bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Exploration of Emission Abatement Solution for Newbuilding Bulk Carriers
Authors: Huang Shunquan , Li Yuyang
Published: June 2024

With the implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) sulfur cap 2020, shipowners have had to choose suitable sulfur oxide emission abatement solutions to respond to this policy. The use of Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and the installation of scrubbers are the main response solutions for bulk carriers today. In recent years, the epidemic has gradually improved, and the options facing shipowners may change. Based on the Clarkson Shipping Intelligence Network, this paper collects data related to newbuilding bulk carriers after the implementation of this policy, considers several factors affecting shipowners’ decision, and adopts a machine learning approach for the first time to build a model and make predictions on emission abatement solutions to provide some reference for shipowners to choose a more suitable solution. The results of the study show that the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model is more suitable for the problem studied in this paper, and the highest prediction accuracy of about 84.25% with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.9019 is achieved using this model with hyperparameter adjustment based on a stratified sampling divided data set. The model makes good predictions for newbuilding bulk carriers. In addition, the deadweight tonnage and annual distance traveled of a ship have a greater degree of influence on the choice of its option, which can be given priority in the decision making. In contrast to traditional cost–benefit analyses, this study incorporates economic and non-economic factors and uses machine learning methods for effective classification, which have the advantage of being fast, comparable, and highly accurate.
The Performance and Evolutionary Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum in Enhancing Selenite Tolerance and Bioaccumulation
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Meng Qi , Zhu Song , Yu Ruipeng , Chen Lei , Shi Guiyang , Wong Ka-Hing , Fan Daming , Ding Zhongyang
Published: June 2024

Background: Selenium (Se) pollution poses serious threats to terrestrial ecosystems. Mushrooms are important sources of Se with the potential for bioremediation. Pre-eminent Se resources must possess the ability to tolerate high levels of Se. To obtain Se-accumulating fungi, we isolated selenite-tolerance-enhanced Ganoderma lucidum JNUSE-200 through adaptive evolution. Methods: The molecular mechanism responsible for selenite tolerance and accumulation was explored in G. lucidum JNUSE-200 by comparing it with the original strain, G. lucidum CGMCC 5.26, using a combination of physiological and transcriptomic approaches. Results: G. lucidum JNUSE-200 demonstrated tolerance to 200 mg/kg selenite in liquid culture and exhibited normal growth, whereas G. lucidum CGMCC 5.26 experienced reduced growth, red coloration, and an unpleasant odor as a result of exposure to selenite at the same concentration. In this study, G. lucidum JNUSE-200 developed a triple defense mechanism against high-level selenite toxicity, and the key genes responsible for improved selenite tolerance were identified. Conclusions: The present study offers novel insights into the molecular responses of fungi towards selenite, providing theoretical guidance for the breeding and cultivation of Se-accumulating varieties. Moreover, it significantly enhances the capacity of the bio-manufacturing industry and contributes to the development of beneficial applications in environmental biotechnology through fungal selenite transformation bioprocesses.
Retrospective Correlation of the Circulation Time of Test Bolus Injections in MR Angiography and Cardiac Function
Authors: Möller David F. , Mohorko Borut , Aschauer Theresia E. , Schwager Tobias , Aschauer Manuela A.
Published: June 2024

This retrospective study examines 248 test bolus examinations preceding contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) to extract clinically relevant data for critical limb ischemia (CLI) management. The method involved a retrospective review of test bolus exams, analysing 60 graphs for time to peak (TTP), full-width half-maximum (FWHM) time, and time to continual rise in signal intensity. These values were correlated with heart function parameters (ejection fraction, ASA classification, Lee index, and MET score). The results indicate a mean TTP of 31.2 ± 7.3 s, showing a correlation between the ejection fraction and ASA classification. Patients with atrial fibrillation exhibited prolonged TTP compared to those without. Despite population heterogeneity, these findings facilitate risk stratification for limb-saving interventions in CLI. TTP emerges as a potential clinical cardiovascular parameter and a risk factor for vascular interventions. Given the variation in injection protocols across centres, this study underscores the importance of precise bolus arrival time documentation for future multicentre studies.
A Study on Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Chinese National Park Network Attention
Authors: Chen Mingxin , Dong Dong , Ji Fengquan , Tai Yu , Li Nan , Huang Runyu , Xiao Tieqiao
Published: June 2024

Due to advancements in information technology and growing eco-tourism demand, National Park Network Attention (NPNA) has emerged as a novel indicator of tourism appeal and ecological value recognition. Utilizing Baidu search index (accessed in 2023) data from 2013 to 2022, this study employs time series analysis, index analysis, and spatial statistics to measure and differentiate the spatial and temporal aspects of NPNA across 31 provinces, regions, and municipalities in mainland China, while systematically assessing the impact of various factors from both source and destination perspectives. Over the period of 2013 to 2022, NPNA has increased annually, peaking around holidays and during spring and autumn, demonstrating pronounced seasonality and precursor effects, while exhibiting volatility due to external events. Influenced by factors from both source and destination perspectives, the spatial distribution of NPNA displays a trend of being “high in the east and low in the west” and “high in the south and low in the north”, though regional disparities are diminishing. The population size in the source areas remains the dominant factor influencing NPNA, while the concept of national parks is not yet widely recognized. The destination’s tourism resource endowment, media publicity, accessibility, and level of informatization are significant influences. An effective integration of resources and marketing is essential for boosting NPNA. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the spatial layout of national parks, enhancing the tourism service system, innovating communication and promotional strategies, and improving national park governance effectiveness.
Housing Developers’ Heterogeneous Decision-Making under Negative Shock after the High-Growth Era: Evidence from the Chinese Real Estate Economy
Authors: Sheng Dachen , Cheng Huijun , Yin Minmin
Published: June 2024

This research uses difference-in-difference (DID) and other empirical methods to analyze firm-level real estate data to discover how heterogeneous firm characteristics affect managers’ decision-making about development expansion when a firm faces a temporary negative sales shock in the Chinese housing market. The manager’s decision is a utility maximization problem under uncertainty, determined by their risk aversion levels, which managers choose to optimize by considering other factors of interest, including career risk and personal wealth. Also, the advance payment rule encourages real estate developers to maintain high turnover, since new projects allow developers to collect cash first. The results show that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are much more conservative than other types of developers. SOEs tend to focus on current developing projects. Firms with more concentrated management pursue expansion and seek to use new project sales to compensate for their slower growth. Larger developers with headquarters in large cities tend to slow their development speed when they observe negative signals, as they can quickly engage in new projects given these firms’ easy access to financial resources such as bank loans. This study makes a novel contribution to the literature since previous research has tended to focus on the macro market level rather than the firm level. The findings also have strong policy and regulation value. The results indicate that higher cashflow monitoring needs, especially to monitor family-owned developers, to prevent misuse and excessive project expansion.
A Machine Learning-Based Framework with Enhanced Feature Selection and Resampling for Improved Intrusion Detection
Authors: Malik Fazila , Waqas Khan Qazi , Rizwan Atif , Alnashwan Rana , Atteia Ghada
Published: June 2024

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) play a crucial role in safeguarding network infrastructures from cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of highly sensitive data. Conventional IDS technologies, although successful in achieving high levels of accuracy, frequently encounter substantial model bias. This bias is primarily caused by imbalances in the data and the lack of relevance of certain features. This study aims to tackle these challenges by proposing an advanced machine learning (ML) based IDS that minimizes misclassification errors and corrects model bias. As a result, the predictive accuracy and generalizability of the IDS are significantly improved. The proposed system employs advanced feature selection techniques, such as Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), sequential feature selection (SFS), and statistical feature selection, to refine the input feature set and minimize the impact of non-predictive attributes. In addition, this work incorporates data resampling methods such as Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique and Edited Nearest Neighbor (SMOTE_ENN), Adaptive Synthetic Sampling (ADASYN), and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique–Tomek Links (SMOTE_Tomek) to address class imbalance and improve the accuracy of the model. The experimental results indicate that our proposed model, especially when utilizing the random forest (RF) algorithm, surpasses existing models regarding accuracy, precision, recall, and F Score across different data resampling methods. Using the ADASYN resampling method, the RF model achieves an accuracy of 99.9985% for botnet attacks and 99.9777% for Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach in dealing with imbalanced data distributions. This research not only improves the abilities of IDS to identify botnet and MITM attacks but also provides a scalable and efficient solution that can be used in other areas where data imbalance is a recurring problem. This work has implications beyond IDS, offering valuable insights into using ML techniques in complex real-world scenarios.
A Multiscale Statistical Analysis of Rough Surfaces and Applications to Tribology
Authors: Borodich Feodor M. , Pepelyshev Andrey , Jin Xiaoqing
Published: June 2024

Mathematical modelling of surface roughness is of significant interest for a variety of modern applications, including, but not limited to, tribology and optics. The most popular approaches to modelling rough surfaces are reviewed and critically examined. By providing counterexamples, it is shown that approaches based solely on the use of the fractal geometry or power spectral density have many drawbacks. It is recommended to avoid these approaches. It is argued that the surfaces that cannot be distinguished from the original rough surfaces can be synthesised by employing the concept of the representative elementary pattern of roughness (REPR), i.e., the smallest interval (or area) of a rough surface that statistically represents the whole surface. The REPR may be extracted from surface measurement data by the use of the “moving window” technique in combination with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic.
Virulence Potential and Antimicrobial Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates Obtained from Beef and Beef-Based Products Deciphered Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Manqele Ayanda , Adesiyun Abiodun , Mafuna Thendo , Pierneef Rian , Moerane Rebone , Gcebe Nomakorinte
Published: June 2024

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous bacterial pathogen that threatens the food chain and human health. In this study, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for the genomic characterization of L. monocytogenes (n = 24) from beef and beef-based products. Multilocus Sequence Type (MLST) analysis revealed that ST204 of CC204 was the most common sequence type (ST). Other sequence types detected included ST1 and ST876 of CC1, ST5 of CC5, ST9 of CC9, ST88 of CC88, ST2 and ST1430 of CC2, and ST321 of CC321. Genes encoding for virulence factors included complete LIPI-1 (pfrA-hly-plcA-plcB-mpl-actA) from 54% (13/24) of the isolates of ST204, ST321, ST1430, and ST9 and internalin genes inlABC that were present in all the STs. All the L. monocytogenes STs carried four intrinsic/natural resistance genes, fosX, lin, norB, and mprF, conferring resistance to fosfomycin, lincosamide, quinolones, and cationic peptides, respectively. Plasmids pLGUG1 and J1776 were the most detected (54% each), followed by pLI100 (13%) and pLM5578 (7%). The prophage profile, vB_LmoS_188, was overrepresented amongst the isolates, followed by LP_101, LmoS_293_028989, LP_030_2_021539, A006, and LP_HM00113468. Listeria genomic island 2 (LGI-2) was found to be present in all the isolates, while Listeria genomic island 3 (LGI-3) was present in a subset of isolates (25%). The type VII secretion system was found in 42% of the isolates, and sortase A was present in all L. monocytogenes genomes. Mobile genetic elements and genomic islands did not harbor any virulence, resistance, or environmental adaptation genes that may benefit L. monocytogenes. All the STs did not carry genes that confer resistance to first-line antibiotics used for the treatment of listeriosis. The characterization of L. monocytogenes in our study highlighted the environmental resistance and virulence potential of L. monocytogenes and the risk posed to the public, as this bacterium is frequently found in food and food processing environments.
Functional Analysis of Stress Resistance of Bacillus cereus SCL10 Strain Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Mao Yanzhen , Yang Ye , Lin Fu , Chu Hanyu , Zhou Lijie , Han Jiaojiao , Zhou Jun , Su Xiurong
Published: June 2024

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and spore-forming bacterium, designated SCL10, was isolated from Acaudina molpadioides exposure to Co-60 radiation. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the strain as Bacillus cereus and functional characterization, with a focus on stress resistance. The genome of the B. cereus SCL10 strain was sequenced and assembled, revealing a size of 4,979,182 bp and 5167 coding genes. The genes involved in biological functions were annotated by using the GO, COG, KEGG, NR, and Swiss-Prot databases. The results showed that genes related to alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (ahpC, ahpF), DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (dps), spore and biofilm formation (spoVG, spo0A, gerP), cold shock-like protein (cspC, cspE), ATP-dependent chaperone (clpB), and photolyase, small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) and DNA repair protein (recA, radD) could explain the stress resistance. These findings suggest that antioxidant activity, sporulation, biofilm formation, and DNA protection may be considered as the main resistance mechanisms under exposure to radiation in the B. cereus SCL10 strain.
Detection of Salmonella Reservoirs in Birds of Prey Hosted in an Italian Wildlife Centre: Molecular and Antimicrobial Resistance Characterisation
Authors: Corradini Carlo , De Bene Andrea Francesco , Russini Valeria , Carfora Virginia , Alba Patricia , Cordaro Gessica , Senese Matteo , Terracciano Giuliana , Fabbri Ilaria , Di Sirio Alessandro , Di Giamberardino Fabiola , Boria Pierpaolo , De Marchis Maria Laura , Bossù Teresa
Published: June 2024

In the European Union, salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonoses reported. Poultry meat and egg products are the most common food matrices associated with Salmonella presence. Moreover, wild and domestic animals could represent an important reservoir that could favour the direct and indirect transmission of pathogens to humans. Salmonella spp. can infect carnivorous or omnivorous wild birds that regularly ingest food and water exposed to faecal contamination. Birds kept in captivity can act as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. following ingestion of infected prey or feed. In this paper, we describe the isolation of different Salmonella serovars in several species of raptors hosted in aviaries in an Italian wildlife centre and in the raw chicken necks used as their feed but intended for human consumption. Characterisations of strains were carried out by integrating classical methods and whole genome sequencing analysis. The strains of S. bredeney isolated in poultry meat and birds belonged to the same cluster, with some of them being multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carrying the Col(pHAD28) plasmid-borne qnrB19 (fluoro)quinolone resistance gene, thus confirming the source of infection. Differently, the S. infantis found in feed and raptors were all MDR, carried a plasmid of emerging S. infantis (pESI)-like plasmid and belonged to different clusters, possibly suggesting a long-lasting infection or the presence of additional undetected sources. Due to the high risk of fuelling a reservoir of human pathogens, the control and treatment of feed for captive species are crucial.
Leuconostoc gelidum Is the Major Species Responsible for the Spoilage of Cooked Sausage Packaged in a Modified Atmosphere, and Hop Extract Is the Best Inhibitor Tested
Authors: Comi Giuseppe , Colautti Andrea , Bernardi Cristian Edoardo Maria , Stella Simone , Orecchia Elisabetta , Coppola Francesca , Iacumin Lucilla
Published: June 2024

Cooked sausages packaged in a modified atmosphere (MAP: 20% CO2, 70% N2, <0.2% O2) with evident yellow stains were analyzed. The aims of this work were to study the microbial cause of the spoilage and to evaluate different antimicrobial compounds to prevent it. Leuconostoc gelidum was identified as the primary cause of the yellow coating in spoiled cooked sausage, as confirmed by its intentional inoculation on slices of unspoiled sausage. Leuconostoc gelidum was the main bacteria responsible for the yellow coating in spoiled cooked sausage, as confirmed by its intentional inoculation on slices of unspoiled sausage. The yellow color was also evident during growth in the model system containing cooked sausage extract, but the colonies on MRS agar appeared white, demonstrating that the food substrate stimulated the production of the yellow pigment. The spoilage was also characterized by different volatile compounds, including ketones, ethanol, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate, found in the spoiled cooked sausage packages. These compounds explained the activity of Leuc. gelidum because they are typical of heterofermentative LAB, cultivated either on food substrates or in artificial broths. Leuc. gelidum also produced slight swelling in the spoiled packages. The efficacy of different antimicrobials was assessed in model systems composed of cooked sausage extract with the antimicrobials added at food product concentrations. The data showed that sodium lactate, sodium acetate, and a combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate could only slow the growth of the spoiler—they could not stop it from occurring. Conversely, hop extract inhibited Leuc. gelidum, showing a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of approximately 0.008 mg CAE/mL in synthetic broth and 4 mg CAE/kg in cooked sausage slices. Adding hop extract at the MIC did not allow Leuc. gelidum growth and did not change the sensorial characteristics of the cooked sausages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the antimicrobial activities of hop extracts against Leuc. gelidum either in vitro or in vivo.
Low-Power-Consumption and Broadband 16-Channel Variable Optical Attenuator Array Based on Polymer/Silica Hybrid Waveguide
Authors: Zhang Shengyuan , Yin Yuexin , Wang Zihao , Li Yafan , Zhang Yuan , Yao Mengke , Zhang Daming , Li Ye
Published: June 2024

A variable optical attenuator (VOA) is a crucial component for optical communication, especially for a variable multiplexer (VMUX) and reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM). With the capacity increasing dramatically, a large-port-count and low-power-consumption VOA array is urgent for an on-chip system. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a 16-channel VOA array based on a polymer/silica hybrid waveguide. The proposed array is able to work over C and L bands. The VOA array shows an average attenuation larger than 14.38 dB with a low power consumption of 15.53 mW. The low power consumption makes it possible to integrate silica-based passive devices with a large port count on-chip.
Exploring the Potential of Hybrid Excitation Synchronous Generators in Wind Energy: A Comprehensive Analysis and Overview
Authors: Mseddi Amina , Dhouib Bilel , Zdiri Mohamed Ali , Alaas Zuhair , Naifar Omar , Guesmi Tawfik , Alshammari Badr M. , Alqunun Khalid
Published: June 2024

Due to the unpredictable nature of the wind, uncertainty in the characteristics of wind electrical conversion systems (WECSs), and inefficient management tactics, wind turbines have historically had operational inefficiencies. In order to overcome these drawbacks, the hybrid excitation synchronous generator (HESG), an alternative to traditional generators, is presented in this study along with the suggestion to use robust regulators to regulate HESGs. This research begins with a thorough review of the literature on generators often seen in modern wind systems. Next, a simulation platform that merges a WECS with a HESG tied to an isolated load is built using the MATLAB Simulink environment. Pitch angle control investigation shows a new experimental approach to determine the link between turbine output and the reference pitch angle. Furthermore, an evaluation of the mechanical stability of the WECS is conducted by a comparison of the performance of a H∞ controller and a CRONE controller. The simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the CRONE controller in reducing mechanical vibrations in the WECS. By reducing vibrations, the proposed control technique enhances the overall performance and efficiency of the wind turbine system. The field is extended by the demonstration of how HESGs and reliable control systems can enhance wind turbine performance while eliminating inherent limitations.
Signal Decomposition for Monitoring Systems of Processes
Authors: Pavlenko Ivan , Trojanowska Justyna , Ivanov Vitalii , Radchenko Svetlana , Husár Jozef , Mižáková Jana
Published: June 2024

This article is devoted to the problem of signal decomposition into periodic and aperiodic components. According to the proposed approach, there is no need to evaluate the aperiodic component as a difference between the total signal of its periodic components. This research aims to create a general analytical approach that combines the Fourier and Maclaurin series methodologies into a single comprehensive series. As a result, analytical expressions for determining deposition coefficients were established for an aperiodic signal with a monoharmonic overlay. Recurrence relations were established to determine the coefficients of this series. These relations allow direct integrations of the obtained values of integrals to be avoided. The evaluated numerical values of the coefficients are also presented graphically and tabulated. It was proven that the values of these coefficients are universal numbers since they do not depend on the period/frequency of oscillations. The reliability of the proposed approach was confirmed by the fact that the evaluated coefficients are equal to the Fourier series coefficients in the case of a periodic signal. Also, for an aperiodic signal, these coefficients were reduced to the coefficients of the Maclaurin series. The usability of the proposed generalized analytical approach for signal decomposition is for control and monitoring systems of processes.
Why a Cracker? Jephthah’s Daughter as the Unleavened Bread of Passover
Authors: Walls Amanda
Published: June 2024

This article presents a new hypothesis regarding the social and ideological functions of the otherwise unknown festival to commemorate Jephthah’s daughter and the meaning of its symbols and occasions. A unique event in the biblical world, this festival is the only time known to us in which Israelite women were expected to appear together in public assembly. Jud 11:39–40 enjoin “the daughters of Israel” to celebrate it annually. The story of Jephthah’s daughter, summarized in Jud 11:34–39, evokes and develops many themes that intersect with the depiction of and the prescriptions for observing two well-known festivals that share a season: the holiday of Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Maṣṣot. A synthesis of the correlations among the holidays will suggest that the festival dedicated to honoring Jephthah’s daughter was an early, long-lasting folk version of Maṣṣot in which the daughter represented the festival’s ritual staple, unleavened bread.
Comparison and Selection of Wet Waste Disposal Modes for Villages in Agriculture-Related Towns Taking Shanghai, China, as an Example
Authors: Ni Yiyao , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2024

Under the increasingly stringent regulatory constraints, wet waste disposal in agriculture-related towns has become a significant issue. Based on fieldwork in three agriculture-related towns and nine villages located in Shanghai, this paper analyzes the economics and greenhouse gas emissions of three wet waste disposal methods, including centralized disposal, on-site disposal by biogas digesters, and on-site disposal by small-scale biochemical processors, and compares these alternatives by combining various factors, aiming to help decision makers in selecting the optimal alternative. The net present value approach was employed to evaluate the economic aspects of the three disposal methods. The greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using life cycle assessment, life cycle inventory, and the IPCC guidelines. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method was employed for a multi-criteria decision-making analysis based on five factors, including economics, greenhouse gas emission control, stability, compliance with environmental regulations, and location feasibility. The results revealed that although centralized disposal is not as good as on-site disposal by biogas digesters in terms of economics and greenhouse gas emissions, centralized disposal is still the optimal alternative according to the results of multi-criteria decision making. The tightening of regulatory constraints will internalize the negative externalities of on-site wet waste disposal. Thus, centralized disposal is the method of wet waste disposal that is most consistent with the regulatory constraints and most sustainable. It is worth emphasizing that policymakers should fully assess the impact of tightening regulations on the selection of wet waste disposal methods, establish a homogenous waste disposal system covering both urban and rural areas, and enhance the management of existing on-site disposal facilities.
Accurate Surge Arrester Modeling for Optimal Risk-Aware Lightning Protection Utilizing a Hybrid Monte Carlo–Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Asadi Amir Hossein Kimiai , Eskandari Mohsen , Delavari Hadi
Published: June 2024

The application of arresters is critical for the safe operation of electric grids against lightning. Arresters limit the consequences of lightning-induced over-voltages. However, surge arrester protection in electric grids is challenging due to the intrinsic complexities of distribution grids, including overhead lines and power components such as transformers. In this paper, an optimal arrester placement technique is developed by proposing a multi-objective function that includes technical, safety and risk, and economic indices. However, an effective placement model demands a comprehensive and accurate modeling of an electric grid’s components. In this light, appropriate models of a grid’s components including an arrester, the earth, an oil-immersed transformer, overhead lines, and lightning-induced voltage are developed. To achieve accurate models, high-frequency transient mathematical models are developed for the grid’s components. Notably, to have an accurate model of the arrester, which critically impacts the performance of the arrester placement technique, a new arrester model is developed and evaluated based on real technical data from manufacturers such as Pars, Tridelta, and Siemens. Then, the proposed model is compared with the IEEE, Fernandez, and Pinceti models. The arrester model is incorporated in an optimization problem considering the performance of the over-voltage protection and the risk, technical, and economic indices, and it is solved using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Monte Carlo (MC) techniques. To validate the proposed arrester model and the placement technique, real data from the Chopoghloo feeder in Bahar, Hamedan, Iran, are simulated. The feeder is expanded over three different geographical areas, including rural, agricultural plain, and mountainous areas.
Molecular Events in Immune Responses to Sublingual Influenza Vaccine with Hemagglutinin Antigen and Poly(I:C) Adjuvant in Nonhuman Primates, Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuro , Hirano Makoto , Mitsunaga Fusako , Wasaki Kunihiko , Kotani Atsushi , Tajima Kazuki , Nakamura Shin
Published: June 2024

Sublingual vaccines offer the benefits of inducing mucosal immunity to protect against respiratory viruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza, while also enabling needle-free self-administration. In a previous study, a sublingual SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was created by combining a recombinafigureCoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain antigen with a double strand RNA Poly(I:C) adjuvant. This vaccine was tested on nonhuman primates, Cynomolgus macaques. This study examined the immune and inflammatory responses elicited by the sublingual influenza vaccine containing hemagglutinin (HA) antigen and Poly(I:C) adjuvants, and assessed the safety of this vaccine in nonhuman primates. The Poly(I:C)-adjuvanted sublingual vaccine induced both mucosal and systemic immunities. Specifically, the sublingual vaccine produced HA-specific secretory IgA antibodies in saliva and nasal washings, and HA-specific IgA and IgG were detected in the blood. This vaccine appeared to be safe, as judged from the results of blood tests and plasma C-reactive protein levels. Notably, sublingual vaccination neither increased the production of inflammation-associated cytokines—IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-17—in the blood, nor upregulated the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines—IL12A, IL12B, IFNA1, IFNB1, CD69, and granzyme B—in white blood cells. Moreover, DNA microarray analyses revealed that sublingual vaccination evoked both enhancing and suppressing expression changes in genes associated with immune-related responses in cynomolgus monkeys. Therefore, the sublingual vaccine with the Poly(I:C) adjuvant is safe, and creates a balanced state of enhancing and suppressing the immune-related response.
Impacto del programa de reforma de vida para el control de factores de riesgo de sindrome metabólico
Authors: Rojas Dávıla Armida Concepcıón , Sınche Charca Sonıa Amandy , Travezaño Aldana Miguel Angel , Inga Huayllani German
Published: June 2024

El síndrome metabólico (SM) se previene controlando sus factores de riesgo, el programa de reforma de vida (PRV) busca el control y regulación de estos. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto del PRV. Materiales y métodos: Investigación aplicativo, longitudinal, prospectivo, diseño longitudinal, inductivo y deductivo, en una población inicial de 104 trabajadores de una universidad del Perú, la población final fue 31 quienes completaron el programa, los factores de riesgo fueron evaluados por un laboratorista clínico, se utilizó fichas de recolección y se procesó con el programa SPSS V.26, prueba de Wilcoxon y T de Student según el criterio de normalidad. Resultados: el PRV disminuye los niveles de triglicéridos, promedio antes 235,6 mg/dl y después 196,1 mg/dl, no se evidencio efectos positivos en el resto de los factores de riesgo. En personas con algún factor de riesgo el PRV impacto positivamente; antes del PRV 2 personas tenían la glucosa >= a 100 mg/dl y después del PRV 1, en cuanto al perímetro abdominal ? 90cm M, ? 80cm F antes (30), después (19), presión arterial ?130/85 mmHg antes (06), después (0), triglicéridos ? 150 mg/dl antes (30), después (17), C-HDL < 40 M < 50 F antes (29), después (24). Con un p valor de 0,004 el PRV disminuye los niveles de triglicéridos. Conclusión: En la población en general el PRV disminuye el nivel de triglicéridos; en personas con algún factor de riesgo el PRV controla y regula todos los factores SM.
Dépistage et diagnostic de la surdité chez le chien
Authors: Siméon Ludovic
Published: June 2024

Screening and diagnosis of deafness in dogs is based on Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response or BAER recording. Deafness is usually classified according to five criteria : determinism, onset, severity, symmetry, and anatomical-functional stage reached. In breeds at risk for hereditary deafness, with white or piebald robes (Dalmatian Dogo argentino, Bull terrier, Australian cattle dog, etc.) or merle (Border collie, Australian shepherd, etc.), screening of breeding animals and newborns should be encouraged to reduce the prevalence of deafness in these breeds. In dogs with acute deafness, hearing impairment should be confirmed by BAERs recording and lesions should be in-vestigated by medical imaging (CT-scan and/or magnetic resonance imaging). Acquired causes of deafness are nu-merous : inflammatory (especially otitis media), toxic (or ototoxicity), traumatic, degenerative (or presbycusis). In acute deafness in dogs, total bilateral deafness is most often irreversible.
Les acquis de la lutte contre la peste bovine au Mali
Authors: Traore Amadou
Published: June 2024

La lutte contre la peste bovine a été sinueuse au cœur du Soudan français, devenu le Mali en 1960. Ce vaste territoire subissait les pertes meurtrières dues à la peste bovine. Les vétérinaires français puis maliens ont mené une lutte âpre contre la peste bovine dans un contexte historique traditionnel difficile. L’évolution des vaccins contre la peste bovine a conduit aux vaccins formolés, aluminés, saponinés, capripestiques et aux vaccins sur cul-ture cellulaire ; le personnel vétérinaire du Mali comptait moins de 400 agents. Ils ont travaillé avec les moyens rudimentaires dans un contexte d’insuffisance d’infrastructures de contention des zébus. La solidarité internatio-nale a fait de grandes contributions financières et techniques dans la lutte contre la peste bovine et contre la pé-ripneumonie contagieuse bovine à travers le programme conjoint de 1962 à 1976, la campagne panafricaine contre la peste bovine de 1986 à 1999, et le programme panafricain de contrôle des épizooties de 1999 à 2007. Le dernier foyer de peste bovine a été enregistré au Mali en 1986, la vaccination a été interrompue en 1997 et le Mali a été déclaré indemne de la peste bovine en 2003. Le Mali a donc contribué effectivement à l’éradication mondiale de la peste bovine, majestueusement célébrée par l’Office International des Epizooties en 2011.
L’insémination artificielle chez l’abeille Mellifere Apis Mellifera : indication, matériel et gestes techniques
Authors: Boucher Samuel
Published: June 2024

L’insémination artificielle des reines d’abeilles mellifères (Apis mellifera) est pratiquée de manière efficace par les sélectionneurs depuis les années 60 grâce à un matériel de précision comprenant une chambre d’anesthésie, des crochets et une seringue micrométrique. Aujourd’hui, grâce à un matériel peu encombrant, approuvé et perfectionné avec le temps, l’insémination d’Apis mellifera est fiable, rapide, facile d’accès et ne nécessite pas un entrainement trop long. L’opération se déroule dans des conditions d’asepsie stricte, sous une loupe binoculaire au grossissement 16. La technique consiste à maintenir ouverte la chambre de l’aiguillon de la reine préalablement anesthésiée au CO 2 et maintenue dans une chambre d’anesthésie. Ensuite on récline la valvule génitale et on injecte en partie distale environ huit millions de spermatozoïdes dans la chambre antérieure, sous la valvule. La semence entrera ensuite passivement dans la spermathèque. Une reine peut être fécondée une seule fois pour ses cinq années de vie.
Stomoxes : nuisance, vecteurs potentiels et lutte intégrée
Authors: Duvallet Gérard
Published: June 2024

Les stomoxes (Diptera : Muscidae : Stomoxyinae) sont des insectes hématophages dimportance médicale et vétérinaire. Cette sous-famille des Stomoxyinae comprend 52 espèces connues, réparties en 10 genres. Trois genres, Stomoxys, Haematobosca et Haematobia représentent des ectoparasites du bétail causant d’importantes pertes économiques dans les élevages. Le genre Stomoxys comprend 18 espèces reconnues. Mais la plupart des connais-sances ont été acquises sur l’espèce cosmopolite S. calcitrans . Les stomoxes causent une importante nuisance pour les animaux d’élevage et sont des vecteurs mécaniques dagents pathogènes. Le présent article résume une partie des études qui ont été menées depuis une vingtaine d’années sur les stomoxes dans différentes régions biogéo-graphiques. Une meilleure connaissance de leur biologie et de leur écologie nous permet désormais d’évaluer l’efficacité et la faisabilité sur le terrain de nouvelles méthodes de contrôle, plus respectueuses de l’environnement que l’utilisation d’insecticides.
Analyse de la réglementation antidopage du Sénégal relative aux chevaux de course au regard des règles antidopage de la fédération internationale des autorités hippiques : cas des substances dopantes
Authors: Kokou Penoukou Etsri , Teko-Agbo Assiongbon , Gbati Oubri-Bassa
Published: June 2024

Any country that has signed an article of the anti-doping regulations published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities must take steps in its national legislation to implement the directives set out in that article. Although Senegal is not a signatory, its anti-doping regulations are more or less in line with the directives proposed at international level with regard to doping substances, despite the differences noted with regard to the nature of certain substances. However, the Senegalese horseracing authorities have a duty, on the one hand, to ensure consistency between the various texts that serve as anti-doping regulations and, on the other hand, to incorporate updates with regard to scientific advances concerning doping substances in racehorses.
Le chat dans l’Islam et dans les croyances populaires en Tunisie
Authors: Gharbi Mohamed
Published: June 2024

The author presents a first descriptive analysis of the Tunisians’ perception to cats. This analysis consists of three pillars : the religious analysis, the cats in the proverbs and expressions and the perception of Tunisians to cats. The perception of humans during a period and a place dramatically conditions the welfare and the care, mainly in health offered to these animals. This study serves as initiator of a reflection and a debate on the subject.
La saga des vaccins à ARNm
Authors: Philippon Alain
Published: June 2024

The history of vaccines in infectious disease control is full of twists and turns. It began with Jenner by transferring vesicular fluid (vaccine) from cows to humans in the eighteenth century. Then Pasteur brought the method for obtaining live vaccines attenuated in cholera of hens, anthrax, red mullet of pigs or rabies. Among the other steps, that of mRNA vaccines deserves to be told, illustrating the difficulty for a researcher to move from theory to application, as well as more than sixty years for COVID vaccination.
Acceptation par le public de la détection olfactive canine de la Covid-19 : à propos d’une enquête internationale avant redéploiement
Authors: Grandjean Dominique , Hache Florine , Gallet Capucine , Bacqué Hélène , Blondot Marc , Desquilbet Loic , Volk Holger , Twele Friederike , Meller Sebastian , Chaber Anne-Lise , La Rocque Stéphane de
Published: June 2024

La détection olfactive canine de la COVID-19 a fait l’objet de nombreux travaux internationaux démontrant son efficacité. Ceci nous a conduit à évaluer le positionnement du grand public à travers le monde vis-à-vis de cette nouvelle méthode de détection médicale. Le questionnaire, élaboré par l’équipe française NOSAÏS, fut traduit en 6 langues et diffusé à travers les différents continents grâce à une implication forte de l’équipe allemande de TiHo (École Vétérinaire de Hanovre) et de l’OMS (Organisation mondiale de la santé). Certaines carences reconnues par les auteurs en matière de représentativité des échantillons n’ont pas permis d’avoir recours à la notion d’interférence, mais des grandes tendances apparaissant fiables ont pu être extraites des résultats des questionnaires. La grande majorité des répondants de par le monde (95 à 97p100 hors Chine et Russie) présente un engouement certain pour la méthode et une totale acceptation de la détection olfactive canine de la COVID-19. Les répondants chinois sont, quant à eux, positionnés en opposition à la mise en place de la méthode, vraisemblablement par manque d’information et culture ancestrale plus distante du chien. Les répondants russes s’avèrent plus mitigés, ne montrant pas un intérêt débordant pour la méthode, mais ne s’opposant malgré tout pas à sa valorisation. Les commentaires libres laissés par les répondants à la fin du questionnaire ont permis de cibler les quelques inquiétudes existantes, essentiellement d’ordre éthique (bien-être animal) et scientifique. Les résultats de cette étude pourraient être pris en compte par les décideurs administratifs et politiques de nombre de pays pour enfin envisager un déploiement officiel de la méthode de test, surtout en cas de reprises pandémiques.
Actualités sur deux maladies virales vectorielles zoonotiques en Europe : West Nile et Usutu — Réémergence du sérotype 8 du virus de la fièvre catarrhale ovine (FCO)
Authors: Zientara Stéphan , Gonzalez Gaëlle
Published: June 2024

Deux flavivirus zoonotiques ou à potentiel zoonotique ont émergé en Europe, les virus West Nile et Usutu. Le virus Usutu dont le cycle est similaire à celui de West Nile circule en Europe et en France (depuis 2015). Il pro-voque une mortalité élevée chez les oiseaux (notamment les merles) mais infecte aussi l’Homme (104 cas hu-mains ont été rapportés en Europe). Le virus de la fièvre catarrhale du mouton de sérotype 8, transmis par des moucherons, a émergé en Europe du nord en 2006. La souche BTV-8 a réémergé en France en 2015. Nous avons effectué des analyses phylogénétiques de 164 génomes complets de virus BTV-8 séquencés directement à partir de prélèvements de sangs de ruminants. Une évolution génétique linéaire du virus est mise en évidence lors de chaque épizootie. L’utilisation en monte privée de semence contaminée pour l’insémination de cheptels bovins pourrait expliquer la réémergence du BTV-8 en 2015.
L'Evêque Cathare Guilhabert de Castres
Authors: Nelli Suzanne
Published: June 2024

L'on ne sait rien des origines de Guilhabert de Castres. Etait-il un simple habitant de Castres ? Etait-il, plus probablement, issu de la famille noble de Castres ? L'auteur émet en outre l'hypothèse qu'il n'est pas impossible que l'évêque cathare Guilhabert de Castres ait été primitivement l'abbé Guilhabert de Castres que Raimond VI de Toulouse envoya en ambassade à Richard Cœur de Lion en 1196.

La carrière de Guilhabert, évêque cathare, nous est connue par les documents d'inquisition. L'on sait qu'il avait un frère, Isarn, diacre cathare, et deux sœurs parfaites revêtues.

Dès l'extrême fin du XIIe siècle, Guilhabert de Castres est installé à Fanjeaux, au cœur de la bonne société cathare ; il est alors fils majeur de l'évêque du Toulousain. Dès cette période, et durant près d'un demi-siècle, il se montre le prédicateur brillant et le ministre infatigable et dévoué du Lauragais, du Toulousain, du Sabarthès ; évêque de Toulouse vers 1220, il réside principalement à Mirepoix où il tient maison, puis à Montségur où il établit le siège de l'Eglise cathare.

C'est sans doute à Montségur qu'il mourut, à un âge assez avancé, aux environs de l'année 1240. Mais si la carrière du personnage central du catharisme occitan de la première moitié du XIIIe siècle nous est révélée par les très nombreuses dépositions devant l'inquisition qui en font mention, l'homme, en revanche, nous demeure inconnu.
Buonaiuti e il valdismo medievale
Authors: Gonnet Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Il ben noto sacerdote e professore romano (1881-1946), nelle sue ricerche su Gioacchino da Fiore, incontrò ad un certo punto, in due opere esegetico-profetiche del monaco della Sila in Calabria, degli accenni molto interessanti sui Poveri di Lione. Ora, mentre nel 1926, in un agile profilo di Fran¬ cesco d' Assisi, il giudizio di Buonaiuti sull'eresiarca lionese (da lui ancora nominato Pietro Valdo) era del tutto negativo, dieci anni più tardi, in una sintesi di storia del cristianesimo (Pietre miliari ), egli ne dava un ritratto altamente positivo, includendolo addirittura in una triade di coloro che chiamava "i tre grandi veri rappresentanti della grande vera riforma del cristianesimo” : Valdo, Gioacchino da Fiore, Francesco d' Assisi. L'autore segue passo passo l'evolversi di questo nuovo giudizio storiografico di Buonaiuti sull'iniziatore del movimento valdese, a partire dalle condanne stesse del profeta calabrese, che accusava i Poveri di Lione sia per la loro avversione contro il lavoro manuale, sia per la loro pretesa di predicare in pubblico, un diritto rivendicato anche per le donne, contro tutti i divieti canonici. La ricerca viene completata col tentativo di caratterizzare meglio la "religio” di Valdo, sia sulla base della testimonianza del suo più illustre discepolo, Durando de Osca (poi rientrato nel girone della Chiesa romana), sia in parallelo con quella del Santo di Assisi.
Les Cathares : Bons Chrétiens et hérétiques
Authors: Brenon Anne
Published: June 2024

Die Katharer : gute Christen und Häretiker :

Haben die Katharer in dieser Zusammenkunft, die dem Studium der Dissidenten-und Emeuererbewegungen innerhalb des mittelalterlichen Christentums gewidmet ist, eine Daseinsberechtigung ?

Im Klartext : Stellte das Katharertum eine erneuernde Antriebskraft innerhalb der christlichen Spiritualität dar, oder ist es ihr vielmehr ein Fremdkörper geblieben, zu Recht abgelehnt als “ketzerisch” oder sogar als “nicht christlich” wie es immernoch von einer bestimmten zeitgenössischen Geschichtskritik qualifiziert wird ?

Wir stossen in der Tat wieder auf die Begriffe und Argumente des alten Streites, in dem schon zu Beginn der 50er Jahre Pater Dondaine und Raffaelo Morghen unterschiedliche Meinungen vertraten, was den jeweiligen Anteil an Evangelischem und Mythischem (gnostisch, manichäisch etc.) im Glauben der Katharer betrifft. Unter eben diesem Titel : “Evangelismus und Mythos im katharischen Glauben” Unterzeichnete Raoul Manselli 1985 für Heresis eine meisterhafte Synthese zu dieser Frage und leistete einen entscheidenden Beitrag zu ihrer Klärung.

Das vorliegende Exposé hat nun auch nichts anderes zum Ziel, als im Rahmen einer “Sommeruniversität”, die sich vomimmt, sich zu wesentlichen Fragen Rechenschaft abzulegen, sorgfältig den Wortlaut dieser Debatte wieder ins Gedächtnis zu rufen. Und da dürfte es sehr schwierig sein, nicht mit dem zu früh verstorbenen italienischen Meister zu schliessen :

“Das katharische Phänomen... war eine wesentliche Komponente der mittelalterlichen Religiosität. Wenn es wie ein Fremdkörper erscheinen konnte, dann nur, weil man isolierten Aspekten des Katharertums bedeutung Beigemessen hat” *.

1. Raoul Manselli : Evangélisme et mythe dans la Foi cathare. In : Heresis (1985) 5, S. 14.