Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bottlenecks and Congestion in Evacuation Scenarios : A Microscopic Evacuation Simulation for Large-Scale Disasters

Multi Agent Simulation has increasingly been used for transportation simulation in recent years. With current techniques, it is possible to simulate systems consisting of several million agents. Such Multi Agent Simulations have been applied to transportation simulation for whole cities and even large regions. In this paper we demonstrate how to adapt an existing multi agent transportation simulation framework to large-scale pedestrian evacuation simulation. The underlying ow model simulates the tra c based on a simple queue model where only free speed and bottleneck capacities are taken into account. The queue simulation, albeit simple, captures the most important aspects of evacuations such as the congestion e ects of bottlenecks and the time needed to evacuate the endangered area. During the simulation, each evacuee optimizes his/her personal evacuation route to nd the fastest escape route. At this point two di erent routing solutions are considered: (1) An empty network routing solution, where every evacuee follows the path that would be fastest in an empty network. (2) A Nash equilibrium approach, where, via iterations every evacuating person attempts to nd a route that is optimal for him/herself under the given circumstances. Both approaches can be considered as benchmarks: the rst as one where congestion e ects are not taken into account in the path choice; the second one as one which might be achieved by appropriate training or guidance while maintaining acceptability in the sense that no person could gain by deviating from this solution. The results from the simulation give an estimate of the time it could take to evacuate the endangered area. We applied the system to a hypothetical scenario, namely a dam-break of the Sihlsee dam near , Zurich, which would lead to an inundation of large parts of the city of Zurich within two hours. We show how well both approaches perform with respect to evacuation time and the out ow rate of evacuees.
An iterative learning control approach for synchronization of multi-agent systems under iteration-varying graph

In this work, an iterative learning control (ILC) strategy is applied to synchronize the outputs from a group of homogeneous agents under iteration-varying communication topology. First, we show that the ILC strategy works for fixed strongly connected graph, which lays out the analysis framework for the rest developments. Next, the result is extended to iteration-varying topology, where the graph is strongly connected in each iteration. Then, the result is further generalized to uniformly strongly connected graph along the iteration domain. Matrix norm properties together with contraction mapping based analysis are utilized to prove the results. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the obtained results.
Cloning and characterisation of the S. pombe rad15 gene, a homologue to the S. cerevisiae RAD3 and human ERCC2 genes.

The RAD3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes an ATP-dependent 5'-3' DNA helicase, which is involved in excision repair of ultraviolet radiation damage. By hybridisation of a Schizosaccharomyces pombe genomic library with a RAD3 gene probe we have isolated the S. pombe homologue of RAD3. We have also cloned the rad15 gene of S. pombe by complementation of radiation-sensitive phenotype of the rad15 mutant. Comparison of the restriction map and DNA sequence, shows that the S. pombe rad15 gene is identical to the gene homologous to S. cerevisiae RAD3, identified by hybridisation. The S. pombe rad15.P mutant is highly sensitive to UV radiation, but only slightly sensitive to ionising radiation, as expected for a mutant defective in excision repair. DNA sequence analysis of the rad15 gene indicates an open reading frame of 772 amino acids, and this is consistent with a transcript size of 2.6 kb as detected by Northern analysis. The predicted rad15 protein has 65% identity to RAD3 and 55% identity to the human homologue ERCC2. This homology is particularly striking in the regions identified as being conserved in a group of DNA helicases. Gene deletion experiments indicate that, like the S. cerevisiae RAD3 gene, the S. pombe rad15 gene is essential for viability, suggesting that the protein product has a role in cell proliferation and not solely in DNA repair.
SOCIAL DILEMMAS AMONG SUPERGENES: INTRAGENOMIC SEXUAL CONFLICT AND A SELFING SOLUTION IN OENOTHERA

Recombination is a powerful policing mechanism to control intragenomic cheats. The “parliament of the genes” can often rapidly block driving genes from cheating during meiosis. But what if the genome parliament is reduced to only two members, or supergenes? Using a series of simple game‐theoretic models inspired by the peculiar genetics of Oenothera sp. , we illustrate that a two supergene genome (α and β) can produce a number of surprising evolutionary dynamics, including increases in lineage longevity following a transition from sexuality (outcrossing) to asexuality (clonal self‐fertilization). We end by interpreting the model in the broader context of the evolution of mutualism, which highlights that greater α, β cooperation in the self‐fertilizing model can be viewed as an example of partner fidelity driving multilineage cooperation.
Tobacco control policy in developed countries: yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

INTRODUCTION Tobacco control policies have contributed to dramatic declines in smoking in the developed nations. However, the circumstances under which these policies altered the smoking landscape have changed and are likely to change further. As well, decreases in smoking prevalence may have "stalled" at current levels. Because today's smokers differ significantly from yesterday's and the environment in which smokers consume their cigarettes has changed, it is plausible that several of the evidence-based tobacco control policies soon will have run their course in the most advanced tobacco control environments. We ask, therefore, what developed nations can expect of these policies in the future and what novel policy measures may be needed to continue the assault on tobacco. DISCUSSION After summarizing tobacco control success in the United States and the findings from tobacco control policy research, we consider the remaining problem focusing on the characteristics of remaining smokers and their circumstances. We then examine constraints on the continuing effectiveness of evidence-based policy interventions. We employ a model to project U.S. smoking prevalence decades into the future, with and without improvements in initiation and cessation rates. We then speculate about novel policy directions that will be needed to further move the needle of tobacco control. CONCLUSION Without substantial innovation in tobacco control policy, further reductions in smoking in developed nations will come frustratingly slowly. Needed policy innovations might be quite radical, such as legislating entirely smoke-free outdoor environments or regulators reducing allowable nicotine in cigarettes to non-addicting levels.
Study on underwater synthetic navigation system based on inertial navigation system and multibeam bathymetric system

Inertial navigation system (INS) is an independent navigation system, but is difficult to be used in far-distance and long-time navigation due to INS accumulation error. Thus, a new synthetic navigation system for underwater based on the integration of INS and multibeam bathymetric system (MBS) is studied and presented in the paper. Firstly, we introduce the composition of the underwater navigation system and the functions of each unit in the system. Secondly, we introduce the work principle of the integrated system. Thirdly, a complete navigation and positioning algorithm based on contour match is studied deeply. In the work, first of all, we study the method of drawing contours with MBS bathymetric data. Then by means of image matching technique, we study a fast image matching algorithm based on wavelet transformation and sequential similarity detection algorithm (SSDA). According to above work, we fulfill the contour match and the determination of underwater vehicle. In order to test the integrated system, an experiment is implemented with observed MBS data and simulated INS data finally. The experimental result proves that the system has high navigation and positioning accuracy, as well as credibility and stability.
Green Urine Discoloration due to Propofol Infusion: A Case Report

We present a 19-year-old man who excreted green urine after propofol infusion. The patient was admitted to our hospital for injuries sustained in a traffic accident and underwent surgery. After starting continuous infusion of propofol for postoperative sedation, his urine became dark green. Serum total bilirubin and urine bilirubin were both elevated. We believe that the green discoloration of the urine was caused by propofol infusion and was related to impaired enterohepatic circulation and extrahepatic glucuronidation in the kidneys.
Elimination of Glass Artifacts and Object Segmentation

Many images nowadays are captured from behind the glasses and may have certain stains discrepancy because of glass and must be processed to make differentiation between the glass and objects behind it. This research paper proposes an algorithm to remove the damaged or corrupted part of the image and make it consistent with other part of the image and to segment objects behind the glass. The damaged part is removed using total variation inpainting method and segmentation is done using kmeans clustering, anisotropic diffusion and watershed transformation. The final output is obtained by interpolation. This algorithm can be useful to applications in which some part of the images are corrupted due to data transmission or needs to segment objects from an image for further processing.
A Functional DBPL Revealing High Level Optimizations

We present a functional DBPL in the style of FP that facilitates the definition of precise semantics and opens up opportunities for far-reaching optimizations. The language is integrated into a functional data model, which is extended by arbitrary type hierarchies and complex objects. Thus we are able to provide the clarity of FP-like programs together with the full power of semantic data modelling. To give an impression of the special facilities for optimizing functional database languages, we point out some laws not presented before which enable access path selection already on the algebraic level of optimization. The algebraic way of access path optimization also gives new insights into optimization strategies.
A polarization reconfigurable array antenna for wireless communication

A polarization reconfigurable 2 × 2 patch array antenna is presented. The array uses corporate feed technique for excitation. Each element of the array is integrated with four PIN diode switches. The switch can be configured to provide linear polarization (LP), right hand circular polarization (RHCP) or left hand circular polarization (LHCP). Simulation results for all these polarization states of the array are presented. A prototype is fabricated on a RT Duroid substrate of dielectric constant εr=2.2 and height 1.6mm. The performance of the antenna is validated experimentally by using ideal switch. The antenna has been designed for the frequency range of 5.7– 6.0 GHz and is suitable for C-band applications such as point-to-point communications.
Security in a PKI-based networking environment: a multi-agent architecture for distributed security management system & control

This paper introduces a structured goal-oriented agent-based process modelling framework, where advanced security requirements engineering techniques are combined with software security modelling approaches, to provide an environment within which the security managers and the analysts can easily cooperate to discover, verify and validate the new IT system security requirements. Without multi-agent systems engineering methodologies, the realization of complex information systems involving numerous interacting components would be prohibitively expensive, prone to failure and involve timescales unacceptable in today's security environment. By following appropriate methodologies, highly integrated and complex security management & control (SMC) information systems can be built to interact securely on a global scale. This paper presents an approach to design a multi-agent system managing a security management system corporate memory in the form of a distributed semantic Web and describes the resulting architecture. We present an information and knowledge exchange framework to support a distributed security problem solving in a PKI-based network environment domain. It addresses two important issues: (1) how individual agents should be interconnected so that their security capabilities are efficiently used and their security goals are accomplished effectively and efficiently; (2) how the information and knowledge transfer should take place among agents to allow them to respond successfully to user requests and unexpected situations in the security domain. We employ the concepts related to SAMARA - a security architecture multi-agents systems risk assessment. The focus of this paper is dynamic knowledge exchange among SAMARA agents. The co-ordinator agent together with a decision enabling warehouse (DEW) acting as a dynamic knowledge-based security platform plus direct intercommunication among the agents enable facts, commands, and rules to be transferred between SAMARA agents. Knowledge can be exchanged among the agents by using a combination of facts, rules and commands transfers
A single image de-hazing algorithm based on hybrid filter

Images captured in foggy weather often suffer from bad visibility, because of bad atmospheric visibility. The existence of particles, dust and water impurities always fade the color and lead to a bad contrast of the observed objects. And then, we will feel indistinct by our eyes. We introduce a novel algorithm of single image that based on hybrid filter in this paper. The algorithm is based on an advanced median filter, and combined with average filter. The visibility of photos has been greatly improved by use of iteration. Experimental results on a variety of haze images demonstrate the effectiveness of the advanced method, which contains the fast speed of Median filter and also gets more distinct in details compared with other algorithms. The main advantage of the proposed algorithm compared with others is its speed. This speed allows visibility restoration to be applied for the first time within real-time processing applications such as sign, lane-marking and obstacle detection.
Study on the Improvement of Hydrophobicity of PVDF Films

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were dissolved in N,N-dimethylactamide. The mixture was homogeneous and the concentration of PEG was varied. The mixture was coated on the glass plates, which had a primer made of acrylic resin, to form films. It was found that the surface property of the films varied with the concentration of PEG. In this study, the hydrophobicity of PVDF films was improved by changing the morphology of the surface of the films.
The relationship between acid and bile reflux and symptoms in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The role of bile in the genesis of oesophageal symptoms and disease is incompletely understood. A new method of ambulatory bile monitoring may help to define this role. AIMS: To establish the relationship between symptom events and acid and bile reflux episodes. PATIENTS: 59 consecutive patients presenting for further investigation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: All patients underwent combined ambulatory pH and bile monitoring. For each patient, a symptom index (SI) was calculated in relation to both acid reflux and bile reflux episodes. RESULTS: Patients were divided into those without (group 1, n = 21) and those with (group 2, n = 38) acid reflux. A total of 394 symptoms were identified in 59 patients. In group 1, there were fewer symptom events per patient (mean 4.1) than group 2 (mean 8.1). Twenty three per cent of symptom events were associated with acid reflux in group 1 and 41% in group 2. Only 6% of symptom events in both groups were related to bile reflux. In group 1 both the acid and bile related SI score were low. In group 2 the bile related SI score was low, but the acid related SI score was high. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms are much more often related to acid reflux than bile reflux. Bile reflux does not seem to be a major factor in producing oesophageal symptoms.
CNTO6785, a Fully Human Antiinterleukin 17 Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis with Inadequate Response to Methotrexate: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Phase II, Dose-ranging Study

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of CNTO6785, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to human interleukin 17A, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Methods. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study enrolled patients aged 18 to 80 years (inclusive) with active RA (≥ 6/66 swollen and ≥ 6/68 tender joints) who were refractory to MTX treatment (7.5–25 mg weekly, inclusive). The study duration was 38 weeks, containing a 10-week safety followup. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to receive CNTO6785 15, 50, 100, or 200 mg every 4 weeks + MTX or placebo + MTX. The primary endpoint was American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response at Week 16. Results. There were no significant differences from placebo in the proportion of patients treated with CNTO6785 in the primary endpoint of ACR20 response at Week 16. There were no significant findings in any additional efficacy variables through Week 32. No dose-response relationships or specific patterns were observed in adverse event profiles among CNTO6785 treatment groups. Infections occurred with similar frequency across all groups, and injection site reactions were mild or moderate and did not demonstrate a dose-response relationship. Median serum CNTO6785 concentration increases through Week 38 were about dose-proportional; the incidence of neutralizing antidrug antibodies was 19.4% and was not associated with study drug dose level. Conclusion. CNTO6785 was well tolerated, but did not demonstrate clinical efficacy in patients with active RA with inadequate response to MTX.
Effect of pH and Fluoride on Behavior of Dental ZrO2 Ceramics in Artificial Saliva

A considerable increase in the ceramic products demand occurred due to the evolution of dental restoration techniques and these materials must resist to the complex mouth environment. The pH of saliva can decrease significantly due to the ingestion of acidic foods and beverages and mainly due to reactions occurring during bacteria metabolism that lead to the formation of organic acids. Fluorides are also present in the mouth since fluorides are usually added in drinking water, mouth washes, tooth pastes and gels for the prevention of plaque and caries formation. The combination of low pH and presence of fluorides can lead to the formation of HF and HF2- which are detrimental to metallic and probably to ceramic devices. In this work, commercial blocks of ZrO2 ceramics (ProtMat Materiais Avançados® and Ivoclar®) were immersed in Fusayama artificial saliva of different pHs and fluoride concentrations. The properties of the as-produced ceramics (crystalline phases (XRD), microstructure (SEM), roughness (3D surface topography AFM) and mechanical resistance – Vickers hardness (Hv) and fracture toughness (KIC) were evaluated. Some of these properties were also determined after the immersion tests as well as the mass variation of the samples in order to evaluate the resistance of these ZrO2 ceramics to degradation under these conditions.
Highway to Success: The Impact of the Golden Quadrilateral Project for the Location and Performance of Indian Manufacturing

We investigate the impact of transport infrastructure on the organisation and efficiency of manufacturing activity. The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) project upgraded a central highway network in India. Manufacturing activity grew disproportionately along the network. These findings hold in straight�? line IV frameworks and are not present on a second highway that was planned to be upgraded at the same time as GQ but subsequently delayed. Both entrants and incumbents facilitated the output growth, with scaling among entrants being important. The upgrades facilitated better industrial sorting along the network and improved the allocative efficiency of industries initially positioned on GQ.
A Solver for Dynamic PET Reconstructions based on Forward‐Backward‐Splitting

Dynamic Positron Emission Tomography allows monitoring physiological processes within the body that can be described by kinetic parameters. However, recovery of these parameters often requires the solution of complex and nonlinear operator equations. Advanced operator splitting techniques allow incorporating a‐priori knowledge, e.g. sparsity of minimizers with respect to an exponential basis, into the reconstruction process.
The perception of facial expressions in newborns

The ability of newborns to discriminate and respond to different emotional facial expressions remains controversial. We conducted three experiments in which we tested newborns' preferences, and their ability to discriminate between neutral, fearful, and happy facial expressions, using visual preference and habituation procedures. In the first two experiments, no evidence was found that newborns discriminate, or show a preference between, a fearful and a neutral face. In the third experiment, newborns looked significantly longer at a happy facial expression than a fearful one. We raise the possibility that this preference reflects experience acquired over the first few days of life. These results show that at least some expressions are discriminated and preferred in newborns only a few days old.
Selective Attention Fails to Alter the Dichotic Listening Lag Effect: Evidence That the Lag Effect Is Preattentional

Berlin et al. (1973) reported that either stimulus from a dichotic pair of consonant-vowel syllables is processed preferentially when its presentation is delayed by 30-60 ms. In the first of three experiments with 60 normal right-handed adults, we replicated the Berlin et al. "lag effect," but only for asynchronies between 60 and 90 ms. In Experiment 2 subjects focused attention selectively on one ear. The results indicated that focused attention and stimulus asynchrony have additive effects: Performance improved at the attended ear irrespective of stimulus asynchrony, but the lag effect remained unchanged relative to the divided-attention condition. Experiment 3 entailed a signal detection task that allowed separate analysis of detection and localization accuracy. As in previous studies, selective attention to one ear increased the accuracy of localization but not detection at the attended ear. Both dependent measures indicated a lag effect that remained invariant as attention was manipulated. These findings imply that the lag effect is attributable to a preattentional stage of auditory processing.