University of Lubumbashi

Monopisthocotylan parasites have been proposed as tags for studying host population structure due to their direct life cycles and short generation times. However, their effectiveness in reflecting host population connectivity remains under scrutiny. The poorly-understood connectivity of fisheries stocks in Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world with a permanently stratified, relatively species-poor and well-delimited pelagic zone, serves as a case-study to test utility of parasites for fish stock identification. This study investigates the population structure of two Kapentagyrus species parasitizing dorosomatid fish in Lake Tanganyika, by analyzing variation in mitochondrial protein-coding genes across a geographic gradient. The study comprised 12 population genomic datasets from the central and southern subbasins of the lake sampled within the same week to account for host migration. We observed differences in geographic population structure of the two parasite species, with restricted gene flow in Kapentagyrus limnotrissae infecting a single dorosomatid species and smaller hosts preferring the littoral zone. Conversely, K. tanganicanus exhibited no geographical structure, reflecting its broader host range and preference for larger hosts preferring the pelagic zone. The results also highlight that other mitochondrial genes such as those from the dehydrogenase family or atp6 provide higher resolution for population genetic studies in these parasites than the frequently used cox1. The study also compared two sequencing strategies—individual versus pooled sequencing (PoolSeq)—for assessing population structure of monopisthocotylan parasites, and found that PoolSeq yielded similar results with lower demands on individual DNA quantity and sequencing costs. This work supports the use of host-specific, directly transmitted parasites as ecosystem tags and provides valuable insights into the role of host ecology and parasite life-history traits in shaping population dynamics.

In the context of accelerating environmental degradation, human-nature relationships have gained renewed attention. In and around protected areas, these relationships are marked by contestation, war and conflict. This study explores the relationships between residents of Kisandji Village, near Upemba National Park (UNP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the natural resources they depend on. Using mixed participatory methods, we examined resource use and perceptions of conservation versus livelihoods. Residents emphasized provisioning services as essential to daily needs, identity and security. This dependence, alongside institutional and historical constraints and threats of extractive activities, has shaped a feeling of exclusion and precarity. While some view UNP as limiting their livelihoods, others support conservation when it includes participatory management and acknowledges local needs. The findings highlight that the need for inclusive conservation strategies that align ecological goals with community priorities is even more crucial when other drivers of extractive activities threaten.

Reliable fault diagnosis is essential for condition monitoring of rotating machinery, yet the scarcity of experimental data often limits the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms. A promising approach lies in constructing hybrid datasets that combine experimental and numerical data. However, if performed arbitrarily, such hybridization may degrade diagnostic reliability. This study proposes a systematic methodology for building hybrid databases for ball bearing fault diagnosis across multiple fault severities and varying operating conditions. The methodology is evaluated along three complementary axes: (i) single-condition performance, (ii) expandability to a wide range of speeds through the identification of a reliable variation range, and (iii) transferability of calibration parameters to neighboring regime operating conditions. Both homogeneous (quantitative enrichment) and heterogeneous (qualitative enrichment with unseen fault labels) hybridizations are investigated. Results demonstrate that even a small experimental fraction (approximate to 10%) substantially enhances classification accuracy compared with purely numerical models, while stable performance (>90%) is achieved from about 30% of experimental data. In multi-speed scenarios, hybridization maintains generalization provided sufficient experimental anchoring, though the reliable range remains narrow and asymmetric. In heterogeneous configurations, high accuracy is preserved even with a single EC, as numerical enrichment effectively compensates for missing severities, provided the enrichment is balanced with the operating range.

The present study examines the possibility of producing activated carbon (AC) from Tithonia diversifolia suitable for purifying and decolorizing common food liquids. T. diversifolia was subjected to chemical activation with H2SO4, followed by pyrolysis at 650 degrees C for 30, 45, and 60 min, resulting in three distinct samples (CA30, CA45, and CA60). The samples were characterized by physicochemical parameters (iodine value, methylene blue value, carbonization yield, moisture content, ash content, fat content, and pH), and their adsorptive performance was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed that the yield decreased with the carbonization time (from 30.8% to 16.3%), whereas the specific surface area and iodine value increased, reaching 605 m2/g and 761 mg/g. In conclusion, T. diversifolia proves to be a promising biomass to produce AC and efficient alternative to commercial adsorbents in the field of food liquid purification.

Cd is a ubiquitous and toxic heavy metal, characterized by environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, which presents high risks to agricultural production and human health. In this review, natural countermeasures against Cd toxicity are systematically categorized into inorganic substances, active natural products, and microorganisms. We discuss these compounds as protectants and the shared and distinct mechanisms by which they reduce metal toxicity, including competitive uptake, chelation, antioxidant enhancement, and gene regulation. A comprehensive review of studies published in recent years highlights the great influence on protective efficacy by compound-specific mechanisms, including the role of essential metals in competitive uptake and induction of particular antioxidant pathways through phyto-chemical exposure. Despite this, major knowledge gaps are still left to be filled, especially concerning the combined impact of treatments and their performances under field conditions or long-term sustainability. The aim of the present study is to explain the mechanisms for their protective effects, and these results offer an overview to contribute to developing environmentally friendly methods for Cd phytoremediation. This literature review comprehensively summarizes the up-to-date comprehension of natural protection against Cd, and will provide an insight for the subsequent investigations on the practical applications in agriculture, environmental treatment, and public health to ensure food system safety and land reduction of pollutants from the contaminated environment.