Heterogeneous Stochastic Interactions for Multiple Agents in a Multi-armed Bandit Problem

We define and analyze a multi-agent multi-armed bandit problem in which decision-making agents can observe the choices and rewards of their neighbors. Neighbors are defined by a network graph with heterogeneous and stochastic interconnections. These interactions are determined by the sociability of each agent, which corresponds to the probability that the agent observes its neighbors. We design an algorithm for each agent to maximize its own expected cumulative reward and prove performance bounds that depend on the sociability of the agents and the network structure. We use the bounds to predict the rank ordering of agents according to their performance and verify the accuracy analytically and computationally

Smart-Fabric-Based Supercapacitor with Long-Term Durability and Waterproof Properties toward Wearable Applications

The rapid development of wearable electronics and smart textiles has dramatically motivated the generation of flexible textile-based supercapacitors (SCs). However, the rapid evaporation of water moisture in gel electrolytes substantially limits the working durability and performance enhancements of the flexible devices. Therefore, a high-performance multifunctional textile-based SC with long-term durability is highly desired. Herein, a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/polyacrylamide (PAM) composite gel electrolyte was developed to fabricate a multifunctional device with water-retaining and water-proofing properties based on multidimensional hierarchical fabric. And the assembled SC based on composite gel exhibited superior waterretaining property and long-term working durability (93.29% retention rate after operation for 15 days), whereas the performance of SC based on pure PVA gel declined sharply and only 43.2% capacitance remained. In addition, the assembled SC exhibited enhanced specific capacitance of 707.9 mF/cm2 and high energy density of 62.92μWh/cm2 and maintained good stability of 80.8% even after 10 000 cyclic tests. After water repellency treatment, the integrated device immersed in water could still work normally. What’s more, the assembled devices could be charged by a portable hand generator, which could be potentially applied for field rescue and military applications. We foresee that this strategy would be a potential route to prepare highperformance multifunctional textile-based SCs for wearable electronic systems and smart textile applications

Assessment of Knowledge and Healthcare Related Practices of Caregivers Regarding Home Management of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Introduction: Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is the commonest chronic glomerular disorder characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoproteinaemia, oedema and hyperlipidaemia. Parental motivation and involvement are essential for home management of a child with NS. This study was conducted to assess caregivers' knowledge and healthcare related practices regarding home management of children with NS. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers (n=94) attending the Paediatric Nephrology Clinic (PNC) at the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The majority of the respondents (71.3%) were mothers. The majority of children with NS in the study sample were boys (70.2%), and their mean age was 7.6±3 years. About 40.4% of children had onset of disease at the age of 2-3 years. The majority of participants (53.2%) had scored more than 75 marks for knowledge. The practice score of the majority (66.0%) was between 50-100. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher in the participants who have managed their child with NS for 6-8 years (p=0.006) and for 9-11 years (p=0.019), compared to the participants who have managed their child with NS for 3-5 years. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher in the participants with the family history with NS in compared to the participants without family history of NS (p=0.001). A statistically significant association was found between mean practice score and the number of living children in the family (p=0.009). Mean practice score of the participants who had more than four living children was significantly higher than the participants who had two living children in their family (p=0.002). However, a significant negative correlation was observed between knowledge on NS and healthcare related practices of the participants (r= -0.240, n=94, p=0.020, 2-tailed). Conclusions: The overall knowledge and practices of parents/caregivers regarding home management of children with NS attending to the PNC, Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka, was adequate and satisfactory. Keywords: Home management, Paediatric, Nephrotic Syndrome, Knowledge, Practic

'Deixe-me ganhar…, mas se não posso ganhar, deixe-me ser corajoso para tentar': desafios dos atletas Paralímpicos em Sri Lanka

Comparing abled-bodied athletes and Olympic sports with disabled athletes and Paralympic sports, the latter are relatively less popular and receive proportionally less funding from formal sport agencies and government sector. The title, analyze in challenges of Paralympic athletes in Sri Lanka, was described specific objective such as to provide a pathway of eliminate or minimize the impact of the given challenges and identify the sporting needs and desires of Paralympic athlete across the area. Disabled athletes who is represented Paralympic were highlighted. The challenges faced by the athletes in study could be categorized as physical, economic and social. According to analyzed results problem with facility and equipment availability. Study was also concerned about the negative attitude displayed towards then as support of sponsorship and public and media. Especially in Sri Lanka there is lack of disabled athletes’ researches. Accordingly, there is a space to be filled up and will be answered by this study. Using the methods of investigative journalism and secondary data analysis were used of this study. As this study is analytical in nature as far as possible an attempt was made to collect secondary data. Previous studies were carried out provide a conceptual background of the study. Comparando atletas con discapacidades físicas y deportes olímpicos con atletas con discapacidades y deportes paralímpicos, estos últimos son relativamente menos populares y reciben proporcionalmente menos fondos de las agencias deportivas formales y del sector gubernamental. El título, analizó los desafíos de los atletas paralímpicos en Sri Lanka, se describió como un objetivo específico, para el cual es proporcionar una forma de eliminar o minimizar el impacto de los desafíos presentados e identificar las necesidades y deseos deportivos de los atletas paralímpicos en toda el área. Se destacaron los atletas con discapacidad representados en el deporte paralímpico. Los desafíos que enfrentan los atletas en estudio pueden clasificarse en físicos, económicos y sociales. Según los resultados analizados, el problema está en la disponibilidad de instalaciones y equipos. El estudio también tuvo que ver con la actitud negativa mostrada hacia el patrocinio, el público y los medios. Especialmente en Sri Lanka, hay una falta de investigación sobre atletas con discapacidades. En este sentido, hay un espacio para ser llenado y será respondido por este estudio. El periodismo de investigación y los métodos de análisis de datos secundarios se utilizaron en este estudio. Como este estudio es de naturaleza analítica, en la medida de lo posible, se intentó recolectar datos secundarios. Se han llevado a cabo estudios previos y proporcionan una base conceptual para el estudio.Comparando atletas com deficiência física e esportes olímpicos com atletas com deficiência e esportes paraolímpicos, estes últimos são relativamente menos populares e recebem proporcionalmente menos financiamento de agências esportivas formais e do setor governamental. O título, analisado os desafios dos atletas paraolímpicos no Sri Lanka, foi descrito como objetivo específico, para o qual é fornecer um caminho para eliminar ou minimizar o impacto dos desafios apresentados e identificar as necessidades e desejos esportivos dos atletas paraolímpicos em toda a área. Os atletas com deficientes representados no esporte paraolímpicos foram destacados. Os desafios enfrentados pelos atletas em estudo podem ser classificados como físicos, econômicos e sociais. De acordo com os resultados analisados, o problema é com a disponibilidade de instalações e equipamentos. O estudo também se preocupou com a atitude negativa exibida em relação ao patrocínio, ao público e à mídia. Especialmente no Sri Lanka, faltam pesquisas de atletas com deficiência. Nesse sentido, existe um espaço a ser preenchido e será respondido por este estudo. Métodos de jornalismo investigativo e análise de dados secundários foram utilizados neste estudo. Como este estudo é de natureza analítica, tanto quanto possível, foi feita uma tentativa de coletar dados secundários. Estudos anteriores foram realizados, e fornecem uma base conceitual do estudo