Advances in dynamic network modeling with spatial queue based traffic flow models

Dynamic network modeling has been extensively explored by the research community for the last three decades due to the advances of emerging technologies and the availability of large-scale time-dependent data. The dynamic models can outperform the static models in many research areas such as operational planning and real-time operational control. However, there still exist several gaps in the analytical dynamic network modeling, including a) dynamic network loading models which facilitate dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) without compromising traffic realism, b) dynamic user equilibrium and dynamic system optimal with desirable features such as simultaneous route and departure time choice, multiple OD networks, solution existence, and efficient algorithms, c) methods to compute the network inefficiency and the price of anarchy in the dynamic context, and d) new models for dynamic mechanism design with advanced traffic flow and dynamic user equilibrium. The overall goal of this dissertation is to develop a series of analytical dynamic traffic assignment and dynamic mechanism design models to fill these gaps. The broaden impact of this dissertation is to provide a framework to predict traveler behavior, estimate traffic state, understand real-world and ideal network conditions, and suggest rational solutions to improve network performance. Specifically, in this dissertation: A dynamic network loading model is developed based on cell transmission model to captures realistic traffic conditions such as shockwave propagation, queue spill-back, FIFO, non-holding-back in multiple OD networks. It can be embedded directly in DTA formulations. A simultaneous route and departure time choice dynamic user equilibrium (DUE) problem for multiple OD networks is formulated as a complementarity system. The cost function is shown continuous and the solution existence is rigorously shown by advanced generalized variational inequality theory. An efficient projection algorithm is proposed to solve the DUE problems for medium-sized traffic networks. A dynamic system optimal (DSO) problem for multiple OD networks with route and departure time choice is formulated. A novel method to accurately compute path marginal cost is developed and the DSO problem is solved by the projection algorithm. The network inefficiency and price of anarchy are studied in dynamic networks to capture the trend of the relative difference between DUE and DSO solutions. For many traffic networks, we observe that the network inefficiency stabilizes after a certain demand level. A combined DUE and signal control problem is formulated as a Stackelberg game and is solved by the iterative optimization and assignment algorithm. Finally, a novel idea of path-based toll scheme is studied. We propose a heuristic algorithm to provide an incentive for travelers to avoid the congested paths and times, which improves the network performance

Examining Human Rights Derogation in State Emergencies

Safeguarding human rights is the obligation of every nation under international human rights laws. However, some situations require a nation to restrict individual rights to protect public interests. Responding to COVID-19 provided a great example for Vietnam to review its legal ground for regulating limitations on human rights to prevent its expansion. However, the question remains: what are the legal grounds for executive agencies to limit citizens’ rights under the international standards on human rights protection? These precautionary measures support the prevention of the risks and damage caused by illegal acts or emergency cases, such as national disasters. Vietnam encounters legal issues, including the absence of comprehensive legal frameworks and delegating legislative authority during state emergencies. It also encounters inefficient mechanisms for reviewing the rationality and viability of preventive measures imposed by executive bodies. Consequently, safeguarding human rights according to international norms poses a significant challenge. This study explores Vietnam's solutions for handling the COVID-19 pandemic and suggests reforms to the country's legal framework regarding preventive measures. Keywords: State Emergency, Enforcement Measures, Legal Issues, Derogation of Human Rights, Vietna

The Formation of Red Copper Glaze in an Oxidizing Atmosphere

This paper introduces a method for producing red copper glaze by adding copper oxide (CuO) and silicon carbide (SiC) additives to the base glaze. SiC created a reducing environment in situ and allowed the glaze to be sintered in an oxidizing furnace environment. Nanocrystals are the determinants of the red color of the glaze. The CuO reduction reaction temperature range of SiC produces a reducing environment in the glaze as detected by the method (DSC). The functional group and phase of nanocrystals were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy

Phase I Clinical Trial Using Autologous Ex Vivo Expanded NK Cells and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes for Cancer Treatment in Vietnam

(1) Background: Immune cell therapy recently attracted enormous attention among scientists as a cancer treatment, but, so far, it has been poorly studied and applied in Vietnam. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of autologous immune cell therapy for treating lung, liver, and colon cancers—three prevalent cancers in Vietnam. (2) Method: This was an open-label, single-group clinical trial that included 10 patients with confirmed diagnosis of colon, liver, or lung cancer, conducted between March 2016 and December 2017. (3) Results: After 20–21 days of culture, the average number of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) increased 488.5-fold and the average cell viability was 96.3%. The average number of natural killer cells (NKs) increased 542.5-fold, with an average viability of 95%. Most patients exhibited improved quality of life, with the majority of patients presenting a score of 1 to 2 in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (ECOG/PS) scale, a decrease in symptoms on fatigue scales, and an increase in the mean survival time to 18.7 months at the end of the study. (4) Conclusion: This method of immune cell expansion met the requirements for clinical applications in cancer treatment and demonstrated the safety of this therapy for the cancer patients in Vietnam

Outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell administration in the treatment of neurologic sequelae in children with spina bifida

Abstract Background To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion in the management of neurological sequelae in children with spina bifida (SB). Methods BMMNCs were harvested from bilateral anterior iliac crests. Two intrathecal BMMNC administrations were performed with an interval of 6 months. The measurements of outcomes included clinical assessments, cystomanometry and rectomanometry. Results Eleven children with SB underwent autologous BMMNC infusions from 2016 to 2020. There were no severe adverse events during the study period. The number of patients requiring assistance to expel stools decreased from 11 before cell infusion to 3 after the second cell infusion. The number of patients who had urine leakage decreased from 9 patients at baseline to 3 patients after the second BMMNC infusion. The mean bladder capacity increased from 127.7 ± 59.2 ml at baseline to 136.3 ± 54.8 ml at six months and to 158.3 ± 56.2 ml at 12 months after BMMNC infusions. Detrusor pressure (pdet) decreased from 32.4 ± 22.0 cm H2O at baseline to 21.9 ± 11.8 cm H2O after 12 months of follow-up. At baseline, six patients could walk independently. After the 2nd infusion, eight patients could walk independently. Conclusion Intrathecal infusions of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells are safe and may improve bowel, bladder, and motor function in children with SB. Trial registration: NCT, NCT05472428. Registered July 25, 2022- Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05472428

Outcomes of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with interventional education for autism spectrum disorder

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with educational intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. An open-label clinical trial was performed from July 2017 to August 2019 at Vinmec International Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Thirty children who fulfilled the autism criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and had Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores >37 were selected. Bone marrow was harvested by anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia. The volume collected was as follows: 8 mL/kg for patients under 10 kg (80 mL + [body weight in kg − 10] × 7 mL) for patients above 10 kg. Mononuclear cells were isolated with a Ficoll gradient and then infused intrathecally. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later. After the first transplantation, all patients underwent 8 weeks of educational intervention based on the Early Start Denver Model. There were no severe adverse events associated with transplantation. The severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was significantly reduced, with the median CARS score decreasing from 50 (range 40-55.5) to 46.5 (range 33.5-53.5) (P < .05). Adaptive capacity increased, with the median Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales score rising from 53.5 to 60.5. Social communication, language, and daily skills improved markedly within 18 months after transplantation. Conversely, repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity decreased remarkably. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in combination with behavioral intervention was safe and well tolerated in children with ASD (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03225651)

Microplastics in Asian freshwater ecosystems: Current knowledge and perspectives

International audienc