A Multi-Agent Model for Countering Terrorism

The rise of terrorism over the past decade did not only hinder the development of some countries, but also it continues to destroy humanity. To face this concept of an emerging crisis, every country and every citizen is responsible for the fight against terrorism. As conventional plans became useless against terrorism, governments are required to establish innovative concepts and technologies to support units in this asymmetric war. In this paper, we propose a new multi-agent model for counter-terrorism characterized by a methodical process and a flexibility to handle different contingency scenarios. The division of labour in our multi-agent model improves decision making and the structuring of organisational plans

Alternating current conductivity and dielectric relaxation of PANI:PVDF composites

In this work, PANI:PVDF composites films were prepared with different PANI contents (p = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%). The resulting films were dried at various temperatures such as 30, 90 and 120 °C. The alternating current mechanisms and dielectric relaxation and of PANI:PVDF films were studied using complex impedance spectroscopy over a wide range of temperature (303–453 K) and a frequency range (1 kHz to 1 MHz). We found that the ac conductivity in PANI:PVDF composite is governed by correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. In dielectric loss modulus study, two relaxation processes were identified. The first peak was associated to Maxwell Wagner-Sillas (MWS) relaxation whereas the second one which obtained at higher frequency was attributed to the αc relaxation. For PANI:PVDF film which dried at 30 °C, the MWS relaxation appears only at higher temperature. The temperature dependence of αc relaxation was suitably fitted according to Vogel Flucher Temman model whereas MWS relaxation follows Arrhenius type behavior. The effect of drying temperature on microstructure and phase crystallization of PVDF in the composites was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. These results were used to find a reasonable correlation between microstructure and electrical properties

Post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis: clinical presentation and management approaches

Abstract Introduction Addressing acquired laryngotracheal stenosis presents a complex healthcare dilemma. Results We present a case series of 48 acquired post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis cases managed within our Department of ENT Surgery at Farhat Hached Tunisia. Diagnosis relied on imaging and endoscopic findings. Among these cases, 28 exhibited tracheal stenosis, with 60% falling into grade 2–3 severity. Management approaches included sole endoscopic dilation for 17 patients, surgical intervention for 19 patients, and T-tube placement for 10 patients. Conclusions The management of laryngotracheal stenosis poses a challenge for ENT surgeons. Prevention is paramount, encompassing various measures such as employing high-volume, high tracheostomy, and extended intubation practices