bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earthquake and Tourism Destination Resilience from the Perspective of Regional Economic Resilience
Authors: Xu Qian , Zhu Guodong , Qu Zongxi , Ma Guoqiang
Published: May 2023

With the increasing uncertainty and complexity of disasters, the tourism industry in disaster-stricken areas is often hard hit, so it is urgent to improve the resilience of the tourism industry. Based on the perspective of regional economic resilience, this study takes Wenchuan earthquake as an example to explore the theoretical framework, research ideas and methods of tourist destination resilience. The industry policy should be included in the resilience construction to theoretically respond to the reasons for the improvement of the resilience and sustainability of tourism industry in the post-disaster recovery. Taking Sichuan tourism as the research object, this paper estimated the impact of Wenchuan earthquake on Sichuan tourism and the effect of industrial policies on the resilience of the tourism industry in the post-disaster recovery. The results show that the total revenue loss of Sichuan tourism industry brought by Wenchuan earthquake is 87.298 billion yuan, and the post-disaster recovery window period is 7 years (2008–2014). After the earthquake, the industrial policy measures taken have effectively improved the resilience of Sichuan’s tourism industry, making it reach the level that it would have been before the earthquake and assuming that there had been no earthquake.
An Integrated Location–Scheduling–Routing Framework for a Smart Municipal Solid Waste System
Authors: Hashemi-Amiri Omid , Ji Ran , Tian Kuo
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, the explosion of the waste generation rate and corresponding environmental impacts worldwide have turned waste management into one of the most vital services in urban areas to alleviate the waste-related issues. In this study, a novel integrated model is developed to improve the municipal solid waste system by considering the facility location, shift scheduling, and vehicle routing decisions. The problem is formulated as a tri-objective mixed-integer linear programming model, striving to optimize the sustainable development goals in the waste system. These objectives encompass the total profit, air pollution emissions, citizen satisfaction, and social risk factors. The findings from this study illustrate that the proposed integrated framework empowers decision makers to maintain the resilience of the municipal solid waste system by concurrently addressing three critical sustainability aspects.
Impact of Corporate Governance on Firms’ Environmental Performance: Case Study of Environmental Sustainability-Based Business Scenarios
Authors: Irshad Ateeq ur Rehman , Safdar Nabeel , Younas Zahid Irshad , Manzoor Wajiha
Published: May 2023

Environmental performance is a key aspect of business for both shareholders and stakeholders. However, it is necessary to examine whether current practices in corporate governance protect the key interests of shareholders and environmental stakeholders. This study examines how corporate governance affects a company’s sustainability and environmental performance. The study takes a novel approach by dividing businesses into three categories based on various business scenarios for environmental sustainability and evaluating the effect of corporate governance on each scenario in businesses. According to the study, corporate governance is a relative phenomenon whose effectiveness depends on assumptions about how long a company can continue operating under its current environmental conditions. Empirical results show that corporate governance is only effective in business-as-usual environmentally sustainable or highly environmentally sustainable scenarios.
The Future of Fisheries Co-Management in the Context of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Green Deal: There Is No Green without Blue
Authors: Kyvelou Stella Sofia , Ierapetritis Dimitrios G. , Chiotinis Michalis
Published: May 2023

Appropriate governance structures are extremely important for fishery-dependent communities in developing integrated territorial development strategies and an adaptive capacity for change, including a climate one. This paper assesses to what extent fishery co-management schemes (e.g., fishery LAGs, being regional/local governance instruments in fishing communities) are strengthening sustainability. The latter includes improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources (RES), coping with the climate crisis, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting a sustainable blue economy. For detecting the policy aspects of aligning climate neutrality and a sustainable blue economy, the research lens focuses on the Greek Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), given that these are mostly located in coastal/marine and insular territories with significant blue growth potential. To map and assess their capacity and efficiency in pursuing Green Deal objectives, a co-development process with FLAG managers was put in place. The results and findings of this process reveal the scarcity of sustainability and blue-economy-related strategies. The key conclusion is that a transition to a post-carbon blue economy on a local level requires an understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of fishery co-management schemes. The latter, being multi-sectoral structures, may boost dialogue and cooperation to harmonize local development strategies and EU policies. Maritime spatial planning (MSP), as an evolutionary governance process itself, can be a driver for making FLAGs evolve and strengthen commonization, blue justice, and equity for fishers.
Correction: Jurj et al. Towards Safe and Sustainable Autonomous Vehicles Using Environmentally-Friendly Criticality Metrics. Sustainability 2022, 14, 6988
Authors: Jurj Sorin Liviu , Werner Tino , Grundt Dominik , Hagemann Willem , Möhlmann Eike
Published: May 2023

The authors would like to make the following corrections to a published paper [...]
Study on Secondary Brine Drainage and Sand Control Technology of Salt Cavern Gas Storage
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Kun , Li Jun , Luo Yang , Ran Li-Na , Sheng Lian-Qi , Yao Er-Dong
Published: May 2023

Geological conditions of salt cavern gas storage in China are characterized by dominantly layered salt layers with a high content of insoluble mudstone. After the water leaching of the salt layer, a large amount of sediment accumulates at the bottom of the gas storage cavity. During the gas injection process, only the clean brine above the sediment can be expelled, leaving a brine layer of 2–5 m and a large amount of brine in the pore space of the sediment. To increase storage capacity, it is urgent to explore the secondary gas injection and brine drainage technology to further expel residual brine in pores of the sediment at the cavern bottom. The sediment is relatively loosely packed and is composed of mudstone particles, which easily migrate and block the brine withdrawal pipe. In this paper, firstly, the mineral composition, particle size and distribution characteristics of the sediment at the bottom of the salt cavern are fully understood by XRD and sieve analysis methods. Then, a lab simulation device suitable for secondary gas injection and brine drainage of a high-salinity salt cavern with a diameter and height of 25 cm was designed and built. A screen sand control experiment, a gravel pack artificial wall sand control experiment and chemical cementing sand were simulated. The effects of gas injection, brine drainage pressure, brine layer height and insoluble particle size on sand production and liquid drainage were studied. The influence factors of brine withdrawal on the sand control in secondary brine drainage were intensively investigated, and finally, the gravel pack artificial wall sand control technology system was recommended. The optimal construction parameters for secondary brine discharge are recommended as follows: Under the condition of gravel packing with the same particle size, the trend of sand content with different artificial wall thicknesses is not obvious, and a 2 cm wall thickness is the best in the overall experiment, corresponding to 28 cm in the field. The larger the particle size of the gravel pack, the better the sand control, and the best gravel size is 10–20 mesh. The injection pressure should be as low as possible.
Demystifying the Relationship between Restaurant Innovativeness, Customer Engagement, and Customer Willingness to Pay a Higher Price
Authors: Thomas George
Published: May 2023

Despite consistent investment in innovation by the hospitality industry, it remains unclear how a restaurant’s innovativeness influences customers’ willingness to pay a higher price. Moreover, the role of customer engagement in enhancing prices in upscale restaurants is not well known. Correspondingly, the aim of this study is to establish a research model that illustrates the relationships between customers’ perceptions of a restaurant’s innovativeness (CPRI), customer engagement, and customer willingness to pay a higher price (WPHP) in upscale restaurants. The study also examines whether the impact of restaurant innovativeness and customer engagement on customer WPHP is moderated by boundary conditions of gender. Data were obtained through a questionnaire survey administered to 322 customers across multiple high-end restaurants located in the capital city of India, New Delhi. The results reveal that CPRI and customer engagement are important drivers of customers’ WPHP for upscale restaurant customers in India. Additionally, CPRI was found to have a positive effect on customer engagement. The results further indicate that gender moderates the effect with respect to the observed relationships. This study expands the theoretical foundation of these constructs and offers promising marketing strategies to create differentiation and enhance firm value.
Rethinking the External Space of Japanese Public Libraries from the Perspective of Urban Sustainability in a Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Zang Tongguang , Jiang Jun , Ikebe Konomi , Kinoshita Takeshi
Published: May 2023

In the post-pandemic era, cities are facing new demands and challenges. Both telecommuting and dense development require communities to provide more public space to meet people’s psychological and physical needs. The insufficient space currently left in the city calls for stock development. The Japanese public libraries affected by COVID-19 are part of this stock. We aimed to determine and propose strategies for using the external space of libraries to enhance the sustainability of cities. Ultimately, we expect to achieve a synergy between public libraries and cities in terms of sustainability. We found that the most dominant element in the exterior space of Japanese public libraries is parking lots, which have the potential to be flexibly utilized in the post-pandemic era. We also summarized the current patterns of external space for public libraries in Japan. Finally, we proposed six strategies to enhance the sustainability of libraries and cities. These strategies can simultaneously enhance the sustainability of cities and public libraries from multiple perspectives, especially in the post-pandemic era. Our proposal will not only help to build or renew public libraries in the future, but also fills a gap in the urban perspective of Japanese public libraries and their external spaces.
Will Climate Change Affect the Attractiveness of Beaches? Beach Users’ Perceptions in Catalonia (NW Mediterranean)
Authors: Bombana Briana , Santos-Lacueva Raquel , Saladié Òscar
Published: May 2023

Considering climate is a key resource for tourism, we investigated beach users’ profiles and their perceptions regarding three acknowledged effects of climate change (CC): temperature changes, reduction in beach area and water restrictions. Chosen as our case study, Catalan beaches are recognized globally as a coastal destination visited by national and international tourists as well as local residents and could, thus, shed light on potential trends. We conducted 867 surveys with users from 18 beaches classified as urban, semi-urban and natural beaches during the summer season. Questions approached three main blocks of information: sociodemographic profiles, characteristics of the stay and mobility, and perceptions regarding potential CC impacts. The results identified differences in profiles and perceptions among users of different types of beaches. Regarding CC effects, temperature changes and beach area reduction appeared to be more limiting and decisive factors than water restrictions in future scenarios, although reductions in drinking water are also less accepted. Foreigners were generally more sensitive to the effects considered, possibly due to their greater flexibility in choosing tourist destinations. Finally, the capacity of this type of approach to highlight key issues and related human behavior in future scenarios is useful for tourism management, especially subsequent adaptation options.
Approximate Controllability of Fractional Evolution Equations with ψ-Caputo Derivative
Authors: Zorlu Sonuc , Gudaimat Adham
Published: May 2023

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the concept of approximate controllability in fractional evolution equations that involve the ψ-Caputo derivative. Specifically, we examine the scenario where the semigroup is compact and analytic. The findings are based on the application of the theory of fractional calculus, semigroup theory, and the fixed-point method, mainly Schauder’s fixed-point theorem. In addition, we assume that the corresponding linear system is approximately controllable. An example is provided to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
BAU Production in the SN-Breaking Standard Model
Authors: Lin Chilong
Published: May 2023

The violation of charge-parity symmetry and the baryon asymmetry of the universe are two of the most significant unresolved problems in physics. This article presents further research on the CP violation problem in the Standard Model with 32 candidate sets of the 10 “natural” parameters that exhibit the same Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa performance. These parameters are considered “natural” because they consist solely of the Yukawa couplings and the vacuum expectation value of the unique Higgs doublet in the Standard Model. Then, the problems of CP violation and the baryon asymmetry of the universe are investigated by using the Jarlskog measure of CP violation, ΔCP=J(mt2−mc2)(mt2−mu2)(mc2−mu2)(mb2−ms2)(mb2−md2)(ms2−md2)/T12, given that CP symmetry is violated following the breakdown of SN symmetries. Subsequently, numerical tests are performed in a simplified scenario where eight of the ten parameters are assumed to be fixed by two assumptions, and the remaining two parameters are allowed to vary from the S2-symmetric point (x,y)=(−1,1) to their current values in all 32 parameter sets. To estimate the enhancement of CP violation in such processes, a ratio RΔ≡ΔCP/ΔCP(0) is proposed between the running ΔCP and its current value, denoted by ΔCP(0), which is approximately 10−20. In all 32 cases, the three-dimensional plots of RΔ exhibit many regions that stick out of the RΔ=1010 plane, especially in regions very close to (x,y)=(−1,1). These results demonstrate that the SN-breaking Standard Model is already sufficient to violate CP symmetry explicitly and generate a significant amount of baryon asymmetry of the universe. Furthermore, it solves existing problems without creating new ones, at least in the scenario presented in this article.
A Multigoal Path-Planning Approach for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robots Based on Bidirectional Dynamic Weighted-A* and Learn Memory-Swap Sequence PSO Algorithm
Authors: Li Minghao , Qiao Lijun , Jiang Jianfeng
Published: May 2023

In order to protect people’s lives and property, increasing numbers of explosive disposal robots have been developed. It is necessary for an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) robot to quickly detect all explosives, especially when the location of the explosives is unknown. To achieve this goal, we propose a bidirectional dynamic weighted-A star (BD-A*) algorithm and a learn memory-swap sequence particle swarm optimization (LM-SSPSO) algorithm. Firstly, in the BD-A* algorithm, our aim is to obtain the shortest distance path between any two goal positions, considering computation time optimization. We optimize the computation time by introducing a bidirectional search and a dynamic OpenList cost weight strategy. Secondly, the search-adjacent nodes are extended to obtain a shorter path. Thirdly, by using the LM-SSPSO algorithm, we aim to plan the shortest distance path that traverses all goal positions. The problem is similar to the symmetric traveling salesman problem (TSP). We introduce the swap sequence strategy into the traditional PSO and optimize the whole PSO process by imitating human learning and memory behaviors. Fourthly, to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, we begin by comparing the improved A* with traditional A* over different resolutions, weight coefficients, and nodes. The hybrid PSO algorithm is also compared with other intelligent algorithms. Finally, different environment maps are also discussed to further verify the performance of the algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that our improved A* algorithm has superior performance by finding the shortest distance with less computational time. In the simulation results for LM-SSPSO, the convergence rate significantly improves, and the improved algorithm is more likely to obtain the optimal path.
Particulate Matter Accumulation and Elemental Composition of Eight Roadside Plant Species
Authors: Bui Huong-Thi , Park Jihye , Lee Eunyoung , Jeong Moonsun , Park Bong-Ju
Published: May 2023

Particulate matter (PM) is the most dangerous air pollutant that adversely affects health. Increasing PM in urban areas is a big problem that must be solved. This study analyzed the amount of PM that accumulated on plant leaves, as well as the leaf traits that contribute to PM accumulation, to determine the plant’s ability to accumulate PM and the impact of PM on the plants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to quantitatively assess metal concentrations in the particles that had accumulated on the leaf samples. Eight common plant species that grow on the roadside were used to analyze leaf traits using leaf samples. Specific leaf areas (SLA), leaf extract pH (pH), relative leaf water content (RWC), chlorophyll (Chl), and carotenoids were analyzed. PM accumulation and leaf traits varied among plant species, and Parthenocissus tricuspidata showed the highest PM accumulation on its leaf surface. The leaf’s elemental composition included C, O, Ca, K, Mg, S, P, Al, Si, Na, Cl, and Fe. Among these elements, Ca, K, and Cl made up a relatively large percentage. Fe was only detected in the leaves of Pachysandra terminalis and P. tricuspidata, while C and O were excluded as they are not relevant in determining PM metal content. Plants not only accumulate PM but also heavy metals from the atmosphere. This study found that plants with highly effective PM accumulation, such as P. tricuspidate, should be considered for optimizing the benefits of plants in improving air quality.
The Experience of Testing for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at a Single Diagnostic Center in Paraguay before the Introduction of Vaccination
Authors: del-Puerto Florencia , Rojas Leticia E. , Díaz Acosta Chyntia C. , Franco Laura X. , Cardozo Fátima , Galeano María E. , Valenzuela Adriana , Rojas Alejandra , Martínez Magaly , Ayala-Lugo Ana , Mendoza Laura , Ovando Fátima S. , Martínez Mario F. , Chung Hyun J. , Webby Richard , Nara Eva , Caniza Miguela A.
Published: May 2023

Soon after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute for Health Sciences Research (IICS) of the National University of Asunción, Paraguay became a testing laboratory (COVID-Lab) for SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-Lab testing performance was assessed from 1 April 2020 to 12 May 2021. The effect of the pandemic on the IICS and how the COVID-Lab contributed to the academic and research activities of the institute were also assessed. IICS researchers and staff adjusted their work schedules to support the COVID-Lab. Of the 13,082 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs processed, 2704 (20.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Of the individuals testing positive, 55.4% were female and 48.3% were aged 21–40 years. Challenges faced by the COVID-Lab were unstable reagent access and insufficient staff; shifting obligations regarding research, academic instruction, and grantsmanship; and the continuous demands from the public for information on COVID-19. The IICS provided essential testing and reported on the progress of the pandemic. IICS researchers gained better laboratory equipment and expertise in molecular SARS-CoV-2 testing but struggled to manage their conflicting educational and additional research obligations during the pandemic, which affected their productivity. Therefore, policies protecting the time and resources of the faculty and staff engaged in pandemic-related work or research are necessary components of healthcare emergency preparedness.
A Plant-Derived Maternal Vaccine against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Protects Piglets through Maternally Derived Immunity
Authors: Sohn Eun-Ju , Kang Hyangju , Min Kyungmin , Park Minhee , Kim Ju-Hun , Seo Hwi-Won , Lee Sang-Joon , Kim Heeyeon , Tark Dongseob , Cho Ho-Seong , Choi Bo-Hwa , Oh Yeonsu
Published: May 2023

Newborn piglets are susceptible to a highly contagious enteritis caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), associated with high levels of mortality worldwide. There is pressing need for a rapid, safe, and cost-effective vaccine to safeguard pigs from getting infected by PEDV. PEDV belongs to the coronavirus family and is characterized by high levels of mutability. The primary goal of a PEDV vaccine is to provide immunity to newborn piglets through vaccination of sows. Plant-based vaccines are becoming more popular because they have low manufacturing costs, are easily scalable, have high thermostability, and a long shelf life. This is in contrast to conventional vaccines which include inactivated, live, and/or recombinant types that can be expensive and have limited ability to respond to rapidly mutating viruses. The binding of the virus to host cell receptors is primarily facilitated by the N-terminal subunit of the viral spike protein (S1), which also contains several epitopes that are recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies. As a result, we generated a recombinant S1 protein using a plant-based vaccine platform. We found that the recombinant protein was highly glycosylated, comparable to the native viral antigen. Vaccination of pregnant sows at four and two weeks before farrowing led to the development of humoral immunity specific to S1 in the suckling piglets. In addition, we noted significant viral neutralization titers in both vaccinated sows and piglets. When challenged with PEDV, piglets born from vaccinated sows displayed less severe clinical symptoms and significantly lower mortality rates compared to piglets born from non-vaccinated sows.
Comparative Serum Proteome Analysis Indicates a Negative Correlation between a Higher Immune Level and Feed Efficiency in Pigs
Authors: Zhu Siran , Si Jinglei , Zhang Huijie , Qi Wenjing , Zhang Guangjie , Yan Xueyu , Huang Ye , Zhao Mingwei , Guo Yafen , Liang Jing , Lan Ganqiu
Published: May 2023

Identifying and verifying appropriate biomarkers is instrumental in improving the prediction of early-stage pig production performance while reducing the cost of breeding and production. The main factor that affects the production cost and environmental protection cost of the pig industry is the feed efficiency of pigs. This study aimed to detect the differentially expressed proteins in the early blood index determination serum between high-feed efficiency and low-feed efficiency pigs and to provide a basis for further identification of biomarkers using the isobaric tandem mass tag and parallel reaction monitoring approach. In total, 350 (age, 90 ± 2 d; body weight, 41.20 ± 4.60 kg) purebred Yorkshire pigs were included in the study, and their serum samples were obtained during the early blood index determination. The pigs were then arranged based on their feed efficiency; 24 pigs with extreme phenotypes were grouped as high-feed efficiency and low-feed efficiency, with 12 pigs in each group. A total of 1364 proteins were found in the serum, and 137 of them showed differential expression between the groups with high- and low-feed efficiency, with 44 of them being upregulated and 93 being downregulated. PRM (parallel reaction monitoring) was used to verify 10 randomly chosen differentially expressed proteins. The proteins that were differentially expressed were shown to be involved in nine pathways, including the immune system, digestive system, human diseases, metabolism, cellular processing, and genetic information processing, according to the KEGG and GO analyses. Moreover, all of the proteins enriched in the immune system were downregulated in the high-feed efficiency pigs, suggesting that a higher immune level may not be conducive to improving feed efficiency in pigs. This study provides insights into the important feed efficiency proteins and pathways in pigs, promoting the further development of protein biomarkers for predicting and improving porcine feed efficiency.
Correction: Liu et al. Failure Characteristics of the Water-Resisting Coal Pillar under Stress-Seepage Coupling and Determination of Reasonable Coal Pillar Width. Water 2023, 15, 1002
Authors: Liu Quanhui , Xue Yuanbo , Ma Dan , Li Qiang
Published: May 2023

In the original publication [...]
The Occurrence of Haloacetic Acids and Dalapon in Bottled Waters and an Assessment of Their Health Risk
Authors: Ulvi Arzu
Published: May 2023

While disinfection ensures the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, the disinfectant substances used react with some organic and inorganic substances in water, causing the formation of disinfection by-products. Some disinfection by-products have been classified as carcinogenic by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Haloacetic acids are one of the disinfection by-product groups that have been detected in drinking water and are carcinogenic. It is commonly believed that bottled water, which is being increasingly consumed worldwide, does not contain environmental pollutants. For this reason, research on bottled water is limited. In this study, the amount of 9 haloacetic acids and dalapon were investigated in 28 different branded bottled water samples collected from a market. As a result of the study, the total haloacetic acid concentrations were found to be from 2.13 to 7.56 μg/L, and the dalapon concentration was < detection limit-12.47 μg/L. At least three different haloacetic acids were detected in each sample analyzed. It was determined that the threshold values given by the EPA and the World Health Organization (WHO) were not exceeded. It has been observed that bottled waters, which are generally considered to be of higher quality than mains water, contain haloacetic acids and dalapon at low concentrations. A health risk assessment was performed for dalapon and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). A low non-carcinogenic risk and tolerable carcinogenic risk were determined. Care should be taken to counter the negative health effects of HAAs and dalapon.
Une relecture nécessaire : la genèse du parti-État FRELIMO
Authors: de Brito Luis
Published: May 2023

The Frelimo state-party : a reassessment of its origins.

At its formation in 1962, FRELIMO was no more than an alliance of unstable social fractions and ethnic groups with opposing tendencies. The crisis of 1968 resolved these internal contradictions in favour of the military and «revolutionary intellectuals» thus signalling the defeat of merchants and traditional authority. The guerilla movement received a boost but the peasant/military alliance was maintained more by the exigencies of war than by a social project internalized by the peasantry. The state apparatus then in formation was a generic factor of fragility as its object was the incorporation of rural society in the urban project of forging a Nation.
Un parti vert au Sénégal : une participation militante
Authors: Gérard Jérôme
Published: May 2023

Apparu tardivement sur la scène politique, le Parti africain écologiste du Sénégal s’est distingué d’abord par un coup d’éclat politico-médiatique qui a tourné court. Ses difficultés à élaborer et à diffuser un programme initialement centré sur la lutte contre la désertification, à dépasser un cercle intellectuel militant mais restreint, montrent les difficultés à «faire de la politique autrement». Parti d’opposition, il s’est recentré sur un travail de terrain parfois original, tout en valorisant l’articulation de l’écologie avec les valeurs fondamentales de la société sénégalaise, notamment l’islam.
Des objectifs évolutifs
Authors: Coussy jean
Published: May 2023

Les objectifs initiaux assignés à la dévaluation ont progressivement glissé vers des problèmes de financement extérieur, et les mesures d’accompagnement de nouvelles conditionnalités de l’aide ont profondément changé la nature de celle-ci : on compte maintenant sur une inflation dirigée pour relancer les économies africaines.
Paroles de «dévalués»
Authors: Dupraze Paule , Diallo Sanfa , Willier Mohammed , Sakbo Ibrahima , Goumbala Mamadou
Published: May 2023

The words of «devaluates».

Back from Senegal and Mali, P. Dupraz presents african people’s comments on devaluation. With derision as last weapon, they loudly denounce their victimization, overlasting dependence on France and the failure of their own states policies.
L’économie mauritanienne au risque de l’informalisation.
Authors: Charmes Jacques
Published: May 2023

Mauritanian economy at the risk of informality.

Following the setbacks of economical development, the structural adjustement programmes ini¬ tiated in 1984 was jeopardized by several factors. In 1992, Mauritania ranked 93rd on the World Bank scale and 161st on the UNDP. Confronted to a very high and ever increasing unemployment rate, the informal sector is widening tremendously, especially its tertiary sector, and employs almost three quaters of the working population which is not occupied by agriculture. A recent and relative new balance in favor of productive activities remains uncertain.
L’aventure contemporaine des diamantaires sénégalais
Authors: Bredeloup Sylvie
Published: May 2023

The Senegalese diamond merchants’ contemporary adventure.

For the Senegalese diamond dealing is not new even if they don’t stand on the forefront. Their experience, though individual, draws on the pulaar oral tradition and drives them to the Central African Republic to Congo or Zaère. Despite the existence of family and integration political strategies in host countries, they are often deported during xenophobic upsurges. With these development, family mobilization is as much necessary to penetrate local networks as to manage for the best the capital brought back to the country. Back to Senegal, those who did well, take responsibilities within associations or political charges to go into business.
Politique économique de la France en zone franc
Authors: Hibou Béatrice
Published: May 2023

En raison de pesanteurs historiques, administratives, et surtout politiques, les responsables de la politique de coopération de la France ont été incapables de réagir de façon concrète et opérationnelle aux bouleversements de conjoncture des années 80. La volonté de maintien à tout prix de la zone franc dans ses mécanismes traditionnels et inchangés a notamment entravé l’émergence d’une nouvelle politique digne de ce nom.
Bonn et la question sud-africaine
Authors: Oladé-Paraïso Jean-Yves
Published: May 2023

Bonn and the South African question.

The various political coalitions in power which followed in Bonn, and especially the Christian Liberals, developed close ties with the apartheid regime in South Africa. There are a few reasons for this, psychological, economic and ideological determining factors as well as the multiplicity of decision making units, not forgetting the rivalries between the Ministry of Foreign affairs given to the liberal Hans Dietrich Genscher and the Ministry of Cooperation dominated by the party of the ultra conservative Franz-Josef Strauss.
Pages méconnues des relations germano-africaines
Authors: Oloukpona-yinnon Adjaï paulin
Published: May 2023

Bala Demba and Behanzin : neglectèd pages in the history of german-african relations.

The diplomatie correspondence during the last half of the XIXth century between Guillaume II and Bismarck on the one hand and the kings Bala Demba of Baga in the present Guinea-Conakry and Behanzin d’Abomey on the other hand reveals that before colonization, African monarchs shared friendly and equal to equal relations with their European counterparts, in this case the German emperors Guillaume 1st and Ilnd regardless of dependence or subordination.
Les groupes problématiques, comme forme socialisée du besoin d’État
Authors: Sall Babacar
Published: May 2023

Certains groupes ne se constituent qu’autour d’un problème à résoudre et les groupes «problématiques» se distinguent d’autres collectifs par leur objet social qui leur donne une homogénéité au moins temporaire. Reposant sur une demande active, en quête de ressources le plus souvent détenues par l’État, ces groupes doivent se couler dans le jeu institutionnel. Faute d’un cadre juridique formel, c’est par l’usage sélectif du jeu politique légitime qu’ils peuvent mobiliser les acteurs étatiques et leurs ressources. Ces groupes deviennent ainsi des acteurs politiques à part entière, ce qui pose la question de leur visibilité dans une perspective revendicative, donc de leur insertion institutionnelle conçue à partir d’un modèle international dominant qui n’intègre que très faiblement les réalités locales. D’où la tendance réactive à se réfugier dans des micro-socialités et dans des entités parallèles à l’État au nom d’un idéal sectaire.
Le gang Serena : origine et production d’une contre-société de la rue à Nairobi
Authors: Rodriguez-Torres Deyssi
Published: May 2023

The gang Serena : origin and production of a street's counter-society in Nairobi.

The shantytown, where the urban exclusion and marginalisation takes place, does not have physical or economical means to kelp its inhabitants to manage to get out of poverty. Because of precarious conditions, single mothers or parents are forced to abandon children who will go on the street, the only place were they can live. This article exposes how these children get on the street and in the gangs, the informal and illegal means they use to survive, and how they have created a new street counter society based on the violence.
L’exotisme peut-il être banal ? L’expérience de Politique africaine
Authors: Coulon Christian
Published: May 2023

How banal is the exoticism ? An account of Politique africaine

The author offers a review of the work published by Politique africaine, as well as a thorough discussion of French Africanist studies in the last fifteen years. Important questions are arisen. Some refer to political analyses ; others to other areas of concern to all Africanists.
Jeux d’argent, jeux de vilains : rien ne va plus au Zaïre
Authors: Gondola Charles Didier
Published: May 2023

Jeux d'argent, jeux de vilain : crisis in Zaïre.

The author presents a study of the crisis generated in 1991 in Zaire by a frenzy of pyramid-type gambling. The originality of the article is the way in which it demonstrates how such gambling is largely the result of the disintegration of society which resulted from the collapse of the economy in Zaire.
Les ambitions internationales du Soudan islamiste
Authors: Marchal Roland , Osman Oussama
Published: May 2023

The international ambitions of the islamic Sudan.

Foreign policy, both formal and popular, is prominent in the Islamic agenda of the Sudanese regime. The Gulf war created a window of opportunity to promote the National Islamic Front at an international level, and to deal with Islamic movements as well as States. This paper provides a short analysis of the Sudanese context and a description of the new foreign relations of the NIF or the Sudanese State with its regional and international environment. The case of the ties with some Asian countries is not studied.
Réflexions comparées sur l’historiographie africaniste de langue française et anglaise
Authors: Coquery-Vidrovitch Catherine
Published: May 2023

Comparative reflection on french and english-language africanist historiography.

This article discusses the genesis and apparent weaknesses of French Africanist historiography. Beyond the comparisons which the author makes with English-language Africanist historiography, what is of interest in this article is the call for a more open, broader and above multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis of politics in contemporary Africa.
Les Nations unies et la région des Grands Lacs
Authors: Decaux Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Les divers instruments d’alerte rapide dont disposent les Nations unies - comités conventionnels, rapporteurs spéciaux, etc. - ont fonctionné à temps, mais c’est la volonté politique de mettre en œuvre des opérations de maintien de la paix d’ampleur suffisante pour prévenir les massacres et construire des Etats de droit qui ont fait défaut. Une action humanitaire trop limitée et une répression pénale trop tardive n’ont dès lors pu être que des palliatifs.
L’économie politique d’une succession annoncée
Authors: Thomas Chris
Published: May 2023

Dans le contexte d’une succession annoncée par Daniel Arap Moi lui-même, la famille élargie du président est apparue comme l’un des acteurs centraux des rivalités factionnelles qui agitent le pouvoir. Ce rôle tient notam¬ ment à l’accumulation considérable qu’elle a réalisée depuis trois décennies et à l’implication de ses membres dans des pratiques criminelles qui excluent tout abandon du pouvoir.
Entre informel et illégal. Survivre à Nairobi
Authors: Rodriguez-Torres Deyssi
Published: May 2023

Dans leurs activités quotidiennes, les pauvres de Nairobi passent sans arrêt de l’informel à l’illégal. La limite n’est pas marquée. Dans l’optique de la survie, les deux sphères d’activité ne sont pas clairement différenciées. La perception de ce qui est illégal et de ce qui ne l’est pas par les différents groupes sociaux et par les autorités varie aussi beaucoup suivant l’espace et les circonstances. Ce sont pourtant des normes édictées par les uns et par les autres qui sous-tendent les relations sociales tissées entre les gens d’en bas et l’Etat. Ces relations montrent l’arbitraire et l’incohérence de la loi et de la façon dont elle est appliquée.
Banque mondiale : les méfaits du catéchisme économique. L'exemple de l'Afrique subsaharienne
Authors: Hibou Béatrice
Published: May 2023

La Banque mondiale a réussi à s’attribuer le monopole du discours légitime sur l’économie et la bonne gouvernance en se fondant sur un ensemble de théories politiques et économiques qui s’avèrent n’être finalement que des croyances. Ce discours reflète une position politique et morale qui se sert de thèses scientifiques édulcorées pour se légitimer. Il s’agit en cela d’un véritable catéchisme proche du travail des missions religieuses de l’époque de la colonisation. Le discours continue de s’imposer alors même que, pour des raisons organisationnelles internes et en raison des pratiques politiques de ses interlocuteurs, la Banque voit ses réformes lui échapper et doit accepter les pratiques de double langage et de falsification de son action.
De l’Authenticité à la Libération : se prénommer en République démocratique du Congo
Authors: Ndaywel è Nziem Isidore
Published: May 2023

From authenticity to freedom : forenames in the democratic republic of Congo.

Local creativity, far from suffering from atrophy under the influence of «Christian» forenames, is capable of «using» them as original material at the service of «popular inventiveness». These hitherto unheard-of «practices» finally flourished once they had been freed from the imposed constraints. Instead of a spectacular «return» to the old norms, the «post-names» are tending to prevail as the new modes of individual identification.
Relationship between endoscopic gastric atrophy according to Kimura - Takemoto classification and histopathological characteristics in H. Pylori infected patients
Authors: Phan Trung Nam , Nguyen Thi Huyen Thuong
Published: May 2023

Background: Endoscopic gastric atrophy according to Kimura-Takemoto classification has been shown to be closely related to histopathological atrophy. Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia are considered precancerous gastric lesions that need to be assessed and monitored for early detection of dysplasia and cancer, especially in H. pylori infected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between these endoscopic atrophy according to Kimura - Takemoto classification and pathologic characteristics.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 72 dyspepsia patients at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, assigned endoscopic assessment and testing H. pylori positive. Assessing endoscopic gastric atrophy according to Kimura-Takemoto classification and compared with histopathological precancerous lesions (atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia) according to the modified Sydney system.

Results: The mean age was 55.6 ± 13.13, male/female ratio was 1.4/1.0. The rate of endoscopic gastric atrophy at stage C1 was 37.5%, C2: 40.3%, C3: 9.7%, O1: 11.1% and O3: 1.4%. On histo-pathology, the rate of gastric atrophy in antrum was 81.9%, in both antrum and body: 16.7%. The rate of intestinal metaplasia in antrum, body, both antrum and body was 36.1%, 2.5% and 11.1%, respectively. The rate of low-grade dysplasia 12.5% (9/72), high-grade dysplasia 6.9% (5/72) and 2 cases of early gastric cancer. Endoscopic gastric atrophy stages C2 and C3 had a higher rate of atrophy on histopathology than stage C1 (91.7% vs 63%) and stages O had a higher rate of intestinal metaplasia than stages C (77.8% vs 30.2%) with p < 0.05.

Conclusion: The degree of endoscopic gastric atrophy was related to the degree of histopathologic atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, the more severe the stage of endoscopic gastric atrophy, the higher the frequency of atrophy and metaplasia on histopathology. Evaluation of endoscopic gastric atrophy according to Kimura-Takemoto classification is a relatively simple strategy for monitoring for each patient with H. pylori chronic gastritis to detect dysplasia and early cancer.

Key words: Atrophic gastritis, H. pylori, Kimura-Takemoto classification
Associated risk factors of type 2 Diabetes mellitus developments in the next 10 years using the FINDRISC among residents aged 25 and over in some wards of Hue city
Authors: Doan Phuoc Thuoc , Nguyen Thi Huong , Phan Thi Thuy Linh , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang , Le Duc Huy , Nguyen Thi Hong Nhi , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao , Doan Pham Phuoc Long
Published: May 2023

Background: Diabetes is a common disease, with a rapidly increasing trend in Vietnam and worldwide, and is also the leading cause of death, morbidity, and health burden. Therefore, it is important to predict increasing levels of type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk and its associated risk factors to improve prevention strategies. The purpose of our study is to predict the risk of T2DM development and explore its associated factors among individuals aged 25 and above in Hue City.

Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 732 residents, aged 25 and above, living in some wards of Hue City.

Results: In Tay Loc ward and Thuan Hoa ward of Hue City, the estimated incidence of T2DM development using the ModAsian FINDRISC scale was 5.18%. According to the ModAsian FINDRISC scale, occupational, history of hypertension, and dyslipidemia were significant factors associated with the risk of developing T2DM in the next ten years.

Conclusion: The intervention strategy of addressing associated risk factors would be essential to reducing the risk of T2DM in the community.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, FINDRISC, Hue city.
Evaluation of the surgical treatment results of chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation
Authors: Luong Si Long , Vo Doan Minh Nhat , Le Thanh Thai
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation and evaluate the results of surgical treatment of chronic otitis media with perforation.

Materials and methods: 75 patients were diagnosed with chronic otitis media with perforation and underwent surgery at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Hue Central Hospital from May 2020 to September 2021.

Results: The disease was more common in women, mainly in the age group of 16-30 years old (34.7%). Common preoperative symptoms are hearing loss and tinnitus. The main reason for surgery was a history of prolonged otorrhea (50.7%). The primary location of the tympanic membrane perforation is central (74.7%). The symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus in patients after myringoplasty improved significantly compared to before surgery. The average hearing after myringoplasty and attico-antrostomy surgery improved statistically significantly compared to before surgery. The overall anatomical outcome after surgery was good, accounting for the majority with the rate of 86.7%.

Conclusion: Chronic otitis media is a common disease with a long duration and affects life quality. Surgical treatment for chronic otitis media is safe and effective.

Key words: Chronic otitis media, tympanic membrane perforation.
Analysis of clinical features in primary cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Authors: Tran Huong Giang , Pham Van Hung , Nguyen Thanh Tu
Published: May 2023

Background: Primary cutaneous T cell lymphoma is a diverse and rare group of diseases with clinical manifestations that, if not biopsied, are easily confused with benign skin diseases.

Objective: To determine some clinical features of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas and classify them according to the 2018 update of World Health Organization and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification.

Methods: a case series study with 39 cases of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas diagnosed at Pathology Department of University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh city from 01/2018 to 02/2022.

Results: Median age at diagnosis is 59 years old. Male:Female ratio is 1:2.3. In order of frequency, diagnoses were: subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma (35.8%), mycosis fungoides (28.2%), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (15.4%), peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (7.7%), extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (7.7%), primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T cell lymphoproliferative disorder (2.6%) and primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic T- cell lymphoma (2.6%). Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma always presents as subcutaneous nodule-tumor (100%); the most common site is lower extremities (71.4%). Mycosis fungoides has various appearance of skin lesions (36.4%) including patch-plaque (100%), and usually involves in trunk (90.9%). Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type always has skin ulcer (100%).

Conclusion: The study documented the frequence and clinical characteristics of each subtype of primary cutaneous T cell lymphoma. The most common were subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma and mycosis fungoides. Although the morphology and location of skin lesions in the subtypes overlap, they still aid in the diagnosis of skin lymphoma.

Key words: T-cell lymphoma, primary, cutaneous.