Blockchain to improve security, knowledge and collaboration inter- agent communication over restrict domains of the internet infrastructure, with human interaction

This paper describes the development and implementation of a blockchain to improve security, knowledge and intel ligence during the communication and col laboration processes between agents under restricted Internet Infrastructure domains. It is a work that proposes the application of a blockchain, independent of platform, in a particular model of agents, but that can be used in similar proposals, since the results in the specific model were satisfactory. Additional ly, the model al lows interaction and, also, col laboration between humans and agents.

Self-organization of collective escape in pigeon flocks

Bird flocks under predation demonstrate complex patterns of collective escape. These patterns may emerge by self-organization from local interactions among group-members. Computational models have been shown to be valuable for identifying what behavioral rules may govern such interactions among individuals during collective motion. However, our knowledge of such rules for collective escape is limited by the lack of quantitative data on bird flocks under predation in the field. In the present study, we analyze the first GPS trajectories of pigeons in airborne flocks attacked by a robotic falcon in order to build a species-specific model of collective escape. We use our model to examine a recently identified distance-dependent pattern of collective behavior: the closer the prey is to the predator, the higher the frequency with which flock members turn away from it. We first extract from the empirical data of pigeon flocks the characteristics of their shape and internal structure (bearing angle and distance to nearest neighbors). Combining these with information on their coordination from the literature, we build an agent-based model adjusted to pigeons’ collective escape. We show that the pattern of turning away from the predator with increased frequency when the predator is closer arises without prey prioritizing escape when the predator is near. Instead, it emerges through self-organization from a behavioral rule to avoid the predator independently of their distance to it. During this self-organization process, we show how flock members increase their consensus over which direction to escape and turn collectively as the predator gets closer. Our results suggest that coordination among flock members, combined with simple escape rules, reduces the cognitive costs of tracking the predator while flocking. Such escape rules that are independent of the distance to the predator can now be investigated in other species. Our study showcases the important role of computational models in the interpretation of empirical findings of collective behavior.

Polylogical Core of Modern Intercultural Interaction Models

The article is devoted to the problems of transformation and phenomenon of complication of intercultural communication models. The significance of the study lies in the fact that intercultural communication through the prism of cultural and civilizational developments reflects the sociocultural changes taking place at all levels of social development. The problem of application of theoretical knowledge about the communicative paradigm of modern culture with its polylogical core for the development of a specific model of intercultural communication and effective cultural policy relates to the difficulties of achieving compliance of the research results with the real state of the sociocultural environment. Basing on the previous and current research approaches and taking into consideration a systemic and synergistic approach as well as a dialogue concept, the authors aim to investigate theoretical modeling of intercultural interaction. As a result of investigation, the authors conclude that the study of models of intercultural interaction cannot be carried out without understanding the principles and factors of the dynamics of cultural changes in the modern world which allows us to consider the transition from a dialogue model to a polylogue model as a natural stage in the dynamics of culture. Also, the methodological set of philosophical and cultural studies of the dynamics of modern culture is proved as constantly expanding due to the new tendencies, like total digitalization. It is stated that overcoming outdated models of intercultural interaction and adopting the new ones is a long process that must be tested by the human society

Multiproduct manufacturer-retailer coordinated supply chain with adjustable rate for common parts, delayed differentiation, and multi-shipment

Operating in today’s turbulent and competitive world marketplaces, manufacturers must find the best production scheme and delivery policy to meet timely client’s multiproduct requirements and minimize the total manufacturing-shipment expenses. This study proposes a two-stage delayed differentiation model for a multiproduct manufacturer-retailer coordinated supply chain featuring the adjustable-rate for making common parts and a multi-shipment policy for transporting finished goods. The aim is to help present-day manufacturers achieve their operational goals mentioned above. The mathematical techniques help us build a specific model to explicitly represent the problem and derive its overall operating expense. Then, the convexity of the total expense is verified by Hessian matrix equations. The differential calculus helps derive the cost-minimized fabrication-shipment decision. This study offers an example to demonstrate the applicability and capabilities of our proposed model numerically. The following crucial information has been made available to the managers to facilitate their operating decision makings: (1) the problem’s best fabrication-shipment policy; (2) the collective influence of various common part’s completion rates and values on the problem’s total expenses and optimal fabrication-shipment policy; (3) the impact of various adjustable-rates in stage one on utilization and stage one’s uptime; (4) the details of cost contributors to the problem; and (5) the collective impacts of critical features on the problem’s performance.

TReC: Transferred ResNet and CBAM for Detecting Brain Diseases

Early diagnosis of pathological brains leads to early interventions in brain diseases, which may help control the illness conditions, prolong the life of patients, and even cure them. Therefore, the classification of brain diseases is a challenging but helpful task. However, it is hard to collect brain images, and the superabundance of images is also a great challenge for computing resources. This study proposes a new approach named TReC: Transferred Residual Networks (ResNet)-Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), a specific model for small-scale samples, to detect brain diseases based on MRI. At first, the ResNet model, which is pre-trained on the ImageNet dataset, serves as initialization. Subsequently, a simple attention mechanism named CBAM is introduced and added into every ResNet residual block. At the same time, the fully connected (FC) layers of the ResNet are replaced with new FC layers, which meet the goal of classification. Finally, all the parameters of our model, such as the ResNet, the CBAM, and new FC layers, are retrained. The effectiveness of the proposed model is evaluated on brain magnetic resonance (MR) datasets for multi-class and two-class tasks. Compared with other state-of-the-art models, our model reaches the best performance for two-class and multi-class tasks on brain diseases.

NGA-Subduction research program

This article summarizes the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) Subduction (NGA-Sub) project, a major research program to develop a database and ground motion models (GMMs) for subduction regions. A comprehensive database of subduction earthquakes recorded worldwide was developed. The database includes a total of 214,020 individual records from 1,880 subduction events, which is by far the largest database of all the NGA programs. As part of the NGA-Sub program, four GMMs were developed. Three of them are global subduction GMMs with adjustment factors for up to seven worldwide regions: Alaska, Cascadia, Central America and Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, South America, and Taiwan. The fourth GMM is a new Japan-specific model. The GMMs provide median predictions, and the associated aleatory variability, of RotD50 horizontal components of peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and 5%-damped pseudo-spectral acceleration (PSA) at oscillator periods ranging from 0.01 to 10 s. Three GMMs also quantified “within-model” epistemic uncertainty of the median prediction, which is important in regions with sparse ground motion data, such as Cascadia. In addition, a damping scaling model was developed to scale the predicted 5%-damped PSA of horizontal components to other damping ratios ranging from 0.5% to 30%. The NGA-Sub flatfile, which was used for the development of the NGA-Sub GMMs, and the NGA-Sub GMMs coded on various software platforms, have been posted for public use.

Building a precise machine-specific time structure of the spot and energy delivery model for a cyclotron-based proton therapy system

Objective: We proposed an experimental approach to build a precise machine-specific beam delivery time (BDT) prediction and delivery sequence model for standard, volumetric, and layer repainting delivery based on a cyclotron accelerator system. Approach Test fields and clinical treatment plans’ log files were used to experimentally derive three main beam delivery parameters that impacted BDT: energy layer switching time (ELST), spot switching time (SSWT), and spot drill time (SDT). This derived machine-specific model includes standard, volumetric, and layer repainting delivery sequences. A total of 103 clinical treatment fields were used to validate the model. Main results: The study found that ELST is not stochastic in this specific machine. Instead, it is actually the data transmission time or energy selection time, whichever takes longer. The validation showed that the accuracy of each component of the BDT matches well between machine log files and the model’s prediction. The average total BDT was about (-0.74±3.33)% difference compared to the actual treatment log files, which is improved from the current commercial proton therapy system’s prediction (67.22%±26.19%). Significance: An accurate BDT prediction and delivery sequence model was established for an cyclotron-based proton therapy system IBA ProteusPLUS®. Most institutions could adopt this method to build a machine-specific model for their own proton system.

Structural and Ultrastructural Analysis of the Multiple Myeloma Cell Niche and a Patient-Specific Model of Plasma Cell Dysfunction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a deadly, incurable malignancy in which antibody-secreting plasma cells (PCs) become neoplastic. Previous studies have shown that the PC niche plays a role cancer progression. Bone marrow (BM) cores from MM and a premalignant condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) patients were analyzed with confocal and transmission electron microscopy. The BM aspirates from these patients were used to generate 3D PC cultures. These in vitro cultures were then assayed for the molecular, cellular, and ultrastructural hallmarks of dysfunctional PC at days 1 and 5. In vivo, evidence of PC endoplasmic reticulum stress was found in both MM and MGUS BM; however, evidence of PC autophagy was found only in MM BM. Analysis of in vitro cultures found that MM PC can survive and maintain a differentiated phenotype over an unprecedented 5 days, had higher levels of paraprotein production when compared to MGUS-derived cultures, and showed evidence of PC autophagy as well. Increased fibronectin deposition around PC associated with disease severity and autophagy dysregulation was also observed. 3D cultures constructed from BM aspirates from MGUS and MM patients allow for long-term culture of functional PC while maintaining their distinct morphological phenotypes.

Regenerational Residence

<p>New Zealand has an ageing population whose dwelling options for retirement are largely inappropriate. Retirement homes and villages are increasing throughout the country yet these often cause a decline in functional ability. Accordingly, demands on public healthcare have increased, necessitating a shift in recommendations towards homecare and ‘ageing in place.’ Ideally, aged-care should take place within extended families, yet this requires specific accommodation. Historically, standalone housing such as ‘granny flats’ or moving in with the extended family has been the solution. However, these have drawbacks such as inefficiency and distance from the wider community. There remains potential for a denser, economic housing solution within walking distance to local amenities. There is also a growing interest in developing medium-density housing (MDH) in New Zealand. However, this typology has shortfalls when it comes to multigenerational families such as small living rooms and limited outdoor areas. Further, the multi-storey nature of MDH promotes stairs, being particularly restrictive for ageing residents. Is it possible for MDH to be designed to accommodate ageing in place effectively within New Zealand? The needs associated with ageing are important to consider for long-term living. For effective aged-care, the literature advocates designing for both health improvements and accommodating dysfunctions. These two needs are addressed respectively in architecture through regenerative and intergenerational design. A personal and relational lens further investigates both of these terms. Regenerative elements involve personal wellness and relational reciprocity, whereas intergenerational elements include personal autonomy and relational interconnectivity. For each of these elements, the design methods draw qualitatively from existing precedents, indicating potential generators to inform an iterative, site-specific model. A suitable site and program provide relative design parameters. The chosen context is Nelson because the ageing population is straining healthcare while there is also significant potential for MDH. The generators and parameters drove the preliminary design process, ultimately integrating these drivers within a developed design proposal. This exegesis proposes that MDH can effectively accommodate ageing in place by overlapping such drivers through iterative modelling to create specific design principles.</p>