bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology
Authors: Spanidis Philip-Mark , Roumpos Christos , Pavloudakis Francis
Published: May 2023

The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related to extractive operations. The transition to sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase and includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing the mined sites. Moreover, circular economy practices and methods are introduced for efficient and socio-environmentally friendly use of mining wastes and non-exploited resources. The selection of a strategy for the sustainable transformation of a mine constitutes a complex decision-making framework presenting various practical problems. This paper provides a critical analysis concerning the definition of the transformation problems and suggests a decision-making methodology for the selection of a strategy for sustainability with a case study of a closing surface lignite mine in Greece. The methodology combines (a) a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis of the factors of critical importance for the evaluation of alternative strategies, and (b) the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) applied for the quantification and use of these factors for the selection of the most advantageous strategy. In this context, it is based on expert judgement. The results indicate that the proposed analysis can be used as a practical decision-making tool to resolve complex problems related to the mine closure and post-mining issues.
Numerical Study on Influence of Wall Thermal Effect on Thermal Impact of Gas Explosion
Authors: Guo Xu , Jia Zhenzhen , Ye Qing
Published: May 2023

A gas explosion can impact the roadway and cause serious damage. The thermal effect of the roadway wall is an important factor affecting the gas explosion and its impact. In view of the shortcomings of existing research studies, a basic numerical model of a pipe is established under the thermal impact effect of a gas explosion based on LS-DYNA software. The thermal conductivity coefficients of the pipe wall are set as 15, 30, 45 and 60 W/(m·K), respectively. Five measuring points A–E are set on the inner wall of the pipe, and four measuring points F-I are set in the air region. The equivalent stress distribution of the pipe wall, the pressure and displacement of each measuring point and the time history curve of shock wave velocity at the measuring point in the air region are numerically simulated under the impact of a gas explosion with different thermal effects. The research results show that the stress concentration phenomenon is more obvious and the equivalent stress distribution is more uneven, and the gas explosion intensity is greater when the pipe wall is approximately adiabatic. With an increase in the thermal conductivity coefficient, the amount of thermal dissipation through the pipe wall increases, the pressure peak value of each measuring point of the pipe wall decreases as a whole, and the radial displacement value of the arranged measuring points presents a smaller trend. With an increase in the thermal conductivity coefficient of the pipe wall, the thermal dissipation of the pipe wall increases, so the subsequent energy that drives the shock wave decreases, the impact degree on the pipe wall also decreases, and at the same time, in the pipe with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, the gas explosion energy involved in expansion work is lower, and thus the explosion intensity reduces. The shock wave velocity at a location farther away from the explosion source after a gas explosion also decreases. The research results have important practical significance for improving the theory of the wall thermal effect and the level of gas explosion prevention in confined spaces.
Invoking ‘Empathy for the Planet’ through Participatory Ecological Storytelling: From Human-Centered to Planet-Centered Design
Authors: Talgorn Elise , Ullerup Helle
Published: May 2023

In sustainable design and innovation, appreciation of the Planet as an equal stakeholder with humans and businesses continues to rise. Yet a consistent challenge arises in that people have difficulties relating to the nonhuman and interpret the world in terms of human values and experiences. We need more practical tools to stimulate a connection, especially in its affective dimension, to the Planet and to include nonhuman stakeholders in sustainability developments. To anchor Planetary understanding and considerations, we investigate the role of participatory storytelling to stimulate a reappraisal of the needs of nonhuman stakeholders through empathy building. To posit this, we defined empathy for the Planet as a holistic relationship with human and nonhuman stakeholders. We facilitated workshops where design students, design professionals, and business stakeholders could co-create environmental stories using human and nonhuman character personas. We analyzed the personas, stories, and participants’ feedback on the process experience and impact and observed that story creators experienced empathy for the Planet through projecting and blending their own emotions and intents onto the characters. We discuss, therefore, how ecological story co-creation can be a tool for self-reflection, collective sense-making, and the inclusion of the voice of Planetary stakeholders relevant for sustainable design and to drive sustainability engagement in general. This research confirms the role of stories and imagination in creating a bridge to the natural world through new, human and nonhuman, perspectives.
A Study of Spatio-Temporal Differentiation Characteristics and Driving Factors of Shaanxi Province’s Traditional Heritage Villages
Authors: Feng Xiaogang , Hu Moqing , Somenahalli Sekhar , Bian Xinyuan , Li Meng , Zhou Zaihui , Li Fengxia , Wang Yuan
Published: May 2023

The spatial distribution of traditional villages is a key factor for rural revitalization and sustainable development. However, the rapid expansion of cities has resulted in the disappearance and decline of many traditional villages. Therefore, for the protection of traditional villages, it is necessary to analyze the spatio-temporal differentiation characteristics and driving factors. In this study, a total of 500 traditional villages were selected in Shaanxi Province. With the support of spatial analysis tools such as ArcGIS and Geo-detector, the spatial differentiation and its driving factors were analyzed. It was found that traditional villages showed a three-core distribution mode, indicating a typical aggregation distribution of tendency. In Shaanxi, the directional evolution of traditional villages was characterized by a spatial and temporal trajectory toward the north, and then towards the south. In addition, traditional villages existed in areas with underdeveloped economies, far from the cities and close to water sources, with an elevation over 500 m and a slope less than 25°. Traditional villages in Shaanxi Province are experiencing uneven spatio-temporal evolution due to regional cultural differences and uneven economic development in southern, central, and northern areas. It is possible to provide strategies for the development, protection, and utilization of traditional villages and promote the development of rural revitalization based on the traditional villages.
Awareness of the Cittaslow Brand among Polish Urban Dwellers and Its Impact on the Sustainable Development of Cities
Authors: Stanowicka Agnieszka , Kobylińska Małgorzata , Wichowska Anna
Published: May 2023

New ways of promoting sustainable urban development are currently being sought. One of them is the slow city model, which has been implemented by some municipalities. This model forms the basis for cooperation between the cities within the international Cittaslow network. It has been assumed that the Cittaslow brand could generate numerous benefits for cities. It can be a significant regional growth and socio-economic development factor. However, city dwellers have to be familiar with the brand, and they have to understand the philosophy behind the Cittaslow movement. The aim of the present study is to assess the awareness of the Cittaslow brand among the residents of the cities that are members of the Cittaslow network. Data from the questionnaires have been classified into multiway tables. The chi-square test is used to examine the relationship between the attributes. The surveys conducted demonstrate that the residents are not sufficiently familiar with the Cittaslow brand to derive any potential benefits from their network membership. This observation suggests that city dwellers should be educated on the main tenets of the slow city concept. The present study demonstrates that urban residents’ awareness of the Cittaslow brand, the slow city philosophy and the Cittaslow logo is influenced by their gender and age. These results show not only the need for education but also the need to promote the desirable forms of urban development; the respondents were familiar with some activities pertaining to the slow city concept, but they were not familiar with the other activities and did not link them to the Cittaslow movement. The most desirable ways of promoting the territorial Cittaslow brand were also identified. There is a general scarcity of research on the Cittaslow brand in Poland and in the world, and thus further studies are needed to formulate meaningful conclusions with the aim of promoting the development of the Cittaslow network.
Short-Term Climate Prediction over China Mainland: An Attempt Using Machine Learning, Considering Natural and Anthropic Factors
Authors: Li Ruolin , Sindikubwabo Celestin , Feng Qi , Cui Yang
Published: May 2023

Climate extremes pose significant natural threats to socioeconomic activities. Accurate prediction of short-term climate (STC) can provide relevant departments with warnings to effectively reduce this threat. To accurately predict STC in China, this study utilizes machine learning algorithms, particularly the random forest (RF) model, to evaluate the role of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Monthly temperature and precipitation data from 160 meteorological stations spanning China, as well as natural climate factors and an economic activity index, were obtained to perform a seasonal hindcast of air temperature and precipitation observed from 1979 to 2018. Our focus was to predict the seasonal mean temperature and precipitation, specifically the summer (June, July, and August (JJA)) and winter (December, January, and February (DJF)) air temperature and precipitation anomalies using forecast factors from the preceding season. Results show that a comprehensive consideration of both natural and anthropogenic effects provides a more accurate fit to the observed climate trends compared to using only one factor. When both factors were integrated, the model scores (coefficient of determination) exceeded 0.95, close to 1.00, which is significantly higher than those of natural (0.86 for temperature, 0.85 for precipitation) or anthropogenic (0.90 for temperature and 0.50 for precipitation) factors alone. Furthermore, we also attempted to predict similar components for 2019 and 2020. The average relative error between predictions and observations was less than 10%, indicating that this integrated model’s performance exhibited a significant improvement in predicting the STC. The findings of this study underscore the importance of accounting for both natural and anthropogenic factors in predicting climate trends to inform sustainable decision-making in China.
The Treatment of Endocrine-Disruptive Chemicals in Wastewater through Asymmetric Reverse Osmosis Membranes: A Review
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Sohaimi , Goh Pei Sean , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Hasbullah Hasrinah
Published: May 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) present in aquatic environment have been regarded as detrimental organic pollutants that pose significant adverse impacts on human health and the aquatic ecosystem. The removal of EDCs is highly desired to mitigate their harmful effects. Physical treatment through membrane-based separation processes is an attractive approach, as it can effectively remove a wide range of recalcitrant organic and nonorganic EDCs. In particular, the reverse osmosis (RO) process has shown promise in removing EDCs of various concentrations and from different sources. Recently, the development of innovative asymmetric RO membranes has become the forefront in this field. Various membrane modification strategies have been commenced to address the limitations of commercial membranes. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in asymmetric RO membranes for EDC removal from water and wastewater system. The potential areas of improvement for RO processes and RO membranes are also highlighted. Based on the existing literature using RO for EDC removal from water, the most investigated EDCs are bisphenol A (BPA) and caffeine in the concentration range of 200 ppb to 100 ppm. Polyamide RO membranes have been shown to remove EDCs from water bodies with a removal efficiency of ~30 to 99%, largely depending on the type and concentration of the treated EDCs, as well as the properties of the RO membranes. It has been demonstrated that the performance can be further heightened by tailoring the properties of RO membranes and optimizing the operating conditions of the RO process.
Geometric Confinement in Gauge Theories
Authors: Popov Alexander D.
Published: May 2023

In 1978, Friedberg and Lee introduced the phenomenological soliton bag model of hadrons, generalizing the MIT bag model developed in 1974 shortly after the formulation of QCD. In this model, quarks and gluons are confined due to coupling with a real scalar field ρ, which tends to zero outside some compact region S⊂R3 determined dynamically from the equations of motion. The gauge coupling in the soliton bag model runs as the inverse power of ρ, already at the semiclassical level. We show that this model arises naturally as a consequence of introducing the warped product metric dsM2+ρ2dsG2 on the principal G-bundle P(M,G)≅M×G with a non-Abelian group G over Minkowski space M=R3,1. Confinement of quarks and gluons in a compact domain S⊂R3 is a consequence of the collapse of the bundle manifold M×G to M outside S due to shrinking of the group manifold G to a point. We describe the formation of such regions S as a dynamical process controlled by the order parameter field ρ.
Natural Occurrence of Alternaria Toxins in Citrus-Based Products Collected from China in 2021
Authors: Han Xiaomin , Xu Wenjing , Wang Luxinyi , Zhang Ruina , Ye Jin , Zhang Jing , Xu Jin , Wu Yu
Published: May 2023

A total of 181 citrus-based products, including dried fruits, canned fruits, and fruit juices, collected from China and from abroad in 2021 were analyzed for the four Alternaria toxins (ALTs): alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), tentoxin (TEN), and tenuazonic acid (TeA) via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). Although the concentrations of the four ALTs varied by product and geographically, TeA was the predominant toxin followed by AOH, AME, and TEN. Products made in China showed higher levels of ALTs than those made abroad. Maximum levels of TeA, AOH, and AME in analyzed domestic samples were 4.9-fold, 1.3-fold, and 1.2-fold, respectively, higher than those in imported products. Furthermore, 83.4% (151/181) of the analyzed citrus-based products were contaminated with at least two or more ALTs. There were significant positive correlations between AOH and AME, AME and TeA, and TeA and TEN in all analyzed samples. More importantly, the solid and the condensed liquid products had higher concentrations of ALTs than the semi-solid product samples, as well as tangerines, pummelos, and grapefruits compared to the other kinds of citrus-based products. In conclusion, co-contamination with ALTs in commercially available Chinese citrus-based products was universal. Extensive and systematic surveillance of ALTs in citrus-based products, both domestic and imported, is required to obtain more scientific data for the determination of the maximum allowable concentrations of ALTs in China.
Label-Free Direct Detection of Cylindrospermopsin via Graphene-Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Aptasensor
Authors: Jaric Stefan , Bajaj Aabha , Vukic Vladimir , Gadjanski Ivana , Abdulhalim Ibrahim , Bobrinetskiy Ivan
Published: May 2023

In this work, we report a novel method for the label-free detection of cyanotoxin molecules based on a direct assay utilizing a graphene-modified surface plasmon resonance (SPR) aptasensor. Molecular dynamic simulation of the aptamer’s interaction with cylindrospermopsin (CYN) reveals the strongest binding sites between C18–C26 pairs. To modify the SPR sensor, the wet transfer method of CVD monolayer graphene was used. For the first time, we report the use of graphene functionalized by an aptamer as a bioreceptor in conjunction with SPR for the detection of CYN. In a direct assay with an anti-CYN aptamer, we demonstrated a noticeable change in the optical signal in response to the concentrations far below the maximum tolerable level of 1 µg/L and high specificity.
Effect of Tide Level Change on Typhoon Waves in the Taiwan Strait and Its Adjacent Waters
Authors: Chen Cheng , Peng Chen , Xiao Hong , Wei Minjian , Wang Tingyu
Published: May 2023

In recent years, most research on typhoons in the Taiwan Strait and its adjacent waters has focused on simulating typhoon waves under the influence of wind fields. In order to study the influence of tidal level changes on typhoon waves, a numerical model was established in the Taiwan Strait based on the third-generation ocean wave model SWAN. The simulation results of the tide level during the corresponding typhoon landing time were incorporated into the model to optimize its performance. Subsequently, the wave height of the typhoon landing at the lowest tide level was compared with that at the highest tide level. This comparison serves as a reference and warning for ocean engineering, highlighting the hazards of the typhoon landing at high tide. The simulation results were verified and analyzed using the measured data of significant wave heights and wind speeds when typhoons Mekkhala (2006) and Maria (0607) approached. The results show that after optimization, the relative error of the significant wave peak is reduced. Furthermore, there has been a decrease in the maximum wind speed, bringing it closer to the measured value. These improvements signify enhanced model accuracy. The tide level has a great influence on the typhoon wave, and the tide level height at the time of the typhoon landing is positively correlated with the significant wave height of the waves generated by the typhoon. When the typhoon’s landing time coincides with the high tide level, the resulting waves are significantly higher, reaching up to 0.71 m. This has a substantial impact on the safety of marine structures, particularly breakwaters.
Control and Interception Characteristics of the Debris-Flow Flexible Net Barrier Based on Orthogonal Design
Authors: Xiong Zhen , Chen Xiao-Qing , Chen Jian-Gang
Published: May 2023

As a debris-flow control and mitigation countermeasure, flexible net barriers can effectively mitigate debris flows. The control and interception characteristics of flexible net barrier play an important role in engineering design. Many influencing factors exist in debris-flow flexible net barrier control and interception processes. In order to explore the most important factors, a flume-based experimental study was carried out by selecting the four main factors, i.e., the flume slope, debris flow bulk density, net barrier interval and relative volume. The purpose of the study is to analyze the influencing degree of the four factors. Moreover, the debris-flow interception ratio, blocking ratio, velocity reduction ratio and bulk density attenuation ratio are taken as the evaluation index. Based on the theory of orthogonal experimental design, the experiment results were analyzed in detail by range analysis and variance analysis. The research results indicated the following: in regard to the interception ratio, blocking ratio, and velocity reduction ratio, the net barrier interval exerted the most notable impact, followed by the bulk density. In regard to the bulk density attenuation ratio, the flume slope and bulk density were the first and second most important influencing factors, respectively. The form of interception ratio with maximum value was as follows: the flume slope was 9°, the net barrier interval was 18 mm, the bulk density was 21 kN/m3 and the relative volume was 2/3. The form of blocking ratio with minimum value was as follows: the flume slope was 6°, the net barrier interval was 50 mm, the bulk density was 12 kN/m3 and the relative volume was 1/2. The form of velocity reduction ratio with maximum value was as follows: the flume slope was 12°, the net barrier interval was 18 mm, the bulk density was 17 kN/m3 and the relative volume was 1. The form of bulk density attenuation ratio with maximum value was as follows: the flume slope was 12°, the net barrier interval was 30 mm, the bulk density was 17 kN/m3 and the relative volume was 1/3.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Saline Soil Properties in the Seasonal Frozen Area of Northeast China: A Case Study in Western Jilin Province
Authors: Shen Jiejie , Chen Yating , Wang Qing , Fu Huicheng
Published: May 2023

Due to the impact of climate change and human activities, the problem of soil salinization is increasingly prominent, posing a threat to the safety of the ecological environment and engineering construction. To understand the development tendency of soil salinization, this paper took the saline soil in Western Jilin province as the research object and carried out a long–term investigation into the basic properties of the soil at several monitoring stations. The results showed that the properties of saline soil in Western Jilin province changed regularly at the spatial and temporal scales. In the longitudinal profile, the water content, soluble salt content, and organic matter content in the soil vary greatly with the seasons at a depth range of 0–50 cm, while their changes below 50 cm are not significant. This is related to the influence depth of the external environment. Meanwhile, the content of sand is relatively stable in the depth direction, mostly between 5 and 15%, while the content of silt and clay fluctuates greatly, and there seems to be a mirror relationship between them. Along the N(W)–S(E) direction, the crystallization proportion of clay minerals gradually increases by about 28% because the relatively humid and hot climate is conducive to mineral crystallization. Over time, in the S(E) study area, the precipitation is relatively abundant, and the shallow soil is desalted due to leaching, resulting in high salt storage in the deep soil. However, in the N(W) study area, salt migrates upwards with water under the dominant effects of evaporation and freeze-thaw, leading to the accumulation of salt in shallow soil and a decrease in salt storage in deep soil. In addition, the saline soil in the study area has strong alkalinity, and the pH increases from 8.2 to 9.8 in the N(W)–S(E) direction. Overall, the soil salinization situation in Western Jilin is not optimistic.
Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Converter Applied to a Wind Energy Conversion System with Open-End Winding
Authors: Bettoni Samuel dos Santos , Ramos Herbert de Oliveira , Matos Frederico F. , Mendes Victor Flores
Published: May 2023

With the growing expansion of renewable sources around the world, wind energy is among those that stand out. With the advances of technology, wind turbine projects have considerably increased their power, reaching higher power, mainly for offshore installations. One of the main challenges is the power converters, more specifically the semiconductor components, which have limited voltage and current capabilities. Thus, the concept of multilevel converters emerged, increasing the voltage levels and thus carrying higher power levels. In addition to the application of multilevel converters, it is possible to increase the voltage and power levels employing an open-end winding (OEW) connection to the generator. In this context, the present work investigated the application of a multilevel converter (three-level cascaded H-bridge back-to-back) driving a squirrel-cage induction machine in an open-end winding configuration, connected to a wind energy conversion system (WECS). The analysis of the proposed system was developed through dynamic simulation of a 1.67 MW WECS, using PLECS software, including the modeling of the main system components: generator, power converters, system control, filter, and grid connection. The results show that the objective of obtaining a 5-level behavior in the output voltage is achieved by using the OEW connection. Furthermore, a low harmonic content is achieved in the machine current as in the current injected into the grid. In addition, it is possible to verify the power distribution between the converters, demonstrating that converters with smaller power can be combined to reach higher WECS power.
PERAN DIGITAL MARKETING DALAM PENINGKATAN PENJUALAN SABUN CUCI PIRING IBU - IBU PKK KELURAHAN HARJOSARI II
Authors: Purba Purnama
Published: May 2023

Terwujudnya Indonesia maju dapat berawal dari ruang lingkup kecil di masyarakat yaitu keluarga. Fenomena yang muncul dalam kegiatan PKK ini adalah kurangnya pengetahuan ibu – ibu PKK Harjosari II dalam memasarkan produk sabun cuci piring secara digital. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian  kepada masyarakat ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan wawasan serta mendorong ibu – ibu PKK kelurahan Harjosari II dalam memasarkan produk sabun cuci piring secara digital. Metode yang dilakukan olek pelaksana adalah observasi, ceramah, dan diskusi. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat yang diikuti oleh ibu-ibu PKK Harjosari II terlaksana dengan baik dan semua peserta antusias mendengarkan pemaparan materi. Peserta kegiatan telah mendapatkan pengetahuan dan wawasan bagaimana cara memasarkan produk sabun cuci melalui media sosial FB, WA, dan Instagram sehingga hal tersebut akan meningkatkan penjualan sabun cuci piring dan meningkatkan pendapatan tambahan ibu – ibu PKK Harjosari II. Beberapa dari peserta kegiatan telah mampu membuat akun khusus untuk menjual produknya. Saran bagi ibu – ibu PKK perlu melakukan pelatihan yang berkelanjutan di bidang digital marketing dengan berbasis Web.
Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup Lansia Pasca Pandemi Covid 19
Authors: Juwita Ratna
Published: May 2023

Lansia  menjadi salah satu kelompok yang wajib mendapat perhatian lebih di masa pasca pandemi COVID-19. Sebab, kelompok ini paling rentan terhadap virus corona penyebab Covid-19, terlebih jika memiliki penyakit lain. Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk memberikan layanan kesehatan pada lansia pada masa pasca pandemi covid 19 dengan melakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan sederhana, melakukan konseling kesehatan sesuai dengan kondisi lansia saat kunjungan rumah. Hasil pemeriksaan kesehatan kepada 15 orang lansia didapatkan mayoritas lansia mengalami hypertensi sebanyak 11, kadar kholesterol diatas batas normal sebanyak 10 orang, gula darah diatas batas normal sebanyak 2 orang, kadar asam urat dalam darah diatas batas normal sebanyak 3 orang. Setelah melakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan dilanjutkan dengan memberikan konseling kepada keluarga dan lansia yang berkaitan dengan masalah kesehatan disesuaikan dengan kondisi lansia. Konseling yang diberikan antara lain menjaga pola makan, melakukan aktivitas fisik ringan sesuai dengan kondisi lansia serta menganjurkan lansia untuk melakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan secara berkala di fasilitas kesehatan yang terdekat.
Fragments d’un discours du pouvoir (1975-1985) : du bon usage d'une méconnaissance scientifique.
Authors: Geffray Christian
Published: May 2023

About some good of scientific blindness.

The manner in which Mozambican society is being ideologically penetrated by State power reflects a certain primary ignorance — assumed politically — of social relations of the peoples over whom authority is exercised. Be it the disparities in rural social relation, the social expectations surrounding racial distinction, taking into consideration indigenous languages etc., all are issues around which a taboo has been created by the microcosm of FRELIMO cadres, be they white, mullato or internationalist experts.
Représentations culturelles africaines et gestion de l’environnement
Authors: Fairhead James , Leach Melissa
Published: May 2023

African cultural representations and environment management.

The unavoidable link between the preservation of natural ressources and participatory development requires the aknowledgement of local know-how and of the representations men have of their relationship to natural environment.

The analysis of technical concepts used to act upon ecological processes shows how man is the actor of his environment as well as the one who adapts to it.

Human and social problems are part of the dynamics of nature which western technical conception hardly considers in the implementation of projects.
Flamands roses, éléphants blancs et idées noires : conservation en pays maasaï
Authors: Péron Xavier
Published: May 2023

Un demi-siècle de politiques officielles de conservation de l’environnement en pays maasaï a abouti à l’exclusion totale des Maasaï et de leur système pastoral des parcs nationaux, les espaces ouverts étant désormais partagés en ranches à finalité commerciale. Les désordres écologiques résultant de ces politiques artificielles ont incité à réimpliquer les Maasaï dans la gestion des écosystèmes. Mais la reconnaissance de leur contribution effective à la conservation n’est que formelle et menacée par de nouveaux plans de «modernisation».
Du lobbying international à l’intérêt local : variations à partir d’un congrès ordinaire
Authors: Féron Eric
Published: May 2023

Un congrès mondial est l’occasion de voir se manifester les différents intérêts qui se mobilisent autour des problèmes de conservation des ressources naturelles. Outre les jeux de pouvoir, la comparaison des expériences montre des convergences, en particulier sur l’implication des populations locales. Responsabiliser les populations locales exige de repenser la propriété foncière. Les ressources naturelles ne seront conservées que si elles participent à la survie de ces populations.
L’après-dévaluation : hypothèses et hypothèques
Authors: Conte Bernard
Published: May 2023

Post devaluation : hypotheses and mortgages.

The recent CFA franc devaluation is a new external stroke for the African countries of the Franc Area (PAZF). Given the deplorable economical and social situation of most of them, this measure is often presented as an ultimate resort and seems to heavily condition the future. The possible PAZF futures fit into two opposite scenarii. The first pessimistic one makes room for a series of unfortunate chain of events leading up to increasing marginalization and pauperization and could also give rise to a growing lack of interest from the international community for the continent. The second alternative, more optimistic, sounds hopeful by conveying a revolution in the African elite behavior who would, from now on, work for the present and future well-being of the whole population.
Les agro-exportateurs face à la dévaluation
Authors: Losch Bruno
Published: May 2023

Agro-exporters facing devaluation.

Devaluation is no panacea. To be competitive, it is crucial to reinvest an important part of its profits in productive investments which was lacking to the extensive and aging agriculture.

The sharing of added values between economical agents and the State is the crucial present stake and implies a new balance after 30 years of taxing producers. The changing of the game rules involves the construction of a consensus between the actors of the development necessary for the elaboration and viability of voluntarist sectorial policies.
La Mauritanie dans l’ordre international
Authors: Baduel Pierre-Robert
Published: May 2023

L’État mauritanien est le produit du jeu complexe des rapports entre les ordres interne et externe. Si la démocratisation du pouvoir militaire a été un faux pas de l’ordre international elle constitue en revanche une chance de stabilisation du régime.
Le rôle de l’islam dans la société mauritanienne contemporaine
Authors: Hamès Constant
Published: May 2023

The role of islam in contemporaneous mauritanian society.

With the evolution of contemporaneous Mauritania, the islamic religious sector has become official and state established into its respective functions of manager of worship, education and justice. This «unprivatization» brought, among other things, a new religious staff earning wages or granted by the State, whose new links to political life constitute a new data in the history of Islam in Mauritania.
Réformes politico-économiques au Kenya : les perspectives de la communauté des entrepreneurs.
Authors: Ikiara Gerrishon k
Published: May 2023

Politico-ecomonic reforms in Kenya. The entrepreneurs' community prospects.

Local entrepreneurs constitute at the same time a vigilant and active community in the processes of economic and political liberalization taking place in Kenya. The introduction of a multiparty system was marked by debates on the lack of transparency in the management of economic affairs, the vote-oriented tendency of which, led to the hardening of the political systems in power after the 60’s. Tensions are high between the State and promoters for price controls, the implementation of facilities, the openess of the parapublic sector. They question the State’s tendency to favor Asian investors to the detriment of native’s.
La reconversion économique de la nomenklatura pétrolière
Authors: Ennes Ferreira Manuel
Published: May 2023

The economical restructuring og the oil nomenklatura.

The oil stock was not managed according to the rules of centrally-planned economy while war and a wrong policy werre leading the country’s economic states to seriously deteriorate. The MPLA nomenklatura could consolidate its position making the most of a series of economic policies and preferences inherent to the existence of a single party system. Hostile to economical reforms, they were to be its main beneficiary thanks to the right to property given to private entreprises.
La «chasse aux Zaïrois» à Luanda
Authors: Makebo Tali Jean-Marie
Published: May 2023

Zairean chasing in luanda.

The Zaïrean hunt which took place in Luanda in January 1993 was in fact aiming at the Angolans belonging to the Bakongo ethnic group exiled from Zaïre where the toughness of colonization had driven them in great numbers. As a struggle against the people and the community goods as such, it marked a turning point in their relationship with power and gave rise to the revival and the radicalization of the Kikango identity claim. Back to the country at the time of independence, molded into a different urban culture, they were doubly rejected, on political and socio-cultural grounds, which was to become worse given the part they will take particularly in black economy.
Savimbi et l’exercice du pouvoir : un témoignage
Authors: Bridgland Fred
Published: May 2023

Jonas Savimbi qui a un temps représenté un espoir pour le peuple angolais est devenu un dictateur n’hésitant pas à faire assassiner à l’intérieur de son mouvement ceux qui osent s’opposer à lui, dont de grands dirigeants qui auraient pu porter l’idéal originel de l’UNITA. Tito Chingunji, son représentant aux Etats-Unis, et qui incarnait un espoir pour le mouvement, et donc rival potentiel, fut éliminé, après les accords de Bicesse, sur les ordres de Savimbi.
Mobilisations sociales et oppositions sous Kérékou
Authors: Banégas Richard
Published: May 2023

Au Bénin, les mouvements politiques et sociaux de protestation (Parti communiste du Dahomey, syndicats, mouvements étudiants, Églises et laïcs catholiques, diasporas) se sont assez tôt organisés contre le régime de Kérékou, articulant des doléances qui vont se fédérer dans le vaste mouvement de revendication démocratique entre 1989 et 1990. Celle-ci est plurielle dans sa trajectoire et dans son énonciation qu’il faut replacer dans la durée.
Les législatives de mars 1995
Authors: Gbégnonvi Roger
Published: May 2023

Les législatives de mars 1955 ont été pour le Bénin la première grande épreuve d’alternance démocratique. Leur préparation a donné lieu à un accès de fièvre heureusement contenue grâce à la bonne volonté de tous. Les électeurs profitèrent même de leurs voix pour lancer à la classe politique un appel à une gestion responsable du multipartisme intégral. Ces législatives ont toutefois révélé la force de l'argent et la puissance de l'ethnie contre lesquelles le Bénin devra protéger son processus démocratique.
Discours et conditionnalité démocratique
Authors: Biagiotti Isabelle
Published: May 2023

La coopération allemande avec l’Afrique, traditionnellement marquée par un mélange de mercantilisme et d’humanisme, s’est engagée relativement tôt dans le renouvellement de ses pratiques. En s’appuyant sur la promotion des droits de l’homme, elle a envisagé une définition systématique du «bon partenaire» et initié des projets spécifiques. La construction de cette approche et les débats qu’elle a provoqués sont ici rapportés.
Débats actuels sur la reconceptualisation de l’État par les organismes de financement multilatéraux et l’USAID
Authors: Campbell Bonnie
Published: May 2023

En dépit de leur apparente neutralité politique, les nouvelles politiques de transformations institutionnelles conditionnant le succès des réformes économiques, laissent de plus en plus clairement percevoir qu’elles ont pour objectif de délaisser certaines stratégies de développement. Mais, certains documents de la Banque mondiale laissent à penser que c’est un véritable modèle libéral, méfiant de l’intervention de l’État, et d’origine nord-américaine qui est transféré. Un tel mimétisme, voulu par l’USAID, non seulement ignore les problèmes spécifiques des pays du Sud mais fragilise les États et sous-estime certains de leurs besoins ; la réappropriation de ce modèle d’État reste donc problématique.
Ce qu’attendent les Tananariviens de la réforme de l’État et de l’économie
Authors: Razafindrakoto Mireille , Roubaud François
Published: May 2023

Malgré une dégradation du climat économique de Madagascar et du niveau de vie des populations, le processus démocratique n’est pas remis en cause. Une enquête d’opinion réalisée à Antananarivo révèle le besoin de plus de démocratie mais aussi de «mieux d’État» pour résoudre les problèmes de corruption. Il met aussi en évidence un besoin de plus d’État au moins au profit des plus démunis, la proportion des libéraux convaincus étant insignifiante.

Ainsi, la solution des problèmes malgaches est perçue non comme étant de la responsabilité des bailleurs de fonds ou des pays industrialisés mais comme devant venir de la société, en particulier des investissements dans l’agriculture et de la réforme de l’administration. Le rôle des média et de la communication est enfin souligné.
Le champ social camerounais : désordre inventif, mythes simplificateurs et stabilité hégémonique de l’État
Authors: Sindjoun Luc
Published: May 2023

La montée et la généralisation des flux extra-étatiques d’origines diverses traduisent la maturation autonome du champ social camerounais. Les dynamiques du pluralisme et du désordre qui le structurent et relativisent la toute-puissance de l’État précédemment monopoliste, subissent toutefois la pression de l’État-réseau porté vers la stabilisation hégémonique.
Dieu et la ruse ont la parole. La protestation publique au Kenya et en Zambie
Authors: Lafargue Jérôme
Published: May 2023

Le processus de libéralisation politique au Kenya et en Zambie n’a pas été seulement institutionnel et reposant sur des partis dont l’unité et la cohérence étaient soumis à des fluctuations incessantes. Il a été largement dynamisé par une protestation publique qui a généré de multiples langages d’opposition. Parmi ceux-ci, le langage religieux et le langage de détournement, déployés à partir de modes d’action plus ou moins classiques, ont conjugué de nombreux registres métaphoriques, aboutissant à la projection dans l’espace du politique de significations embarrassantes pour le pouvoir. Mais, en dépit de ces innovations diverses, il demeure excessif de parler d’un langage uniforme et cohérent de la protestation, notamment en raison d’un mélange souvent subtil de plusieurs supports ou modes d’émission. Il reste que les signes de résistance quotidienne aux symboliques élaborés par le pouvoir ont été dépassés.
Démocratie en chansons : les bikut-si du Cameroun
Authors: Onguéné essono Louis martin
Published: May 2023

Democracy in traditional floksong : the bikut-si in Cameroon.

Cameroon was long known for censorship. However this monolithic state, from 1960 to 1990, this African microcosm saw the improvement of the status of words in 1992. But the complete freedom proclaimed with multipartism failed sometimes as in spite of the law on associations some citizens were imprisoned. In 1990, the popular democracies, crystallized by fire and blood in some areas, were only new to the institutionally hierarchized chiefdoms. Whereas for the tribes which shared responsibility and were socially accepted, the words of democracy were another help for the people preoccupied with public order, collective well-being and equal share of common goods. Freedom as appears in songs and dances in the bikut-si, the traditional Betis’ folksong, is proof of the maturity reached.
The Daughters of Evil ! Images de l’étudiante sur les campus nigérians
Authors: Lebeau Yann
Published: May 2023

La population étudiante nigériane compte aujourd’hui 27 % de filles. D’origine sociale globalement plus élevée que leurs homologues masculins, les étudiantes entretiennent avec ces derniers des relations complexes, analysées ici au travers de leurs échanges dans la presse étudiante et lors de manifestations sur les campus. Les critiques parfois acerbes qui émaillent ces échanges, témoignent sans aucun doute des contradictions, repérées ailleurs en Afrique de l’Ouest, entre l’imagerie conjugale des hommes et celle des femmes de la petite bourgeoisie urbaine. Mais elles traduisent également l’inégale appréhension qu’ont les uns et les autres de leur avenir professionnel et familial. L’ampleur de la crise des débouchés de l’université semble en effet fragiliser en premier lieu les garçons, alors que le diplôme confère toujours aux étudiantes une dot des plus valorisées sur un marché matrimonial en pleine mutation.
Le nouveau système politique soudanais ou la démocratie en trompe-l’œil
Authors: Lavergne Marc
Published: May 2023

The new sudanese political system; a democracy in «trompe-l'œil».

The «popular democracy» is at the very heart of Hassan el-Turabi’s islamic institutional project. The final objective is to give the people their autonomy back through extensive decentralisation, the creation of a federal state and the devolution of effective power to local government. But this programme actually means a progressive implementation of the Charia and a tighter control of the population. So far this pseudo western type pluralist democracy has not succeeded in finding the legitimacy it was looking for.
De la relation entre culture et développement : leçons asiatiques pour l’Afrique
Authors: Onana Jean-baptiste
Published: May 2023

En partant des certitudes et des supposés de la relation culture/ développement, et au moyen d’une comparaison avec le rôle qu’a pu jouer la culture dans le développement des nouveaux pays industrialisés du Sud-Asiatique, l’auteur voudrait poser le problème de la prise en compte ou non des facteurs culturels dans l’évaluation des perspectives de développement en Afrique.
L’acte de vote en Afrique du Sud : remarques à partir des premières élections démocratiques d’avril 1994
Authors: Crouzel Ivan
Published: May 2023

The act of voting in South Africa. comments from the first democratic elections in april 1994.

The first non-racial South African elections in April 1994 aimed to designate the first legitimate government in the history of this country and constituted, above all, an essential step in the process of the re-founding of the State. The vote therefore proved to be an intrinsic part of the democratic system in gestation, but it was also a technology to be learned. With this in mind, «voter education» programmes were set up, with a view to favouring the establishment of a democratic culture, by enhancing the spirit of tolerance, respect for others and their opinions. Despite the weight of the confrontational culture that was the legacy of apartheid, the vote has become a major, legitimate form of political participation.
De la galère à la guerre : jeunes et «Cobras» dans les quartiers Nord de Brazzaville
Authors: Ossebi Henri
Published: May 2023

From delinquency to war : young people and «cobras» in the north districts of brazzaville.

Analyses that see only political instrumentalisation in militia violence are inadequate. On the one hand, because of the diversity of the identifiable forms of structured or «informal » juvenile violence, before, during and after the two civil wars in Brazzaville. On the other, because of the perpetuation of violence by these urban actors beyond the political motivations or issues that sparked the violence. Long after the military defeat of the Lissouba - Kolélas coalition in October 1997, the official dissolution of private militias has not caused young people to disarm, nor has it stopped the ex-«militiamen» spreading a «neo-culture» dramatising a «delinquent» lifestyle.
The treatment effect of Infliximab on Spondyarthritis patients
Authors: Vo Thi Hoai Huong , Nguyen Hoang Thanh Van , Vo Tam
Published: May 2023

Background: Biologic drugs, especially anti TNF-α drugs, are revolutionary in the treatment of Spondyloarthritis when the conventional DMARDs have proved ineffective.

Research objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Infliximab treatment on Spondyloarthritis patients.

Materials and method: Longitudinal follow-up study with Infliximab treatment on 27 patients with Spondyloarthritis.

Results: The effectiveness of Infliximab on patients with Spondyloarthritis is demonstrated by clinical indicators; inflammatory markers: CRP, ESR in the first hour and the disease activity level according to ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR in the first hour at the time of T2, T6 compared to T0 were statistically significant (p < 0.05)). After excluding the data of 2 patients with flare at T14, all the above-mentioned indicators improved, the difference was statistically significant with p < 0.05.

Conclusion: Infliximab is effective in improving clinical symptoms, inflammatory markers and disease activity score in patients with Spondyloarthritis.

Key words: spondyloarthritis, Infliximab.