Infant malnutrition remains a major health problem in West Africa, particularly among children aged 6 months, the crucial period for dietary diversification. Faced with the predominance of imported industrial flours, which are often expensive, local populations are turning to traditional flours. To improve the nutritional quality of these flours, food fortification, recommended by bodies such as the FAO and the WFP, is commonly used. In this study, the mixture design method was used to formulate an affordable complementary flour, enriched in iron, zinc and vitamin C, from under-exploited local plant resources such as Anacardium occidentale kernel fragments and Parkia biglobosa pulp. An augmented centred mixing design with constraints was used to formulate, model and optimise the iron, zinc and vitamin C content of the infant supplement flour. Modelling of the iron content revealed a synergistically interacting cubic model with a desirability of 0.97, and an average iron content of 14.13 mg/100 g. Zinc content was estimated at 5.78 mg/100 g and modelled by a significant quadratic model. The vitamin C content was better represented by a linear model with a synergistic interaction, with a desirability of 0.97 and an average content of 117.6 mg/100 g, well above the standard of 30 mg/100 g. In conclusion, the optimisation has maximised the iron, zinc and vitamin C content of the formulation, offering an improved nutritional solution for combating infant malnutrition.
Nowadays, a small household juicer is an important and useful tool in the kitchen. Therefore, increasing its lifespan and improving its performance are crucial. A 3-D modeling of the small household fruits and vegetables juicer by using Creo 7.0 software was created in the current study. The screw, knife net and transmission shaft of a juicer were analyzed by using ANSYS 23 R1. The analysis yielded a maximum von Mises stress of 7.9343 MPa on the transmission shaft and 5.6102 MPa on the juicer screw. These findings indicate that the design effectively meets the required specifications, ensuring both functionality and durability. The validation process was developed by comparing the maximum stress values obtained from the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with the theoretical stress values calculated manually to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the simulation model. In this paper, a child-lock mechanism was added to the juicer structure to enhance safety for children. The structure ensures that the machine will stop automatically if the upper cover is opened. This innovation adds significant value to the juicer, helping it stand out in a competitive market.
This work presents the preparation of a bioadsorbent from the shells of Hyphaene Thebaica. The shells were first characterized. Analyses such as bulk density, pH at zero charge point, specific surface area (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (ATG/ATD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR) were determined. The results obtained showed that the zero charge point pH equals 6, the specific surface area value obtained by the BET method is 235 m2/g and the pore diameter is 2.132 nm. Next, tests were carried out to determine the adsorption capacities of diiodine and methylene blue. The results obtained showed a methylene blue index of 11.56 mg.g-1 and an iodine index equal to 456.84 mg.g-1. The adsorption mechanisms studied revealed that pseudo-second-order kinetics was the model that best fitted the experimental data. Finally, the effects of adsorbent mass, stirring speed and concentration were investigated using a Box-Behnken design. Optimal factors were obtained for a concentration of 100 mg/L, a mass of 0.200 g, an adsorption capacity of 5.073 mg/g, agitation of 400 rpm and a removal rate of 97.605 % with a desirability of 0.923.
Healthy, sustainable and intrusive food systems are essential to achieving global development goals, and agriculture is one of the most important levers. The agricultural sector is responsible for unsustainable levels of pollution, so a solution is needed to stem the tide. Biochar obtained by pyrolysis and digestate from anaerobic digestion of biomass were used to assess their effectiveness on several parameters of the two types of soil used a sandy soil and a cultivable soil. This study was carried out using four soil treatments: one without fertilizers, one with 100% biochar, one with 100% digestate and one with 50% biochar and 50% digestate. Physico-chemical analyses were carried out on the three different treatments every seven days for a period of twentyeight days, with prior knowledge of the control soils. The results showed that the amendments made with biochar generated a better mineral reserve with a much higher absorbance value than the other types of treatment. The treatments also had a positive effect on the pH of the treated substrates. On the other hand, a salinity level was found on the various substrates treated with digestate and biochar combined with digestate, which will have repercussions on the yields of the various crops to be developed on these types of soil.
The transition to a low-carbon economy is now imperative for the global community as a target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement ambitions. Hydrogen has been identified as an essential tool for attaining decarbonisation targets across several aspects of global energy systems. However, developing countries that themselves can be most affected by climate change are under intense pressure to hold back developing their fossil fuel-based resources in favour of renewable energy systems and, where possible, explore the production of green and low-carbon hydrogen. This work explores the implication of low-carbon hydrogen development in ensuring a just energy transition for developing countries. Through a comprehensive review of relevant materials, the work identifies what role natural gas can serve in achieving the energy transition plans of many fossil fuel-rich developing economies and how, at a larger scale, the production of blue hydrogen from natural gas can help decarbonise hard-to-abate emissions. While green hydrogen is often touted as the ultimate goal for a sustainable hydrogen economy, it faces numerous challenges. The production of green hydrogen is currently more expensive compared to blue hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This cost disparity makes it difficult for developing countries to adopt green hydrogen on a large scale, especially when they have abundant fossil fuel resources that can be utilised for blue hydrogen production. Moreover, the infrastructure for green hydrogen production and distribution is still in its nascent stages, requiring substantial investments that many developing countries may find prohibitive. In contrast, blue hydrogen can leverage existing natural gas infrastructure, making it a more feasible option in the short to medium term. In essence, while green hydrogen represents the ideal long-term solution for a low-carbon future, blue hydrogen offers a more immediate and practical pathway for developing countries to transition towards a sustainable energy system. This balanced approach ensures that these countries can contribute to global decarbonization efforts without compromising their economic development and energy security. The work aims to inform policymakers, scientists, and the public on the potential role of existing natural gas resources in critical decarbonisation points and their role in establishing a just energy transition for developing economies, while highlighting the financial and infrastructural limitations of green hydrogen adoption and calling for further research on context-specific pathways to hydrogen integration in national energy systems.
This study investigates the mechanical performance of concrete reinforced with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers obtained from waste plastic bottles, aiming to promote sustainable waste reuse in construction materials. Previous studies on PET fiber-reinforced concrete have mainly examined the influence of fiber length and content separately, without considering their combined effects on mechanical properties. In this work, the interactions between fiber length, volume fraction, and mechanical behavior were systematically analyzed using a Central Composite Design (CCD) within the framework of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Concrete incorporating recycled PET fibers was evaluated at three volume fractions (0.3%, 0.8%, and 1.3%) and three fiber lengths (20 mm, 40 mm, and 60 mm), while maintaining a constant water-to-cement ratio. Sixty specimens were tested to assess both fresh and hardened properties. The greatest loss of workability occurred in the mix containing 1.3% fibers with a length of 60 mm, corresponding to approximately a 25% reduction compared with the control. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD) identified 0.3% fiber content and 40 mm length as the optimal combination, representing the mix that simultaneously maximized both compressive (26 MPa) and tensile strengths (3 MPa) according to the predictive model.
The vector control strategy, focused on the use of impregnated mosquito nets, has clearly led to a clear reduction in the incidence of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the predominant curtains on the market, made from polyethylene and polyester treated with products from the pyrethroid and piperonyl butoxide family, have notable disadvantages. These textiles, in addition to generating undesirable dermatological repercussions (irritation and itching), prove to be non-biodegradable, thus contributing significantly to environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to produce an ecological knitted fabric based on Sida rhombifolia filament treated with Aloe vera gel, with a view to evaluating its effectiveness against insects. The retting method with stagnant fresh water was chosen to extract these fibers. We observe the appearance of peaks 2852 and 2050 after maceration of the fiber with Aloe vera gel. The disappearance of peak 1029 which indicated the stretching of the C-O-C bonds of the cellulose shows the modification of the latter. It allows us to see that the Aloe vera gel-impregnated knitted fabric washed three times does not contain the bonds of the zone: C-H between 2700 Cm-1 and 3300 Cm-1; O-H around 3500 Cm-1 for phenols and 2800 Cm-1 for carboxylic acids. It appears that for knitting to be treated with aloe vera gel, we must limit ourselves to 2 washes. In the remainder of this research, the behavior of Anopheles in the face of this ecological knitting will be assessed through the tests recommended by the WHO.
This paper assesses the feasibility of achieving hydrogen production targets within Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan (ETP), taking into account the country's abundant renewable energy resources, evolving policy landscape, and significant infrastructural and financial challenges. Using a comprehensive review of global and national energy strategies, cost estimates, and technical potentials, the study compares Nigeria's current hydrogen development status to international benchmarks. Key findings indicate that, although Nigeria possesses substantial solar, wind, and hydropower potential, along with vast natural gas reserves for green and blue hydrogen, the lack of a detailed national hydrogen policy with clear, measurable targets remains a major obstacle. Additionally, the high capital and operational costs of hydrogen technologies, combined with an overall funding gap in the broader energy transition, stress the need for strong policy frameworks, strategic infrastructure development, and focused investment in human capital. The paper concludes with recommendations for a phased, integrated strategy to unlock Nigeria's hydrogen economy. It emphasises the importance of policy clarity, risk reduction in investments, and building local capacity to meet its net-zero goals by 2060.
The construction industry remains a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, primarily due to its high consumption of non-renewable mineral resources and energy-intensive materials. In response to the growing need for sustainable alternatives, this study focuses on valorizing lignocellulosic biomass waste specifically Solid Olive Waste (SOW), a byproduct of olive oil production abundant in Mediterranean countries as a partial replacement for mineral aggregates in concrete. The main objective is to develop and evaluate an Innovative Solid Olive Waste Composite (ISOWC) as an eco-friendly material suitable for construction sector. The incorporation of SOW was optimized using the Talbot-Fuller-Thompson (T-F-T) semi-empirical method, which enabled the determination of ideal incorporation rates (10%, 20%, and 30% by aggregate volume) based on maximum packing density. Composite formulations were developed using the volumetric mix design method, incorporating both raw and water-saturated SOW. Comparative tests demonstrated that saturated SOW significantly improved the composite's compressive strength and thermal conductivity, particularly as the SOW content increased. To further assess performance, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on ISOWC with 30% saturated SOW at varying cement dosages (200-350 kg/m(3)). The formulation with 200 kg/m(3) cement achieved a compressive strength of approximately 6 MPa and thermal conductivity of 0.72 W/mK, meeting the criteria for insulating applications such as blocks and cladding panels. These results highlight the promising potential of ISOWC and support further investigation into the use of Solid Olive Waste as a full replacement for gravel in the development of eco-efficient, sand-based concretes.
Under both typical and partial shading conditions, this research seeks to assess how two maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solutions, Perturb and Observe (P&O) and fuzzy logic control (FLC), help maximize power extraction from a photovoltaic (PV) system. Applying MATLAB SIMULINK, a DC-DC converter and a PV generator were simulated to run these MPPT systems. The comparison focuses on the extracted power, the performance of each technique, and their ability to follow the global maximum power point (MPP). The simulation findings show that in standard and partial shading conditions, both P&O and fuzzy logic algorithms can effectively track the MPP. The fuzzy logic controller, however, turned out to be more accurate and efficient (>= 98% efficiency vs. P&O's 97%) with minimal power oscillation, while the P&O algorithm had a faster response time.
This study presents a comprehensive energy audit and optimization strategy for six motor-driven pumps supplying hot water to essential production circuits in a food manufacturing facility. A Level II audit was conducted to diagnose network inefficiencies, including current and voltage harmonic distortions, power factor issues, and motor load conditions. A complementary demand-side analysis was also performed to align pump operations with actual process requirements and reduce energy losses. Adopting a systems approach, the study focuses on optimizing the overall motor system rather than analyzing components in isolation. Three energy-saving measures were proposed: (i) avoiding idle operations through solenoid valves, (ii) reducing motor power consumption with variable speed drives (VSDs) to match the process-required flow rates, and (iii) optimizing heating to prevent excess water temperature and unnecessary energy consumption. These measures led to substantial energy and cost savings-specifically, annual reductions of 44,079.25 kWh of electricity and 2,921 GJ of thermal energy, equivalent to $67,187 in financial savings and a 214.38-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions. With payback periods as short as 0.7 years, the proposed actions are economically viable and practically implementable. This research contributes to filling the gap in real-world case studies on industrial energy optimization, particularly in developing countries, by demonstrating that significant savings can be achieved through simple, low-cost interventions. It thereby helps break down the barriers that prevent industries from adopting energy efficiency measures. Despite the specific industrial context, the findings are broadly applicable across sectors due to the widespread use of motor systems. Moreover, the study supports both the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering actionable insights for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the industrial sector.
Incorporating steel binding wire waste into concrete offers a sustainable solution that aligns with green construction practices. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using untreated steel binding wire (SBW) waste as a material in concrete production. This research examines the mechanical properties of concrete containing SBW as a partial replacement for sand to improve the concrete's structural performance by addressing its inherent weakness in tension. Two different shapes of SBW (powder and fiber) and three ratios of replacement of sand by SBW (10%, 15%, and 20%) were considered. The obtained results demonstrate that incorporating SBW wastes enhances the fresh concrete workability. The increasement ranged from 15% to 35% for powder and fiber of SBW, respectively compared to the ordinary concrete (OC). When fiber SBW is added, the concrete density increases from 3.62% to 5.9% for 10% and 20% of SBW, respectively compared to OC. Whereas for powder SBW incorporation, it decreases from 1.7% to 0.37% for 10% and 20%, respectively. The addition of SBW fiber improves compressive strength (CS), which increases as the replacement ratio increases by 73% and 104%, for replacement ratios of 10% and 20%, respectively. However, a low ratio of SBW powder increases the compressive strength by 49%, while higher ratio results in a decrease in CS and the gain drops to 2%. Both SBW fiber and powder addition concrete demonstrate similar behavior in tensile strength (TS) as observed in compression. The study concludes that adding up to 20% SBW fiber and less than 10% SBW powder significantly enhances the mechanical properties of concrete, providing a practical method for waste utilization and material performance improvement.
The use of huge amounts of concrete has led to an increase in the focus on High Performance Concrete (HPC). This study examined how Waste Paper Pulp Ash (WPPA) pozzolanic qualities affected HPC. WPPA was used to replace PLC at levels of 5, 10, 15 and 20%, respectively. With a characteristic strength of 50N/mm(2), the COREN Mix Design Manual was followed in the adoption of the concrete mix design. A 150 by 150 by 150 mm concrete cube was cast, and it was cured in water for 7, 28, and 56 days. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method was used to ascertain the chemical composition of the WPPA. For fresh concrete, tests for compacting factor and slump were performed; for hardened concrete, tests for density and compressive strength were performed. The concrete gets less workable (stiff) as the proportion increases, according to the workability data. The compressive strength results at 56 days revealed that 5% of WPPA exceeded the 56.56N/mm(2) design target mean strength, 10% of WPPA met the 50N/mm(2) designed target mean strength, and 15% and 20% of WPPA fell short of both the designed target mean strength and characteristic strength. SEM analysis showed that up to 5% WPPA maintains a dense microstructure and high strength in concrete, while higher WPPA levels result in increased porosity and reduced mechanical performance. In comparison to traditional HPC, 5% WPPA replacement of PLC would result in concrete that is stronger after a longer curing period.
