The Institut Pasteur of Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in the Emergency Management of Air Travellers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Unique Experience in Supporting the Response Strategy in Côte D’Ivoire from 2021 to 2022

Since its outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan Province (China), the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease quickly spread around the world in such a way that most response plans were outdated. There was an urgent need to change and adapt response strategies as the virus globally spread. Entire firms and economies were brought to a standstill in order to reduce the virus’ capacity to spread and to limit some of the short-term impacts in order to save time and find out solutions to come back to a more or less normal way of life. Thus, most of the countries that closed their air, sea and land borders had to reopen them progressively, with travel restrictions submitted to rigid controls. In Côte d’Ivoire, as in all other countries, air travellers leaving the territory were required to provide a certificate for a negative COVID-19 test, valid for 24 to 72 hours depending on the country of destination. However, the national system implemented could not provide a result before 48 hours. The objective of this work was to develop an alternative strategy to the system for air travellers who were in a hurry and those who had a computer bug in obtaining their result. A total of 38,444 air travellers benefited from this strategy implemented by the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire during these two years.

Hepatitis E is more common than hepatitis A among returning travellers presenting to tertiary care

Introduction: Acute viral hepatitis is a relatively common infection resulting in hospital attendance after foreign travel. Travellers and doctors are generally aware of hepatitis A and the fact that safe and effective immunisation is available. In contrast, there is no widely available vaccine for hepatitis E and most physicians’ experience with this condition is limited. Over the last few years, the number of cases of hepatitis E has increased. Methods: We examined the prevalence of hepatitis A and E among patients presenting to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases between 2000 and 2009. Travel history, demographics and laboratory parameters of these patients were compared. Results: The annual incidence of hepatitis A remained static, while that of hepatitis E increased from 1 to 4. Hepatitis E was associated with older age, travel to the Indian sub-continent (ISC), and visiting friends and relatives (VFR). Peak ALT was similar between patients with hepatitis A or E, but as many as a third of those with hepatitis E developed a prolonged INR, compared to 11% of those with hepatitis A. In addition, patients with hepatitis E had a longer hospital admission by a median of 3 days. Conclusion: Hepatitis E is now the commonest cause of faeco-oral viral hepatitis at this centre, and is associated with laboratory features suggestive of more severe liver damage and longer hospital stay.

Coexisting fast–slow dendritic traveling waves in a 3D-array electric field coupled neuronal network

Coexistence of fast and slow traveling waves without synaptic transmission has been found in hhhippocampal tissues,which is closely related to both normal brain activity and abnormal neural activity such as epileptic discharge. However, the propagation mechanism behind this coexistence phenomenon remains unclear. In this paper, a three-dimensional electric field coupled hippocampal neural network is established to investigate generation of coexisting spontaneous fast and slow traveling waves. This model captures two types of dendritic traveling waves propagating in both transverse and longitude directions: the N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.1 m/s and the Ca-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.009 m/s. These traveling waves are synaptic-independent and could be conducted only by the electric fields generated by neighboring neurons, which are basically consistent with the in vitro data measured experiments. It is also found that the slow Ca wave could trigger generation of fast NMDA waves in the propagation path of slow waves whereas fast NMDA waves cannot affect the propagation of slow Ca waves. These results suggest that dendritic Ca waves could acted as the source of the coexistence fast and slow waves. Furthermore, we also confirm the impact of cellular spacing heterogeneity on the onset of coexisting fast and slow waves. The local region with decreasing distances among neighbor neurons is more liable to promote the onset of spontaneous slow waves which, as sources, excite propagation of fast waves. These modeling studies provide possible biophysical mechanisms underlying the neural dynamics of spontaneous traveling waves in brain tissues.

Higher-dimensional Chen-Lee-Liu equation and asymmetric peakon soliton

Integrable systems play a crucial role in physics and mathematics.In particular,the traditional(1+1)-dimensional and(2+1)-dimensional integrable systems have received significant attention due to the rarity of integrable systems in higher dimensions.Recent studies have shown that abundant higher-dimensional integrable systems can be constructed from(1+1)-dimensional integrable systems by using a deformation algorithm.Here we establish a new(2+1)-dimensional Chen-Lee-Liu(C-L-L)equation using the deformation algorithm from the(1+1)-dimensional C-L-L equation.The new system is integrable with its Lax pair obtained by applying the deformation algorithm to that of the(1+1)-dimension.It is challenging to obtain the exact solutions for the new integrable system because the new system combines both the original C-L-L equation and its reciprocal transformation.The traveling wave solutions are derived in implicit function expression,and some asymmetry peakon solutions are found.

Harmonic balance simulation of the influence of component uniformity and reliability on the performance of a Josephson traveling wave parametric amplifier

A Josephson traveling wave parametric amplifier(JTWPA),which is a quantum-limited amplifier with high gain and large bandwidth,is the core device of large-scale measurement and control systems for quantum computing.A typical JTWPA consists of thousands of Josephson junctions connected in series to form a transmission line and hundreds of shunt LC resonators periodically loaded along the line for phase matching.Because the variation of these capacitors and inductors can be detrimental to their high-frequency characteristics,the fabrication of a JTWPA typically necessitates precise processing equipment.To guide the fabrication process and further improve the design for manufacturability,it is necessary to understand how each electronic component affects the amplifier.In this paper,we use the harmonic balance method to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of nonuniformity and fabrication yield of the electronic components on the performance of a JTWPA.The results provide insightful and scientific guidance for device design and fabrication processes.

Multiscale Characteristics and Connection Mechanisms of Attraction Networks:A Trajectory Data Mining Approach Leveraging Geotagged Data

Urban tourism is considered a complex system,and multiscale exploration of the organizational patterns of attraction networks has become a topical issue in urban tourism,so exploring the multiscale characteristics and connection mechanisms of attraction networks is important for understanding the linkages between attractions and even the future destination planning.This paper uses geotagging data to compare the links between attractions in Beijing,China during four different periods:the pre-Olympic period(2004–2007),the Olympic Games and subsequent‘heat period’(2008–2013),the post-Olympic period(2014–2019),and the COVID-19(Corona Virus Disease 2019)pandemic period(2020–2021).The aim is to better understand the evolution and patterns of attraction networks at different scales in Beijing and to provide insights for tourism planning in the destination.The results show that the macro,meso-,and microscales network characteristics of attraction networks have inherent logical relationships that can explain the commonalities and differences in the development process of tourism networks.The macroscale attraction network degree Matthew effect is significant in the four different periods and exhibits a morphological monocentric structure,suggesting that new entrants are more likely to be associated with attractions that already have high value.The mesoscale links attractions according to the common purpose of tourists,and the results of the community segmentation of the attraction networks in the four different periods suggest that the functional polycentric structure describes their clustering effect,and the weak links between clusters result from attractions bound by incomplete information and distance,and the functional polycentric structure with a generally more efficient network of clusters.The pattern structure at the microscale reveals the topological transformation relationship of the regional collaboration pattern,and the attraction network structure in the four different periods has a very similar importance profile structure suggesting that the attraction network has the same construction rules and evolution mechanism,which aids in understanding the attraction network pattern at both macro and micro scales.Important approaches and practical implications for planners and managers are presented.

Drone systems for delivering defibrillators for sudden cardiac arrests

Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs),or drones,that were initially developed for military use during World War I[1],have evolved into highly sophisticated aircraft that can be navigated remotely using global positioning systems.With constant improvements,drones have become more efficient,and cost-effective,with longer battery life and greater loading capacity.Today,UAVs have proven to be an effective and affordable solution for enhancing healthcare accessibility for patients who face geographical or infrastructural barriers.Using drone networks can greatly reduce the time transporting life-saving equipment,such as delivering automated external defibrillators(AEDs),to cardiac arrest victims,and can provide quick assistance to reduce travel time for the patients.

Multi-Branch Fault Line Location Method Based on Time Difference Matrix Fitting

The distribution network exhibits complex structural characteristics,which makes fault localization a challenging task.Especially when a branch of the multi-branch distribution network fails,the traditional multi-branch fault location algorithm makes it difficult to meet the demands of high-precision fault localization in the multi-branch distribution network system.In this paper,the multi-branch mainline is decomposed into single branch lines,transforming the complex multi-branch fault location problem into a double-ended fault location problem.Based on the different transmission characteristics of the fault-traveling wave in fault lines and non-fault lines,the endpoint reference time difference matrix S and the fault time difference matrix G were established.The time variation rule of the fault-traveling wave arriving at each endpoint before and after a fault was comprehensively utilized.To realize the fault segment location,the least square method was introduced.It was used to find the first-order fitting relation that satisfies the matching relationship between the corresponding row vector and the first-order function in the two matrices,to realize the fault segment location.Then,the time difference matrix is used to determine the traveling wave velocity,which,combined with the double-ended traveling wave location,enables accurate fault location.

Just 19: Love on the Beijing Subway

Travel through Chinese culture on Beijing’s latest subway line and learn all about China.MANY foreign visitors to Beijing never travel on the city’s subway.This is a sad fact because they will never truly understand the Chinese character.They will not meet the grandmother temporarily lost in memories of childhood back in a time when dreams were impossible since everyone was still poor and hungry.Her grandson sees things differently.He fears that if he does not make it rich in modern China,his life will be considered a failure.

Panda Cup Qingtian Tour: Home Away from Home

In November 26 and 27,more than 30 winners of the Panda Cup Foreign Student Essay Contest traveled to Qingtian County,Lishui City,which is located in the mountainous region of southern Zhejiang Province.During the trip,young students from more than 20 countries experienced the cultural charm of Qingtian,acquired a better understanding of the ecological system of rice-fish symbiosis,and gained greater appreciation for the economic and trade development prospects of the county,a well-known ancestral home of overseas Chinese.

China Ushers in Consumption Boom During Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year holiday has ignited a new round of consumption boom.During the eight-day holiday,China experienced an estimated 474 million domestic travel trips,China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported.The number of trips marked the 34.3%increase from the year prior and a 19%jump from 2019.According to government figures,domestic tourists spent over 632.687 billion yuan,an increase of 7.7%compared to holiday spending in 2019 and a 47.3%year-over-year hike.China witnessed approximately 6.83 million cross-border tourists during the holiday period,with about 3.6 million outbound tourists and 3.23 million inbound tourists.

The Inbound Tourism Market Has Accelerated Recovery

This year,with the approach of the Spring Festival,the inbound tourism market also ushered in a recovery.According to Ctrip data,as of mid-January 2024,the booking volume of outbound air tickets during the Spring Festival travel rush in 2024 increased by 460%compared with that in the Spring Festival travel rush in 2023,and the booking volume of inbound air tickets in the Spring Festival travel rush in 2024 increased by 819%compared with that in the Spring Festival travel rush in 2023.

Spring Festival offers window on China’s economic vibrancy

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on February 19 said the Spring Festival of the Year of the Dragon offers the world a window on China’s economic vibrancy,during which China sees its inbound and outbound travels soar,with more Chinese tourists going abroad and more foreign travelers visiting China.

A Study on Optimizing the Double-Spine Type Flow Path Design for the Overhead Transportation System Using Tabu Search Algorithm

Optimizing Flow Path Design(FPD)is a popular research area in transportation system design,but its application to Overhead Transportation Systems(OTSs)has been limited.This study focuses on optimizing a double-spine flow path design for OTSs with 10 stations by minimizing the total travel distance for both loaded and empty flows.We employ transportation methods,specifically the North-West Corner and Stepping-Stone methods,to determine empty vehicle travel flows.Additionally,the Tabu Search(TS)algorithm is applied to branch the 10 stations into two main layout branches.The results obtained from our proposed method demonstrate a reduction in the objective function value compared to the initial feasible solution.Furthermore,we explore howchanges in the parameters of the TS algorithm affect the optimal result.We validate the feasibility of our approach by comparing it with relevant literature and conducting additional tests on layouts with 20 and 30 stations.

Schistosomiasis in immigrants,refugees and travellers in an Italian referral centre for tropical diseases

Background:Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases.If unrecognised and untreated,the chronic infection can lead to irreversible complications.Methods:Retrospective observational study aimed at describing clinical history,laboratory findings and imaging presentation of imported schistosomiasis diagnosed at the Centre for Tropical Diseases,Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital of Negrar,Verona,Italy from 2010 to 2014.The aim of our study was to assess differences in demographic characteristics,clinical presentation,laboratory data and ultrasound findings between immigrants/visiting friends and relatives(VFR)from endemic countries(endemic group)and expatriates/travellers(non-endemic group).Results:A total of 272 patients were retrieved:234 in the endemic and 38 in the non-endemic group.Most of the patients acquired schistosomiasis in Africa(97.4%).Symptoms were reported by 52.9%of the patients;abdominal pain(36%),macroscopic hematuria(11.3%),and genito-urinary symptoms(7.4%)being the most frequently reported.Increased IgE and blood eosinophilia were observed in 169(63.8%)and 130(47.8%)patients,respectively.The proportion of positive serology was 250/272(91.9%).The Circulating Cathodic Antigen CCA for Schistosoma mansoni was positive in 14/61 individuals(23%).At microscopy,infected subjects were 103/272(37.9%).The species of Schistosoma found were S.haematobium(47.6%),S.mansoni(46.6%)or both(5.8%).Schistosomiasis was classified as confirmed in 103(37.9%),probable in 165(60.6%)and suspected in 4(1.5%)cases using clinical presentation,laboratory data and ultrasound findings.The infection was further classified based on organ involvement:intestinal(17.9%),hepatosplenic(5.1%),urogenital(48.9%),and indeterminate(43.8%).The comparative analysis of endemic and non-endemic patients highlighted differences in sex and age.Endemic patients had more frequent ova identification(41.9%vs.13.2%,P<0.001)and increased IgE(70%vs.26.3%,P<0.001)when compared with non-endemic.Multivariate analyses showed that younger age,abnormal ultrasound findings and blood eosinophilia were significantly associated with positive microscopy(OR=0.94,OR=2.12,OR=1.98,respectively).Conclusions:Symptoms,eosinophilia and abnormal ultrasound findings were present in about half of patients,without differences between groups.Many patients had positive serology but negative microscopy,indicating that schistosomiasis might be misdiagnosed.A combination of diagnostic tools may facilitate the diagnosis.

Travellers:Design Collaboration and Digital Media

This paper examines the use of 3D electronic medium as a tool for procuring detailed design information for the Sandridge Bridge Travellers project. The Sandridge Bridge Travellers project required the production of 10 7.5 m of tall × 5 ― 12 m of wide figures under very tight programme and budget constraints. This was achieved through a synthesis of art and engineering, whereby structure and sculpture become one and the same. Traditional procurement routes would have entailed the production and interpretation of drawings and design details at all discipline interfaces before fabrication; an approach that was unfeasible given the constraints. Instead, The Travellers project saw a single electronic file pass backwards and forwards from client to architect, engineer, and fabricator, with information from the initial artistic concept work phases through to analysis, design, member scheduling and fabrication all integrated and facilitated by a single electronic medium. Key to the delivery was the use of 3D modeling and scripting programs that enabled the efficient use and development of design information through all stages of the design process. This enabled total integration of all trades requiring a collaborative approach where each party maintained joint ownership of the 3D design information from inception to conception.

83岁老奶奶的自然之旅

主题语境:人与自然篇幅:376词关键词:travel1 Jane Dotchin, an 83-year-old adventurer from Hexham, Northumberland, has had a passion for the great outdoors and traveling since she was young. In 1972, Jane started out on an incredible 600-mile journey with her beloved dog Dinky and trusty pony Diamond, from her home to the north of Scotland, which left a lasting impression on her.

New Energy Vehicles

The Double Take column looks at a single topic from an African and Chinese perspective.This month we discuss the adoption of new energy vehicles.Complaints about new energy vehicles(NEVs)skyrocketed in China around the Spring Festival holiday in February,when new energy vehicle drivers tried long-distance travel in freezing weather.There were drivers caught in lengthy traffic jams on highways struggling to strike a balance between keeping warm with air conditioning and saving enough electricity to get to the next charging station.Others had to wait for hours at charging stations for their turn to re-charge their batteries.

哪些动物可以骑?

Around the world,people ride different kinds of animals.Horses are the most common.These animals are strong and fast.Riding a horse is a lot of fun,and it's good exercise.Camels are great for travel in the desert.They can go long distances without needing much water.People ride elephants for adventure.They enjoy being near these large animals.It's fun to ride high up on an elephant.

Making a Mark

David Njagi is a taxi driver based in Nairobi,Kenya.He recently changed his regular diesel engine taxi for a Chinese-made electric vehicle(EV),a trend being followed by many Kenyans looking to save on the high costs associated with fossil fuels and making transport more sustainable.Niagi decided to use his private vehicle as a self-employed taxi driver for the Bolt(European ridesharing app)to earn an income after he was laid o!from his job as an accountant at the Coca-Cola.His EV is convenient and a cost saver.“I own a Chinese model EV.It is extremely durable.It can travel long distances as the electric charge lasts for several hours.So apart from saving money,I make at least 80 percent more profit than I did on my previous diesel vehicle,”said Njagi.