bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Martial Arts Punching Kinematics Using a Vision and Inertial Sensing System
Authors: Ishac Karlos , Eager David
Published: March 2021

Martial arts has many benefits not only in self-defence, but also in improving physical fitness and mental well-being. In our research we focused on analyzing the velocity, impulse, momentum and impact force of the Taekwondo sine-wave punch and reverse-step punch. We evaluated these techniques in comparison with the martial arts styles of Hapkido and Shaolin Wushu and investigated the kinematic properties. We developed a sensing system which is composed of an ICSensor Model 3140 accelerometer attached to a punching bag for measuring dynamic acceleration, Kinovea motion analysis software and 2 GoPro Hero 3 cameras, one focused on the practitioner’s motion and the other focused on the punching bag’s motion. Our results verified that the motion vectors associated with a Taekwondo practitioner performing a sine-wave punch, uses a unique gravitational potential energy to optimise the impact force of the punch. We demonstrated that the sine-wave punch on average produced an impact force of 6884 N which was higher than the reverse-step punch that produced an average impact force of 5055 N. Our comparison experiment showed that the Taekwondo sine-wave punch produced the highest impact force compared to a Hapkido right cross punch and a Shaolin Wushu right cross, however the Wushu right cross had the highest force to weight ratio at 82:1. The experiments were conducted with high ranking black belt practitioners in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Shaolin Wushu.
Adaptive Reservation of Network Resources According to Video Classification Scenes
Authors: Sevcik Lukas , Voznak Miroslav
Published: March 2021

Video quality evaluation needs a combined approach that includes subjective and objective metrics, testing, and monitoring of the network. This paper deals with the novel approach of mapping quality of service (QoS) to quality of experience (QoE) using QoE metrics to determine user satisfaction limits, and applying QoS tools to provide the minimum QoE expected by users. Our aim was to connect objective estimations of video quality with the subjective estimations. A comprehensive tool for the estimation of the subjective evaluation is proposed. This new idea is based on the evaluation and marking of video sequences using the sentinel flag derived from spatial information (SI) and temporal information (TI) in individual video frames. The authors of this paper created a video database for quality evaluation, and derived SI and TI from each video sequence for classifying the scenes. Video scenes from the database were evaluated by objective and subjective assessment. Based on the results, a new model for prediction of subjective quality is defined and presented in this paper. This quality is predicted using an artificial neural network based on the objective evaluation and the type of video sequences defined by qualitative parameters such as resolution, compression standard, and bitstream. Furthermore, the authors created an optimum mapping function to define the threshold for the variable bitrate setting based on the flag in the video, determining the type of scene in the proposed model. This function allows one to allocate a bitrate dynamically for a particular segment of the scene and maintains the desired quality. Our proposed model can help video service providers with the increasing the comfort of the end users. The variable bitstream ensures consistent video quality and customer satisfaction, while network resources are used effectively. The proposed model can also predict the appropriate bitrate based on the required quality of video sequences, defined using either objective or subjective assessment.
Control Strategies and Performance Assessment of Upper-Limb TMR Prostheses: A Review
Authors: Mereu Federico , Leone Francesca , Gentile Cosimo , Cordella Francesca , Gruppioni Emanuele , Zollo Loredana
Published: March 2021

The evolution of technological and surgical techniques has made it possible to obtain an even more intuitive control of multiple joints using advanced prosthetic systems. Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) is considered to be an innovative and relevant surgical technique for improving the prosthetic control for people with different amputation levels of the limb. Indeed, TMR surgery makes it possible to obtain reinnervated areas that act as biological amplifiers of the motor control. On the technological side, a great deal of research has been conducted in order to evaluate various types of myoelectric prosthetic control strategies, whether direct control or pattern recognition-based control. In the literature, different control performance metrics, which have been evaluated on TMR subjects, have been introduced, but no accepted reference standard defines the better strategy for evaluating the prosthetic control. Indeed, the presence of several evaluation tests that are based on different metrics makes it difficult the definition of standard guidelines for comprehending the potentiality of the proposed control systems. Additionally, there is a lack of evidence about the comparison of different evaluation approaches or the presence of guidelines on the most suitable test to proceed for a TMR patients case study. Thus, this review aims at identifying these limitations by examining the several studies in the literature on TMR subjects, with different amputation levels, and proposing a standard method for evaluating the control performance metrics.
Towards an Efficient CNN Inference Architecture Enabling In-Sensor Processing
Authors: Pantho Md Jubaer Hossain , Bhowmik Pankaj , Bobda Christophe
Published: March 2021

The astounding development of optical sensing imaging technology, coupled with the impressive improvements in machine learning algorithms, has increased our ability to understand and extract information from scenic events. In most cases, Convolution neural networks (CNNs) are largely adopted to infer knowledge due to their surprising success in automation, surveillance, and many other application domains. However, the convolution operations’ overwhelming computation demand has somewhat limited their use in remote sensing edge devices. In these platforms, real-time processing remains a challenging task due to the tight constraints on resources and power. Here, the transfer and processing of non-relevant image pixels act as a bottleneck on the entire system. It is possible to overcome this bottleneck by exploiting the high bandwidth available at the sensor interface by designing a CNN inference architecture near the sensor. This paper presents an attention-based pixel processing architecture to facilitate the CNN inference near the image sensor. We propose an efficient computation method to reduce the dynamic power by decreasing the overall computation of the convolution operations. The proposed method reduces redundancies by using a hierarchical optimization approach. The approach minimizes power consumption for convolution operations by exploiting the Spatio-temporal redundancies found in the incoming feature maps and performs computations only on selected regions based on their relevance score. The proposed design addresses problems related to the mapping of computations onto an array of processing elements (PEs) and introduces a suitable network structure for communication. The PEs are highly optimized to provide low latency and power for CNN applications. While designing the model, we exploit the concepts of biological vision systems to reduce computation and energy. We prototype the model in a Virtex UltraScale+ FPGA and implement it in Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) using the TSMC 90nm technology library. The results suggest that the proposed architecture significantly reduces dynamic power consumption and achieves high-speed up surpassing existing embedded processors’ computational capabilities.
Identifying Fall Risk Predictors by Monitoring Daily Activities at Home Using a Depth Sensor Coupled to Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Dubois Amandine , Bihl Titus , Bresciani Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2021

Because of population ageing, fall prevention represents a human, economic, and social issue. Currently, fall-risk is assessed infrequently, and usually only after the first fall occurrence. Home monitoring could improve fall prevention. Our aim was to monitor daily activities at home in order to identify the behavioral parameters that best discriminate high fall risk from low fall risk individuals. Microsoft Kinect sensors were placed in the room of 30 patients temporarily residing in a rehabilitation center. The sensors captured the patients’ movements while they were going about their daily activities. Different behavioral parameters, such as speed to sit down, gait speed or total sitting time were extracted and analyzed combining statistical and machine learning algorithms. Our algorithms classified the patients according to their estimated fall risk. The automatic fall risk assessment performed by the algorithms was then benchmarked against fall risk assessments performed by clinicians using the Tinetti test and the Timed Up and Go test. Step length, sit-stand transition and total sitting time were the most discriminant parameters to classify patients according to their fall risk. Coupling step length to the speed required to stand up or the total sitting time gave rise to an error-less classification of the patients, i.e., to the same classification as that of the clinicians. A monitoring system extracting step length and sit-stand transitions at home could complement the clinicians’ assessment toolkit and improve fall prevention.
Emissivity of Building Materials for Infrared Measurements
Authors: Barreira Eva , Almeida Ricardo M. S. F. , Simões Maria L.
Published: March 2021

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a technique increasingly used in building inspection. If in many applications it is sufficient to analyze the thermal patterns, others exist in which the exact determination of the surface temperature is a fundamental aspect. In these circumstances, the emissivity of the surfaces assumes special relevance, being probably the most important property in the definition of the boundary conditions. However, information on the uncertainty involved in its measurement, as well as the conditions that influence it, is scarce. This article presents an innovative contribution both to the characterization of the emissivity of various construction materials, and to the discussion of emissivity measurement procedures and the attendant uncertainty. In this sense, three experimental campaigns were carried out: T.I, preliminary tests to assess the initial conditions required for an accurate IRT measurement of the emissivity (reference tape and position of the camera); T.II, assessment of the emissivity of nine different building materials, in dry conditions, using the emissometer and the IRT and black tape methods; and T.III, assessment of the emissivity of three materials during the drying process. The results confirmed that emissivity is a crucial parameter for the accurate measurement of surface temperature. Emissivity measurements carried out with IRT (black tape method) and with the emissometer returned meaningful differences when compared with the values available in the literature. This disagreement led to surface temperature differences of up to 7 °C (emissometer versus reference values). This research also highlighted that the moisture content of the materials influences the emissivity values, with fluctuations that can be greater than 10%, and that the effect of moisture is visible even for low values of moisture content.
Quantifying Debris Flood Deposits in an Alaskan Fjord Using Multitemporal Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Balazs Matthew , Prakash Anupma , Wolken Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Six DEMs over a 10-year period were used to estimate flood-related sedimentation in the Japanese Creek drainage located in Seward, Alaska. We analyze two existing LiDAR DEMs and one GNSS-derived DEM along with three additional DEMs that we generated using differential Global Navigation Satellite System (dGNSS) and Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques. Uncertainties in each DEM were accounted for, and a DEMs of Difference (DoD) technique was used to quantify the amount and pattern of sediment introduced, redistributed, or exiting the system. Through correlating the changes in sediment budget with rainfall data and flood events, the study demonstrates that the major flood events in 2006 and 2012—the 7th and 5th highest precipitation events on record—resulted in an increased sedimentation in the drainage as a whole. At a minimum the 2006 and 2012 events increased the sediment in the lower reaches by 70,100 and 53,900 cubic meters, respectively. The study shows that the DoD method and using multiple technologies to create DEMs is effective in quantifying the volumetric change and general spatial patterns of sediment redistribution between the acquisition of DEMs.
Special Issue on Enabling Technology in Optical Fiber Communications: From Device, System to Networking
Authors: Yue Yang , Zhao Jian , Du Jiangbing , Li Zhaohui
Published: March 2021

It is well known that optical fiber communications support the global communication networks nowadays, which originates from Charles K [...]
Got Skillz? Recasting and Negotiating Racial Tension in Teacher–Student Relationships Amidst Shifting Demographics
Authors: Coleman-King Chonika , Adams-Bass Valerie , Bentley-Edwards Keisha , Thomas Duane , Thompson Celine , Michael Ali , Miller Gwendolyn , Charity-Parker Bianka , Stevenson Howard
Published: March 2021

This paper reports on a curriculum designed for Black students whose school teachers and administrators sought to address concerns about students’ academic underachievement and behavioral challenges. In order to design the curriculum, we examined Black students’ reactions to race- and academic-related stress as a result of their interactions with mostly White teachers and peers in an increasingly diversifying predominantly White, middle-class community. Grounded in principles of Racial Encounter Coping Appraisal and Socialization Theory (RECAST), a paradigm for understanding the racial coping strategies utilized by individuals to contend with racial stress and well-being, the study sought to elucidate racial tensions found in schooling relationships that foster racial disparities in classrooms. Specifically, our team conducted focus group sessions with Black parents and students which were guided by our use of the Cultural and Racial Experiences of Socialization Survey (CARES), a racial and ethnic socialization measure that elicits responses from students about the kinds of messages students receive about race and ethnicity from people parents and teachers. Data from the sessions subsequently informed the design of Let’s Talk? (LT), a racial conflict resolution curriculum for Black adolescents. In this paper, we share what we learned about students’ school experiences and coping mechanism through their participation in LT.
School Engagement, Academic Achievement, and Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Estévez Iris , Rodríguez-Llorente Carolina , Piñeiro Isabel , González-Suárez Rocío , Valle Antonio
Published: March 2021

School engagement occupies a place of reference in recent educational psychology research owing to its potential to address poor school results and school dropout rates. However, there is a need for a unifying theoretical framework. The study proposed the characterization of school engagement and explored the extent to which different profiles are associated with academic performance and self-regulation. With a sample of 717 5th and 6th year primary school students, this study was carried out via the latent profile analysis (LPA). Two groups of low school engaged students—one characterized by low behavioral engagement (5.02%) and the other by low emotional engagement (6.55%)—were distinguished. The majority of participants showed moderately high (31.95%) or moderate (56.48%) levels of school engagement in its three dimensions. Students with high engagement had the best grades and managed their time and study surroundings better, were the most strategic in seeking information, and showed less maladaptive regulatory behavior. The differences between students exhibiting low behavioral and emotional engagement and those exhibiting moderate levels in these dimensions may center upon the management of contextual resources and management of information and help. This research supports the need to approach the study of school engagement by observing the combination of its emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions.
Computer Image Analysis as a Method of Evaluating the Quality of Selected Fine-Grained Food Mixtures
Authors: Matuszek Dominika Barbara , Biłos Łukasz Andrzej
Published: March 2021

This work presents the possibility of using computer image analysis to assess the quality of fine-grained food mixtures. The research was carried out using a mixture of wheat flour and algae. These types of ingredients are used, among others, to produce pasta, which is a functional food due to its enrichment with algae. The tests were carried out for mixtures with different shares of algae: 2%, 3% and 4% w/w. Mixing was carried out in a 3D mixer (Turbula® mixer), in which 20, 40 and 60 mL mixing vessels were placed. At the end of the process, samples were taken from four parts (sectors) of the mixing vessels, and then photos were taken with a digital camera. For this purpose, a specially prepared chamber was used, ensuring stable conditions for taking photos. The obtained images were analyzed in the Patan® program, determining the color on the RGB-256 scale. The obtained values were compared with the previously prepared reference specimen (simple linear regression formula). Based on this, it was possible to determine the share of algae in the samples taken and thus to estimate the homogeneity of the tested mixtures. The obtained results indicate the high reliability of the proposed solution.
Sustainability-Oriented Model to Decide on Concrete Pipeline Reinforcement
Authors: Josa Irene , de la Fuente Albert , Casanovas-Rubio Maria del Mar , Armengou Jaume , Aguado Antonio
Published: March 2021

The design of sustainable sewerage infrastructure is fundamental for achieving long-term sustainability goals. Piping systems are essential components in the water supply chain and in waste disposal systems worldwide. Among possible designs for concrete pipes, steel cages consisting of curved rebars have been predominantly used as reinforcement. However, structural fibres have emerged as an attractive technical and economical alternative for substituting steel cages. Due to increasing urbanisation, thousands of kilometres of pipes will be constructed in the near future. At present, decisions regarding reinforcement of concrete pipes are primarily cost-driven. To consider other aspects, it is fundamental to identify and quantify potential sustainability issues properly. Hence, this paper focuses on the sustainability analysis of reinforced concrete pipes using a multi-criteria decision-making method. A model based on criteria, indicators, weights and value functions is developed and calibrated by assessing various concrete reinforcement strategies (steel bars or steel/synthetic fibres). The main contributions of the article are the proposal and application of a model for the case of concrete pipes which can be adapted for other case studies; determining how different typologies of pipes contribute to the overall sustainability of infrastructure systems; and the use and application of a robust and interesting multi-criteria decision-making methodology. The results show that fibre reinforced concrete pipes are promising alternatives in social, economic and environmental terms. Both the model and results are expected to be useful to stakeholders in decision-making processes.
A Cross-Country Measurement of the EU Bioeconomy: An Input–Output Approach
Authors: Cingiz Kutay , Gonzalez-Hermoso Hugo , Heijman Wim , Wesseler Justus H. H.
Published: March 2021

This paper measures the development of the national income share of the bioeconomy for 28 European Union Member States (MS) and 16 industries of BioMonitor scope from 2005 to 2015. The paper proposes a model which includes the up- and downstream linkages using Input-Output tables. The results show that for the majority of the MS the value added of the up- and downstream sector is at the band of 40%–50% of the total bioeconomy value added and has on average increased since the financial crisis.
How Do Children Perceive the Biodiversity of Their nearby Environment: An Analysis of Drawings
Authors: Morón-Monge Hortensia , Hamed Soraya , Morón Monge María del Carmen
Published: March 2021

The research indicates the importance of learning about our natural environment from an early age to train scientifically literate and environmentally responsible citizens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of a group of 120 primary school children regarding the biodiversity of their nearby environment (Andalusia, Spain) based on their drawings. For this, we used a qualitative methodology that focused on the analysis of the content. We analyzed the content of each drawing, complemented with written questions and an interview. The different environmental elements (natural, geological, and anthropic) of the children’s drawings were identified and analyzed. The results show how children perceive the biodiversity (plants and animals) of their nearby environment and their low knowledge of the concept of the environment as a system. Likewise, this study allowed for the definition of a series of emerging categories as an instrument of analysis that will serve as the basis for the design of appropriate strategies to improve initial teacher training in regard to science education.
Government Effectiveness and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chisadza Carolyn , Clance Matthew , Gupta Rangan
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to derail progress achieved in sustainable development. This study investigates the effectiveness of government policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the number of deaths. Using the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) dataset for a global sample of countries between March and September 2020, we find a non-linear association between government response indices and the number of deaths. Less stringent interventions increase the number of deaths, whereas more severe responses to the pandemic can lower fatalities. The outcomes are similar for a sample of countries disaggregated by regions. These findings can be informative for policymakers in their efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus and save lives.
AIS Meets IoT: A Network Security Mechanism of Sustainable Marine Resource Based on Edge Computing
Authors: Chao Han-Chieh , Wu Hsin-Te , Tseng Fan-Hsun
Published: March 2021

The sustainable utilization of marine resources is a vital issue to enrich marine life and to prevent species extinction caused by overfishing. Nowadays, it is common that commercial and smaller vessels are equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and GPS for better vessel tracking to avoid vessel collision as well as mayday calls. Additionally, governments can monitor vessels’ sea activities through AIS messages, stopping them from overfishing or tracking if any vessel has caused marine pollution. However, because AIS devices cannot guarantee data security, they are susceptible to malicious attacks such as message modification or an illegitimate identity faking a distress signal that causes other vessels to change their course. Given the above, a comprehensive network security system of a sustainable marine environment should be proposed to ensure secure communication. In this paper, a stationary IoT-enabled (Internet of Things) vessel tracking system of a sustainable marine environment is proposed. The system combines network security, edge computing, and tracking management. It offers the following functions: (1) The IoT-based vessel tracking system tracks each aquafarmer’s farming zone and issues periodic warning to prevent vessel collision for pursuing a sustainable marine environment; (2) the system can serve as a relay station that evaluates whether a vessel’s AIS data is correct; (3) the system detects abnormal behavior and any irregular information to law enforcement; (4) the system’s network security mechanism adopts a group key approach to ensure secure communication between vessels; and (5) the proposed edge computing mechanism enables the tracking system to perform message authentication and analysis, and to reduce computational burden for the remote or cloud server. Experiment results indicate that our proposed system is feasible, secure, and sustainable for the marine environment, and the tendered network security mechanism can reduce the computational burden while still ensuring security.
Quantification of the Outdoor Thermal Comfort within Different Oases Urban Fabrics
Authors: Matallah Mohamed Elhadi , Alkama Djamel , Teller Jacques , Ahriz Atef , Attia Shady
Published: March 2021

Oases settlements are common entities of human agglomerations throughout desert regions. Oases settlements face several environmental challenges such as climate change, which can render them insufferably hot and unlivable within decades. Therefore, this study aims to assess the outdoor thermal comfort variation within three different oases urban fabrics of Tolga Oases Complex in Algeria. The overarching aim is to quantify thermal comfort and guide landscape, and urban designers improve outdoor thermal comfort. The methodology relies on microclimatic measurements and weather datasets (TMY2, TMY3, TMYx), combining observations and numerical simulations. A total of 648 Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) values were calculated in three different urban fabrics in Tolga Oases Complex, Algeria. Between 2003 and 2017, a remarkable microclimatic change was found, causing a high and accelerated heat stress level of 76%. The study results inform architects, urban planners and climatologists about climate change effects and urban sprawl impact on the oases lands. Moreover, urban strategies should seek mitigation and adaptation benefiting from the existing green infrastructure of palm groves.
Autogenous Self-Healing Capacity of Early-Age Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Cuenca Estefania , Serna Pedro
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes the autogenous self-healing capacity of early-age Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced concretes (UHPFRCs) by measuring the crack closure and the possible mechanical recovery on healed specimens. The main parameters considered in this research were the healing exposure conditions (humidity chamber, immersion in tap water, immersion in seawater and heat curing) and the precracking levels (microcracks and macrocracks). For the microcrack level, four-point bending tests were performed on prismatic specimens (100 × 100 × 500 mm3) obtaining a multiple cracking pattern characterized by crack widths ranged from 10 to 20 µm. Whereas for the macrocrack level (behavior after crack localization), splitting tests were carried out on notched cubic specimens (100 × 100 × 100 mm3) obtaining crack widths of up to 0.4 mm. For both precracking levels, specimens were precracked at two days and were cured for one month in the mentioned exposure conditions. Healing products were analyzed on the specimen surface and also inside the cracks; to this purpose, their microstructure was analyzed by means of SEM and EDS analyses. The results have shown that the highest crack closure values were obtained for the heat-cured specimens and for the specimens immersed in water (tap water and seawater) whereas the less efficient condition was the humidity chamber.
Prospects of Microalgae for Biomaterial Production and Environmental Applications at Biorefineries
Authors: Orejuela-Escobar Lourdes , Gualle Arleth , Ochoa-Herrera Valeria , Philippidis George P.
Published: March 2021

Microalgae are increasingly viewed as renewable biological resources for a wide range of chemical compounds that can be used as or transformed into biomaterials through biorefining to foster the bioeconomy of the future. Besides the well-established biofuel potential of microalgae, key microalgal bioactive compounds, such as lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, pigments, vitamins, and polyphenols, possess a wide range of biomedical and nutritional attributes. Hence, microalgae can find value-added applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal care, animal food, and agricultural industries. Microalgal biomass can be processed into biomaterials for use in dyes, paints, bioplastics, biopolymers, and nanoparticles, or as hydrochar and biochar in solid fuel cells and soil amendments. Equally important is the use of microalgae in environmental applications, where they can serve in heavy metal bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and carbon sequestration thanks to their nutrient uptake and adsorptive properties. The present article provides a comprehensive review of microalgae specifically focused on biomaterial production and environmental applications in an effort to assess their current status and spur further deployment into the commercial arena.
Moisture Content Impact on Properties of Briquette Produced from Rice Husk Waste
Authors: Saeed Anwar Ameen Hezam , Yub Harun Noorfidza , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Afzal Muhammad T. , Parvez Ashak Mahmud , Roslan Farah Amelia Shahirah , Abdul Rahim Syahirah , Vinayagam Vimmal Desiga , Afolabi Haruna Kolawole
Published: March 2021

An agricultural waste-based source of energy in the form of briquettes from rice husk has emerged as an alternative energy source. However, rice husk-based briquette has a low bulk density and moisture content, resulting in low durability. This study investigated the effect of initial moisture contents of 12%, 14%, and 16% of rice husk-based briquettes blended with 10 wt% of kraft lignin on their chemical and physical characteristics. The briquetting was done using a hand push manual die compressor. The briquette properties were evaluated by performing chemical (ultimate and proximate analysis, thermogravimetric analysis), physical (density, durability, compressive strength, and surface morphology) analyses. The durability values of all briquette samples were above 95%, meeting the standard with good compressive strength, surface morphology, and acceptable density range. The briquette made from the blend with 14% moisture content showed the highest calorific value of 17.688 MJ kg−1, thanks to its desirable morphology and good porosity range, which facilitates the transport of air for combustion. Overall, this study proved the approach of enhancing the quality of briquettes from rice husk by controlling the moisture content.
Evaluating the Impact of Different Symmetrical Models of Ambient Assisted Living Systems
Authors: Alosaimi Wael , Ansari Md Tarique Jamal , Alharbi Abdullah , Alyami Hashem , Seh Adil Hussain , Pandey Abhishek Kumar , Agrawal Alka , Khan Raees Ahmad
Published: March 2021

In recent years, numerous attempts have been made to enhance the living standard for old-aged people. Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is an evolving interdisciplinary field aimed at the exploitation of knowledge and communication technology in health and tele-monitoring systems to combat the impact of the growing aging population. AAL systems are designed for customized, responsive, and predictive requirements, requiring high performance of functionality to ensure interoperability, accessibility, security, and consistency. Standardization, continuity, and assistance of system development have become an urgent necessity to meet the increasing needs for sustainable systems. In this article, we examine and address the methods of the different AAL systems. In addition, we analyzed the acceptance criteria of the AAL framework intending to define and evaluate different AAL-based symmetrical models, leveraging performance characteristics under the integrated fuzzy environment. The main goal is to provide an understanding of the current situation of the AAL-oriented setups. Our vision is to investigate and evaluate the potential symmetrical models of AAL systems and frameworks for the implementation of effective new installations.
Possibilities for the Biological Control of Mycotoxins in Food and Feed
Authors: Nešić Ksenija , Habschied Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: March 2021

Seeking useful biological agents for mycotoxin detoxification has achieved success in the last twenty years thanks to the participation of many multidisciplinary teams. We have recently witnessed discoveries in the fields of bacterial genetics (inclusive of next-generation sequencing), protein encoding, and bioinformatics that have helped to shape the latest perception of how microorganisms/mycotoxins/environmental factors intertwine and interact, so the road is opened for new breakthroughs. Analysis of literature data related to the biological control of mycotoxins indicates the ability of yeast, bacteria, fungi and enzymes to degrade or adsorb mycotoxins, which increases the safety and quality of susceptible crops, animal feed and, ultimately, food of animal origin (milk, meat and eggs) by preventing the presence of residues. Microbial detoxification (transformation and adsorption) is becoming a trustworthy strategy that leaves no or less toxic compounds and contributes to food security. This review summarizes the data and highlights the importance and prospects of these methods.
Multiple Mycotoxins in Kenyan Rice
Authors: Mutiga Samuel K. , Mutuku J. Musembi , Koskei Vincent , Gitau James Kamau , Ng’ang’a Fredrick , Musyoka Joyce , Chemining’wa George N. , Murori Rosemary
Published: March 2021

Multiple mycotoxins were tested in milled rice samples (n = 200) from traders at different milling points within the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kenya. Traders provided the names of the cultivar, village where paddy was cultivated, sampling locality, miller, and month of paddy harvest between 2018 and 2019. Aflatoxin, citrinin, fumonisin, ochratoxin A, diacetoxyscirpenol, T2, HT2, and sterigmatocystin were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Deoxynivalenol was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mycotoxins occurred in ranges and frequencies in the following order: sterigmatocystin (0–7 ppb; 74.5%), aflatoxin (0–993 ppb; 55.5%), citrinin (0–9 ppb; 55.5%), ochratoxin A (0–110 ppb; 30%), fumonisin (0–76 ppb; 26%), diacetoxyscirpenol (0–24 ppb; 20.5%), and combined HT2 + T2 (0–62 ppb; 14.5%), and deoxynivalenol was detected in only one sample at 510 ppb. Overall, low amounts of toxins were observed in rice with a low frequency of samples above the regulatory limits for aflatoxin, 13.5%; ochratoxin A, 6%; and HT2 + T2, 0.5%. The maximum co-contamination was for 3.5% samples with six toxins in different combinations. The rice cultivar, paddy environment, time of harvest, and millers influenced the occurrence of different mycotoxins. There is a need to establish integrated approaches for the mitigation of mycotoxin accumulation in the Kenyan rice.
Optimization of Vineyard Water Management: Challenges, Strategies, and Perspectives
Authors: Mirás-Avalos José , Araujo Emily
Published: March 2021

Water availability is endangering the production, quality, and economic viability of growing wine grapes worldwide. Climate change projections reveal warming and drying trends for the upcoming decades, constraining the sustainability of viticulture. In this context, a great research effort over the last years has been devoted to understanding the effects of water stress on grapevine performance. Moreover, irrigation scheduling and other management practices have been tested in order to alleviate the deleterious effects of water stress on wine production. The current manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in the research on optimizing water management in vineyards, including the use of novel technologies (modeling, remote sensing). In addition, methods for assessing vine water status are summarized. Moreover, the manuscript will focus on the interactions between grapevine water status and biotic stressors. Finally, future perspectives for research are provided. These include the performance of multifactorial studies accounting for the interrelations between water availability and other stressors, the development of a cost-effective and easy-to-use tool for assessing vine water status, and the study of less-known cultivars under different soil and climate conditions.
Variability in Population Traits of a Sentinel Iberian Fish in a Highly Modified Mediterranean-Type River
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Ana , Oliva-Paterna Francisco , Amat-Trigo Fátima , Torralva Mar
Published: March 2021

Human pressures on water resources have been suggested as a driver of biological traits that induce changes in native fish populations. This study highlighted the interplay between environmental stress factors, mostly related to flow regulation, and the longitudinal river gradient in biological traits such as the growth, size structure and somatic condition of a sentinel fish, Luciobarbus sclateri. We found an increase in size-related metrics and somatic condition at population levels associated with downstream reaches, although fragmentation and habitat alteration, flow regime alteration and the abundance of non-native fish were also significantly involved in their variability. Age-related parameters and growth were only explained by flow regime alterations and the abundance of non-native fish species. The high plasticity observed in L. sclateri population traits suggests that this is a key factor in the species adaptability to resist in a strongly altered Mediterranean river basin. However, the interplay of multiple stressors plays an important role in fish population dynamics and could induce complex responses that may be essential for long-term monitoring in sentinel species.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of World Electric Vehicle Journal in 2020
Authors:   World Electric Vehicle Journal Editorial Office
Published: March 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that World Electric Vehicle Journal maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Le cloître disparu de Perrecy (Saône-et-Loire)
Authors: Vaivre Jean-Bernard de
Published: March 2021

Postérieurement à la construction de l’église du prieuré de Perrecy, dont les bâtiments furent édifiés au début du xie siècle, des adjonctions s’y poursuivirent longtemps. Si la disparition des sources anciennes a longtemps occulté les conditions de reconstruction du choeur gothique, un article du Bulletin monumental, t. 141-IV (1983,) en a rendu la paternité au prieur Antoine Geoffroy, dont la carrière avait alors été retracée. Il s’était distingué sur plusieurs sites par son activité de bâtisseur, mais n’avait pas achevé son oeuvre à Perrecy, où il avait envisagé d’y construire un cloître, mais ne le réalisa. Ce cloître fut construit plus tard, au midi de la nef de l’église. Dès la fin de l’Ancien régime, à la suite de querelles dans l› établissement, le prieuré fut supprimé en 1776, les biens religieux transférés, les bâtiments conventuels dépecés et le cloître disparut. Seuls des culots de voûte subsistent. L’un des écus qui y fut sculpté a permis d’attribuer la construction de ce cloître à Guillaume Cajot, protonotaire du Saint-Siège, abbé de Saint-Aphrodise et prieur de Perrecy, appartenant à la famille des sires de Burnand en Maconnais, un texte de 1543 autorisant par ailleurs à en préciser la date.
Tommaso Francini et le chantier de l’aqueduc Médicis : état de la question
Authors: Berthier Karine
Published: March 2021

Paris, bien que traversé par la Seine, souffre d’un manque d’eau constant. La découverte, à la fin du XVIe siècle des vestiges de l’ancien aqueduc antique contribue au lancement d’un nouveau projet d’adduction d’eau par Henri IV. Des recherches de sources autour de Wissous et de Rungis sont effectuées afin de fournir de l’eau à la capitale et des terrains achetés à partir de l’année 1607. L’assassinat du roi en 1610 entraîne l’abandon du projet qui est repris par la régente, Marie de Médicis. En 1612, les édiles parisiens, après avoir pris l’avis de plusieurs spécialistes, dont Francine, fait réaliser un devis «des ouvrages qu’on doit faire aux fontaines de Rungis » . Le chantier est adjugé à Jean Coin, maître maçon, qui forme l’année suivante une société pour la «conduite des eaux et fontaines de Rungy à Paris » . L’analyse de plusieurs contrats et marchés dans différentes études notariales du Minutier Central, des arrêts du conseil du roi, ainsi que les registres de délibérations de la Ville de Paris, a permis de suivre l’organisation et la gestion du chantier de l’aqueduc Médicis et de déterminer le rôle de Thomas Francine. Conjointement aux travaux de construction, Thomas Francine, aux côtés d’autres experts est chargé par le roi et l’administration parisienne de veiller au bon déroulement du chantier et de répondre, si nécessaire, aux difficultés techniques rencontrées : implantation de l’aqueduc à Rungis, réalisation des galeries secondaires (concessions), des regards. Francine, sollicité lors des visites des ouvrages, intervient lors des difficultés rencontrées pour le franchissement de la vallée de la Bièvre à la hauteur d’Arcueil-Cachan. À partir de l’année 1616, plusieurs comptes rendus, écrits en italien, probablement à la suite de visites, font état de l’avancée des travaux et des sommes dépensées. Il intervient, en 1624, avec Jean de Lintlaer, maître et conducteur de la pompe de la Samaritaine, pour la forme et la fabrication des tuyaux de plomb servant à conduire l’eau de Rungis en différents endroits à Paris.
Les fontaines à bassin et à vasque dans les jardins français de la fin du XVIe et du début du XVIIe siècle
Authors: Bresc-Bautier Geneviève
Published: March 2021

Les fontaines de jardin dans la France du XVIe siècle et du début du XVIIe étaient largement tributaires d’une hydraulique encore peu sophistiquée, sauf pour les grands domaines royaux. Par gravitation l’eau alimentait des fontaines adossées et des fontaines centrées. Le plus souvent ces dernières pouvaient adopter soit la forme d’un pilier central alimenté à son sommet et pourvu d’un vase ou de jets, soit celle d’un pilier où se succédaient une ou deux vasques superposées et un élément sculpté en amortissement. Les documents notariés montrent que la fontaine à vasque était largement diffusée. La réalisation d’un élément sommital, vase ou figure, en bronze ou cuivre ou plomb, pouvait être confié à des sculpteurs de renom, Germain Pilon, Barthélemy Prieur, Matthieu Jacquet, Bertrand Normain, Epiphane Evesham, Francesco Bordoni. Quatre projets de fontaines, conservés dans un album factice de dessins à la Bibliothèque Mazarine, donnent des exemples de réalisations modestes mais significatives d’un certain type de décor de jardin.
La grotte artificielle du château de Dieppe : une oeuvre de Salomon de Caus ?
Authors: Ickowicz Pierre
Published: March 2021

In 2014 the partial vestiges of an artificial grotto with sea-shell decoration were discovered in situ at the Château de Dieppe, a find already announced in 1962 by the recuperation of similar pieces in the backfill in another part of the building. The article summarizes these discoveries, which localize the construction in the north wing of the château, and clarifies certain aspects of the decoration. The materials and ornaments of the fountains, including a small statue in terracotta, offer obvious parallels with the works of Salomon and Isaac de Caus, two hydraulic engineers from Dieppe, who worked in Brussels, Heidelberg and England. The grotto at the Château de Dieppe is perhaps one of the rare traces of their activity in France, which at the moment is unattested in the documents. The patron may be Charles de Beauxoncles, Sieur de Sygognes, one of the governors of the château, who is also known for his taste for splendor.
Assessing the Value Extension Adds to Decision- Making Among Natural Resources Leaders
Authors: Rimsaite Renata , Kreye Melissa
Published: March 2021

Extension professionals face challenges in quantifying the impact of their efforts in advancing the decision-making process inherent in setting natural resources policy. We developed a flexible tool that measures the impact of improving decision makers’ planning efforts. The tool consists of two sets of survey questions that can be modified to fit an Extension program’s goals. We illustrated how to use the tool by surveying leaders working with private forest owners to advance natural resources management. However, the tool can be of use to Extension professionals across various program areas.
Eating Smart and Moving More for Head Start: A Pilot Study With Head Start Teachers
Authors: Stage Virginia , Goodell Suzie , McDonald Stephanie , Hegde Archana , Bayles Jocelyn , Jones Lorelei
Published: March 2021

Our study examined the relationship between improved personal health behaviors of Head Start teachers and the promotion of positive health behaviors in their classrooms. Thirty-three Head Start teachers across seven centers received six 30-min nutrition education lessons. Dietary intake, physical activity, and self-efficacy for promoting positive health behaviors in the classroom were measured at baseline and following intervention. Significant improvements were observed for dietary intake and physical activity. Self-efficacy for promoting health behaviors in the classroom did not significantly improve. Additional education is needed to improve health promotion practices. Lessons learned contributed to program refinement. Implications for Extension are discussed.
A natureza do vale do Acaraú: um olhar através das sinuosidades do relevo
Authors: Falcão Sobrinho José
Published: March 2021

Viajar pelo Vale do Acaraú através deste livro e, quando possível, também pelo “chão”, geografizando as relações da sociedade com a natureza, as riquezas potenciais e as misérias persistentes, é um bom exercício de aprendizado sobre uma pequena amostra do semiárido do Brasil, que precisa ser visto e tratado com a perspectiva de futuro promissor aos seus residentes persistentes, sobretudo aqueles que acreditam e se empenham através de suas criatividades, iniciativas e forças de trabalho para tornar possível cada vez melhor suas vidas no “sertão”.
The Fear, Honor, and Love of God: Thomas Jefferson on Jews, Philosophers, and Jesus
Authors: Holowchak M. Andrew
Published: March 2021

In a letter to Benjamin Rush, Jefferson includes a syllabus—a comparative account of the merits of Jewish morality, ancient philosophy, and the precepts of Jesus. Using the syllabus as a guide, this paper is a critical examination of the influence of ancient ethical and religious thinking on Jefferson’s ethical and religious thinking—viz., Jefferson’s views of the ethics and religion of the Hebrews, the ancient philosophers, and Jesus.
The Renaissance versus the Avant-Garde
Authors: Kantor Maxim
Published: March 2021

The essay contrasts two recurring phenomena of European culture: renaissance and avant-garde. The author discusses the paradigmatic Renaissance of 15th and 16th centuries and the paradigmatic Avant-Garde of early 20th century from the point of view of a practicing artist, interested in philosophical, social, religious, and political involvements of artists and their creation. The author shows the artistic and social history of 20th century as a struggle between the Avant-Garde and the Renaissance ideals, which, as he points out, found a fertile ground in in the 20 years that followed immediately the Second World War.