Weighted finite-state transducers in speech recognition : a compaction algorithm for non-determinizable transducers

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal

Engineering Bacillus licheniformis for the production of meso-2,3-butanediol

Additional file 1: Figure S1. Multiple sequence alignments of GDH from B. licheniformis WX-02 (WX-02 GDH) with GDHs from other strains

Monitoring of ultrafine particles in French regional air quality network

Monitoring of ultrafine particles (UFP) in the ambient air is ongoing since 2012 in France. A national working group was created in 2014, including nowadays five French regional air quality monitoring networks. The main instrument selected to monitor UFP is the particle sizer “UFP-3031” (TSI Inc.). It measures the particle number concentration between 20 and 800 nm with six size channels. Two intercomparisons were organized in 2014 and 2015, which evaluated the accuracy of this instrument through a comparison with other techniques (such as Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer, SMPS), and through uncertainty calculations. Recently, several networks have been also equipped with CPC (condensation particle counter) to be able to measure the total UFP number concentration from 7 nm. This work presents the main results of short and long-term measurement of UFP which have been carried out in various environments: urban/traffic sites, near heavy industry zones (Dunkerque and Fos-sur-Mer in northern and southern France, respectively), near harbor area (Nice)… For urban/ traffic environment, the number concentration and size distribution are compared at the national level; it appears that they vary significantly depending on the influence of road traffic around the site. The concentration levels near traffic sites are at least twice than in the urban area, especially for UFP smaller than 50 nm. Additionally, the UFP measurement also makes it possible to improve the identification of specific sources and to understand the atmospheric physicochemical phenomena. The relationship between UFP and industrial emissions, ferries, forest fires was clearly identified in different places in France. During summer, the UFP monitoring also shows the formation of new particles (between 20-30 nm or smaller) in the afternoon, due to photochemical reactions. From 2019, the French national strategy on UFP will start putting a particular emphasis on the impact of UFP on human health

Algal oil alleviates antibiotic-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating gut microbiota and repairing intestinal barrier

IntroductionTaking antibiotics would interfere with gut microbiota and increase the risk of opportunistic pathogen infection and inflammation.MethodsIn this study, 36 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 9) to investigate whether two kinds of algal oil could alleviate the intestinal damage induced by CS (Ceftriaxone sodium). These algal oils were obtained from Schizochytrium sp. cultures using Yeast extract (YE) and Rapeseed meal (RSM) as substrate, respectively. All tested mice were administrated with CS for 8 days and then the colon pathological morphology, the expression levels of inflammatory factors and the gut microbial profile were analyzed in mice supplemented with or without algal oil.ResultsThe results showed that both YE and RSM algal oils markedly reduced mucosal damage and intestinal inflammatory response in CS-treated mice by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In addition, fluorescence immunohistochemistry showed that the tight junction protein ZO-1 was increased in mice supplemented with YE and RSM algal oil. Furthermore, YE algal oil promoted the beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and S24_7 compared with the CS group, while supplementation with RSM algal oil enriched the Robinsoniella. Spearman’s correlation analysis exhibited that Melissococcus and Parabacteroides were positively correlated with IL-6 but negatively correlated with IL-10.DiscussionThis study suggested that supplementation with algal oil could alleviate intestinal inflammation by regulating gut microbiota and had a protective effect on maintaining intestinal barrier against antibiotic-induced damage in mice

Oceanic and ecological response to native Typhoons Cempaka and Lupit (2021) along the northern South China Sea continental shelf: comparison and evaluation of global and regional Operational Oceanography Forecasting Systems

The Global Operational Oceanography Forecasting System from the Mercator Ocean (MO) and the regional South China Sea Operational Oceanography Forecasting System (SCSOFSv2) were compared and evaluated using in situ and satellite observations, with a focus on the oceanic and ecological response to two consecutive native typhoons, Cempaka and Lupit, that occurred in July–August 2021. Results revealed a better simulation of the chlorophyll a (Chla) structure by SCSOFSv2 and a better simulation of the temperature profile by MO in the Pearl River Estuary. In addition, SCSOFSv2 sea surface temperature (SST) and MO Chla variations corresponded well with observations along the northern SCS shelf. Simulated maximum SST cooling was larger and 2–3 days earlier than those observations. Maximum Chla was stronger and led the climatological average by 2 days after the typhoon passage. Typhoon-induced vertical variations of Chla and NO3 indicated that different Chla bloom processes from coastal waters to the continental shelf. Discharge brought extra nutrients to stimulate Chla bloom in coastal waters, and model results revealed that its impact could extend to the continental shelf 50–150 km from the coastline. However, bottom nutrients were uplifted to contribute to Chla enhancement in the upper and middle layers of the shelf. Nutrients transported from the open sea along the continental slope with the bottom cold water could trigger Chla enhancement in the Taiwan Bank. This study suggests considering strong tides and waves as well as regional dynamics to improve model skills in the future

Translating Elizabeth Gaskell's "Right at Last" with an Eye on Italian Translations of Gaskell's Works: Problems and Strategies

Table S1. numerical indices of physicochemical and biochemical properties of amino acids. (XLSX 11 kb

Analyse dynamique, en champ proche et à résolution temporelle fine, de l'aérosol submicronique en situation urbaine sous influence industrielle

The chemical composition of submicron particles (PM₁) was monitored for over one year (July 2013-September 2014), at high temporal resolution ( 70%), low vertical turbulence (σw : 0-0.5 m sˉ¹) and low wind speed (0-2 m sˉ¹). Using PMF (Positive Matrix factorization) source receptor modeling, three primary sources of organic species, relatied to traffic, combustion of biomass and domestic cooking, have been identified, as well as a secondary source. The seasonal and sector PMF analyses, with and without constraints, helped to identify two additional factors in the marine and industrial sectors. Some specific events (sea breezes, high pollution events and nearby ship movements) were studied, allowing to extract an average mass spectrum associated with ship emissions for the latter, ShOA (Ship-like organic aerosol). This factor only contributes to 0.5% of the particulate organic fraction on average but up to more than 90% over short periods.La composition chimique des particules submicroniques (PM₁) a été suivie pendant plus d'un an ( juillet 2013- septembre 2014), à résolution temporelle fine ( 70%), faible turbulence verticale (σw : 0-0.5 m sˉ¹) et faible vitesse de vent (0-2 m sˉ¹). À l'aide d'un modèle source récepteur PMF (Positive Matrix Factorization), trois sources primaires d'espèces organiques, liées au trafic, à la combustion de biomasse et à la cuisson domestique, ont été identifiées, ainsi qu'une source secondaire. Les analyses PMF saisonnière et par secteur, avec et sans contraintes, ont permis d'identifier 2 facteurs supplémentaires en secteurs marin et industriel. Quelques cas (brises de mer, épisodes de pollution et passages de bateaux) ont été étudiés, permettant dans le dernier cas d'extraire un spectre de masse moyen lié aux émissions des navires, ShOA (Ship-like Organic Aerosol). Ce facteur contribue en moyenne pour seulement 0.5% à la fraction organique particulaire mais jusqu'à plus de 90% sur de courtes périodes

Dynamic analysis, in near field and with a finer temporal resolution, of a sub-micron aerosol in urban situation under industrial influence

La composition chimique des particules submicroniques (PM₁) a été suivie pendant plus d'un an ( juillet 2013- septembre 2014), à résolution temporelle fine ( 70%), faible turbulence verticale (σw : 0-0.5 m sˉ¹) et faible vitesse de vent (0-2 m sˉ¹). À l'aide d'un modèle source récepteur PMF (Positive Matrix Factorization), trois sources primaires d'espèces organiques, liées au trafic, à la combustion de biomasse et à la cuisson domestique, ont été identifiées, ainsi qu'une source secondaire. Les analyses PMF saisonnière et par secteur, avec et sans contraintes, ont permis d'identifier 2 facteurs supplémentaires en secteurs marin et industriel. Quelques cas (brises de mer, épisodes de pollution et passages de bateaux) ont été étudiés, permettant dans le dernier cas d'extraire un spectre de masse moyen lié aux émissions des navires, ShOA (Ship-like Organic Aerosol). Ce facteur contribue en moyenne pour seulement 0.5% à la fraction organique particulaire mais jusqu'à plus de 90% sur de courtes périodes.The chemical composition of submicron particles (PM₁) was monitored for over one year (July 2013-September 2014), at high temporal resolution ( 70%), low vertical turbulence (σw : 0-0.5 m sˉ¹) and low wind speed (0-2 m sˉ¹). Using PMF (Positive Matrix factorization) source receptor modeling, three primary sources of organic species, relatied to traffic, combustion of biomass and domestic cooking, have been identified, as well as a secondary source. The seasonal and sector PMF analyses, with and without constraints, helped to identify two additional factors in the marine and industrial sectors. Some specific events (sea breezes, high pollution events and nearby ship movements) were studied, allowing to extract an average mass spectrum associated with ship emissions for the latter, ShOA (Ship-like organic aerosol). This factor only contributes to 0.5% of the particulate organic fraction on average but up to more than 90% over short periods

Artificial intelligence techniques in science research and education

The following gives an overview of AI techniques and processes: $$ DATA MINING: The process of extracting previously unknown information from existing data, often with the help of another AI program, using statistical and visualization techniques to discover and present knowledge in a form that is easily comprehensible to humans. Also known as Knowledge Discovery.Master of Scienc

Characteristics of Ocean Waves in the Southern Ocean and Seasonal Prediction of Difficulty for the Vessels Crossing the Westerlies

In this study, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis v5 (ERA5) wave height reanalysis data and sea-level pressure data from two seasonal prediction systems were used to study the wave characteristics of the Southern Ocean and the seasonal prediction of difficulty for the vessels crossing the westerlies. The results show that significant wave height, extreme wave height, and extreme wave processes were all much stronger in austral winter than in austral summer, making it more difficult for vessels to cross the westerlies in winter. Furthermore, the difficulty of crossing the westerlies has increased over the last 40 years, except in areas east of South America. We found that the monthly frequency of crossing the westerlies between 100° E and 75° W could be accurately estimated point by point using the monthly mean sea-level pressure difference between 30° S and 65° S. With a 1-month lead, the multi-model forecasts gave a fairly accurate forecast of such sea-level pressure difference signal between 150° E to 60° W for target months from May to December. Based on these assessments, we could estimate the difficulty of crossing the westerlies in some specific months in advance using a seasonal prediction system. We also found that the seasonal prediction system produced inaccurate predictions of sea-level pressure at high latitudes, which is the main barrier to further accurately estimating the difficulty of crossing the westerlies. These findings may provide support for predicting difficulty for the vessels crossing the westerlies with a 1-month lead and can provide planning for the route and the allocation of material reserves