The knowledge of the epidemiology of parasitic infections in stray and domestic animals, especially of its incidence and prevalence, is fundamental to adopting effective prophylactic measures. Stray dogs play an impor...The knowledge of the epidemiology of parasitic infections in stray and domestic animals, especially of its incidence and prevalence, is fundamental to adopting effective prophylactic measures. Stray dogs play an important role in environmental contamination favoring the transmission cycle of zoonotic agents. Among the parasitic infections that affect humans, Giardia duodenalis is the most common intestinal protozoa and was designated as a re-emerging infectious disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs siezed by the Center for Control of Zoonoses (CCZ) of the city of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil using two diagnostic techniques. In 357 stool samples analysed, the prevalence of G. duodenalis cysts was 5.3% (19/357) and 4.8% (17/357) detected by floatation and sedimentation techniques, respecttively. No correspondence between gender and age was found among the methods used for analyzing the infected dogs in this study. Our data suggested that two diagnostic techniques should be used in a complementary way to ensure that false negatives are not neglected.展开更多
From a harmonized structural map at the scale of a portion of SW Burkina Faso (90 × 80 km2), we targeted prospective zones on the basis of structural criteria and structure-geology relationships. The map was cons...From a harmonized structural map at the scale of a portion of SW Burkina Faso (90 × 80 km2), we targeted prospective zones on the basis of structural criteria and structure-geology relationships. The map was constructed from an aeromagnetic image, and the geology was deduced from old geological maps. The procedure involved extracting the magnetic fabric and deducing the deformation gradients, which led to the identification of shear zones. Analysis and interpretation of the structural geometry of the obtained structural pattern led us to target areas of interference between structures or geology-structures interplays, which are conducive to the deposition of metallic elements. The subsequent overlay of known gold prospects and deposits documented in the region revealed the validity of the predefined prospects. This result reinforces the applicability of the methodology as a first-order regional approach to mineral exploration.展开更多
The Banfora’s birimian greenstones belt is located in the western part of Burkina Faso (west Africa). Recent petrographic and lithogeochemical studies have highlighted plutons intruding the metasedimentary and metavo...The Banfora’s birimian greenstones belt is located in the western part of Burkina Faso (west Africa). Recent petrographic and lithogeochemical studies have highlighted plutons intruding the metasedimentary and metavolcanic series. These plutonic rocks are composed of leucogranites belonging to the so-called Ferkessedougou’s or Ferké’s batholith, granites, granodiorites, monzodiorites and quartz monzonites. From the lithogeochemical studies, these plutonic rocks have a calc-alkaline and peraluminous character. The rare earth elements spectra of the Ferké’s leucogranites let distinguished two sub-facies. One of the sub-facies is composed of quartz monzonite to granite, while the other is granitic sensu stricto. However, all these plutonic rocks were emplaced in a geodynamic context of subduction followed by collision.展开更多
Harvestmen are a major arachnid order that has experienced a dramatic increase in biological knowledge in the 21st century.The publication of the book Harvestmen:The Biology of Opiliones in 2007 stimulated the develop...Harvestmen are a major arachnid order that has experienced a dramatic increase in biological knowledge in the 21st century.The publication of the book Harvestmen:The Biology of Opiliones in 2007 stimulated the development of many behavioral studies.Although the book is relatively recent,our understanding of the reproductive biology of harvestmen is already outdated due to the fast accumulation of new data.Our goal is to provide an updated review of the subject to serve as a benchmark for the following years.In the pre-copulatory phase,we explore the evolu-tion of facultative parthenogenesis,the factors that may affect the types of mating system,and the role of nuptial gifts in courtship.Regarding the copulatory phase,harvestmen are unique arachnids because they have aflagellate spermatozoa and a penis with complex morphology.We discuss the implications of these two features for sperm competition and cryptic female choice.In the post-copulatory phase,we connect ovi-position site selection and climate conditions to the widespread occurrence of resource defense polygyny,alternative reproductive tactics,and sexual dimorphism in several clades of tropical harvestmen.Finally,we present the different forms of parental care in the order,and discuss the benefits and costs of this behavior,which can be performed either by females or males.Throughout the review,we indicate gaps in our knowl-edge and subjects that deserve further studies.Hopefully,the information synthesized here will stimulate researchers worldwide to embrace harvestmen as a study system and to improve our effort to unravel the mysteries of their reproductive biology.展开更多
Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant im...Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.展开更多
With the growing need for renewable energy,wind farms are playing an important role in generating clean power from wind resources.The best wind turbine architecture in a wind farm has a major influence on the energy e...With the growing need for renewable energy,wind farms are playing an important role in generating clean power from wind resources.The best wind turbine architecture in a wind farm has a major influence on the energy extraction efficiency.This paper describes a unique strategy for optimizing wind turbine locations on a wind farm that combines the capabilities of particle swarm optimization(PSO)and artificial neural networks(ANNs).The PSO method was used to explore the solution space and develop preliminary turbine layouts,and the ANN model was used to fine-tune the placements based on the predicted energy generation.The proposed hybrid technique seeks to increase energy output while considering site-specific wind patterns and topographical limits.The efficacy and superiority of the hybrid PSO-ANN methodology are proved through comprehensive simulations and comparisons with existing approaches,giving exciting prospects for developing more efficient and sustainable wind farms.The integration of ANNs and PSO in our methodology is of paramount importance because it leverages the complementary strengths of both techniques.Furthermore,this novel methodology harnesses historical data through ANNs to identify optimal turbine positions that align with the wind speed and direction and enhance energy extraction efficiency.A notable increase in power generation is observed across various scenarios.The percentage increase in the power generation ranged from approximately 7.7%to 11.1%.Owing to its versatility and adaptability to site-specific conditions,the hybrid model offers promising prospects for advancing the field of wind farm layout optimization and contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy future.展开更多
Promoting better protein digestibility through exogenous enzymes in the diet is essential in the nutrition of companion animals, mainly for better performance and maintenance of the animals’ physiological and metabol...Promoting better protein digestibility through exogenous enzymes in the diet is essential in the nutrition of companion animals, mainly for better performance and maintenance of the animals’ physiological and metabolic systems, promoting health and adequate growth. In addition, it reduces the cost of the diet by possibly reducing protein in the diet, which is the main and most expensive ingredient for dogs and cats. The objective of this study was to verify whether the addition of protease to dog and cat food can improve the protein digestibility of the food, thus facilitating greater absorption of amino acids and influencing metabolic biomarkers and immune response. To this end, two experiments were carried out to evaluate the protease from the fermentation of Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis. Experiment 1 was carried out with ten male, non-castrated beagles divided into two groups of five animals: the control group (without enzyme) and the test group (with 250 g of protease/ton). The animals underwent two 45-day experimental periods, and in the second period, after a 15-day interval, the dogs in the control group became part of the treatment group (crossover model). Adding this enzyme to the dogs’ diet had no adverse effects on the animals’ health besides improving the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein consumed by the dogs. Experiment 2 was carried out with sixteen female cats of no defined breed, non-castrated, divided into four groups with four animals per group, namely: Treatment A (without enzyme), Treatment B (with protease at a dose of 100 g/ton), Treatment C (with protease at a dose of 200 g/ton) and Treatment D (with protease at a dose of 400 g/ton). The cats underwent two 30-day experimental periods, and in the second period, after a 15-day interval, the animals switched between treatments (crossover model) to increase the power of the statistical test. The enzyme consumption did not affect the felines’ metabolism and health but improved the digestibility of crude protein at doses of 200 and 400 g/ton. The results allow us to conclude that the protease used in this study can improve the digestibility of crude protein for dogs and cats.展开更多
The Birimian Baguiomo formations are located in the northern part of the Boromo greenstone belt. In this belt, the volcanic rocks (tholeiitic basalt, calcalkaline basalt, andesite) hosting the gold mineralization are ...The Birimian Baguiomo formations are located in the northern part of the Boromo greenstone belt. In this belt, the volcanic rocks (tholeiitic basalt, calcalkaline basalt, andesite) hosting the gold mineralization are located in the Kwademen-Baguiomo shear zone. This mineralization, located only a few kilometers from the Kwademen gold deposit, is uncharacterized and, together with the latter, could constitute a gold potential capable of being economically exploitable. It is in this sense that this work is carried out with a view to characterizing the gold mineralization of the Baguiomo gold panning site. To carry out this work, we have made direct field measurements, combined with microstructures, and combined all this with data from geochemical rock analysis of the basalts that are the main host formations. Geochemical data show that tholeitic basalts formed from a mantle plume that was emplaced in an oceanic plateau context. Calc-alkaline basalts and andesites are comparable to Paleoproterozoic tholeitic basalts (PTH3), which are slightly enriched in light rare earths. Fertility tests show that these basalts concentrate between 3 and 6 ppb of gold at the time of accretion, which is sufficient for remobilization of this primary gold during the Eburnian orogeny to yield a deposit of around 4 - 5 Moz. Gold mineralization is associated with pyrite crystals when the latter are disseminated in the rock mass, whereas it is associated with hematite in quartz veins concordant with S1 shear deformation. It is mainly the pyrite crystals in the pressure shadows that contain the gold grains, whose development would be synchronous with micro-shear zone reactivation during the first phase of D1<sub>B</sub> deformation. The second phase of D2<sub>B</sub> deformation, which is a crenulation or fracture schistosity, does not significantly affect the shear deformation that controls mineralization.展开更多
The finite deformation structures recorded in the Essakane area, located in the northeast corner of Burkina Faso, highlight three major compressive deformation phases, successively named D1, D2, and D3. The D1 event p...The finite deformation structures recorded in the Essakane area, located in the northeast corner of Burkina Faso, highlight three major compressive deformation phases, successively named D1, D2, and D3. The D1 event phase, trending NE-SW, is characterised by P1 folds and S1 axial plane schistosity. The D2 phase trending NW-SE is characterised by folds P2, schistosity (S2) and shear (C) planes. And the D3 phase trending NNE-SSW to N-S is characterised by P3 folds, crenulation microfolds and S3 spaced schistosity. It has also been noted that gold mineralizations are mainly hosted in quartz, carbonate, pyrite, and arsenopyrite veins. Structural interpretation indicates that these veins are organized into lenticular bodies that were formed during the first two deformation phases (D1 and D2). This suggests a strong structural control typical of orogenic gold concentrations.展开更多
The present study aimed to determine whether natural dehydrated feed (DNF) can replace dry extruded feed while preserving the required daily intake, nutrient digestibility and benefits for immunity and antioxidant res...The present study aimed to determine whether natural dehydrated feed (DNF) can replace dry extruded feed while preserving the required daily intake, nutrient digestibility and benefits for immunity and antioxidant response in cats. The animals were divided into two groups of seven animals each. One group received DNF, and the other consumed commercial extruded dry feed (DCF). The experiment lasted 45 days and we measured daily consumption and collected blood and feces samples. The animals in the DNF group showed greater digestibility of fiber and mineral matter than DCF. Cats in the DNF group had a higher volume of feces. DNF cats had lower leukocyte and granulocyte counts and cholesterol levels. Serum enzymatic antioxidant responses and non-enzymatic were higher in DNF cats. Cats in the DNF group showed lower serum acute phase proteins in addition to a tendency toward a higher concentration of transferrin than in the DCF group. Fecal Escherichia coli and total coliform counts of cats fed DNF were higher than DCF. We conclude that the daily consumption of cats is adequate. This feed had greater digestibility of fiber and mineral matter, in addition to an improvement in antioxidant and immunological responses.展开更多
This study aimed to determine whether adding tributyrin to the diet of lambs impacts health, energy metabolism, ruminal environment, and meat quality. Twelve lambs were used;the control group received a basal diet, wh...This study aimed to determine whether adding tributyrin to the diet of lambs impacts health, energy metabolism, ruminal environment, and meat quality. Twelve lambs were used;the control group received a basal diet, while the tributyrin group received a diet with the additive mixed with concentrate (2 g/day/animal). The blood count was used for Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, which were significantly higher in tributyrin-fed animals than in controls. The activity of the enzymes adenylate kinase and pyruvate kinase was higher in the liver and intestine of the tributyrin group than the controls;cytosolic creatine kinase activity was significantly higher in the intestine of lambs fed tributyrin. Glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver was significantly higher in animals in the tributyrin group. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in the intestine, with a lower protein carbonyl concentration in the tributyrin group. Bacterial activity through ruminal fluid collection was significantly lower when tributyrin was consumed, unlike the protozoan count, which was significantly higher in animals in the tributyrin group than in the controls. Tributyrin intake caused lower levels of short-chain fatty acids without changing the proportion of volatile fatty acids. The water retention capacity measured using an external compression method was significantly higher in the meat of the tributyrin group. The treatment affected some fatty acids in the meat, these acids were separated by chromatography where a lower amount of saturated fatty acids and a higher amount of monounsaturated fatty acids in the group that consumed tributyrin. These findings suggest that tributyrin in lamb diet alters blood and rumen environment biomarkers and improves the fatty acid profile of the meat.展开更多
The Pouni area is made up of basalts belonging to the Boromo belt, lamprophyres and granitoids. These geological formations are similar to geological formations of the same type in other regions of the Palaeoproterozo...The Pouni area is made up of basalts belonging to the Boromo belt, lamprophyres and granitoids. These geological formations are similar to geological formations of the same type in other regions of the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Leo shield. This study, which focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of these geological formations, led to the following main conclusions: The lamprophyres are basic plutonic rocks that cut through other geological formations. The basalt belongs to the northern part of the Borormo belt and is thought to be a relic of overthickened oceanic plateaus. There are two groups of granitoid rocks. The granodiorite has a geochemical signature close to that of Archean TTGs and is metaluminous in character. It has a low potassium content. The minor element and rare earth element spectra indicate that it could be derived from partial melting of basic magmatic rocks. Biotite granites are peraluminous and highly potassic. Minor element contents and rare earth spectra indicate that they could be derived from partial melting of felsic materials. Geotectonic diagrams show that the granitoids identified in the Pouni zone were emplaced in an active tectonic context, similar to that of present-day subduction zones.展开更多
This study, carried out in the Léo square degree (west-central Burkina Faso) in the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Léo ridge, aims to define the shapes and positions of granitic plutons and the organisa...This study, carried out in the Léo square degree (west-central Burkina Faso) in the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Léo ridge, aims to define the shapes and positions of granitic plutons and the organisation of deformation structures using aeromagnetic data. These data have shown that there are small sub-circular granitic bodies to the north of the granitic masses in this region, and a large sub-circular granitic body to the south, around which are other smaller granitic bodies. The lineament map shows that the deformation structures are organised along three main directions and largely form these sub-circular plutonic bodies. We suggest that the granitic plutons are coalescent, pending identification of the internal structures of these granites to further refine the geodynamic model.展开更多
South of Godé, in the central-western region of Burkina Faso, granitoids of Paleoproterozoic age are similar to those of the Man/Leo shield. This study focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics ...South of Godé, in the central-western region of Burkina Faso, granitoids of Paleoproterozoic age are similar to those of the Man/Leo shield. This study focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of these granitoids, with the following results: 1) The tonalite that outcrops in the south-west of the study area belongs to the TTG group or first generation granitoids. They are most often ribboned at outcrop and have a geochemical signature close to that of Archean TTGs. Tonalite has a metaluminous character and the REE spectrum indicates that it may be derived from partial melting of basic magmatic rocks. 2) Biotite granites have no outcrop structure. They are weakly metaluminous to peraluminous and potassic to highly potassic. Their rare earth spectra indicate that they may be derived from the partial melting of TTG granitoids. 3) Geotectonic diagrams show that the granitoids studied to the south of Godé were emplaced in an active tectonic context similar to that of present-day subduction zones.展开更多
Oxidized and acidic mining discharges(pH between 4 and 5)from the Perkoa zinc mine in Burkina Faso consisting of waste rock,crusher rejects and mining tailings were sampled and used for neutralization tests with calca...Oxidized and acidic mining discharges(pH between 4 and 5)from the Perkoa zinc mine in Burkina Faso consisting of waste rock,crusher rejects and mining tailings were sampled and used for neutralization tests with calcareous dolomite(for six months).The mining discharges and the calcareous dolomite were previously characterized.Columns of 60 cm length and 15 cm diameter were used for the tests.Then,2.62 kg of calcareous dolomite was deposited on the mining discharges in each column.Two liters of deionized water are added every 15 days to each column.Samples were taken at the outlet of the columns at time intervals and then analyzed to assess the evolution of pH,electrical conductivity and contents of PHEs(Potentially Harmful Elements)over time.Following the neutralization tests on solid mining discharges,neutralization tests were also carried out on acid leachates resulting from the oxidation of these same solid mining discharges with calcareous dolomite.The results show that calcareous dolomite is very effective for the neutralization of SR(Sterile Discharges)and the precipitation of PHEs contained therein.It is also effective in buffering acidic effluents from these sterile discharges.As for other mining discharges(crusher rejects and mining residues),although calcareous dolomite is not effective in neutralizing these oxidized and acidic solid discharges,it is however effective in precipitating PHEs such as arsenic and lead.Calcareous dolomite is also effective in buffering acid leachates from these oxidized and acidic mining discharges(crusher rejects and mining tailings).展开更多
This paper aims to show the relationships between hydrothermal alteration, deformation and gold mineralization in the main area of the Kiaka deposit. The Kiaka gold deposit is located in the South-central of Burkina F...This paper aims to show the relationships between hydrothermal alteration, deformation and gold mineralization in the main area of the Kiaka deposit. The Kiaka gold deposit is located in the South-central of Burkina Faso in the Tenkodogo volcano-sedimentary belt. Mineralization is primarily hosted by amphibolite, mylonitized quartz microdiorite and meta-sediment. The combination of petrographic, metallographic and geochemical analysis along with structural deformation of the ore body allowed us to distinguish the three main stages of hydrothermal alteration in the Kiaka gold deposit. (i) The first stage is characterized by ductile deformation which induces potassic- and LILE-rich alteration with crystallization of disseminated pyrrhotite. (ii) The second stage corresponds to chloritization and is associated with a brittle-ductile deformation and retrograde metamorphism. A second generation of disseminated pyrrhotite and a few pyrite and chalcopyrite crystallized during this event. Pyrrhotite also fills veins. (iii) The third alteration stage is characterized by a significant carbonation and concurrent with a brittle deformation. It is accompanied locally by a high-grade gold mineralization (up to 29 g/t).展开更多
The physicochemical parameters of the soils made it possible to assess their fertility and pollution around the gold district of Poura.The 3-fraction granulometry indicates a dominance of sandy soils with a silty-sand...The physicochemical parameters of the soils made it possible to assess their fertility and pollution around the gold district of Poura.The 3-fraction granulometry indicates a dominance of sandy soils with a silty-sandy texture.The OM(Organic Matter)content is less than 1%,like most soils in Burkina Faso.The characterization of the fertility of the 26 composite soil samples indicates that 96.15%are of average fertility.The pollution assessment indicates that the measured pH values are between 5.5 and 8,therefore in accordance with the local reference standards in force,while the determination of the ratio of Al on the exchangeable bases and the low phosphorus contents express a very high aluminium toxicity.The electrical conductivities measured vary from 17.5 to 252μS/cm,with a threshold limit of 2μS/cm,expressing significant soil salinization.With the Pearson correlation matrix and the PC(Principal Component)analysis,the causes of pollution are attributable to the high contents of Al and exchangeable bases,linked to agricultural and mining activities.The analysis of the geological and pedological context indicates that the origin of Al and the exchangeable bases is natural,therefore pedo-geogenic,attributable to the destabilization of feldspars,ferromagnesian minerals and carbonates under supergene alteration.展开更多
文摘The knowledge of the epidemiology of parasitic infections in stray and domestic animals, especially of its incidence and prevalence, is fundamental to adopting effective prophylactic measures. Stray dogs play an important role in environmental contamination favoring the transmission cycle of zoonotic agents. Among the parasitic infections that affect humans, Giardia duodenalis is the most common intestinal protozoa and was designated as a re-emerging infectious disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs siezed by the Center for Control of Zoonoses (CCZ) of the city of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil using two diagnostic techniques. In 357 stool samples analysed, the prevalence of G. duodenalis cysts was 5.3% (19/357) and 4.8% (17/357) detected by floatation and sedimentation techniques, respecttively. No correspondence between gender and age was found among the methods used for analyzing the infected dogs in this study. Our data suggested that two diagnostic techniques should be used in a complementary way to ensure that false negatives are not neglected.
文摘From a harmonized structural map at the scale of a portion of SW Burkina Faso (90 × 80 km2), we targeted prospective zones on the basis of structural criteria and structure-geology relationships. The map was constructed from an aeromagnetic image, and the geology was deduced from old geological maps. The procedure involved extracting the magnetic fabric and deducing the deformation gradients, which led to the identification of shear zones. Analysis and interpretation of the structural geometry of the obtained structural pattern led us to target areas of interference between structures or geology-structures interplays, which are conducive to the deposition of metallic elements. The subsequent overlay of known gold prospects and deposits documented in the region revealed the validity of the predefined prospects. This result reinforces the applicability of the methodology as a first-order regional approach to mineral exploration.
文摘The Banfora’s birimian greenstones belt is located in the western part of Burkina Faso (west Africa). Recent petrographic and lithogeochemical studies have highlighted plutons intruding the metasedimentary and metavolcanic series. These plutonic rocks are composed of leucogranites belonging to the so-called Ferkessedougou’s or Ferké’s batholith, granites, granodiorites, monzodiorites and quartz monzonites. From the lithogeochemical studies, these plutonic rocks have a calc-alkaline and peraluminous character. The rare earth elements spectra of the Ferké’s leucogranites let distinguished two sub-facies. One of the sub-facies is composed of quartz monzonite to granite, while the other is granitic sensu stricto. However, all these plutonic rocks were emplaced in a geodynamic context of subduction followed by collision.
文摘Harvestmen are a major arachnid order that has experienced a dramatic increase in biological knowledge in the 21st century.The publication of the book Harvestmen:The Biology of Opiliones in 2007 stimulated the development of many behavioral studies.Although the book is relatively recent,our understanding of the reproductive biology of harvestmen is already outdated due to the fast accumulation of new data.Our goal is to provide an updated review of the subject to serve as a benchmark for the following years.In the pre-copulatory phase,we explore the evolu-tion of facultative parthenogenesis,the factors that may affect the types of mating system,and the role of nuptial gifts in courtship.Regarding the copulatory phase,harvestmen are unique arachnids because they have aflagellate spermatozoa and a penis with complex morphology.We discuss the implications of these two features for sperm competition and cryptic female choice.In the post-copulatory phase,we connect ovi-position site selection and climate conditions to the widespread occurrence of resource defense polygyny,alternative reproductive tactics,and sexual dimorphism in several clades of tropical harvestmen.Finally,we present the different forms of parental care in the order,and discuss the benefits and costs of this behavior,which can be performed either by females or males.Throughout the review,we indicate gaps in our knowl-edge and subjects that deserve further studies.Hopefully,the information synthesized here will stimulate researchers worldwide to embrace harvestmen as a study system and to improve our effort to unravel the mysteries of their reproductive biology.
文摘Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.
文摘With the growing need for renewable energy,wind farms are playing an important role in generating clean power from wind resources.The best wind turbine architecture in a wind farm has a major influence on the energy extraction efficiency.This paper describes a unique strategy for optimizing wind turbine locations on a wind farm that combines the capabilities of particle swarm optimization(PSO)and artificial neural networks(ANNs).The PSO method was used to explore the solution space and develop preliminary turbine layouts,and the ANN model was used to fine-tune the placements based on the predicted energy generation.The proposed hybrid technique seeks to increase energy output while considering site-specific wind patterns and topographical limits.The efficacy and superiority of the hybrid PSO-ANN methodology are proved through comprehensive simulations and comparisons with existing approaches,giving exciting prospects for developing more efficient and sustainable wind farms.The integration of ANNs and PSO in our methodology is of paramount importance because it leverages the complementary strengths of both techniques.Furthermore,this novel methodology harnesses historical data through ANNs to identify optimal turbine positions that align with the wind speed and direction and enhance energy extraction efficiency.A notable increase in power generation is observed across various scenarios.The percentage increase in the power generation ranged from approximately 7.7%to 11.1%.Owing to its versatility and adaptability to site-specific conditions,the hybrid model offers promising prospects for advancing the field of wind farm layout optimization and contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy future.
文摘Promoting better protein digestibility through exogenous enzymes in the diet is essential in the nutrition of companion animals, mainly for better performance and maintenance of the animals’ physiological and metabolic systems, promoting health and adequate growth. In addition, it reduces the cost of the diet by possibly reducing protein in the diet, which is the main and most expensive ingredient for dogs and cats. The objective of this study was to verify whether the addition of protease to dog and cat food can improve the protein digestibility of the food, thus facilitating greater absorption of amino acids and influencing metabolic biomarkers and immune response. To this end, two experiments were carried out to evaluate the protease from the fermentation of Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis. Experiment 1 was carried out with ten male, non-castrated beagles divided into two groups of five animals: the control group (without enzyme) and the test group (with 250 g of protease/ton). The animals underwent two 45-day experimental periods, and in the second period, after a 15-day interval, the dogs in the control group became part of the treatment group (crossover model). Adding this enzyme to the dogs’ diet had no adverse effects on the animals’ health besides improving the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein consumed by the dogs. Experiment 2 was carried out with sixteen female cats of no defined breed, non-castrated, divided into four groups with four animals per group, namely: Treatment A (without enzyme), Treatment B (with protease at a dose of 100 g/ton), Treatment C (with protease at a dose of 200 g/ton) and Treatment D (with protease at a dose of 400 g/ton). The cats underwent two 30-day experimental periods, and in the second period, after a 15-day interval, the animals switched between treatments (crossover model) to increase the power of the statistical test. The enzyme consumption did not affect the felines’ metabolism and health but improved the digestibility of crude protein at doses of 200 and 400 g/ton. The results allow us to conclude that the protease used in this study can improve the digestibility of crude protein for dogs and cats.
文摘The Birimian Baguiomo formations are located in the northern part of the Boromo greenstone belt. In this belt, the volcanic rocks (tholeiitic basalt, calcalkaline basalt, andesite) hosting the gold mineralization are located in the Kwademen-Baguiomo shear zone. This mineralization, located only a few kilometers from the Kwademen gold deposit, is uncharacterized and, together with the latter, could constitute a gold potential capable of being economically exploitable. It is in this sense that this work is carried out with a view to characterizing the gold mineralization of the Baguiomo gold panning site. To carry out this work, we have made direct field measurements, combined with microstructures, and combined all this with data from geochemical rock analysis of the basalts that are the main host formations. Geochemical data show that tholeitic basalts formed from a mantle plume that was emplaced in an oceanic plateau context. Calc-alkaline basalts and andesites are comparable to Paleoproterozoic tholeitic basalts (PTH3), which are slightly enriched in light rare earths. Fertility tests show that these basalts concentrate between 3 and 6 ppb of gold at the time of accretion, which is sufficient for remobilization of this primary gold during the Eburnian orogeny to yield a deposit of around 4 - 5 Moz. Gold mineralization is associated with pyrite crystals when the latter are disseminated in the rock mass, whereas it is associated with hematite in quartz veins concordant with S1 shear deformation. It is mainly the pyrite crystals in the pressure shadows that contain the gold grains, whose development would be synchronous with micro-shear zone reactivation during the first phase of D1<sub>B</sub> deformation. The second phase of D2<sub>B</sub> deformation, which is a crenulation or fracture schistosity, does not significantly affect the shear deformation that controls mineralization.
文摘The finite deformation structures recorded in the Essakane area, located in the northeast corner of Burkina Faso, highlight three major compressive deformation phases, successively named D1, D2, and D3. The D1 event phase, trending NE-SW, is characterised by P1 folds and S1 axial plane schistosity. The D2 phase trending NW-SE is characterised by folds P2, schistosity (S2) and shear (C) planes. And the D3 phase trending NNE-SSW to N-S is characterised by P3 folds, crenulation microfolds and S3 spaced schistosity. It has also been noted that gold mineralizations are mainly hosted in quartz, carbonate, pyrite, and arsenopyrite veins. Structural interpretation indicates that these veins are organized into lenticular bodies that were formed during the first two deformation phases (D1 and D2). This suggests a strong structural control typical of orogenic gold concentrations.
文摘The present study aimed to determine whether natural dehydrated feed (DNF) can replace dry extruded feed while preserving the required daily intake, nutrient digestibility and benefits for immunity and antioxidant response in cats. The animals were divided into two groups of seven animals each. One group received DNF, and the other consumed commercial extruded dry feed (DCF). The experiment lasted 45 days and we measured daily consumption and collected blood and feces samples. The animals in the DNF group showed greater digestibility of fiber and mineral matter than DCF. Cats in the DNF group had a higher volume of feces. DNF cats had lower leukocyte and granulocyte counts and cholesterol levels. Serum enzymatic antioxidant responses and non-enzymatic were higher in DNF cats. Cats in the DNF group showed lower serum acute phase proteins in addition to a tendency toward a higher concentration of transferrin than in the DCF group. Fecal Escherichia coli and total coliform counts of cats fed DNF were higher than DCF. We conclude that the daily consumption of cats is adequate. This feed had greater digestibility of fiber and mineral matter, in addition to an improvement in antioxidant and immunological responses.
文摘This study aimed to determine whether adding tributyrin to the diet of lambs impacts health, energy metabolism, ruminal environment, and meat quality. Twelve lambs were used;the control group received a basal diet, while the tributyrin group received a diet with the additive mixed with concentrate (2 g/day/animal). The blood count was used for Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, which were significantly higher in tributyrin-fed animals than in controls. The activity of the enzymes adenylate kinase and pyruvate kinase was higher in the liver and intestine of the tributyrin group than the controls;cytosolic creatine kinase activity was significantly higher in the intestine of lambs fed tributyrin. Glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver was significantly higher in animals in the tributyrin group. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in the intestine, with a lower protein carbonyl concentration in the tributyrin group. Bacterial activity through ruminal fluid collection was significantly lower when tributyrin was consumed, unlike the protozoan count, which was significantly higher in animals in the tributyrin group than in the controls. Tributyrin intake caused lower levels of short-chain fatty acids without changing the proportion of volatile fatty acids. The water retention capacity measured using an external compression method was significantly higher in the meat of the tributyrin group. The treatment affected some fatty acids in the meat, these acids were separated by chromatography where a lower amount of saturated fatty acids and a higher amount of monounsaturated fatty acids in the group that consumed tributyrin. These findings suggest that tributyrin in lamb diet alters blood and rumen environment biomarkers and improves the fatty acid profile of the meat.
文摘The Pouni area is made up of basalts belonging to the Boromo belt, lamprophyres and granitoids. These geological formations are similar to geological formations of the same type in other regions of the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Leo shield. This study, which focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of these geological formations, led to the following main conclusions: The lamprophyres are basic plutonic rocks that cut through other geological formations. The basalt belongs to the northern part of the Borormo belt and is thought to be a relic of overthickened oceanic plateaus. There are two groups of granitoid rocks. The granodiorite has a geochemical signature close to that of Archean TTGs and is metaluminous in character. It has a low potassium content. The minor element and rare earth element spectra indicate that it could be derived from partial melting of basic magmatic rocks. Biotite granites are peraluminous and highly potassic. Minor element contents and rare earth spectra indicate that they could be derived from partial melting of felsic materials. Geotectonic diagrams show that the granitoids identified in the Pouni zone were emplaced in an active tectonic context, similar to that of present-day subduction zones.
文摘This study, carried out in the Léo square degree (west-central Burkina Faso) in the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Léo ridge, aims to define the shapes and positions of granitic plutons and the organisation of deformation structures using aeromagnetic data. These data have shown that there are small sub-circular granitic bodies to the north of the granitic masses in this region, and a large sub-circular granitic body to the south, around which are other smaller granitic bodies. The lineament map shows that the deformation structures are organised along three main directions and largely form these sub-circular plutonic bodies. We suggest that the granitic plutons are coalescent, pending identification of the internal structures of these granites to further refine the geodynamic model.
文摘South of Godé, in the central-western region of Burkina Faso, granitoids of Paleoproterozoic age are similar to those of the Man/Leo shield. This study focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of these granitoids, with the following results: 1) The tonalite that outcrops in the south-west of the study area belongs to the TTG group or first generation granitoids. They are most often ribboned at outcrop and have a geochemical signature close to that of Archean TTGs. Tonalite has a metaluminous character and the REE spectrum indicates that it may be derived from partial melting of basic magmatic rocks. 2) Biotite granites have no outcrop structure. They are weakly metaluminous to peraluminous and potassic to highly potassic. Their rare earth spectra indicate that they may be derived from the partial melting of TTG granitoids. 3) Geotectonic diagrams show that the granitoids studied to the south of Godé were emplaced in an active tectonic context similar to that of present-day subduction zones.
文摘Oxidized and acidic mining discharges(pH between 4 and 5)from the Perkoa zinc mine in Burkina Faso consisting of waste rock,crusher rejects and mining tailings were sampled and used for neutralization tests with calcareous dolomite(for six months).The mining discharges and the calcareous dolomite were previously characterized.Columns of 60 cm length and 15 cm diameter were used for the tests.Then,2.62 kg of calcareous dolomite was deposited on the mining discharges in each column.Two liters of deionized water are added every 15 days to each column.Samples were taken at the outlet of the columns at time intervals and then analyzed to assess the evolution of pH,electrical conductivity and contents of PHEs(Potentially Harmful Elements)over time.Following the neutralization tests on solid mining discharges,neutralization tests were also carried out on acid leachates resulting from the oxidation of these same solid mining discharges with calcareous dolomite.The results show that calcareous dolomite is very effective for the neutralization of SR(Sterile Discharges)and the precipitation of PHEs contained therein.It is also effective in buffering acidic effluents from these sterile discharges.As for other mining discharges(crusher rejects and mining residues),although calcareous dolomite is not effective in neutralizing these oxidized and acidic solid discharges,it is however effective in precipitating PHEs such as arsenic and lead.Calcareous dolomite is also effective in buffering acid leachates from these oxidized and acidic mining discharges(crusher rejects and mining tailings).
文摘This paper aims to show the relationships between hydrothermal alteration, deformation and gold mineralization in the main area of the Kiaka deposit. The Kiaka gold deposit is located in the South-central of Burkina Faso in the Tenkodogo volcano-sedimentary belt. Mineralization is primarily hosted by amphibolite, mylonitized quartz microdiorite and meta-sediment. The combination of petrographic, metallographic and geochemical analysis along with structural deformation of the ore body allowed us to distinguish the three main stages of hydrothermal alteration in the Kiaka gold deposit. (i) The first stage is characterized by ductile deformation which induces potassic- and LILE-rich alteration with crystallization of disseminated pyrrhotite. (ii) The second stage corresponds to chloritization and is associated with a brittle-ductile deformation and retrograde metamorphism. A second generation of disseminated pyrrhotite and a few pyrite and chalcopyrite crystallized during this event. Pyrrhotite also fills veins. (iii) The third alteration stage is characterized by a significant carbonation and concurrent with a brittle deformation. It is accompanied locally by a high-grade gold mineralization (up to 29 g/t).
文摘The physicochemical parameters of the soils made it possible to assess their fertility and pollution around the gold district of Poura.The 3-fraction granulometry indicates a dominance of sandy soils with a silty-sandy texture.The OM(Organic Matter)content is less than 1%,like most soils in Burkina Faso.The characterization of the fertility of the 26 composite soil samples indicates that 96.15%are of average fertility.The pollution assessment indicates that the measured pH values are between 5.5 and 8,therefore in accordance with the local reference standards in force,while the determination of the ratio of Al on the exchangeable bases and the low phosphorus contents express a very high aluminium toxicity.The electrical conductivities measured vary from 17.5 to 252μS/cm,with a threshold limit of 2μS/cm,expressing significant soil salinization.With the Pearson correlation matrix and the PC(Principal Component)analysis,the causes of pollution are attributable to the high contents of Al and exchangeable bases,linked to agricultural and mining activities.The analysis of the geological and pedological context indicates that the origin of Al and the exchangeable bases is natural,therefore pedo-geogenic,attributable to the destabilization of feldspars,ferromagnesian minerals and carbonates under supergene alteration.
