bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Partition Based Gradient Compression Algorithm for Distributed Training in AIoT
Authors: Guo Bingjun , Liu Yazhi , Zhang Chunyang
Published: March 2021

Running Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) in distributed Internet of Things (IoT) nodes is a promising scheme to enhance the performance of IoT systems. However, due to the limited computing and communication resources of the IoT nodes, the communication efficiency of the distributed DNN training strategy is a problem demanding a prompt solution. In this paper, an adaptive compression strategy based on gradient partition is proposed to solve the problem of high communication overhead between nodes during the distributed training procedure. Firstly, a neural network is trained to predict the gradient distribution of its parameters. According to the distribution characteristics of the gradient, the gradient is divided into the key region and the sparse region. At the same time, combined with the information entropy of gradient distribution, a reasonable threshold is selected to filter the gradient value in the partition, and only the gradient value greater than the threshold is transmitted and updated, to reduce the traffic and improve the distributed training efficiency. The strategy uses gradient sparsity to achieve the maximum compression ratio of 37.1 times, which improves the training efficiency to a certain extent.
Automated Segmentation of Infarct Lesions in T1-Weighted MRI Scans Using Variational Mode Decomposition and Deep Learning
Authors: Paing May Phu , Tungjitkusolmun Supan , Bui Toan Huy , Visitsattapongse Sarinporn , Pintavirooj Chuchart
Published: March 2021

Automated segmentation methods are critical for early detection, prompt actions, and immediate treatments in reducing disability and death risks of brain infarction. This paper aims to develop a fully automated method to segment the infarct lesions from T1-weighted brain scans. As a key novelty, the proposed method combines variational mode decomposition and deep learning-based segmentation to take advantages of both methods and provide better results. There are three main technical contributions in this paper. First, variational mode decomposition is applied as a pre-processing to discriminate the infarct lesions from unwanted non-infarct tissues. Second, overlapped patches strategy is proposed to reduce the workload of the deep-learning-based segmentation task. Finally, a three-dimensional U-Net model is developed to perform patch-wise segmentation of infarct lesions. A total of 239 brain scans from a public dataset is utilized to develop and evaluate the proposed method. Empirical results reveal that the proposed automated segmentation can provide promising performances with an average dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.6684, intersection over union (IoU) of 0.5022, and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) of 0.3932, respectively.
Deep Q-Learning for Two-Hop Communications of Drone Base Stations
Authors: Fotouhi Azade , Ding Ming , Hassan Mahbub
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we address the application of the flying Drone Base Stations (DBS) in order to improve the network performance. Given the high degrees of freedom of a DBS, it can change its position and adapt its trajectory according to the users movements and the target environment. A two-hop communication model, between an end-user and a macrocell through a DBS, is studied in this work. We propose Q-learning and Deep Q-learning based solutions to optimize the drone’s trajectory. Simulation results show that, by employing our proposed models, the drone can autonomously fly and adapts its mobility according to the users’ movements. Additionally, the Deep Q-learning model outperforms the Q-learning model and can be applied in more complex environments.
Supervisor-Worker Problems with an Application in Education
Authors: Shmaryahu Dorin , Gal Kobi , Shani Guy
Published: March 2021

In many e-learning settings, allowing students to choose which skills to practice encourages their motivation and contributes to learning. However, when given choice, students may prefer to practice skills that they already master, rather than practice skills they need to master. On the other hand, requiring students only to practice their required skills may reduce their motivation and lead to dropout. In this paper, we model this tradeoff as a multi-agent planning task, which we call SWOPP (Supervisor- Worker Problem with Partially Overlapping goals), involving two agents—a supervisor (teacher) and a worker (student)—each with different, yet non-conflicting, goals. The supervisor and worker share joint goals (mastering skills). The worker plans to achieve his/her own goals (completing an e-learning session) at a minimal cost (effort required to solve problems). The supervisor guides the worker towards achieving the joint goals by controlling the problems in the choice set for the worker. We provide a formal model for the SWOPP task and two sound and complete algorithms for the supervisor to guide the worker’s plan to achieve their joint goals. We deploy SWOPP for the first time in a real-world study to personalize math questions for K5 students using an e-learning software in schools. We show that SWOPP was able to guide students’ interactions with the software to practice necessary skills without deterring their motivation.
Direct Passive Participation: Aiming for Accuracy and Citizen Safety in the Era of Big Data and the Smart City
Authors: Dooley Ken
Published: March 2021

The public services in our smart cities should enable our citizens to live sustainable, safe and healthy lifestyles and they should be designed inclusively. This article examines emerging data-driven methods of citizen engagement that promise to deliver effortless engagement and discusses their suitability for the task at hand. Passive participation views citizens as sensors and data mining is used to elicit meaning from the vast amounts of data generated in a city. Direct passive participation has a clear link between the creation and the use of the data whereas indirect passive participation does not require a link between creation and use. The Helsinki city bike share scheme has been selected as a case study to further explore the concept of direct passive participation. The case study shows that passive user generated data is a strong indicator of optimum city bike station sizing relative to the existing methods that are already in use. Indirect passive participation is an important area of development; however, it still needs to be developed further. In the meantime, direct passive participation can be one of the tools used to design inclusive services in a way that is safe and an accurate representation of the citizens’ needs.
Why Healthcare and Education Professionals Underreport Suspicions of Child Abuse: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gubbels Jeanne , Assink Mark , Prinzie Peter , van der Put Claudia E. van der
Published: March 2021

Education and healthcare professionals are crucial in detecting and reporting child abuse and neglect. However, signs of child abuse are often undetected, and professionals tend to underreport their suspicions of abuse and neglect. This qualitative study aimed to examine experiences, attitudes, perspectives, and decision-making skills of healthcare and education professionals with regard to identifying and reporting child abuse and to gain insight into how detection and reporting can be improved. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 49 Dutch professionals working in child health care, mental health care, primary schools, and secondary schools. The I-Change model was used as a theoretical framework to organize the results. Many professionals believe they miss child abuse signs in their daily work, partially due to a lack of focus on child abuse. Further, professionals indicated having insufficient knowledge of child abuse, and lack communication skills to detect or discuss signs indicative of child abuse in conversations with parents or children. As for risk assessment, professionals barely use structured instruments even though these are regarded as very helpful in the decision-making process. Finally, professionals experience deficits in the cooperation with child welfare organizations, and in particular with Child Protective Services (CPS). Various directions for improvement were discussed to overcome barriers in child abuse detection and reporting, including developing tools for detecting and assessing the risk of child abuse and improving communication and information transfer between organizations.
A Framework to Evaluate Project Complexity Using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Authors: Jaber Hadi , Marle Franck , Vidal Ludovic-Alexandre , Sarigol Ilkan , Didiez Lionel
Published: March 2021

This work aims to help managers anticipate, detect, and keep under control complex situations before facing negative consequences. This article explores complexity modeling theory and develops a framework and associated score sheet to measure project complexity. A framework comprising ninety factors is presented and divided into seven categories: stakeholders, project team, project governance, product, project characteristics, resources, and environment. For the project complexity assessment grid, the project manager prioritizes and weighs its factors using linguistic variables. The score sheet is customizable in its handling of the factors and their weights. A critical state of the art on multi-criteria methodologies is presented, as well as reasons for using the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. This method provides early-warning signs with the possibility of comparing multiple projects. It also enables one to measure and prioritize areas and domains where complexity may have the highest impact. Practical applications on three projects within an automotive manufacturer highlight the benefits of such an approach for managers. Project managers could use both a project complexity rating system and a measure of risk criticality to decide on the level of proactive actions needed. This research work differs from traditional approaches that have linked proactive actions to risk criticality but not project complexity.
Travel Mode of Commuting in Context of Subjective Well-Being—Experience from Slovakia
Authors: Mazúrová Barbora , Kollár Ján , Nedelová Gabriela
Published: March 2021

This article deals with commuting to and from work of workers in Slovakia as a part of traveling and its impact on private life of commuters. It provides a more comprehensive view on the socio-demographic determinants which affect the travel mode choice. Furthermore, the study offers several evaluations of the impact on the subjective well-being of commuters. The aim of the article is to review demographic and economic determinants influencing the travel mode choice and to determine its impact on the subjective well-being of respondents. On a sample of approximately 1000 economically active individuals by using several statistical tests (Nominal Logistic Regression, Fisher’s Exact Test, Mann-Whitney Test, Cochran Test, McNemar Test), we identified the determinants affecting the travel mode choice of respondents, including commuting time costs, commuting financial costs, income of respondents, education, gender, type of employment and place of work. This study has also showed that respondents are the most satisfied when commuting by bicycle or on foot and the most dissatisfied when commuting by using public transport. These facts, among others, should be reflected by the creation of sustainable and “green” transport infrastructure in Slovakia.
Evaluation of Prospective Users’ Choice Decision toward Electric Two-Wheelers Using a Stated Preference Survey: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Patil Mallikarjun , Majumdar Bandhan Bandhu , Sahu Prasanta Kumar , Truong Long T.
Published: March 2021

Electric two-wheelers (E2W) can help de-carbonize transport in Indian cities. To promote E2W as an attractive alternative compared to the conventional two-wheelers, an investigation on prospective users’ choice decisions is necessary. This paper proposed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate the prospective users’ choice decision toward electric two-wheelers and related attributes in the Indian context. In this paper, attributes such as Operating Cost (OC) savings, top speed, range, charging duration, acceleration, and purchase cost were considered to design a Stated Preference (SP) survey to collect data from prospective E2W users in Hyderabad, India. Concurrently, multinomial logit (MNL) and random parameter logit (RPL) models are developed, and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) associated with each of the identified attributes was estimated. Additionally, the effect of socio-economic characteristics on prospective users’ choice decision was also assessed. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to estimate the relative influence of the attributes on an individual’s choice decision in terms of the shift in probability to choose alternatives with better attribute levels than the base alternative. The results revealed that top speed was perceived as the most important attribute influencing an individual’s choice decision, followed by acceleration and charging duration. Age, income, and journey time significantly influenced an individual’s perception toward E2W and related attributes in the Indian context.
Predictive Control with Current-Based Maximum Power Point-Tracking for On-Grid Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Muñoz Carlos , Rivera Marco , Villalón Ariel , Baier Carlos R. , Muñoz Javier , Ramirez Roberto O. , Wheeler Patrick
Published: March 2021

The high increase of renewable energy sources and the increment of distributed generation in the electrical grid has made them complex and of variable parameters, causing potential stability problems to the PI controllers. In this document, a control strategy for power injection to the electrical system from photovoltaic plants through a voltage source inverter two-level-type (VSI-2L) converter is proposed. The algorithm combines a current-based maximum power point-tracking (Current-Based MPPT) with model predictive control (MPC) strategy, allowing avoidance of the use of PI controllers and lowering of the dependence of high-capacitive value condensers. The sections of this paper describe the parts of the system, control algorithms, and simulated and experimental results that allow observation of the behavior of the proposed strategy.
Prediction of Solid Waste Generation Rates in Urban Region of Laos Using Socio-Demographic and Economic Parameters with a Multi Linear Regression Approach
Authors: Popli Kanchan , Park Chunkyoo , Han Sang-Min , Kim Seungdo
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to develop a predictive model for Laos to generate reliable statistics for urban solid waste from 1995 to 2050. The multi-linear regression (MLR) approach is used with six different socio-demographic and economic parameters, i.e., urban population, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, urban literacy rate, urban poverty incidence, urban household size and urban unemployment rate. Different reliable models are generated under four different scenarios. The value of R2 (a relative measure of fit) and value of performance indicators (an absolute measure of fit) such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are calculated to assure the validity and accuracy of the results. Model 2 of Scenario 4 is estimated as the best model, where population and GDP per capita show statistical significance for estimating urban solid waste generation rate in Laos. The amount of municipal solid waste is estimated to be 0.98 million tons (MT) in the year 2030, 1.26 MT in the year 2040 and 1.52 MT in the year 2050, assuming that the present waste generation trends will be followed in the future. Moreover, the study provides an easy and detailed explanation of the work which will increase the interest of researchers, allow them to understand the MLR approach clearly and inspire them to use it for other developing countries where the scarcity of data is a major obstacle in the field of solid waste management. The drawback of the study is the limited availability of historical official and reliable data statistics in Laos for the dependent and independent variables.
Adaptive Management of Malkumba-Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site in Arid Australia—A Free Flowing River and Wetland System
Authors: Kingsford Richard T. , McLoughlin Craig A. , Brandle Robert , Bino Gilad , Cockayne Bernie , Schmarr David , Gotch Travis , Norris Vol , McCann Justin
Published: March 2021

The Malkumba-Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site has extensive terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems (largest Ramsar Site in Oceania, 2,178,952 ha, designated in 1987), including freshwater and salt lakes, lignum swamps and river channels in central Australia. It is supplied by Cooper Creek, a free-flowing Lake Eyre Basin river system. The area includes pastoral leases (97% of site grazed, including a regional conservation reserve (35%)) and a National Park (3%), with the largest oil and gas production field in Australia. We developed a Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM) Plan, linking science, monitoring and management of this social-ecological system, involving stakeholders and workshops. This involved developing a shared vision and hierarchy of objectives linked to management actions and identified outputs and outcomes. We exemplify this approach with explicit and measurable end-points (thresholds of potential concern) culminating from low level objectives for fish communities, particularly the alien sleepy cod Oxyeleotris lineolata. We describe this framework, highlighting the benefits in prioritizing management actions and monitoring in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, driving adaptive feedback for learning. The whole approach is aimed at successfully achieving mutually agreed management objectives and the vision to maintain the ecological character of the Malkumba-Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site.
Climate Change, Mountain Food Systems, and Emerging Opportunities: A Study from the Hindu Kush Karakoram Pamir Landscape, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Abid , Qamar Faisal Mueen , Adhikari Lipy , Hunzai Asif Iqbal , Rehman Atta ur , Bano Kosar
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the mountain food systems in the Hindu Kush Karakoram Pamir Landscape (HKPL) in Pakistan. It analyzed the impacts of climate change on agriculture and livestock and identified key opportunities which can be tapped into to improve sustainability in food systems. The study applied a “multiple case studies approach” and collected data from four study sites at different altitudes, using the method of slow focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and non-participant observation. Findings revealed that the contribution of local agriculture and livestock to people’s food consumption has gradually declined, increasing their dependence on external food items. Local food systems are losing diversity, which has negatively impacted people’s dietary diversity. The youth has lost interest in agriculture due to low productivity and profitability in a high altitude village—Misgar (≈3200 m above sea level). In all sites, local people perceived mixed impacts (both positive and negative) of climate change on food systems. Climate change together with enhanced use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, high yielding seed, and improved farm management have positive, and climate-attributed increase in crop pest attacks has negative impact on crop productivity. Moreover, local people perceived negative impacts of climate change on pastures and water availability in traditional irrigation systems without significant influence on crop and livestock productivity. In food systems, these are needed to maximize benefits from the local potential for organic production, livestock integration, value chain development, traditional food crops, medicinal plants, and protected vegetables cultivation to reduce the vulnerability of food systems to climactic and economic shocks, and improve the sustainability.
Role of Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Indigenous Communities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kumar Sushil , Komal  , Ramchiary Nirala , Singh Pardeep
Published: March 2021

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals with 169 targets. The Agenda 2030 of the United Nations envisages a holistic approach to achieve these goals by focusing on humankind and the planet. In this review, we analyzed the scientific literature and technical reports of international bodies such as the United Nations and Food and Agriculture Organization relating to traditional ethnobotanical knowledge (TEK). The literature on TEK was mapped with the targets of the SDGs to determine the role of traditional knowledge in the realization of selected goals and targets. Our extensive and systematic reviewing of available literatures suggests that, of the 17 goals, at least seven goals are associated with TEK. To achieve these seven goals, a thorough understanding is required to disentangle the intricacies involving TEK, indigenous people holding TEK, and their future role in achieving the SDGs. Our review points towards the role of TEK in achieving goals linked to poverty, health and wellbeing, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, and partnerships. In summary, we argue that achieving the intended outcomes of the SDGs and the targets requires concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including indigenous communities, common citizens, scientists, policy makers, and world leaders.
Levels and Characteristics of Utilitarian Walking in the Central Areas of the Cities of Bologna and Porto
Authors: Fonseca Fernando , Conticelli Elisa , Papageorgiou George , Ribeiro Paulo , Jabbari Mona , Tondelli Simona , Ramos Rui
Published: March 2021

Walking is a mode of transport that offers many environmental and health benefits. Utilitarian walking refers to walking trips undertaken to fulfil routine purposes. The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which walking is used as a transport mode for short urban trips in the city centers of Bologna and Porto and the barriers preventing utilitarian walking. Based on a questionnaire (n = 1117) administered in the two cities, results indicated that 21% of the individuals travel by foot, while 47% combine walking with other modes. This means that 68% of the daily trips to these city centers involve walking activity. From the overall trips, 84% were made to reach work and school/university. Statistical tests showed that utilitarian walkers were more likely to be females (p < 0.001) and undergraduates (p < 0.001). People from Bologna were more likely to engage in utilitarian walking than people from Porto (p < 0.001). Travel distance and time were the main barriers preventing people from engaging in utilitarian walking. The findings described in this paper provide a better understanding of utilitarian walking in the central areas of both cities, which can guide policies to promote healthier lifestyles and sustainable mobility.
Adaptive Deep Learning for Soft Real-Time Image Classification
Authors: Chai Fangming , Kang Kyoung-Don
Published: March 2021

CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks) are becoming increasingly important for real-time applications, such as image classification in traffic control, visual surveillance, and smart manufacturing. It is challenging, however, to meet timing constraints of image processing tasks using CNNs due to their complexity. Performing dynamic trade-offs between the inference accuracy and time for image data analysis in CNNs is challenging too, since we observe that more complex CNNs that take longer to run even lead to lower accuracy in many cases by evaluating hundreds of CNN models in terms of time and accuracy using two popular data sets, MNIST and CIFAR-10. To address these challenges, we propose a new approach that (1) generates CNN models and analyzes their average inference time and accuracy for image classification, (2) stores a small subset of the CNNs with monotonic time and accuracy relationships offline, and (3) efficiently selects an effective CNN expected to support the highest possible accuracy among the stored CNNs subject to the remaining time to the deadline at run time. In our extensive evaluation, we verify that the CNNs derived by our approach are more flexible and cost-efficient than two baseline approaches. We verify that our approach can effectively build a compact set of CNNs and efficiently support systematic time vs. accuracy trade-offs, if necessary, to meet the user-specified timing and accuracy requirements. Moreover, the overhead of our approach is little/acceptable in terms of latency and memory consumption.
Living Kidney Donation: Practical Considerations on Setting Up a Program
Authors: Bellini Maria Irene , Cantisani Vito , Lauro Augusto , D’Andrea Vito
Published: March 2021

Living kidney donation represents the best treatment for end stage renal disease patients, with the potentiality to pre-emptively address kidney failure and significantly expand the organ pool. Unfortunately, there is still limited knowledge about this underutilized resource. The present review aims to describe the general principles for the establishment, organization, and oversight of a successful living kidney transplantation program, highlighting recommendation for good practice and the work up of donor selection, in view of potential short- and long-terms risks, as well as the additional value of kidney paired exchange programs. The need for donor registries is also discussed, as well as the importance of lifelong follow up.
Measuring the Casimir Forces with an Adhered Cantilever: Analysis of Roughness and Background Effects
Authors: Soldatenkov Ivan A. , Yakovenko Anastasiya A. , Svetovoy Vitaly B.
Published: March 2021

Technological progress has made possible precise measurements of the Casimir forces at distances less than 100 nm. It has enabled stronger constraints on the non-Newtonian forces at short separations and improved control of micromechanical devices. Experimental information on the forces below 30 nm is sparse and not precise due to pull-in instability and surface roughness. Recently, a method of adhered cantilever was proposed to measure the forces at small distances, which does not suffer from the pull-in instability. Deviation of the cantilever from a classic shape carries information on the forces acting nearby the adhered end. We calculate the force between a flat cantilever and rough Au plate and demonstrate that the effect of roughness dominates when the bodies approach the contact. Short-distance repulsion operating at the contact is included in the analysis. Deviations from the classic shape due to residual stress, inhomogeneous thickness of the cantilever, and finite compliance of the substrate are analysed. It is found that a realistic residual stress gives a negligible contribution to the shape, while the finite compliance and inhomogeneous thickness give measurable contributions that have to be subtracted from the raw data.
Molecular Epidemiology of Novirhabdoviruses Emerging in Iranian Trout Farms
Authors: Ahmadivand Sohrab , Palić Dušan , Weidmann Manfred
Published: March 2021

Novirhabdoviruses cause large epizootics and economic losses of farmed trout. In this study, we surveyed Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus and Infectious hematopoietic and necrosis virus (VHSV and IHNV) through both monitoring and investigation of clinical outbreaks reported by farmers in the regions with major rainbow trout production in Iran from 2015 to 2019. RT-PCR assays of the kidney samples and cell culture (EPC/FHM cells) samples confirmed the presence of the viruses, with 9 VHSV and 4 IHNV isolates, in both endemic and new areas of Iran. Sequence analysis of the G gene revealed that VHSV isolates belonged to genogroup Ia, and IHNV isolates were clustered into genogroup E, both typical for isolates from European countries. A haplotype analysis based on non-homologous amino acids of the G gene supports the emergence of two lineages of IHNV from clade 1 (E-1), as well as VHSV clade 2 (Ia-2) of the European genogroups, confirming that VHSV and IHNV isolates in Iran, have originated from Europe possibly via imported eggs.
Addressing Antiretroviral Drug Resistance with Host-Targeting Drugs—First Steps towards Developing a Host-Targeting HIV-1 Assembly Inhibitor
Authors: Lingappa Jaisri R. , Lingappa Vishwanath R. , Reed Jonathan C.
Published: March 2021

The concerning increase in HIV-1 resistance argues for prioritizing the development of host-targeting antiviral drugs because such drugs can offer high genetic barriers to the selection of drug-resistant viral variants. Targeting host proteins could also yield drugs that act on viral life cycle events that have proven elusive to inhibition, such as intracellular events of HIV-1 immature capsid assembly. Here, we review small molecule inhibitors identified primarily through HIV-1 self-assembly screens and describe how all act either narrowly post-entry or broadly on early and late events of the HIV-1 life cycle. We propose that a different screening approach could identify compounds that specifically inhibit HIV-1 Gag assembly, as was observed when a potent rabies virus inhibitor was identified using a host-catalyzed rabies assembly screen. As an example of this possibility, we discuss an antiretroviral small molecule recently identified using a screen that recapitulates the host-catalyzed HIV-1 capsid assembly pathway. This chemotype potently blocks HIV-1 replication in T cells by specifically inhibiting immature HIV-1 capsid assembly but fails to select for resistant viral variants over 37 passages, suggesting a host protein target. Development of such small molecules could yield novel host-targeting antiretroviral drugs and provide insight into chronic diseases resulting from dysregulation of host machinery targeted by these drugs.
A Comparative Systematic Review of COVID-19 and Influenza
Authors: Osman Molka , Klopfenstein Timothée , Belfeki Nabil , Gendrin Vincent , Zayet Souheil
Published: March 2021

Background: Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus share similarities such as clinical features and outcome, laboratory, and radiological findings. Methods: Literature search was done using PubMed to find MEDLINE indexed articles relevant to this study. As of 25 November 2020, the search has been conducted by combining the MeSH words “COVID-19” and “Influenza”. Results: Eighteen articles were finally selected in adult patients. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients, while pulmonary diseases and immunocompromised conditions were significantly more common in influenza patients. The incidence rates of fever, vomiting, ocular and otorhinolaryngological symptoms were found to be significantly higher in influenza patients when compared with COVID-19 patients. However, neurologic symptoms and diarrhea were statistically more frequent in COVID-19 patients. The level of white cell count and procalcitonin was significantly higher in influenza patients, whereas thrombopenia and elevated transaminases were significantly more common in COVID-19 patients. Ground-grass opacities, interlobular septal thickening, and a peripheral distribution were more common in COVID-19 patients than in influenza patients where consolidations and linear opacities were described instead. COVID-19 patients were significantly more often transferred to intensive care unit with a higher rate of mortality. Conclusions: This study estimated differences of COVID-19 and influenza patients which can help clinicians during the co-circulation of the two viruses.
Simultaneous CD8+ T-Cell Immune Response against SARS-Cov-2 S, M, and N Induced by Endogenously Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in Both Spleen and Lungs
Authors: Ferrantelli Flavia , Chiozzini Chiara , Manfredi Francesco , Giovannelli Andrea , Leone Patrizia , Federico Maurizio
Published: March 2021

Most advanced vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 are designed to induce antibodies against spike (S) protein. Differently, we developed an original strategy to induce CD8+ T cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) immunity based on in vivo engineering of extracellular vesicles (EVs). This is a new vaccination approach based on intramuscular injection of DNA expression vectors coding for a biologically inactive HIV-1 Nef protein (Nefmut) with an unusually high efficiency of incorporation into EVs, even when foreign polypeptides are fused to its C-terminus. Nanovesicles containing Nefmut-fused antigens released by muscle cells can freely circulate into the body and are internalized by antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, EV-associated antigens can be cross-presented to prime antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells. To apply this technology to a strategy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, we designed DNA vectors expressing the products of fusion between Nefmut and different viral antigens, namely N- and C-terminal moieties of S (referred to as S1 and S2), M, and N. We provided evidence that all fusion products are efficiently uploaded in EVs. When the respective DNA vectors were injected in mice, a strong antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity became detectable in spleens and, most important, in lung airways. Co-injection of DNA vectors expressing the diverse SARS-CoV-2 antigens resulted in additive immune responses in both spleen and lungs. Hence, DNA vectors expressing Nefmut-based fusion proteins can be proposed for new anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine strategies.
An Overview on the Development of mRNA-Based Vaccines and Their Formulation Strategies for Improved Antigen Expression In Vivo
Authors: Rahman Md. Motiar , Zhou Nan , Huang Jiandong
Published: March 2021

The mRNA-based vaccine approach is a promising alternative to traditional vaccines due to its ability for prompt development, high potency, and potential for secure administration and low-cost production. Nonetheless, the application has still been limited by the instability as well as the ineffective delivery of mRNA in vivo. Current technological improvements have now mostly overcome these concerns, and manifold mRNA vaccine plans against various forms of malignancies and infectious ailments have reported inspiring outcomes in both humans and animal models. This article summarizes recent mRNA-based vaccine developments, advances of in vivo mRNA deliveries, reflects challenges and safety concerns, and future perspectives, in developing the mRNA vaccine platform for extensive therapeutic use.
Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk Using an HPLC-FL Method in Comparison with Commercial ELISA Kits—Application in Raw Milk Samples from Various Regions of Greece
Authors: Maggira Martha , Ioannidou Maria , Sakaridis Ioannis , Samouris Georgios
Published: March 2021

The highly toxic Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is most often detected in milk using an Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for screening purposes, while High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FL) is the reference method used for confirmation. The aim of the present study was the comparison between three commercially available ELISA kits and a newly developed HPLC-FL method for the determination of the AFM1 in milk samples. The developed HPLC-FL method was validated for the AFM1 and Aflatoxin M2 (AFM2), determining the accuracy, precision, linearity, decision limit, and detection capability with fairly good results. All three ELISA kits were also validated and showed equally good performance with high recovery rates. Moreover, the Limit Of Detection (LOD) and Limit Of Quantification (LOQ) values were found to be significantly lower than the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) (50 ng kg−1). After the evaluation of all three commercial kits, the ELISA kit with the optimum performance along with the HPLC method was used for the determination of AFM1 in raw cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk samples (396) obtained from producers in different regions of Greece. The evaluation of both methods showed that this ELISA kit could be considered as a faster and equally reliable alternative method to HPLC in routine analysis for the determination of AFM1 in milk.
Contact Force Reconstruction from the Lower-Back Accelerations during Walking on Vibrating Surfaces
Authors: Van Hauwermeiren Jeroen , Van Nimmen Katrien , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Van den Broeck Peter
Published: March 2021

Current models describing the effect of crowd-induced loading require a full-scale validation. To measure the lower-back accelerations during such validation, low-cost accelerometers are used to ensure a sufficient scalability. The goal is to verify to what extent the low-cost sensors can be used for the contact force reconstruction in case the pedestrian walks on a vibrating surface. First, a data set is collected comprising the simultaneous registration of the lower-back accelerations and the contact forces. Three contact force reconstruction methods are presented to accurately reconstruct the contact force in case of walking on a rigid surface. Second, the focus is on the contact force reconstruction in case of walking on a vibrating surface. A numerical study is performed adopting quantities of the Eeklo Benchmark Dataset providing a realistic framework. The additional lower-back accelerations as a result of the vibrating surface are estimated numerically. It is found that directly reconstructing the total contact force leads to inaccurate results. Instead, it is more suited to reconstruct the contact force one would induce on a rigid surface and combine this with an independent model to account for human–structure interaction. The conclusions of this numerical example are case-specific while the presented methodology is generic and can be readily extended to virtually any other structure.
COVID-19 and ICT-Supported Remote Working: Opportunities for Rural Economies
Authors: Davies Amanda
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health measures necessitated many workplaces to permit workers to work from home. The question is now asked can the temporary transition to enable workers to work from home become more permanent and how will this shape the spatial distribution of employment opportunities and, in turn, workforces. This paper focuses on the potential for ICT-supported working from home arrangements to reshape employment opportunities in rural settings. With limited local employment opportunities being a major driver of rural out-migration, enabling rural residents to access a broader range of employment through ICT may result in a longer term disruption to rural out-migration patterns. Despite the potential of ICT to support remote working, uptake in rural areas has been relatively low. This paper argues that the recent increase in use of ITC-supported working from home arrangements promoted by COVID-19 public health measures may erode of two of the major barriers to participation in remote working—these being negative perceptions by the employer and employer about working from home and limited knowledge within workplaces about how to manage a partly or fully remote workforce. For rural populations it is plausible that the rapid transition to ICT-supported working from home arrangements will open up more diverse employment opportunities. However, it remains that for some rural areas and populations the urban-rural digital divide persists as a barrier to participation in ICT-supported remote working.
« Faire plaisir à l’Ami » : réflexions sur les présents de Ferdinand Ier de médicis et les premiers travaux de Tommaso Francini en France
Authors: Lurin Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

L’article précise plusieurs aspects de l’histoire des présents de Ferdinand Ier de Médicis à Henri IV qui ont été révélés dans la publication d’Alexander Rudigier et de Blanca Truyols (Bulletin monumental, 174-3, 2016). Il observe notamment que certaines sculptures de Jean Bologne ont pu être offertes par le roi à Gabrielle d’Estrées, donc employées ailleurs qu’à Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Il envisage par ailleurs les débuts de Tommaso Francini à la cour de France : en décembre 1598 fut adopté un premier projet pour le jardin du Château-Neuf qui comportait une fontaine monumentale, deux fontaines de parterre et une seule grotte ; le chantier semble avoir été dirigé par Jacques II Androuet du Cerceau dont le projet d’aménagement au niveau de la troisième terrasse fut remplacé, en mai 1599, par celui de la «première galerie des grottes » . Il en résulta un ensemble monumental abritant cinq grottes à automates où fut employée une partie des sculptures et des matériaux envoyés de Florence, que la cour de Toscane dut compléter pour répondre à de nouveaux besoins. À partir de 1600, Francini oeuvra aussi à Fontainebleau et pour des proches du roi, tels que Villeroy.
Portrait de la cathédrale de Chartres en lieu de pèlerinage. Essai de reconstitution
Authors: Balzamo Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Non seulement la cathédrale de Chartres a subi un certain nombre de transformations architecturales depuis la fin du Moyen Âge, mais le regard porté sur elle a considérablement changé, la perspective dévotionnelle cédant la place à des préoccupations d’ordre esthétique. Pour le pèlerin des XVIe et XVIIe siècles, la visite de l’édifice était synonyme de pérégrination à travers les différents micro-sanctuaires qu’il abritait. Deux d’entre eux avaient une importance particulière. Dans l’église haute, le choeur abritait une célèbre relique – la chemise de la Vierge – qui avait fait de Chartres un sanctuaire renommé et dont le spectaculaire contenant, la « sainte châsse », focalisait l’attention des pèlerins. De son côté, la crypte constituait un véritable musée des origines de la cathédrale, offrant au visiteur les preuves archéologiques de son histoire légendaire. Il pouvait y contempler le caveau où avaient été enfermés les évangélisateurs du pays chartrain, le puits où avaient été précipités leurs premiers disciples, et surtout une statue de la Vierge qu’une tradition, née au XIVe siècle, créditait d’une origine préchrétienne, faisant ainsi de Chartres le plus ancien de tous les sanctuaires mariaux. Ces différents aménagements étaient l’oeuvre du chapitre cathédral : fiers du lieu sacré dont ils avaient la charge, les chanoines s’étaient appliqués à en rendre visible le caractère exceptionnel.
Les jardins du Grand Trianon de Michel Le Bouteux à Richard Mique
Authors: Moulin Jacques
Published: March 2021

The gardens of the Grand Trianon are usually attributed to André Le Nôtre. They also have the reputation of having suffered over time, albeit preserving their 17th-century organization. A more documented approach obliges us to reassess this picture. First of all, it was Michel Le Bouteux who created the gardens in 1670 and continued to extend them until 1682. It is he who gave them their structure and exceptional botanical richness. Le Nôtre succeeded him from 1687 to 1693, when the marble Trianon replaced the porcelain Trianon, but his work was limited to creating the king’s garden and the spaces bordering the wing known as the Trianon-sous-Bois, to providing a new design for the flower beds, and adding a waterway around the Plafond. Louis XIV then engaged Jules Hardouin-Mansart for the Chestnut Garden and the promenade, as well as a renewal of the flower beds, the pool around the Plafond and great stepped cascade. He also introduced the verdant nature rooms surrounded by geometrically pruned trees, set up fountains in the basins, and installed the first sculptural groups in the gardens. His work on the Trianon gardens was thus considerable. Several neglected documents have revealed that the entire garden was redesigned under the direction of Richard Mique in 1776, along with the replanting of the park at Versailles. At that time, the central spaces were enlarged in quincuncial arrangement, a second north-south axis brought into balance the original east-west axis, the sculpted decoration was recomposed, and all the plantings were renewed with new species. As the plan of the garden changed very little thereafter, it is Mique’s conception that we admire today at the Grand Trianon, much more than that of Le Nôtre.
De Jumièges à Landévennec. Remarques sur la circulation des modèles au milieu du XIe siècle
Authors: Vergnolle Éliane
Published: March 2021

The presence of the same little man seated in a rinceau on a capital at Notre-Dame de Jumièges, sculpted in the 1040s, and on a tau of morse ivory found in the excavations at Landévennec brings up questions of the means of transmission of models from one region to another and from one support to another. The vegetal ornamentation of the tau also recalls that of the sculpture at Jumièges and designs in Norman manuscripts of the first half of the eleventh century. The illuminations of the cartulary of Landévennec, made between 1047 and 1053, confirm the presence in western Brittany of models that did not belong to the local culture, but which in any case are reinterpreted through its eyes. This cultural opening up should probably be seen in relation to the introduction of monastic reform in Cornouaille under the impetus of Count Alain Canhiard (1019-1058).
Albert Gabriel et la restauration de l’Auberge de France à Rhodes
Authors: Pinon Pierre
Published: March 2021

L’ «Auberge de France » , ou plus précisément l’Auberge de la langue de France à Rhodes est un édifice construit à la fin du XVe siècle pour accueillir les chevaliers français. Elle était, au début du XXe siècle, en très mauvais état ; aussi l’ambassadeur de France auprès de l’Empire ottoman, Maurice Bompart, décida de l’acheter et de la donner à l’État français. Parallèlement, l’architecte Albert Gabriel, qui séjournait souvent en Orient et avait visité Rhodes, obtint une mission officielle pour la restaurer. Il en fit le relevé et commença les travaux en 1913, financés par la Direction des Beaux-Arts, alors dirigée par Paul Léon. La restauration se poursuivit au cours de trois campagnes qui eurent lieu de 1921 à 1922, de 1928 à 1932 et enfin de 1946 à 1952, dans les plus grandes difficultés, notamment durant l’occupation italienne de l’île. La restauration ne fut achevée qu’après 1952, et la mise à la retraite de A. Gabriel, par l’architecte de l’École Française d’Athènes, Youry Fomine. L’Auberge devint logiquement et finalement le siège du consulat de France à Rhodes.
« Tommaso de Francini inventor ». Les modèles de grottes et de fontaines (1622-1624) et l’art du fontainier florentin en France
Authors: Lurin Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

Zwischen 1622 und 1624 ließ Tommaso Francini von Michel Lasne, Abraham Brosse und Jean Blanchin eine Serie von 58 Tafeln stechen, die Modelle von Grotten und Brunnen seiner Erfindung reproduzierten. Dem Beispiel von Salomon de Caus und Giovanni Maggi folgend scheint Francini daran gedacht zu haben, in Paris ein neues Werk über die Architektur herauszugeben. Unter den größtenteils noch unveröffentlichten Bildern befinden sich zwei topographische Ansichten, sechzehn Grotten-und Brunnenmodelle in königlichen Schlössern sowie vierzig Projekte von Wandbrunnen und das eines Gartenpavillons. Die Sammlung vermittelt eine deutlich präzisere Vorstellung der Fähigkeiten des Brunnenbaukünstlers vor seiner Berufung durch Ludwig XIII. im Jahre 1623 als Intendant des königlichen Brunnen-und Wasserwesens. Sie zeigt auch, welche Bedeutung solche Kompositionen im Frankreich jener Epoche hatten, die Gerold Weber noch als Randerscheinungen im ersten Drittel des 17. Jahrhunderts bewertete : figurengeschmückte Brunnen, mit oder ohne Wasserbecken.