Application of the Monte-Carlo Tree Search to Multi-Action Turn-Based Games with Hidden Information

Traditional search algorithms struggle when applied to complex multi-action turn-based games. The introduction of hidden information further increases domain complexity. The Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) algorithm has previously been applied to multi-action turn-based games, but not multi-action turn-based games with hidden information. This thesis compares several Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) extensions (Determinized/Perfect Information Monte Carlo, Multi-Observer Information Set MCTS, and Belief State MCTS) in TUBSTAP, an open-source multi-action turn-based game, modified to include hidden information via fog-of-war

Integrated Geophysical Study of Archaeological Sites in the Aquileia Area

Integrated remote sensing and geophysical methods can provide detailed information about buried cultural heritage. We implemented an integrated survey protocol (IREGA, Integrated REmote-sensing and Geophysical prospecting for Archaeology) and tested the performance of the method in the area of the ancient Roman town of Aquileia, NE Italy, to define and characterize microareas of archaeological interest starting from macro-area observations. We used electromagnetic (GPR; ground-penetrating radar), magnetic and remote sensing (MIVIS; Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer) to image and characterize buried targets of potential archaeological interest in the depth range between 100 and 350 cm. We identified various geometrically coherent anomalies, possibly related to subsurface structures, through MIVIS data processing and found them in good agreement with the elements reported in the Aquileia archaeological map obtained from documentary evidence and excavations performed in the last century. Ultra High Resolution (UHR) Multi- Fold (MF) Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) and magnetic surveys confirmed the MIVIS results and allowed imaging and mapping of buried structure related to different Roman remains (SE sector of the Circus, harbor and residential buildings foundations, roads)

Recent advances in the integrated geophysical exploration of buried archaeological targets

We propose the integration of magnetic, electromagnetic (groundpenetrating radar, GPR) and seismic methods to study the inner structure of prehistoric funerary mounds. The combination of techniques allows high-resolution imaging and detection of buried targets and characterization of subsurface materials based on magnetic susceptibility, dielectric permittivity, conductivity and seismic velocity/attenuation. The 2012 archaeo-geophysical expedition to Scythian necropoleis in Kazakhstan allowed advancement of the integrated procedure through optimization of the individual techniques. We improve the results of seismic tomography inversion through an ART algorithm with a relaxation parameter which is progressively reduced during the iterative reconstruction process. We use instantaneous attributes and spectral decomposition to improve the interpretation of GPR reflection data. The results obtained from the 2012 dataset allow detailed reconstruction of the inner structure of three kurgans (i.e. funerary mounds) with maximum 7m central elevation. In particular, localized anomalies related to metallic targets smaller than the GPR and seismic resolution limits are identified from magnetic data after high pass filtering; GPR data allow imaging of inner stratigraphy up to a maximum depth of about 250 cm; seismic tomography maps large traveltime anomalies probably related to funerary chambers at the base of the mound

Battleground Texas: Gendered Media Framing of the 2014 Texas Gubernatorial Race

Feminist political theory is a sprawling theoretical field that intertwines sociological and philosophical perspectives and applies them to the study of campaigns, policy, voting, and the general structure of what Americans call politics. In Western democratic republics, the concept of participation has been hotly debated, specifically with regard to voting. Applying the critical lens of an intersectional feminist perspective introduces questions about the participation of different genders, races, classes, and cultural groups in political action, voting, and running for office. Before equal representation can be attained (if that is, indeed, desirable), it is important to understand how our politics are constructed. Feminism in the field of political communication is almost as old as the discipline itself. In this paper, the researchers explore a specific mixed-gender race in Texas, using the underlying assumptions of feminist political theory as a lens to examine how the race was rhetorically constructed in the media. By mixing methodologies and multiple analyses, both content-related and critical, these stories of mixed-gender campaigns may illuminate how gender is constructed in political races by the media and elucidate the potential constraints imposed on candidates seeking office

Polarity assessment of reflection seismic data: a Deep Learning approach

We propose a procedure for the polarity assessment in reflection seismic data based on a Neural Network approach. The algorithm is based on a fully 1D approach, which does not require any input besides the seismic data since the necessary parameters are all automatically estimated. An added benefit is that the prediction has an associated probability, which automatically quantifies the reliability of the results. We tested the proposed procedure on synthetic and real reflection seismic data sets. The algorithm is able to correctly extract the seismic horizons also in case of complex conditions, such as along the flanks of salt domes, and is able to track polarity inversions

Multi-frequency and multi-attribute GPR data fusion based on 2-D wavelet transform

High frequency GPR signals offer high resolution while low frequency GPR signals offer greater depth of penetration. Effective fusion of multiple frequencies can combine the advantages of both. In addition, GPR attribute analysis can improve subsurface imaging, but a single attribute can only partly highlight details of different physical and geometrical properties of subsurface potential targets. In order to overcome these challenges, we implement an advanced multi-frequency and multi-attribute GPR data fusion approach based on 2-D wavelet transform utilizing a dynamic fusion weight scheme derived from edge detection algorithm, which is tested on data from a small glacier in the north-eastern Alps by 250 & 500 MHz central frequency antennas. Besides, information entropy and spatial frequency are developed as quantitative evaluation parameters to analyze the fusion outcomes. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can enhance the efficiency and scope of GPR data interpretation in an automatic and objective way

Integrating Airborne Laser Scanning and 3D Ground-Penetrating Radar for the Investigation of Protohistoric Structures in Croatian Istria

We present the investigation of two rather ephemeral archaeological sites located in the municipality of Oprtalj/Portole (Croatian Istria) by means of integrated archaeological, geophysical and remote sensing techniques. The results obtained confirm the first interpretation of these contexts; a protohistoric burial mound and a small hillfort, respectively. We further obtained detailed information about both deposits through 2D and 3D remote sensing and geophysical studies that produced maps, volumes, profiles and cross-sections. At the first site, the volume reconstruction of both the inner stone core and the superimposed earth of the putative stone mound also allowed us to estimate the labour necessary to erect the structure. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the integrated approach can be valuable not only to acquire novel data about the archaeological deposits but also to calibrate future investigations and to plan effective measures for heritage management, monitoring and valorization

The Influence of Different Substrates on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Slovenian Sweetpotato Cultivars under Greenhouse Conditions

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the genetic relatedness between three Slovenian sweetpotato cultivars; and to assess the effects of different growing substrates on selected agronomic and nutritional traits. Tubers of three cultivars (‘Lučka’, ‘Janja’ and ‘Martina’) with different skin/flesh color were produced in planters under glasshouse conditions in five different growing substrates (perlite, peat, expanded clay, vermiculite and garden soil) from prior raised seedlings. Genetic analysis was performed using a set of eight SSR markers. According to Nei’s genetic distance and pairwise population Fst analysis, the most related cultivars are ‘Janja’ and ‘Martina’. The following agronomic traits were evaluated: vine length, thickness of vine-base, number of branches, weight of above ground part, number of leaves plant−1, number of tubers plant−1 and tubers weight plant−1. Among nutritional traits, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant potential (AOP) and ascorbic acid content (AA) were determined. Significant interactions of growing substrates (factor A) × cultivar (factor B) were observed for thickness of vine-base, weight of above ground part, AOP, TPC and AA. Overall results show different response of cultivars in different growing substrate. Growing substrate provide a discriminant classification of the sweetpotato cultivars according to their agronomic and nutritional traits

Trmun (north-eastern Italy): Multi-scale remote and ground-based sensing of a Bronze Age and post-Roman fortification

We have used multi-scale remote sensing to investigate a little known archaeological site in northern Istria (north-eastern Italy). Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) and archaeological field surveys have allowed us to identify the position and extension of a large Protohistoric hillfort. Its highest and best-preserved sector, corresponding to a modest elevation at the eastern margin of the settlement, has been further investigated through thermal imaging, high-resolution ALS, drone Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), leading to a detailed identification of unexpected buried features. An excavation campaign conducted in 2022 has confirmed the remote and ground-based sensing results. This excavation has led to the discovery of a Bronze Age fortification, partially reused and modified with the construction of 2 or 3 square towers during the post-Roman period. Our results demonstrate that the combined analysis of multi-scale remote and ground-based sensing is crucial to planning archaeological exploration in the field. Digital methods provide high-resolution topography and detect buried features that assist in monitoring and managing cultural heritage

The burden of severe cases of Influenza disease: The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region experience

IIntroduction. Influenza is a matter of serious concern for clinicians, in both outpatient and in-hospital settings. Worldwide, the 2017-18 epidemic proved to be the most severe since 2003-04. We report a real-world experience regarding the management of patients with influenza admitted to a large teaching hospital in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region during the 2017-2018 influenza season. We also provide a practical guide for the management of hospitalized influenza patients. Methods. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted among all influenza patients requiring admission to our center during the 2017-18 season. Results. Overall, 29 patients were admitted to the University Hospital of Udine during the 2017-18 season with a diagnosis of influenza. B virus was responsible for the majority of cases. More than 65.5% of the subjects presented with a complication. We estimated that 41.4% of the patients admitted were affected by a \u201csevere form\u201d. All these cases required admission to the Intensive Care Unit, with 27.6% and 10.3% needing Orotracheal Intubation and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, respectively. The fatality rate was 24.1%. Notably, only 9 subjects in our cohort had been vaccinated. Based on the experience acquired during the past season, we propose a practical guide to the management of influenza cases in everyday hospital practice. Conclusion. The cornerstones of the management of all hospitalized influenza patients are the rapid identification and treatment of severe forms. Timely and strict adherence to contact and respiratory precautions are also fundamental to reducing the risk of intra-hospital outbreaks. Despite improvements in antiviral therapies and supportive measures, influenza-related morbidity and mortality remain high. In our opinion, a universal vaccination program is the only safe and effective method of filling the gap