been conducted on the critical topic of corporate governance principles and the performance of national sports federations. Thus, the research focused on determining the effect of corporate governance principles on National Sports Federations’ performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The objectives included evaluating the effects of transparency, accountability, sustainability, and integrity on National Sports Federations’ performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study variables were anchored in the Stewardship theory, Balanced Scorecard theory, and Stakeholder theory. The research utilized both secondary and primary data. The research utilized a descriptive research design to collect data from a sample of 145 federation members: Head of National Team Coaches, Assistant National Team Coaches, and Technical Directors. Semi-structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection. Self-administered Questionnaires were utilized, employing the drop-off and later pick-up approach. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Quantitative data collected was analyzed using multiple regression, descriptive analysis, and Correlation analysis. The study found that accountability, transparency, integrity, and sustainability have a significant positive relationship with the performance of national sports federations in Nairobi City County. Further findings reveal that increased service delivery, customer feedback, employee satisfaction, and financial performance of national sports federations indicate performance. This study recommends the formation of clear corporate governance policies that raise sustainable development in the Kenya sporting sector, federation members to adopt continuous training on best practices of corporate governance, utilize digital platforms for governance practices, national and county government to establish measurable performance indicators to be adopted by national sports federations, consistent monitoring, and evaluation of these performance indicators. These recommendations will help both the national sports federations and the government to increase transparency, accountability, sustainability, and integrity in the sports industry in Kenya
Evaluating the Role of Digital Financial Services in Enhancing Efficiency and Accessibility of Social Safety Net Programs in Bangladesh
Get PDFThis study examines traditional and existing distribution channels and scrutinizes the effects of Digital Financial Services (DFSs) on delivering Social Safety Net (SSN) benefits. Researchers conducted a field study in the Sylhet Division, which is one of the largest digital areas in Bangladesh; however, there has been a large digitalization drive in the Sylhet Division, especially with the Sylhet City Corporation at the forefront of a mission towards a digital Sylhet. The researchers collected data from 100 respondents, including students, entrepreneurs, government officials, teachers, SSN beneficiaries, and local representatives, using a simple random sampling technique. To improve the theoretical foundation, this study reviewed secondary published materials such as journal articles, books, book chapters, and conference papers. The survey data were analysed using SPSS software, with illustrations of the variables and characteristics. The study findings revealed that traditional banking channels for distributing SSN benefits were ineffective owing to higher costs, mismanagement, corruption, and complexity. Hence, the digital means of financial benefits to the beneficiaries of SSNs function well with the complement of faster service, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. However, privacy threats, lack of technical knowledge, and risk management issues are prime concerns for the effective operation of DFS to accelerate the benefits of SSNs. The study findings will help researchers, policymakers, and beneficiaries, as well as overcome the existing challenges of DFS in effectively providing SSN benefits
Employabilité des diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons sur le marché du travail à Lubumbashi, RDC
Get PDF Cette étude s’est proposée d’identifier les comportements des diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons sur le marché du travail à Lubumbashi en RDC, déceler les freins à leur insertion professionnelle et de déterminer les facteurs susceptibles de favoriser le maintien et/ou le développement des compétences traverses acquises par les diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons. Elle visait également à combler l’écart criant entre l’instruction et l’emploi, en cherchant à savoir comment améliorer la réactivité des programmes de formation professionnelle des jeunes demandeurs du marché du travail. Il s’agissait donc de s’assurer aussi que l’offre des programmes de formation professionnelle reflète l’évolution rapide des attentes des employeurs ainsi que les préférences des diplômés de l’enseignement supérieur et universitaire.
Elle a été réalisée dans la ville de Lubumbashi, pendant la fourchette de temps allant de 2021 à 2023. Elle s’est servie de la méthode d’enquête et l’approche descriptive. Ces méthodes ont été sous-tendues par les techniques documentaire et de questionnaire. Le traitement des données a été effectué grâce à l’analyse de contenu, au coefficient de cramer et au test statistique de différence Chi-deux de Carl Pearson. Sommairement, les résultats de cette étude ont montré que les diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons sont peu employables par le simple fait qu’ils adoptent, depuis le jour où ils ont été déversés sur le marché de l’emploi, des comportements moins conséquents leur permettant de répondre aux exigences dudit marché, en amorçant les démarches régulières de recherche active ou dynamique de l’emploi, notamment par le dépôt des demandes d’emploi, la mise en place d’une panacée de stratégies de coping ou d’adaptation. D’autres versent même dans l’auto-employabilité (entrepreneuriat). Ils ne se montrent pas beaucoup plus actifs sur le marché du travail, la plupart de ceux auprès de qui les enquêtes ont été menées, versent dans des conduites nonchalantes, caractérisées par une attente totalement passive.
This study aimed to identify the behavior of New Horizons University graduates in the Lubumbashi labor market, identify barriers to their professional integration, and determine factors likely to promote the maintenance and/or development of the cross-curricular skills acquired by New Horizons University graduates. It also aimed to bridge the glaring gap between education and employment by exploring how to improve the responsiveness of vocational training programs for young job seekers. This also involved ensuring that vocational training program offerings reflect the rapidly evolving expectations of employers and the preferences of higher education and university graduates.
It was carried out in the city of Lubumbashi, during the time range from 2021 to 2023. It used the survey method and the descriptive approach. These methods were underpinned by documentary and questionnaire techniques. Data processing was carried out using content analysis, Cramer's coefficient and Carl Pearson's Chi-square statistical difference test. In summary, the results of this study showed that graduates of New Horizons University are not very employable simply because they adopt, since the day they were dumped on the job market, less consistent behaviors allowing them to meet the demands of said market, by initiating regular steps of active or dynamic job search, in particular by submitting job applications, implementing a panacea of coping or adaptation strategies. Others even turn to self-employment (entrepreneurship). They do not appear to be much more active in the labor market; most of those surveyed exhibit a lackadaisical behavior characterized by a completely passive wait
Analyse des Impacts des Activites Anthropiques en Milieu Forestier : cas de la forêt de Dzia landzé et Ouallah aux Comores
Get PDFLe monde végétal intertropical subit d’importantes transformations et destructions de ses écosystèmes, un phénomène qui se poursuit encore aujourd’hui. L’essor démographique a accentué ces changements, notamment par l’intensification des activités humaines telles que les feux et l’agriculture sur brûlis. À l’échelle mondiale, l’expansion agricole est l’un des principaux facteurs de la déforestation. Aux Comores, ce phénomène est particulièrement lié à l’agriculture sur brûlis, aux cultures sous forêt et à l’exploitation du bois d’œuvre. Cet article vise à analyser les impacts des activités humaines sur la couverture végétale. Les quatre îles de l’archipel (Anjouan, Grande-Comore, Mohéli et Mayotte) possèdent chacune une biodiversité unique, mais forment un ensemble écologique interdépendant. L’expansion démographique a intensifié les pressions anthropiques sur le paysage, entraînant une dégradation accrue des milieux naturels. En Afrique de l’Ouest, la gestion des aires protégées est souvent compromise par la faible implication des populations locales, ce qui conduit à des violations des réglementations et à l’occupation illégale de ces espaces. Face à la nécessité de préserver ses ressources naturelles, le gouvernement comorien a mis en place des aires protégées, comme la forêt de Dzialandzé et celle de Ouallah, situées respectivement dans les parcs nationaux de Mont Ntringui (Anjouan) et de Mzékukulé (Mohéli). Les changements d’occupation des sols varient selon les milieux et résultent de multiples facteurs. Ces transformations ont de lourdes conséquences sur la biodiversité et les processus écologiques, notamment le cycle des nutriments et celui de l’eau. Il est donc essentiel d’analyser l’évolution du couvert végétal face à l’intensification des activités humaines dans ces environnements.
The intertropical plant world is undergoing significant transformations and ecosystem destruction, a phenomenon that continues to this day. Demographic growth has exacerbated these changes, particularly through the intensification of human activities such as fires and slash-and-burn agriculture. Globally, agricultural expansion is one of the main drivers of deforestation. In the Comoros, this phenomenon is particularly linked to slash-and-burn agriculture, forest-based farming, and the exploitation of timber resources. This article aims to analyze the impact of human activities on vegetation cover. The four islands of the archipelago (Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Mayotte) each have a unique biodiversity but form an interdependent ecological unit. Demographic expansion has increased anthropogenic pressures on the landscape, leading to greater degradation of natural environments. In West Africa, the management of protected areas is often compromised by the weak involvement of local populations, which frequently results in non-compliance with regulations and the illegal occupation of these spaces. In response to the need to preserve its natural resources, the Comorian government has established protected areas, such as the Dzialandzé forest and the Ouallah forest, located respectively within the Mont Ntringui National Park (Anjouan) and the Mzékukulé National Park (Mohéli). Land-use changes vary depending on the environment and are driven by multiple factors. These transformations have severe consequences on biodiversity and ecological processes, particularly the nutrient cycle and the water cycle. It is therefore essential to analyze how vegetation cover evolves in response to the proliferation of human activities in these environments