Growth In Niger Research Articles

Applicability of non-invasive and live-cell holotomographic imaging on fungi

The ability to acquire three-dimensional (3D) information of cellular structures without the need for fluorescent tags or staining makes holotomographic imaging a powerful tool in cellular biology. It provides valuable insights by measuring the refractive index (RI), an optical parameter describing the phase delay of light that passes through the living cell.Here, we demonstrate holotomographic imaging on industrial relevant ascomycete fungi and study their development and morphogenesis. This includes conidial germination, subcellular dynamics, and cytoplasmic flow during hyphal growth in Aspergillus niger. In addition, growth and budding of Aureobasidium pullulans cells are captured using holotomographic microscopy. Coupled to fluorescence imaging, lipid droplets, vacuoles, the mitochondrial network, and nuclei are targeted and analyzed in the 3D RI reconstructed images. While lipid droplets and vacuoles can be assigned to a specific RI pattern, mitochondria and nuclei were not pronounced. We show, that the lower sensitivity of RI measurements derives from the fungal cell wall that acts as an additional barrier for the illumination light of the microscope. After cell wall digest of hyphae and protoplast formation of A. niger expressing GFP-tagged histone H2A, location of nuclei could be determined by non-invasive RI measurements. Furthermore, we used coupled fluorescence microscopy to observe migration of nuclei in unperturbed hyphal segments and duplication during growth on a single-cell level. Detailed micromorphological studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Trichoderma reesei are challenging due to cell size restrictions.Overall, holotomography opens up new avenues for exploring dynamic cellular processes in real time and enables the visualization of fungi from a new perspective.

Occurrences, distribution and risk assessment of polar pesticides in Niger River valley and its tributary the Mekrou River (Niger Republic).

The increase in food needs due to high population growth in Niger has led to the intensification of urban agriculture and the increased use of pesticides. The objective of this study is primarily to assess the polar pesticide contamination (mainly herbicides) of the Niger River and its tributary, the Mekrou River, in Niger, using both grab sampling and POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers), and then to evaluate the risk to the aquatic environment. Two water sampling campaigns were carried out during the wet and dry seasons. The polar pesticides were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, which allowed the identification of compounds with concentrations in the grab samples above the WHO guide values and the EU directive: diuron with 2221ng/L (EU quality guideline: 200ng/L), atrazine with 742ng/L (EU quality guideline: 600ng/L) and acetochlor with 238ng/L (EU quality guideline: 100ng/L). The risk assessment study indicated that diuron and atrazine present a high risk for the aquatic environment during the wet season. The main source of water contamination is the intensive use of pesticides in urban agriculture near the city of Niamey, and the intensive cotton farming in the Benin. Moreover, the surveys (30 producers interviewed) showed that 70% of the pesticides used are not approved by the Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and some are prohibited in Niger. The inventory of pesticides sold in the zone showed that active ingredients used by producers are 48% insecticides, 45% herbicides, and 7% fungicides.

Application of Ceres-Millet model of DSSAT for simulating millet varieties under different sowing windows in Niger

ABSTRACT Choosing an appropriate variety and planting date could help farmers increase the recurrent low pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) yields recorded in Niger. Field experiments were conducted at the National Agricultural Research Institute of Niger (N’Dounga) during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons to evaluate the performance of the CERES-Millet model in simulating the growth and yield of pearl millet varieties. Treatments consisted of two sowing windows (late June and mid-July) and four varieties (HKP, ZATIB, CIVT, and H80-10 GR) arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Sowing dates were allocated to the main plots, whereas varieties were assigned to the subplots. The data collected on days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, grain yield, and above-ground biomass during 2016 and 2017 were used to calibrate and evaluate the CERES-Millet model for simulating sowing windows. The model was used to simulate the long-term effects of different sowing windows using long-term historical weather data from 1983 to 2017 in Kollo. The results for model calibration showed that simulated growth and yield of millet were in good agreement with their corresponding observed values. The d-index was 0.99 for days to anthesis, 0.97 for days to physiological maturity, 0.93 for grain yield, and 0.79 for above-ground biomass. The results for both calibration and evaluation showed that normalized root mean square errors were less than 10%. The values of the d-index were also within the acceptable range for all the parameters. Therefore, the CERES-Millet model was robust enough to successfully simulate millet growth and yield in Niger. Seasonal analysis revealed that sowing should be done from early June to mid-June for ZATIB and H80-10 GR varieties. However, it should be done from early June to late June for CIVT and from mid-June to early July for HKP.

Effect of Mass Azithromycin Distributions on Childhood Growth in Niger

Mass azithromycin distributions may decrease childhood mortality, although the causal pathway is unclear. The potential for antibiotics to function as growth promoters may explain some of the mortality benefit. To investigate whether biannual mass azithromycin distributions are associated with increased childhood growth. This cluster-randomized trial was performed from December 2014 until March 2020 among 30 rural communities in Boboye and Loga departments in Niger, Africa, with populations from 200 to 2000 individuals. Communities were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to biannual mass distributions of azithromycin or placebo for children ages 1 to 59 months. Participants, field-workers, and study personnel were masked to treatment allocation. Height and weight changes from baseline to follow-up at 4 years were compared between groups. Data were analyzed from June through November 2021. Participants received azithromycin at 20 mg/kg using height-based approximation or by weight for children unable to stand every 6 months at the participants' households. Placebo contained the vehicle of the azithromycin suspension. Longitudinal anthropometric assessments were performed on a random sample of children before the first treatment and then annually for 5 years. Height and weight were the prespecified primary outcomes. Among 3936 children enrolled from 30 communities, baseline characteristics were similar between 1299 children in the azithromycin group and 2637 children in the placebo group (mean 48.2% [95% CI, 45.5% to 50.8%] girls vs 48.0% [95% CI, 45.7% to 50.3%] girls; mean age, 30.8 months [95% CI, 29.5 to 32.0 months] vs 30.6 months [95% CI, 29.2 to 31.6 months]). Baseline anthropometric assessments were performed among 2230 children, including 985 children in the azithromycin group and 1245 children in the placebo group, of whom follow-up measurements were available for 789 children (80.1%) and 1063 children (85.4%), respectively. At the prespecified 4-year follow-up visit, children in the azithromycin group gained a mean 6.7 cm (95% CI, 6.5 to 6.8 cm) in height and 1.7 kg (95% CI, 1.7 to 1.8 kg) in weight per year and children in the placebo group gained a mean 6.6 cm (95% CI, 6.4 to 6.7 cm) in height and 1.7 kg (95% CI, 1.7 to 1.8 kg) in weight per year. Height at 4 years was not statistically significantly different between groups when adjusted for baseline height (0.08 cm [95% CI, -0.12 to 0.28 cm] greater in the azithromycin group; P = .45), and neither was weight when adjusted for height and baseline weight (0.02 kg [95% CI, -0.10 to 0.06 kg] less in the azithromycin group; P = .64). However, among children in the shortest quartile of baseline height, azithromycin was associated with a 0.4 cm (95% CI, 0.1 to 0.7 cm) increase in height compared with placebo. This study did not find evidence of an association between mass azithromycin distributions and childhood growth, although subgroup analysis suggested some benefit for the shortest children. These findings suggest that the mortality benefit of mass azithromycin distributions is unlikely to be due solely to growth promotion. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02048007.

Remittances and Economic Growth in Niger: An Error Correction Mechanism Approach

Abstract Migration has for a long time been a significant source of revenue for a huge number of persons in the Republic of Niger. In order to improve their families living condition, a great number of young people in Niger follow the migration path. In 2019, a total of 293 million U.S. dollars has been sent by migrants to their family members in Niger (World Bank, 2019), that is 3% of Niger GDP. The study used various time series econometric techniques including unit root test, Engle-Granger cointegration test, vector equilibrium correction method and some diagnostic tests on the residuals to inspect the connection between remittances and economic growth in Niger. The empirical results showed that there is the existence of a long run relationship between remittances and economic growth in Niger. The error correction term’s coefficient shows that about 51.62% of the discrepancy between long run and short run is corrected with a yearly data suggesting an acceptable rate of adjustment to equilibrium. Also, in the short run ceteris paribus a 10% increase in the remittances would lead to 2.03% increase in Niger Gross Domestic Product.

Remittance in Niger: effects on economic growth and on migrants’ left behind

Abstract Remittances have long been an important source of revenue for many people in the Republic of Niger. In order to fight poverty, young people choose to migrate. In 2019, a total of 293 million U.S. dollars was sent by migrants to their relatives in Niger; that is 3% of Niger Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of remittances on economic growth in Niger and the significance of its contribution in improving the living condition of migrants’ left behind families. The study applies a three-step econometric procedure followed by a survey on the usage of the remittances in the city of Tahoua (Republic of Niger). The study also performed some tests on the residuals for the accuracy of the prediction of the model. The empirical results showed no long run relationship between remittances, economic growth and gross fixed capital formation in Niger. However, in the short-run, the study revealed the existence of causal effect between remittances and economic growth. On the other hand, the results of the conducted survey in the city of Tahoua showed that 45.7% of the received remittance is used in food expenditure, 19.3% in education expenditure, 10.36% in health expenditure and 5.4% is allocated to house rent. The survey also revealed the importance of the remittances for the left behind. It indicates that 14% of the respondent left behind wish to see another family member engage in migration.

External Debt and Economic Growth in Niger: a Vector Autoregression and Variance Decomposition Analysis

Abstract In the quest for quick economic development, many Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries borrow money to finance their budget deficits and vital infrastructure. Niger has seen its external debt increase year after year without really reaching economic development. This study uses a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to investigate the relation linking external debt and economic growth in Niger and variance decomposition forecast to verify if there is any significant impact from shocks for a period of 5 years in the future. The study utilises time series yearly data provided by the World Bank for the period covering 1970–2019. The empirical results reveal no long-run relationship between economic growth, external debt and government spending in Niger. The results also indicated that, on average ceteris paribus, the past realisation of economic growth is related to an increase of 97.75 % in economic growth, while the past realisation of external debt and government spending is associated with an increase of 83.77 % and 79.70 % in external debt and government spending, respectively. The results furthermore show that economic growth has a statistically significant causal effect on government spending in the short term. One percentage increase in economic growth accounts for an increase of 35.28 % in government spending on average ceteris paribus. The variance decomposition forecast reveals that economic growth has a significant influence on predicting government spending in the future.

Public Debt and Economic Growth in Niger: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to examine the existence or not of a long run or a short run relationship between public debt and economic in Niger and investigate the significance of this relationship. Approach/Methodology/Design: The study first applied time series econometrics tests such as Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Bound cointegration test and Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) on annual data obtained from the International monetary fund (IMF) and the West African States Central Bank (BCEAO). The observations cover the period from 1970 to 2019. The study then performed some residual tests including serial correlation, normality and heteroskedasticity for the accuracy of the prediction of the model. Findings: The empirical results showed no long run relationship between public debt and economic growth in Niger. The short run analysis revealed that public debt and budget balance have short run causal effects on economic growth in Niger. The coefficients are significant at 10% significance level. Practical Implications: This article gives valuable information to Niger policy makers regarding the effects of public debt on Niger economic growth. The article highlights the effects that public debt has on economic growth in Niger in the short and long run. Therefore helping policy makers decide whether to increase or reduce the borrowing trend. Originality/value: The results of the paper give valuable information on the relationship that public debt may have with economic growth in Sub Saharan African countries with the similar macroeconomic indicators with Niger.

A Causal Relationship Between Trade, Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Niger

Abstract Foreign direct investment and Trade were regarded as an important elements in enhancing economic development. This study used some time series econometric tests including the Augmented Dickey – Fuller (ADF) unit root test developed by Dickey – Fuller, stationary test developed by Kwiatkowski-Philips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS), Johansen co-integration test and Granger causality test to analyse the connection between foreign direct investment, trade and economic growth in Niger. The tests results showed a bilateral relationship between trade and economic growth and a unidirectional causal relationship between trade and foreign direct investment with direction from trade to foreign direct investment. The long run effect tests revealed that trade has a positive effect on economic growth while foreign direct investment has a negative effect on economic growth in Niger. On average, ceteris paribus, the coefficients are statistically significant at 5% level.

Conditional Expression of the Small GTPase ArfA Impacts Secretion, Morphology, Growth, and Actin Ring Position in Aspergillus niger.

In filamentous fungi, growth and protein secretion occurs predominantly at the tip of long, thread like cells termed hyphae. This requires coordinated regulation of multiple processes, including vesicle trafficking, exocytosis, and endocytosis, which are facilitated by a complex cytoskeletal apparatus. In this study, functional analyses of the small GTPase ArfA from Aspergillus niger demonstrate that this protein functionally complements the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ARF1/2, and that this protein is essential for A. niger. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function analyses demonstrate that titration of arfA expression impacts hyphal growth rate, hyphal tip morphology, and protein secretion. Moreover, localization of the endocytic machinery, visualized via fluorescent tagging of the actin ring, was found to be abnormal in ArfA under- and overexpressed conditions. Finally, we provide evidence that the major secreted protein GlaA localizes at septal junctions, indicating that secretion in A. niger may occur at these loci, and that this process is likely impacted by arfA expression levels. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ArfA fulfills multiple functions in the secretory pathway of A. niger.

Capital flows and economic growth revisited: evidence from five Sub-Saharan African countries

ABSTRACTThe study examines the differential effects of capital flows on economic growth in five Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 1970–2014. Using the autoregressive distributed lag methodology, the findings show that in the long-run capital flows (i.e. foreign direct investment (FDI), aid, external debt, and remittances) have different effects on economic growth. FDI has a significant positive effect in Burkina Faso and negative effects in Gabon and Niger whereas the impact of debt is negative in all countries. Aid, however, promotes growth in Niger and Gabon whiles it deters growth in Ghana. Remittances, on the other hand, have a significant positive effect in Senegal. Finally, gross capital formation is significant in most of the countries and the impact of trade is mixed. These results suggest that the benefits of capital flows in SSA have been overemphasized.

Variation in fuelwood properties and correlations of fuelwood properties with wood density and growth in five tree and shrub species in Niger

Information about variation and correlations of fuelwood properties and growth is needed in order to recommend species and sites for fuelwood production in a changing climate in Africa. We investigated the effects of site variables (land use, soil, terrain), geographical coordinates, and mean annual rainfall on fuelwood properties (volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, moisture content, gross calorific value, gross calorific value per cubic metre, and fuel value index) of Combretum glutinosum Perr., Combretum micranthum G. Don., Combretum nigricans Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr., Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel., and Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst. and correlations of fuelwood properties with wood density and growth (height, stem diameter, and ring width) in Niger. We hypothesized that wood density, fixed carbon, and gross calorific value were positively correlated with one another and that fixed carbon and gross calorific value were positively correlated with growth. Most effects of site variables, geographical coordinates, and mean annual rainfall on fuelwood properties differed among species. Fuel value index was greater on rocky soils than on sandy soils. Wood moisture content of three species was greater in drier locations than in more humid ones. Correlations of fuelwood properties with wood density and growth differed among species. Based on this and previous research, we recommend parkland agroforests and sites with rocky soils and higher mean annual rainfall for fuelwood production.

The impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Niger

The impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Niger

Empirical Analysis of the Nexus between Saving and Economic Growth in Selected African Countries (1981–2014)

This empirical study investigates the direction of causality between gross domestic saving and economic growth among the six sub-Saharan African fastest growing economies as reported by African Development Bank between 1981 and 2014 using the recently developed methodologies of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and the Toda and Yamamoto causality test. The result shows the existence of unidirectional causality running from economic growth to gross domestic saving for Ghana and Burkina Faso, while gross domestic saving Granger causes economic growth in Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone, indicating a unidirectional causality. However, no causality is recorded for Nigeria. The empirical study, therefore, concludes that the direction of causality is mixed and country-specific among the sub-Saharan African fastest growing economies.

Natural resource revenue, spending strategies and economic growth in Niger

In this paper, we use a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to examine spending strategies in Niger, a resource-rich, low-income country that has a windfall gain from mineral export revenue. The recent literature on Dutch disease describes alternative policy rules to manage the income flow from the expected natural resource revenue, which can either be spent to raise immediate consumption or on public infrastructure to increase future productivity. We simulate four strategies. As a conservative strategy, Niger can spend only the interest earned on revenue in a sovereign wealth fund (bird-in-hand strategy); alternatively, it can borrow to spend now and repay with expected natural resource revenue. The key to the benefits of significant mineral revenue lies with the productivity and supply responses of spending. If significant output gain is assured, the different spending strategies have very similar effects on real consumption. Dutch disease, the overshooting of relative prices of non-tradable sector or the shrinking share of traded sectors in the economy, is also ameliorated with greater supply flexibility. Growth paths of alternative spending strategies differ markedly in timing and pattern, however, when spending does not raise productivity. The more aggressive spending plan may result in a boom–bust cycle if fiscal adjustments and debt repayments are necessary for any significant borrowing against future revenue and productivity gains are not realized.

Effects of Three Volatile Oxylipins on Colony Development in Two Species of Fungi and on Drosophila Larval Metamorphosis.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of three volatile oxylipins on colony development in two fungi and on Drosophila larval metamorphosis. Using an airborne exposure technique, three common and volatile oxylipins (1-octen-3-ol, (E)-2-hexenal, and 1-hexanol) were compared for their effects on spore germination and colony growth in Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum, as well as for their effects on the morphogenesis of larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. Conidia of both A. niger and P. chrysogenum plated in the presence of low concentrations (50ppm) of these three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) formed fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) and exhibited reduced radial growth of colonies as compared to controls. When A. niger and P. chrysogenum spores were germinated in the presence of the enantiomers of 1-octen-3-ol, (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol had the greatest impact on colony morphology (decreased sporulation and colony diameter), while (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol and the racemic form yielded similar morphological changes but to a lesser extent. In addition, Drosophila larvae exposed to vapors of these oxylipins exhibited serious delays in metamorphosis and toxic effects on pupae and adult stages. Low concentration of these three VOCs can significantly inhibit the formation of CFUs and the growth of fungi. (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol imposed the greatest impact on fungal morphology compared to (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol and the racemic form. The three volatile oxylipins could also delay the metamorphosis of Drosophila and impose toxic effects on its pupae and adult stages.

Foreign Capital Flow in Niger: An Assessment of Impact Using System Equation Method

Capital inflow is an important factor for a country’s economy. In this paper our main purpose is to investigate or to assess if the capital from abroad has a significant impact on economic growth in Niger. Our analysis takes data from 1980 to 2012 into consideration by using system equation method or the concept of cointegration and the vector error correction Model of GDP Growth Rate (GDPGR), Development Assistance (DASSIS), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Migrants’ Remittance (MIGREMIT), Real Exchange Rate (REEXR) and Domestic Investment (DOMINV). We pay a particular attention on the impact of Development Assistance, Foreign Direct Investment, and Migrants’ Remittance. The result of analysis shows an insignificant impact of Development Assistance (DASSIS), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), on the growth in contrast with our expectation. Migrants’ Remittance on his side has a significant relation on GDP performance.

Does mass azithromycin distribution impact child growth and nutrition in Niger? A cluster-randomized trial.

BackgroundAntibiotic use on animals demonstrates improved growth regardless of whether or not there is clinical evidence of infectious disease. Antibiotics used for trachoma control may play an unintended benefit of improving child growth.MethodologyIn this sub-study of a larger randomized controlled trial, we assess anthropometry of pre-school children in a community-randomized trial of mass oral azithromycin distributions for trachoma in Niger. We measured height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in 12 communities randomized to receive annual mass azithromycin treatment of everyone versus 12 communities randomized to receive biannual mass azithromycin treatments for children, 3 years after the initial mass treatment. We collected measurements in 1,034 children aged 6–60 months of age.Principal FindingsWe found no difference in the prevalence of wasting among children in the 12 annually treated communities that received three mass azithromycin distributions compared to the 12 biannually treated communities that received six mass azithromycin distributions (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.53 to 1.49).Conclusions/SignificanceWe were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in stunting, underweight, and low MUAC of pre-school children in communities randomized to annual mass azithromycin treatment or biannual mass azithromycin treatment. The role of antibiotics on child growth and nutrition remains unclear, but larger studies and longitudinal trials may help determine any association.

Does Trade Openness Matter for Economic Growth in Niger?

The trade openness is one of the most important determinants of a country’s relative level of economic health. It plays a vital role for most free market economies in the world. This research is an attempt to investigate, particularly, the impact of the trade openness on the economic growth in Niger; and generally, the relationship between all the variables under study. Four (4) variables namely real economic growth rate represented by real gross domestic product growth rate (GDPGR), trade openness (TRDOP), real exchange rate (REEXR) and foreign direct investment (FDI) have been considered in the model. The paper used time series data covering the period from 1980 to 2013 as well as time series methods for the econometric analyses. The results show that there exists a long term relationship between all the variables; the independent variables affects the economic growth in the short-run; only the trade openness and the real exchange rate influence economic growth unidirectionally; except foreign direct investment (FDI), all the variables have explanatory power on economic growth in Niger. The implication of this study is that the trade openness has been efficient to spur the economic growth in Niger over the period of study. Therefore, it is a key indicator which the government should care about.

A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of Mass Azithromycin Treatment on Growth and Nutrition in Niger

Antimicrobials are used primarily to treat infectious disease, but they have other effects. Here, we assess anthropometry measurements in children 6–60 months in 24 communities randomized to one or two mass azithromycin distributions over a 1-year period in Niger. We compared the prevalence of wasting, low mid-upper arm circumference, stunting, and underweight in communities in the two treatment arms. We were unable to prove that there was a difference in the prevalence of wasting in the 12 communities that received one mass azithromycin distribution versus the 12 communities that received two mass azithromycin distributions (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.46–1.23). Likewise, we were unable to detect a difference in the two treatment arms for low mid-upper arm circumference, stunting, and underweight. There may not be an association between antibiotic use and improved growth in humans, or this trial was not powerful enough to detect an association if it exists.