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Abstract High cost and scarcity of feed ingredients have continued to challenge the aquaculture. This present study assessed the potential of black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal (BSFLM) as a sustainable alternative source of animal protein in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a species widely farmed in Cameroon for its breeding potential and economic. Five diet formulations: two control diets with 100% fishmeal [commercial imported feed, CD and local formulation, BSFLM0], and diets where FM was substituted at 50% (BSFLM50), 75% (BSFLM75), and 100% (BSFLM100) levels, were compared. Larvae of BSF were processed using three different methods: toasting, sand toasting, and boiling. Parameters assessed included the chemical and microbial properties of BSF larvae, catfish growth performance, health, consumer acceptance and economic viability of substituting FM with BSFLM. Our results demonstrate that boiling larvae significantly increased the dry and organic matter contents but reduced crude protein (CP) and fat levels, whereas toasting increased CP. Mineral content varied across processing methods: sand toasting had the highest calcium, boiling the highest iron, and toasting the highest potassium, sodium, and phosphorus levels. Sand-toasted larvae had the highest Escherichia coli levels, Lactobacillus was present only in boiled larvae, and there were no Enterobacteria or Salmonella in toasted or sand-toasted samples. At higher levels (75–100%), BSFLM improved catfish growth rates, feed conversion ratio, and survival compared to the control. Replacing FM with BSFLM also reduced production costs, increased profitability, and enhanced sustainability, as indicated by a lower fish-in-fish-out ratio. Inclusion of BSFLM significantly enhances the sustainability potential of aquaculture practices by reducing reliance on wild-caught fish for feed. Overall, BSFLM is a suitable alternative protein source that can support economic viability and environmental sustainability of aquaculture, promoting resilient fish farming practices.

We aimed to measure the variation in researchers’ knowledge and attitudes towards bibliometric indicators. The focus is on mapping the heterogeneity of this metric-wiseness within and between disciplines.

Background Anopheles s.l. displays the potential to develop tolerance to heavy metals, particularly copper, this may occur at a significant biological cost, which can adversely affect its ecological fitness. This study investigated the larval metal exposure on larval development and reproduction of An. gambiae s.s., a laboratory susceptible strain, kisumu. Methods Stage 2 larvae of Anopheles gambiae, Kisumu were exposed to C1 = 484 μg L-1, C2 = 300 μg L-1 and 0 μg L-1 (control) of copper chloride. Larval mortality, pupation time, pupation rate, gonotrophic cycle length, fecundity and fertility of larvae/adults were assessed over six generations. Results Results revealed that larval mortality rate was significantly higher in the C1 groups of each group (p = 0.000), but this mortality rate decreased over generations. Pupation time was extended to 13 and 14 days respectively for C2 and C1 groups (p = 0.000) compared to the control group. Similar results were observed for the gonotrophic cycle, which increased from 4 days at G0 to more than 6 days at generation 5 in adults of C1. The pupation rate in generation 4 (C1) and generation 5 of the same group (p = 0.000) as well as the emergence rate in generation 4 (C2, p = 0.000) and generation 5 (C1 and C2, p = 0.000) decreased significantly compared to the control group. The average number of eggs laid was lower in the test groups from generation 4 to generation 5 (C1 and C2, p = 0.00) and egg fertility was also negatively affected by exposure of the larval stage of An. gambiae s.s. to copper. Conclusion This study showed that copper not only exhibits larvicidal properties in Anopheles gambiae s.s. larvae, it also revealed the potential of this metal to reduce fecundity and fertility in these malaria vectors.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the acute physiological responses of MMT sessions in young athletes. The sample was made up of 13 young athletes, aged between 15 and 18 (height 170.9±11.14 cm, 70.20±15.05 kg), who practice rugby, rowing or taekwondo. Prior to the intervention, maximum dynamic strength, maximum aerobic speed (MAS) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) were measured. As acute physiological measures, blood lactate concentration ([LAC]), HR, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and subjective perception of exertion (RPE) were adopted. There were no significant differences between the sexes for HRrep, HRmax and performance in muscle strength tests (p>0.05). VAM and VO2max values were higher in males (p0.05). Significant differences were identified between the HR intensity ranges when considering the time and percentage of the total session duration (p

Background To overcome the spread of high pyrethroid resistance in the main malaria vectors and malaria disease persistence, it is crucial to look for effective and better resistance management strategies. Understanding the phenotypic profile of Anopheles gambiae sl. against alternatives insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates is crucial. Methods Anopheles larvae and pupae were collected from the breeding sites in rice fields, pineapple crop areas, and peri-urban areas. WHO susceptibility tests were conducted on unfed female mosquitoes aged 3–5 days old. Mosquitoes were exposed to malathion 5%, pirimiphos-methyl 0.25%, and bendiocarb 0.1% using the standard WHO protocol. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to detect species, kdr and Ace-1 mutations. Results Anopheles gambiae sl. from Sèdjè-Dénou rice field population was resistant to bendiocarb (0.1%) with a mortality rate of 72.2% whereas Anopheles gambiae sl. populations from Zinvié-Dokomey (rice field), Zè-Tozounmè (pineapple field), and Adjagbo (peri-urban area) were suspected to be resistant with mortality rates of 90%, 93.5%, 95.4% respectively. However, all of them were susceptible to organophosphates (malathion and pirimiphos-methyl) with a mortality rate of 100%. PCR assay revealed that 100% of the mosquitoes tested were Anopheles coluzzii. The frequencies of Ace-1R mutation in all Anopheles coluzzii populations tested were low (3–27%). Conclusions Organophosphates (malathion and pirimiphos-methyl) have maintained their efficacy against Anopheles coluzzii populations from Sèdjè-Dénou (rice field), Zè Tozounmè (pineapple field), Zinvié Dokomey (rice field), or Adjagbo (peri-urban area). The good efficacy of these organophosphates against Anopheles coluzzii populations from the southern part of Benin are observed in the current study. The use of pirimiphos-methyl for IRS in this part of the country would be a successful alternative for malaria control in this area.

Background Anopheles s.l. displays the potential to develop tolerance to heavy metals, particularly copper, this may occur at a significant biological cost, which can adversely affect its ecological fitness. This study investigated the larval metal exposure on larval development and reproduction of An. gambiae s.s., a laboratory susceptible strain, kisumu. Methods Stage 2 larvae of Anopheles gambiae, Kisumu were exposed to C1 = 484 μg L-1, C2 = 300 μg L-1 and 0 μg L-1 (control) of copper chloride. Larval mortality, pupation time, pupation rate, gonotrophic cycle length, fecundity and fertility of larvae/adults were assessed over six generations. Results Results revealed that larval mortality rate was significantly higher in the C1 groups of each group (p = 0.000), but this mortality rate decreased over generations. Pupation time was extended to 13 and 14 days respectively for C2 and C1 groups (p = 0.000) compared to the control group. Similar results were observed for the gonotrophic cycle, which increased from 4 days at G0 to more than 6 days at generation 5 in adults of C1. The pupation rate in generation 4 (C1) and generation 5 of the same group (p = 0.000) as well as the emergence rate in generation 4 (C2, p = 0.000) and generation 5 (C1 and C2, p = 0.000) decreased significantly compared to the control group. The average number of eggs laid was lower in the test groups from generation 4 to generation 5 (C1 and C2, p = 0.00) and egg fertility was also negatively affected by exposure of the larval stage of An. gambiae s.s. to copper. Conclusion Although studies have already shown that copper induces resistance in An. gambiae s.l. to insecticides, this study has shown that this adaptation requires a non-negligible biological cost in the life of the insect.

This study aimed to identify relationships between technical, physical, and anthropometric characteristics in 31 female rugby sevens players. During 28 weeks, the athletes performed 37 friendly matches to assess technical variables (e.g. effective passes), 6 assessments of athletic performance (strength, power and running tests), and 4 evaluations of anthropometric measures (height, body mass, circumferences, lean and fat mass). Pearson’s and Spearman’s coefficients estimated the correlations between technical parameters and the correlations between physical and anthropometric variables. Correlations were verified between technical and physical or anthropometric variables (p ≤ 0.05). Moderate to almost perfect correlations were found between technical variables (r = 0.36-0.99) and moderate to large correlations between physical and anthropometric parameters (r ranging from 0.36 to 0.68). Standing long jump is associated with 35.4% of duel and 30.5% of effective duel, pull-up is associated with 12.7% of duel, and 1,200-m is associated with 12.6% of effective pass and 26.2% of tackle. Tackle was associated with abdominal (14.1%), waist (13.7%) and hip (15.6%) circumferences, and fat mass (13%). Therefore, anthropometric and physical parameters may influence the tackles, duels and effective passes performed in the rugby sevens. Keywords: team sports; physical performance; women.

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of An. gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii breeding sites, the susceptibility profiles to commonly used insecticides in public health, and the underlying insecticide resistance mechanisms. Methods Anopheles breeding sites surveys were conducted in Cotonou and Natitingou in September 2020, January and August 2021. Physicochemical properties and bacterial loads were determined in individual breeding sites. The WHO susceptibility assays were carried out using the female of the emerging adult mosquitoes. Anopheles species were identified through PCR techniques. Kdr L1014F/S, N1575Y and G119S mutations were investigated using TaqMan genotyping assays. Results Molecular analysis showed that all mosquitoes analyzed in Cotonou were Anopheles coluzzii, while those of Natitingou were Anopheles gambiae s.s. Fecal coliforms were identified as playing a role in this distribution through their significant influence on the presence of An. coluzzii larvae. WHO susceptibility assay indicated a high level of resistance to deltamethrin in the two cities. The resistance levels to deltamethrin were higher in Cotonou (X2 = 31.689; DF = 1; P

In recent years, the use of brown seaweeds (Phaeophyceae) and especially Fucaceae, has increased for a variety of applications including food additives, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture, mainly because most edible brown algae contain valuable bioactive compounds. However, the growing demand for some species, such as Ascophyllum nodosum, has become a major concern due to the risk of overharvesting. Along with this increasing demand, there is growing awareness of the intricate interactions between algal hosts and their microbiota. The Fucaceae are of particular interest in this regard, as several species exhibit specificity with regard to their associated endophytic fungi. Many of these associated microbes produce a wide range of bioactive compounds themselves and may contribute to well-known properties previously attributed to the host. For some compounds, an alternative to wild harvesting could be the production of molecules of interest by organic synthesis or by biotechnological production, e.g., in microbial cell factories incorporating selected members of the algal microbiota. This requires in-depth knowledge of the alga and its microbiota to recognize the origin and the synthesis pathways of these bioactive compounds. This review presents the current understanding of the Fucaceae and their associated microbiota as sources of chemical compounds intended for diverse applications.

Le 2 février 2021, une baleine à bec de Cuvier (Ziphius cavirostris) s’échoue sur l’île de Ré (Atlantique nord-est, France). Les analyses préliminaires révèlent que la mort de l’animal est vraisemblablement liée à des bruits anthropiques. Le lieu probable de la mort de l’animal se situe à proximité directe d’une zone où un navire militaire effectuait des essais au sein d’une aire marine protégée. Point de départ d’une enquête visant à en retracer l’origine, cet événement cristallise la complexité des relations entre vie océanique et activités anthropiques. Il sert de point d’appui à une réflexion collaborative plus large à la confluence de plusieurs disciplines, en vue de faire évoluer la production des savoirs océaniques, les normes juridiques qui encadrent les usages et la protection du milieu marin, et notre rapport anthropologique à l’océan.

As the world’s population increases, the growing demand for food intensifies the generation of agricultural waste, leading to several environmental issues. Intensive research indicates black soldier fly (BSF) larvae Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) as efficient converters of organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass suitable for animal feed. Using a structured questionnaire and volunteer farmers (N = 595), we investigated the potential for adoption of BSF larvae composting technology for sustainable agricultural waste management in Greater Ahafo-Ano. Almost all surveyed farmers declared they generated a significant amount of biowaste on their farms and were willing to learn how to use the BSF-based technology to transform it into value-added products. The waste generated was mainly disposed of in pits at Ahafo-Ano South-East (56.2%), by composting at Ahafo-Ano South-West (34.9%) and by sale at Ahafo-Ano North (34.4%). Across the three districts, awareness of the BSF was very low – 14.5% in Ahafo-Ano South-East, 14.1% in Ahafo-Ano South-West and 0.5% in Ahafo-Ano North. However, high acceptance of the technology was recorded. It was found that about 8% of farmers surveyed in Ahafo-Ano South-East had already tried BSF farming on a small scale. Indicating this district as a good entry point to introduce the technology into Greater Ahafo-Ano.

BackgroundNeonicotinoids are gradually being introduced into malaria vector control due to their mode of action that targets insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, prior to scaling up novel insecticides, it is important to assess the susceptibility of the mosquito population to this molecule. The present study aimed to determine the susceptibility level of mosquitos collected from agricultural and urban sites against neonicotinoids in Benin.Material and methodsAn. gambiae sl. larvae were collected from three urban sites and two agricultural sites in southern Benin. An. gambiae sl. larvae collected from three urban and two agricultural sites in southern Benin were exposed to neonicotinoids (clothianidin, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid) for 1 hour, and mortality rates were monitored from 24h to day 7 post-exposure. After molecular identification of the samples, Taqman assays were used to genotype key pyrethroid-resistant markers, and qPCRs were performed to establish the level of expression of detoxification enzymes in resistant mosquitoes.ResultsOverall, resistance to acetamiprid and imidacloprid was observed in the five study sites surveyed whereas full susceptibility was recorded to clothianidin. Anopheles coluzzii was the only species found in all sites. TaqMan genotyping showed a very low presence of key pyrethroid-resistant markers suggesting that metabolic resistance is more implicated in neonicotinoid resistance in Anopheles. coluzzii populations from southern Benin. qPCR performed revealed overexpression of P450 genes (CYP6M2, CYP6P4, CYP6Z1, CYP6Z2, and CYP4G16) and sensory proteins (Sap1, Sap2, and Sap3).ConclusionThis first assessment of neonicotinoid resistance in Benin showed evidence of neonicotinoid resistance in both agricultural and urban areas. However, full susceptibility to clothianidin was observed, showing that this insecticide could be used to enhance the efficacy of control tools. In addition, there is a need of an integrated approach, including coordinated education on pesticide use, to improve the overall management of insecticide resistance in both agricultural and public health sectors.

Sihem Lazreg,1 Mohamed Hosny,2 Muhammad A Ahad,3 Mazen M Sinjab,4 Riadh Messaoud,5 Shady T Awwad,6 Antoine Rousseau7 1Ophthalmology Cabinet, Blida, Algeria; 2Refractive and Cornea Service, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Anterior Segment Division, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, DHCC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 5Department of Ophthalmology, Tahar SFAR University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia; 6Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut - Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; 7Department of Ophthalmology, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, FranceCorrespondence: Antoine Rousseau, Pierre Testas Building, Bicêtre Hospital, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94270, France, Tel +33145213690, Email arousseau1010@gmail.comAbstract: In the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA), dry eye disease (DED) is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. This review summarizes a series of conversations with ophthalmologists in the region around a variety of climatic, lifestyle, and iatrogenic factors that contribute to specific features of DED in the MENA region. These considerations are further classified by patient lifestyle and surgical choices. All statements are based on discussions and formal voting to achieve consensus over three meetings. Overall, a deeper understanding of the disease characteristics of DED specific to MENA can better guide local eyecare practitioners on appropriate management and follow-up care. Additionally, population-based studies and patient and physician education on ocular surface diseases, together with the use of culturally appropriate and language-specific questionnaires can help ease the public health burden of DED in this region.Keywords: ocular surface, regional clinical practice, epidemiology, treatment, patient outcomes

Introdução: O futsal é uma modalidade esportiva coletiva, citada como uma das mais praticadas do mundo, considerando nível escolar, recreacional ou profissional. Com a evolução da competitividade, aliada à ciência de dados, cada vez tornou-se mais importante o monitoramento de aspectos técnicos. Objetivo: O presente estudo objetivou comparar a ocorrência de ações técnicas de uma equipe de futsal adulta considerando os diferentes resultados do jogo (vitória, empate ou derrota). Materiais e métodos: Através da gravação das partidas, foram coletados dados de 13 partidas por meio do método “scout”. Foram quantificadas as ações de passes errados, desarmes, interceptações, finalizações no alvo e finalizações fora do alvo. Para a análise estatística, foi empregada ANOVA one-way com post-hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados: Tanto as ações de passes errados, desarmes, interceptações, finalizações no alvo e finalizações fora do alvo não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas em relação aos diferentes desfechos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que, para as partidas analisadas, os valores médios das ações técnicas não apresentaram diferenças quando considerados os diferentes desfechos dos jogos.

The Lunar Environment heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI) and Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) missions will image the Earth’s dayside magnetopause and cusps in soft X-rays after their respective launches in the near future, to specify global magnetic reconnection modes for varying solar wind conditions. To support the success of these scientific missions, it is critical to develop techniques that extract the magnetopause locations from the observed soft X-ray images. In this research, we introduce a new geometric equation that calculates the subsolar magnetopause position (\begin{document}$ {R}_{\mathrm{s}} $\end{document}) from a satellite position, the look direction of the instrument, and the angle at which the X-ray emission is maximized. Two assumptions are used in this method: (1) The look direction where soft X-ray emissions are maximized lies tangent to the magnetopause, and (2) the magnetopause surface near the subsolar point is almost spherical and thus \begin{document}$ {R}_{\mathrm{s}} $\end{document} is nearly equal to the radius of the magnetopause curvature. We create synthetic soft X-ray images by using the Open Geospace General Circulation Model (OpenGGCM) global magnetohydrodynamic model, the galactic background, the instrument point spread function, and Poisson noise. We then apply the fast Fourier transform and Gaussian low-pass filters to the synthetic images to remove noise and obtain accurate look angles for the soft X-ray peaks. From the filtered images, we calculate \begin{document}$ {R}_{\mathrm{s}} $\end{document} and its accuracy for different LEXI locations, look directions, and solar wind densities by using the OpenGGCM subsolar magnetopause location as ground truth. Our method estimates \begin{document}$ {R}_{\mathrm{s}} $\end{document} with an accuracy of \begin{document}$ {10\;\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{-3} $\end{document}. The accuracy improves for greater solar wind densities and during southward interplanetary magnetic fields. The method captures the magnetopause motion during southward interplanetary magnetic field turnings. Consequently, the technique will enable quantitative analysis of the magnetopause motion and help reveal the dayside reconnection modes for dynamic solar wind conditions. This technique will support the LEXI and SMILE missions in achieving their scientific objectives.