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ABSTRACT: Embryonic mortality is a significant problem in the commercial duck industry worldwide. Therefore, identification of new biomarkers for duck embryo development is necessary. In the chicken (order Galliformes), we previously showed that chemerin is a hormone locally produced by the reproductive tract in hens, particularly in the magnum area, leading to its accumulation in the egg white and within the embryo annexes during embryonic development. We therefore hypothesized that the chemerin concentration in egg white could be a biomarker of egg performance and reproductive parameters in Pekin ducks (order Anseriformes). Thus, we collected eggs from Pekin ducks over a 5-d period at three stages of the laying period (before the laying peak, after the laying peak, and at the end of the laying period) to measure the chemerin concentrations in egg white by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The chemerin concentration in egg white decreased during the laying period and was not associated with reproductive parameters. We found negative correlations between the chemerin level in egg white and the albumen weight. Reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that chemerin and its three receptors CMKLR1, GPR1, and CCRL2 were expressed in the reproductive tract and within allantoic and amniotic annexes during embryo development. Chemerin concentrations strongly increased in amniotic fluid on embryonic day 16 (ED16) when the egg white was transferred into the amniotic sac. Finally, chemerin inhibition in egg white by in ovo injections of anti-chemerin antibodies (0.01, 0.1, and 1 µg) increased the embryo mortality rate. These data demonstrate the important role of the chemerin system during egg formation and embryo development in Pekin ducks, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for determining the quality of poultry eggs and embryo development.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has resulted in catastrophic economic losses globally in poultry. This case report describes the diagnostic detection and pathology of HPAI H5N1 in 5-day-old commercial ducklings, which is an atypical age for detection of natural infection of HPAI in poultry. The pathology observed at 5 days of age was also compared to lesions observed in ducklings from the same flock evaluated at 10 days of age before depopulation. The California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, Tulare, received ten 5-day-old Pekin duckling (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) carcasses for diagnostic evaluation due to mortality that started increasing at 3 days of age. The most common gross findings included bilateral pulmonary edema with congestion and enlarged, mottled livers and spleens. Microscopically, cerebral neuronophagia, pancreatic necrosis, and interstitial pneumonia with pulmonary edema were observed in the 5-day-old ducklings. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were positive for avian influenza virus (AIV) by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The AIV was typed as HPAI, EA/AM 2.3.4.4b H5N1 goose/Guangdong clade lineage by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Ducks at the affected premises were depopulated 4 days after the 5-day-old ducklings were submitted to the CAHFS lab, at which time additional tissue samples were collected for comparison to 10-day-old ducklings on the same premises. Differences in microscopic lesions and AIV tissue distribution were observed between the 5-day and 10-day tissues collected. Notably, microscopic lesions were more severe in the brain and pancreas at 10 days of age. Findings in 10-day-old ducklings included cerebral lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffing, gliosis, neuronal degeneration, and pancreatic necrosis. AIV antigen distribution and intensity was greatest in the cerebral tissue of the brains at 10 days and in the lungs at 5 days of age. To the authors' knowledge, published studies are limited on AIV natural infection in domestic ducks less than 9 days of age. Infección natural con el virus de la influenza altamente patógena (HPAI) H5N1 en patitos Pekín comerciales (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) de 5 y 10 días de edad. La influenza aviar altamente patógena (HPAI) ha provocado pérdidas económicas catastróficas en todo el mundo entre las aves de corral. Este reporte de caso describe la detección diagnóstica y la patología de la infección por un virus de influenza aviar de alta patogenicidad H5N1 en patitos comerciales de 5 días de edad, que es una edad atípica para la detección de la infección natural del virus de la influenza aviar de alta patogenicidad en avicultura. La patología observada a los 5 días de edad también se comparó con las lesiones observadas en patitos de la misma parvada evaluados a los 10 días de edad, antes de la despoblación. El Laboratorio de Salud Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria de California (CAHFS), con sede Tulare, recibió 10 cadáveres de patito Pekín (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) de 5 días de edad para su evaluación diagnóstica debido a que la mortalidad comenzó a aumentar a los 3 días de edad. Los hallazgos macroscópicos más comunes incluyeron edema pulmonar bilateral con congestión en hígado y bazos agrandados y moteados. Microscópicamente se observó neuronofagia cerebral, necrosis pancreática y neumonía intersticial con edema pulmonar en los patitos de 5 días de edad. Los hisopos orofaríngeos y cloacales fueron positivos para el virus de la influenza aviar (AIV) mediante transcripción reversa y PCR en tiempo real. El Laboratorio Nacional de Servicios Veterinarios clasificó al virus como de alta patogenicidad EA/AM 2.3.4.4b H5N1 clado de linaje de ganso/clado Guangdong. Los patos en las instalaciones afectadas fueron despoblados 4 días después de que los patitos de 5 días fueran enviados al laboratorio de CAHFS, momento en el cual se recolectaron muestras de tejido adicionales para compararlas con patitos de 10 días de las mismas instalaciones. Se observaron diferencias en las lesiones microscópicas y la distribución del tejido del AIV entre los tejidos recolectados de 5 y 10 días. En particular, las lesiones microscópicas fueron más severas en el cerebro y en el páncreas a los 10 días de edad. Los hallazgos en patitos de 10 días incluyeron infiltraciones linfoplasmocitarias perivasculares en el cerebro, gliosis, degeneración neuronal y necrosis pancreática. La distribución e intensidad del antígeno de influenza aviar fue mayor en el tejido cerebral de los cerebros a los 10 días y en los pulmones a los 5 días de edad. De acuerdo al conocimiento de los autores, los estudios publicados sobre la infección natural por el virus de la influenza aviar en patos domésticos de menos de 9 días de edad son limitados. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine traits of the digestive system and femur and tibia bone of Dworka and Pekin ducks. A study was conducted on 24 Dworka duck (breeding strain D11) carcasses and 24 Pekin duck (conservative strain P9) carcasses, 12 male carcasses and 12 female carcasses from each strain. The lengths of the intestinal segments were tape measured. The diameters of the intestinal segments and leg bone dimensions were measured with an electronic calliper. The results obtained differed by genotype and sex for internal organ weights (Dworka male ducks in general had heavier organs), for the length of intestinal segments (Dworka male ducks had longer some intestinal segments), while for bones the results obtained were similar, regardless of genotype and sex. Dworka and Pekin ducks of both sexes differ in the weight of their some internal organs, the length and diameter of their intestinal segments and dimensions of their bones. This may be due to different growth rates of selected ducks (D11 Dworka) and non-selected ducks (P9 Pekin). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Native or locally adapted poultry breeds are characterized by good adaptation to local environmental conditions. They are characterized by a unique genotype, high resistance to existing diseases, and very good reproductive ability, as well as good-quality raw material. The aim of the present study was to compare P33 (Polish Pekin), P8 (Danish Pekin), and P9 (French Pekin) ducks at 49 days of age in terms of fatty acid profile, health lipid indices, and sensory characteristics of breast and leg meat. The results showed significant differences between the compared Pekin duck strains in terms of the content of certain fatty acids and sensory characteristics, which may indicate the different nutritional and culinary values of the meat of the compared conservative duck strains. Conservation duck flocks are of significant importance to science. Over a number of years, many experiments have been carried out to gain a better understanding of individual duck populations. However, the knowledge obtained is still incomplete. The aim of the present study was to compare three duck strains maintained in Poland and included in the Genetic Resources Protection Programme in terms of the fatty acid profile, health lipid indices, and sensory traits of breast and leg meat. The experimental material consisted of 180 sexed Pekin ducks, 60 ducks each (including 30 males and 30 females) from strain P33 (Pekin of Polish origin), P8 (Pekin of Danish origin), and P9 (Pekin of French origin). During 49 days of rearing, the ducks were kept in an enclosed building with six pens on straw. The duck genotype had a significant effect on the myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1n9), linolenic (C18:2n6), arachidonic (C20:4n6), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), PUFAn6 content, and Peroxidisability Index (PI) values of breast muscle. Ducks from the compared strains differed significantly in C16:0 content and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), including MUFAs, Nutritive Value Index, and Health-Promoting Index in leg muscles. Ducks from the compared strains also differed significantly in the aroma and juiciness of the heat-treated breast muscles and the tenderness of the leg muscles. The sex of the birds had a significant effect on the C18:1, C22:6n3, MUFA, PUFAn6, PUFAn3, PI, and aroma and taste desirability of the breast muscles, as well as the aroma intensity of the leg muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) infection in ducklings causes acute hepatitis with considerable economic losses. In this study, Pekin and Muscovy duckling flocks (n=9) suffering from high mortality and hepatic lesions were examined by RT-PCR for DVHA. 44.4 % (4/9) of samples were positive for DHAV (5′ UTR region), of which 100 % (4/4) were DVHA-3 (VP1 gene). VP1 sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of an isolate originated from Muscovy ducklings showed that it shared 96.8 % −100 %, 88.5–89.2 %, and 86.5–88.2 % nucleotide similarity (ns) with the Egyptian, Korean-Vietnamese, and Chinese DVHA-3 strains, respectively. It was distinguished from the DHAV-1 vaccine (67.6 % ns). The sequenced DVHA-3 isolate was used to experimentally infect 5-day-old Pekin and Muscovy ducklings vs. control groups. No apparent clinical signs or deaths were reported in the experimentally-infected groups. Pekin ducklings showed greater cloacal viral shedding than Muscovy until the 6th dpi (P<0.05). DVHA-3 induced a significant rise in IFN-β and IL-1β serum levels, where Muscovy ducklings' levels were higher than Pekin ducklings. Among the biochemical parameters, AST was only increased on the 4th dpi in both breeds vs. control (P<0.05). Compared to Muscovy ducklings at 2, 4, and 6 day post infection (dpi), the infected Pekin group had lower lipase levels (P≥0.05, p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively), while ALT was higher at 4 and 6 dpi (P<0.05). The histopathological lesions supported the gross lesions, and their scores were dominant at 2 and 4 dpi in both breeds. At 6 and 8 dpi, Pekin showed more severe histopathological changes compared to Muscovy for the liver, heart, brain, and intestines; the pancreas, kidney, and lung showed the opposite pattern. In conclusion, Pekin ducklings displayed distinct DHAV-3 infection results from Muscovy ducklings, and more research utilizing a variety of DHAV-3 strains has to be carried out. • The DHAV-3 isolate's VP1 nucleotide similarities were 96.8 %-100 % with Egyptian strains. • The DHAV-3 isolate's VP1 had 86.5–88.2 % and 88.5–89.2 % nucleotide identity to Chinese and Korean-Vietnamese DHAV-3 strains. • Pekin duck was more vulnerable to DHAV-3 than Muscovy based on liver indices, cytokine, and viral titer. • DHAV-3 infected Pekin showed more severe histopathological changes in the liver than Muscovy ducklings. • DHAV-3 induced more histological lesions in the pancreas and higher lipase levels in Muscovy than Pekin ducklings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation duck flocks are of significant importance to science. Over a number of years, many experiments have been carried out to gain a better understanding of individual duck populations. However, the knowledge obtained is still incomplete. The aim of the present study was to compare three duck strains maintained in Poland and included in the Genetic Resources Protection Programme in terms of the fatty acid profile, health lipid indices, and sensory traits of breast and leg meat. The experimental material consisted of 180 sexed Pekin ducks, 60 ducks each (including 30 males and 30 females) from strain P33 (Pekin of Polish origin), P8 (Pekin of Danish origin), and P9 (Pekin of French origin). During 49 days of rearing, the ducks were kept in an enclosed building with six pens on straw. The duck genotype had a significant effect on the myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1n9), linolenic (C18:2n6), arachidonic (C20:4n6), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), PUFAn6 content, and Peroxidisability Index (PI) values of breast muscle. Ducks from the compared strains differed significantly in C16:0 content and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), including MUFAs, Nutritive Value Index, and Health-Promoting Index in leg muscles. Ducks from the compared strains also differed significantly in the aroma and juiciness of the heat-treated breast muscles and the tenderness of the leg muscles. The sex of the birds had a significant effect on the C18:1, C22:6n3, MUFA, PUFAn6, PUFAn3, PI, and aroma and taste desirability of the breast muscles, as well as the aroma intensity of the leg muscles.

Embryonic mortality is a significant problem in the commercial duck industry worldwide. Therefore, identification of new biomarkers for duck embryo development is necessary. In the chicken (order Galliformes), we previously showed that chemerin is a hormone locally produced by the reproductive tract in hens, particularly in the magnum area, leading to its accumulation in the egg white and within the embryo annexes during embryonic development. We therefore hypothesized that the chemerin concentration in egg white could be a biomarker of egg performance and reproductive parameters in Pekin ducks (order Anseriformes). Thus, we collected eggs from Pekin ducks over a 5-d period at three stages of the laying period (before the laying peak, after the laying peak, and at the end of the laying period) to measure the chemerin concentrations in egg white by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The chemerin concentration in egg white decreased during the laying period and was not associated with reproductive parameters. We found negative correlations between the chemerin level in egg white and the albumen weight. Reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that chemerin and its three receptors CMKLR1, GPR1, and CCRL2 were expressed in the reproductive tract and within allantoic and amniotic annexes during embryo development. Chemerin concentrations strongly increased in amniotic fluid on embryonic day 16 (ED16) when the egg white was transferred into the amniotic sac. Finally, chemerin inhibition in egg white by in ovo injections of anti-chemerin antibodies (0.01, 0.1, and 1 µg) increased the embryo mortality rate. These data demonstrate the important role of the chemerin system during egg formation and embryo development in Pekin ducks, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for determining the quality of poultry eggs and embryo development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The production and consumption of duck meat in the world have a centuries-old tradition. Currently, China is the largest producer of duck meat. In Europe, the top producers of duck meat are France, Hungary and Poland. The aim of this study was to compare Pekin ducks (conservative strain P9) and Dworka (breeding strain D11) in terms of weight and percentage of gutted carcass components, basic chemical composition, physicochemical properties of breast and leg meat as well as texture and microstructure of breast meat. Significant differentiation (p < 0.05) for the genotype was found in terms of carcass weight, the content of most chemical components, some physicochemical features of the pectoral muscles and legs, as well as the thickness of connective tissue, springiness and WB (Warner–Bratzler) shear force m. pectoralis major. These differences were mainly due to the different purposes of the ducks. Dworka ducks from the D11 strain are being improved in terms of their functional characteristics (breeding strain), while Pekin ducks from the P9 strain have been kept in Poland as a conservation herd (without breeding selection) for several decades. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of genotype and sex on carcass composition and selected meat quality parameters of Dworka and Pekin ducks after two reproductive seasons. The research material consisted of 24 carcasses of Dworka ducks (breeding strain D11) and 24 carcasses of Pekin ducks from the herd of genetic resources (French Pekin, strain P-9). After cooling the carcasses (18 h, 2 °C), the pH values and electrical conductivity of the pectoral and leg muscles were determined, and then the carcass was dissected using a simplified method. After dissection, the pectoral and leg muscles were sampled for quality characteristics assessment. The Dworka ducks from breeding strain D11 compared to Pekin duck from conservative strain P9 were characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) higher carcass weight, protein and salt content, thermal drip, yellowness, thickness of perymisium and endomysium and lower water content of the pectoral muscle. Dworka ducks were also characterized by higher protein, salt and collagen content and higher electrical conductivity (EC24) of leg muscles than Pekin ducks. Regardless of genotype, male ducks had a higher gutted carcass weight with neck, salt content, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, fiber perimeter and diameters of pectoral muscle, and also higher protein and collagen, and lower fat content, pH24 and electrical conductivity of leg muscles. The genotype by sex interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for water, protein, fat content, perimisium thickness, cohesiveness, springiness of the pectoral major muscle, and for water content and protein of the leg muscles. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the effects of genotype and sex on the nutritional value and some technological parameters of duck meat. The studied ducks after two reproductive seasons satisfactorily meet the requirements of duck meat for consumers and duck meat processing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In four decades, China has transitioned from a controlled housing economy to one in which choices (and constraints) are more central drivers of residential change, although government roles in inner area clearance and redevelopment also play a powerful role in residential change. In this paper, data from the China Household Finance Study – Beijing Survey are used to show that while age, education, marital status and tenure have become important variables in the decision to move, residential mobility has Chinese characteristics. Additionally, while choice and opportunity now play important roles in when people move and where, many in poor-quality housing have low likelihoods of moving. There is a growing bifurcated outcome where those with resources move into commodity housing, while others are relegated to poor-quality housing built before the housing market reforms. The process may increase inequality in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of genotype and sex on carcass composition and selected meat quality parameters of Dworka and Pekin ducks after two reproductive seasons. The research material consisted of 24 carcasses of Dworka ducks (breeding strain D11) and 24 carcasses of Pekin ducks from the herd of genetic resources (French Pekin, strain P-9). After cooling the carcasses (18 h, 2 °C), the pH values and electrical conductivity of the pectoral and leg muscles were determined, and then the carcass was dissected using a simplified method. After dissection, the pectoral and leg muscles were sampled for quality characteristics assessment. The Dworka ducks from breeding strain D11 compared to Pekin duck from conservative strain P9 were characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) higher carcass weight, protein and salt content, thermal drip, yellowness, thickness of perymisium and endomysium and lower water content of the pectoral muscle. Dworka ducks were also characterized by higher protein, salt and collagen content and higher electrical conductivity (EC24) of leg muscles than Pekin ducks. Regardless of genotype, male ducks had a higher gutted carcass weight with neck, salt content, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, fiber perimeter and diameters of pectoral muscle, and also higher protein and collagen, and lower fat content, pH24 and electrical conductivity of leg muscles. The genotype by sex interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for water, protein, fat content, perimisium thickness, cohesiveness, springiness of the pectoral major muscle, and for water content and protein of the leg muscles. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the effects of genotype and sex on the nutritional value and some technological parameters of duck meat. The studied ducks after two reproductive seasons satisfactorily meet the requirements of duck meat for consumers and duck meat processing plants.

Duck hepatitis virus (DHV) has always been considered one of the threats endangering duck farming in Egypt since the 1960s. In the current study, suspected DHV samples (n = 30) were obtained from commercial Pekin, Mulard (hybrid), and Muscovy duck farms and backyards in Beheira, Alexandria, Gharbia, Kafr El-Sheikh, and Giza provinces between 2012 and 2017. Diseased 3–21-day-old ducklings showed a clinical history of high mortality rates and nervous signs. Samples were screened by RT-PCR targeting the 5′UTR region and VP1 gene. The PCR-confirmed samples (n = 7) were isolated via allantoic route inoculation onto 9-day-old specific-pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. Embryos showed stunting, subcutaneous hemorrhages, and liver necrotic greenish-yellow foci. Duck hepatitis A virus-1 (DHAV-1) isolates were genetically analyzed in comparison to other field and vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analyses of the full-length VP1 gene sequences revealed that the obtained DHAV-1 field isolates clustered into genetic group 4 alongside other Egyptian strains isolated during the same period (95.9–99.72% similarity). Amino acid substitutions in the carboxyl-terminal of VP1 (I180T, G184E, D193N, and M213I) were identified in two strains. Also, deletion mutation at I189 was detected in three DHAV-1 strains. Additionally, the two amino acid residues E205 and N235 were common among the isolated strains and other virulent DHAV-1 strains. Two DHAV-1 isolates originated from Pekin source were selected for conducting the comparative pathogenicity testing based on detected point mutations at C-terminus of VP1. We evaluated the pathogenicity of these isolates by investigating clinical signs, mortality rates, and gross pathological and microscopic lesions. The study revealed that experimentally infected Pekin and Muscovy ducklings showed similar clinical signs including squatting down, lateral recumbency, and spasmodic kicking. Muscovy showed milder pathological changes in the liver compared to Pekin ducklings. Histopathological findings supported the gross pathological lesions detected in both breeds. In conclusion, these data provide updated information on the genetic diversity and pathotyping of Egyptian DHAV-1 strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of comparative pathogenicity of recent DHAV-1 strains in Pekin and Muscovy ducklings in Egypt and the Middle East region.

Critics claim the 2019 protests in Hong Kong undermine it as a leading global financial centre. Drawing on the 'geography of finance' research and its focus on financial networks as a means to explain how financial centres operate and other empirical evidence, this article argues that Hong Kong's status as the leading Asia-Pacific financial centre and as head of China's financial centre networks is secure for three reasons. China's government will continue to support it; Hong Kong's financial networks possess extraordinary scale and sophistication; and no viable alternative centre has emerged to challenge Hong Kong as Asia-Pacific leader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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En relación con la rápida suburbanización de las ciudades chinas, la variedad del entorno, los tipos de vivienda y las comunidades sociales que se han formado son cada vez más relevantes. Tomando Pekín como ejemplo, esta investigación ha estudiado su crecimiento espacial durante las últimas décadas, así como el incremento y la modificación de la población, las viviendas, las industrias y las instalaciones comerciales en los suburbios. Las áreas suburbanas entre la cuarta y la sexta carreteras de circunvalación se han convertido en las zonas con mayor desarrollo durante los últimos años. Concretamente, este estudio investigará la movilidad cotidiana en el sector de Shandi-Qinghe, Pekín, basándose en diarios de actividades de sus habitantes y datos de movilidad captados por GPS durante una semana. Se han estudiado los trayectos hacia el trabajo, los espacios donde se hacen las compras y otras acciones de ocio de tres grupos, definidos según el lugar de actividad laboral y residencia. Existen contrastes evidentes en los perfiles socioeconómicos, las rutas de viaje hacia el trabajo y el lugar de compras y de ocio entre esos tres grupos. En suma, el espacio suburbano de Pekín es cada día más complejo y maduro.

Philippine White Mallard duck was compared with Pekin duck for its potential in meat production. A total of 50 ducklings were randomly assigned to 5 pens per treatment after 1 month of brooding. Each pen containing five ducks was considered as a replicate. Ducks were raised until 12 weeks of age and dressed at the end of the growing period. Data were subjected to the Independent Sample t-test. Essential amino acid profiles of both duck breeds have no significant differences except for leucine and isoleucine in which higher levels were obtained in Pekin duck meat. Total non-essential amino acid of Pekin duck meat was also significantly higher than the meat from Philippine White Mallard although the individual amino acid did not differ between breeds. Fatty acid composition from the meat of both breeds of duck did not show any significant differences. However, Philippine White Mallard duck was noted to have significantly higher cholesterol content in both skin and lean compared with Pekin ducks. Results showed that nutrient content of meat from both duck breeds were comparable. On the health point of view, Pekin duck meat has an advantage over Philippine White Mallard due to lower cholesterol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cet article, fondé sur une enquête ethnographique, analyse les enjeux politiques du dispositif des volontaires (zhiyuanzhe) habitants dans les quartiers de Pékin. Entre réseaux de cooptation, pratiques ritualisées et échanges ordinaires de sociabilité entre voisins, ce dispositif caractérise une forme intéressante de participation politique en Chine urbaine. Ces réseaux font partie du dispositif de gouvernement des quartiers en incitant des habitants, recrutés par devoir civique, affinités personnelles, ou persuasion morale, pour contribuer au maintien de l'ordre public. Enfin, il révèle la manière dont se construisent et se prolongent, à partir d'un public de retraités, des pratiques politiques et sociales dans l'espace du quartier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In 1759 A.D., the Manchu emperor Ayshin'gioro Hongli finally conquered the whole East Turkistan'1. The Manchu army triumphant returned with the former Uyghur King's corpse and the royal family members who not yet escaped to west. These prisoners arrived at Peking on 12 April 1760. To salute his army, the Manchu emperor had officials built a saluting platform with a few of attached structures for him to hold a great ceremony in the outskirts of Peking. After that, right next to the platform, he had a pavilion built with a four languages monument that included Manchu, Chinese, Mongolian and Chagatai Turkic in it to commemorate the saluting. During entire Manchu empire, multilingual documents include Uyghur from the imperial court are not rare. However, there were quite few inscriptions left. The author had studied one famous four languages inscription of Uyghur mosque in inner city of Peking in 1764. Yet this monument had not known and studied because of its location. The author will explain the historical background first, and analysis language features of the Chagatai Turkic part and give comparative analysis of the four languages texts, at the end is the transcriptions to the Chagatai Turkic part of the text and its English translation for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at determining the effect of housing systems on the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), meatiness and size of muscle fibres of Pekin (P44) and Muscovy (MR71) ducks. Each genetic group included 360 birds (180 males and 180 females). The ducks were divided into four experimental groups according to their sex and housing system: intensive system (IS) and outdoor system (OS). A significant effect of housing system on the final body weight and FCR value was noted only in P44 birds of both sexes, with OS birds having higher body weights than the IS birds. As a result, the OS MR71 drakes were characterized by a significantly higher slaughter yield, weight and content of breast muscles in the carcass. The OS MR71 ducks showed a lower slaughter yield and a higher content of leg muscles in the carcass compared to IS MR71 ducks. In contrast, the housing system had no significant effect on the meatiness of P44 ducks. A greater diameter of muscle fibres in both sexes of P44 ducks and in both sexes of MR71 ducks was observed in the OS compared to IS flocks. A greater cross section of muscle fibres was also noted in the ducks from the OS system, however with significant differences confirmed only in pectoralis superficialis and biceps femoris in MR71 drakes as well as in the biceps femoris of P44 drakes. These data show differences between duck genotypes and indicate the efficiency and potential of outdoor poultry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have recently displayed increased virulence for wild waterfowl. Objectives To study the effect of host age on the shedding and tissue dissemination of a HPAI H5N1 virus in infected Pekin ducks. Methods Pekin ducks in two age-matched groups ( n = 18), 8 and 12 weeks old (wo) were each infected with 106 EID50/0·1 ml of HPAI A/turkey/Turkey/1/05 (H5N1, clade 2·2). Each day for 5 days, birds were monitored clinically, and cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs collected, before three birds from each group were selected randomly for post-mortem examination. Tissue samples were collected for examination by real-time RT-PCR, histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results Severe clinical signs, including incoordination and torticollis were observed in the 8 wo group resulting in 100% mortality by 4 dpi. Mild clinical signs were observed in the 12 wo group with no mortality. Real-time RT-PCR and IHC results demonstrated the systemic spread of H5N1 virus in birds of both age groups. Higher levels of virus shedding were detected in oropharyngeal swabs than in cloacal swabs, with similar levels of shedding detected in both age groups. Variations in level and temporal dissemination of virus within tissues of older ducks, and the presence of the virus in brain and heart were observed, which coincided with the appearance of clinical signs preceding death in younger birds. Conclusions These results are consistent with reports of natural infections of wild waterfowl and poultry possibly indicating an age-related association with dissemination and clinical outcome in ducks following infection with H5N1 HPAI virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feng J., Zhou Y. and Wu F. New trends of suburbanization in Beijing since 1990: from government-led to market-oriented, Regional Studies. Since the 1990s suburbanization has been continuing in China along with the deepening of market transition. The process of suburbanization has gone beyond purely government-initiated relocation of households and polluting industries. Based on the newest population census, this paper identifies some major new trends of suburbanization in Beijing. The new round of suburbanization has been driven by the construction of suburban villas and affordable housing, rising private car ownership, the decentralization of industry, and the development of large suburban shopping malls and retail parks. Passively relocated households are no longer the dominant source of suburbanization. Suburbanization in Beijing has evolved into a new stage of more market-oriented development in the suburbs... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]