Solving Parity Games in Scala

Parity games are two-player games, played on directed graphs, whose nodes are labeled with priorities. Along a play, the maximal priority occurring infinitely often determines the winner. In the last two decades, a variety of algorithms and successive optimizations have been proposed. The majority of them have been implemented in PGSolver, written in OCaml, which has been elected by the community as the de facto platform to solve efficiently parity games as well as evaluate their performance in several specific cases. PGSolver includes the Zielonka Recursive Algorithm that has been shown to perform better than the others in randomly generated games. However, even for arenas with a few thousand of nodes (especially over dense graphs), it requires minutes to solve the corresponding game. In this paper, we deeply revisit the implementation of the recursive algorithm introducing several improvements and making use of Scala Programming Language. These choices have been proved to be very successful, gaining up to two orders of magnitude in running time

Comparison of different modelling approaches for the assessment of the out-of-plane behaviour of two-leaf stone masonry walls

This work addresses the comparison of different modelling approaches to simulate the out-ofplane behaviour of two-leaf stone masonry walls. Two modelling strategies are selected and compared in this the study, namely finite element (FE) by considering micro and macro modelling approach, and the distinct element method (DEM). The study intends to: i) provide an insight regarding parameter estimation and calibration procedure for each modelling approaches; ii) compare different modelling strategies highlighting their pros and cons in terms of computational effort and results’ accuracy

Influência de técnicas sismo-resistentes no comportamento para fora do plano de paredes de alvenaria de pedra

FE method is a useful and powerful tool widely applied to the structural analysis of masonry constructions. One of the main challenges related to the numerical simulations is the use of adequate constitutive materials models able to replicate, in an accurate way, the non-linear behaviour of masonry. Thus, the experimental characterization of the masonry can allow overcoming the uncertainties regarding the material mechanical properties. Macro-modelling is a very popular FE approach that approximates masonry as a homogeneous isotropic continuum, in order to obtain simpler and larger meshes, because the model does not have to describe the internal structure of masonry. Hence, macro-modelling provides a good balance between accuracy and efficiency. This work presents a methodology applied to the calibration of two numerical macro-models reproducing the OOP response of reduced scale (1:2) U-shaped stone masonry walls built with earthquake resistant techniques embedded at the corners (WALL 1 – steel ties and WALL 2 – timber lath beams), which were previously tested experimentally by using an airbag to simulate the seismic load. The outcomes, provided by this work, represent a useful contribution in order to assess the effectiveness of the macro-model approach for the analysis of masonry buildings.Um dos desafios principais do uso do método de elementos finitos (FE) para a análise estrutural de construções de alvenaria é o uso de modelos constitutivos que sejam capazes de replicar apropriadamente o comportamento não linear da alvenaria. A caracterização experimental da alvenaria permite diminuir as incertezas relacionadas com as propriedades mecânicas do material. Este trabalho apresenta a metodologia aplicada para a calibração de dois modelos FE que reproduzem duas paredes de alvenaria de pedra em forma de U ensaiadas no laboratório. Os modelos seguem uma abordagem macromodelo. As paredes ensaiadas foram construídas com dois dispositivos sismorresistentes tradicionais inseridos nos cunhais, nomeadamente tirantes de aço (WALL 1) e vigas de madeira (WALL 2), e foram ensaiadas fora do plano mediante o uso de airbags para a simulação da carga sísmica. Os resultados deste trabalho contribuem para avaliar a eficácia da abordagem macromodelo para a análise estrutural de edifícios de alvenaria.The work presented in this paper was partially financed by FEDER funds through the Competitivity and Internationalization Operational Programme – COMPETE, and by national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the project POC1-01-0145-FEDER-007633. This work was also financed in the framework of the Portuguese Public Procurement Code, LOTE 3EC5 – Escola Secundária da Anadia e Gafanha da Nazaré

Modelling strategies for traditional earthquake resistant solutions enhancing wall-to-wall connections

Traditional masonry buildings located in seismic prone areas often present construction techniques empirically developed to improve the buildings seismic performance, for example by enhancing their box-behaviour in order to avoid premature out-of-plane failure of masonry walls. Often, earthquake-resistant techniques consist of a combination of locally available materials, such as timber or metal ties, embedded in masonry components. Finite Elements Macro-modelling approximates masonry as a homogeneous isotropic continuum, in order to obtain simpler and larger meshes, because the model does not have to describe the internal structure of masonry. One of the main challenges related to the numerical simulations is the use of adequate constitutive materials models able to replicate the non-linear behaviour of masonry. In the framework of macro-modelling approach of the masonry walls, an additional challenge is the modelling strategy to simulate the contribution of elements embedded in masonry, which work as traditional earthquake resistant solutions. This work presents the results of the numerical analyses simulating the out-of-plane response of reduced scale (1:2) U-shaped stone masonry walls built with earthquake resistant techniques embedded at the corners, namely steel ties in wall 1 and timber lath beams in wall 2, which were tested experimentally. The work primarily aims at the comparison of the results obtained with two different modelling strategies for the two reinforcing solutions, namely using 3D beams elements (CL18B) and solid elements (CHX60). The outcomes provided by this work represent a useful contribution to achieve a deeper understanding regarding the consistency of the aforementioned strategies in capturing the influence of traditional of earthquake resistant techniques on the out-of-plane response of reinforced stone masonry walls

Improving parity games in practice

Parity games are infinite-round two-player games played on directed graphs whose nodes are labeled with priorities. The winner of a play is determined by the smallest priority (even or odd) that is encountered infinitely often along the play. In the last two decades, several algorithms for solving parity games have been proposed and implemented in PGSolver, a platform written in OCaml. PGSolver includes the Zielonka’s recursive algorithm (RE, for short) which is known to be the best performing one over random games. Notably, several attempts have been carried out with the aim of improving the performance of RE in PGSolver, but with small advances in practice. In this work, we deeply revisit the implementation of RE by dealing with the use of specific data structures and programming languages such as Scala, Java, C++, and Go. Our empirical evaluation shows that these choices are successful, gaining up to three orders of magnitude in running time over the classic version of the algorithm implemented in PGSolver

Influence of traditional earthquake-resistant techniques on the out-of-plane behaviour of stone masonry walls: Experimental and numerical assessment

Preprint versionThe main goal of the work is to assess the efficiency of traditional earthquake resistant solutions to improve the out-of-plane performance of stone masonry walls. Therefore, the present paper presents the results of an experimental campaign and numerical analysis performed on three stone masonry walls with a U-shaped plan configuration. Two of them were built with traditional earthquake-resistant techniques usually found in European Mediterranean area, namely steel ties and timber-laced reinforcements embedded at the corners of the walls. These techniques are specifically intended to enhance wall-to-wall connections and, thus, improve the out-of-plane behaviour of the walls. The experimental campaign included qualitative assessment procedures, non-destructive tests for the material characterization and a quasi-static test for the characterization of the out-of-plane response. Additionally, a finite element numerical model was built, calibrated with the experimental results, allowing to perform a parametric study to evaluate the influence of the number of reinforcements and geometrical configuration on the out-of-plane behaviour of stone masonry walls.- (undefined

Assessing the Effects of 0.3% Carboxymethylcellulose Tear Substitute Treatment on Symptoms and Signs of Dry Eye Disease in Elderly Population : A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.Background: We aimed to evaluate the effects of 0.3% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) tear substitute treatment in dry eye disease (DED), as well as treatment compliance and adverse events (AEs). Methods: In this prospective, longitudinal study, a total of 30 eyes receiving 0.3% CMC tear substitute four times daily for DED were evaluated. Clinical endpoints included an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, average non-invasive tear film break-up time (A-NIBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), and a Schirmer test with anesthesia (ST). Treatment compliance and AEs were also assessed. All evaluations were performed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks of follow-up. Results: At the end of the follow-up, significant improvement was observed in all clinical endpoints with the following mean values: ΔOSDI questionnaire of −22.53 ± 14.68 points, ΔA-NIBUT of 4.81 ± 2.88 s, ΔLLT of 5.63 ± 6.53 nm, and ΔST of 2.8 ± 2.1 mm (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Although repeated measures analysis showed that all clinical endpoints presented statistically significant differences (p < 0.001 for all comparisons LLTBaseline–LLT2-weeks (p = 0.460) and LLT4-weeks–LLT12-weeks (p = 0.071) were the only pairs of measures that reported non-statistically significant differences). In addition, treatment compliance was 94.3 ± 5.2% and transient AEs related to the use of 0.3% CMC tear substitute were reported. Conclusions: 0.3% CMC tear substitute treatment seems to achieve beneficial effects on the OSDI questionnaire, A-NIBUT, LLT, and ST. However, further studies at this concentration are needed to confirm these results.Peer reviewe

Casting light on the European anchovy: from biology to conservation and industry

This manuscript explores the role of European anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the central Mediterranean Region, shedding light on their ecological significance, conservation challenges, and sustainable utilization. The European anchovy is one of Europe’s most important fish resources in the Mediterranean basin, and it is considered a keystone species, playing a pivotal role in both ecological and socio-economic dimensions. However, in recent decades, European anchovy, together with Sardina pilchardus (commonly known as European sardine), has suffered a population decline for several reasons. Consequently, it is necessary to improve the management of anchovy fisheries by understanding the reproductive modes and characteristics, the influence of currents on the passive transport of eggs and larvae, the feeding habits, the environmental adaptability (e.g., salinity), and the distribution of ecotypes along the Italian coasts. Such information is fundamental for the management of fisheries, especially artisanal ones, and to control frauds, especially in protected, geographically referred, and traditional high-quality commercial products. Various aspects, ranging from their population dynamics to their industrial processing and the ecological implications of these activities were delved, highlighting the knowledge about anchovy populations and ecotypes and its importance in maintaining ecosystem balance and sustaining human communities. The ecological interaction of anchovies within the food web, as essential data in the conservation actions and management of these resources was emphasized. In addition, the metabolic and stomach contents diversity among anchovy populations and ecotypes was discussed, enhancing our understanding of their adaptability to varying environmental conditions. The manuscript then explores the traditional and industrial processing of anchovies, encompassing aspects ranging from fishing techniques (i.e., methods of capture) to their industrial significance, sustainability concerns, issues of fraud, and the establishment of geographical traceability. Finally, the opportunities for sustainable and biotechnological utilization of anchovy discards were also further explored, demonstrating the potential for waste reduction and resource optimization

Soluble LR11/SorLA represses thermogenesis in adipose tissue and correlates with BMI in humans.

Thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important component of energy expenditure in mammals. Recent studies have confirmed its presence and metabolic role in humans. Defining the physiological regulation of BAT is therefore of great importance for developing strategies to treat metabolic diseases. Here we show that the soluble form of the low-density lipoprotein receptor relative, LR11/SorLA (sLR11), suppresses thermogenesis in adipose tissue in a cell-autonomous manner. Mice lacking LR11 are protected from diet-induced obesity associated with an increased browning of white adipose tissue and hypermetabolism. Treatment of adipocytes with sLR11 inhibits thermogenesis via the bone morphogenetic protein/TGFβ signalling pathway and reduces Smad phosphorylation. In addition, sLR11 levels in humans are shown to positively correlate with body mass index and adiposity. Given the need for tight regulation of a tissue with a high capacity for energy wastage, we propose that LR11 plays an energy conserving role that is exaggerated in states of obesity.AW and AVP were supported by FP7 – BetaBAT, BBSRC (BB/J009865/1), the British Heart Foundation (PG/12/53/29714) and MDU MRC. MJ and HB were supported by Japan Health and Labour Sciences Research grant (H22-rinkensui-ippan-001) and Grants-in–aid for Scientific Research from Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (24390231 and 24790907). VP was supported by Wellcome Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust. JR was supported by Ministerio de Educación, through “Programa Nacional de Movilidad de Recursos Humanos del Plan Nacional de I-D+i 2008-2011 (Subprograma de Estancias de Movilidad en el Extranjero “José Castillejo” para jóvenes Doctores, ref: JC2011-0248). SV was supported by MRC. WJS was supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF P-20218 and P-20455). Animal work was performed at the MDU DMC Core facilities.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from NPG via http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms995