Weeds detection efficiency through different convolutional neural networks technology

The preservation of the environment has become a priority and a subject that is receiving more and more attention. This is particularly important in the field of precision agriculture, where pesticide and herbicide use has become more controlled. In this study, we propose to evaluate the ability of the deep learning (DL) and convolutional neural network (CNNs) technology to detect weeds in several types of crops using a perspective and proximity images to enable localized and ultra-localized herbicide spraying in the region of Beni Mellal in Morocco. We studied the detection of weeds through six recent CNN known for their speed and precision, namely, VGGNet (16 and 19), GoogLeNet (Inception V3 and V4) and MobileNet (V1 and V2). The first experiment was performed with the CNNs architectures from scratch and the second experiment with their pre-trained versions. The results showed that Inception V4 achieved the highest precision with a rate of 99.41% and 99.51% on the mixed image sets and for its version from scratch and its pre-trained version respectively, and that MobileNet V2 was the fastest and lightest with its size of 14 MB.

A Novel low power 2-D to 3-D Array Priority Encoder using Split-Logic Technique for Data Path Applications

In this work, an ascendable low power 64-bit priority encoder is designed using a two-directional array to three-directional array conversion, and Split-logic technique and 6-bit is obtained as the output. By using this method, the high performance priority encoder can be achieved. In the conventional priority encoder, a single bit is set as an input, but for a priority encoder with 3-Darray, every input are specified in the matrix form. The I-bit input file is split hooked on M × N bits, similar to 2-D Matrix. In priority encoder with 3-Darray, three directional output comes out, unlike traditional priority encoder, where the output is received from one direction. The development can be achieved by implementing the two-directional array to three-directional array technique. Simulation results show that the proposed 2-D and 3-D priority encoder consumes 0.087039mW and 0.184014mW which is less when compared with the conventional priority encoder. The priority encoders are simulated and synthesized using VHDL in Xilinx Vivado version 2019.2 and the Oasys synthesis tool.

Statistical Literacy as a Way to Achieve Social Consensus

The maintenance of civil peace and harmony in the Russian state from time immemorial has been defined as a priority that allows maintaining the integrity of both state and territorial. Global processes taking place in the world, epidemic waves of viruses, incessant local wars, diligent attempts to separate people and peoples bring to the fore the need to consolidate society in order to ensure the national security of the country. In this context, the importance of statistics increases, which significantly affects the perception of the dominant values by society, forms the attitude of people to the state policy being pursued. At the same time, the understanding of statistical information (figures, data) in a number of cases does not correspond to reality, making it difficult to adequately assess the existing situation, which is associated with an insufficient level of statistical literacy of the population, officials and specialists in various fields of activity.

Behavioral Impacts Associated With Students With Disabilities in Australian Schools

This chapter explores the link between students with disabilities, the behaviours they exhibit, the impact this has on their schooling, and the impact upon others. The author's school has a population of about 1,000 students, of whom over 10 percent have verified disabilities. According to Education Council (2016), data regarding the number of students with disabilities is inconsistent between schools in Australia's states and territories, however, there are schools throughout Australia that have large numbers of students with verified disabilities. This is reinforced by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (2018) where in 2017 there were about 18.8 percent of Australian school students with a verified disability. It is not surprising, therefore, that these statistics are concerning and research continues to be a priority. Identifying appropriate pedagogies and more effective management strategies for these students will benefit them, their families, and the community, and contribute to solving pressing issues in these students' lives.

Recovering Higher Education During and After the Pandemic

This chapter discusses the economic, academic, and socioemotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on low-income students and the institutes of higher education that serve them. Income-based inequities among students have been amplified significantly by the economic recession and the shift to remote learning. This chapter examines the federal and state-level plans that aim to address these inequities by providing/redistributing aid to universities. Additionally, updated pedagogies that are attuned to the needs of remote/hybrid learning are proposed, since keeping student motivation (and graduation rates) high will be a priority for universities as they recover from this pandemic. Universities must therefore provide their students with the sufficient monetary, academic, and emotional support needed to ensure both their students' and their own success.

Patient Advocacy and Health Literacy

This chapter presents a reflective analysis based on the literature and on the author's experience regarding the challenges for health professionals and for patients within the scope of the patient advocacy activity, especially in Portugal, where the formal figure of the patient advocate is almost non-existent. Patient Associations, professionals, patients and their families, and citizens in general are unaware of this concept, making it a priority to invest in health literacy and to structure training programs in patient advocacy. The authors believe that there is still a long way to go in Portugal in this matter and that the model, Assertiveness, Clarity of Language, and Positivity (ACP), is an essential model for the entire patient advocacy development process and implementation of the patient advocate figure in the area healthcare. In this chapter, some experiences, projects and the first results of an exploratory study will be presented in order to help in improving the understanding and knowledge of these concepts in Portugal.

Mental Health as a Priority of Modern Society: Results of the International Scientific and Practical Conference on Commitment to Mental Health

The article presents the chronology and results of the International Scientific and Practical Conference Commitment to Mental Health Issues, which was organized and conducted by the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of the Philological Faculty of the Peoples Friendship University of Russia (Moscow, October 7, 2021). The international forum brought together psychologists, medical workers, teachers and students from various universities in Russia and foreign countries (254 participants in total), who discussed current problems of mental health and digitalization during the pandemic.