MAA*: A Heuristic Search Algorithm for Solving Decentralized POMDPs

We present multi-agent A* (MAA*), the first complete and optimal heuristic search algorithm for solving decentralized partially-observable Markov decision problems (DEC-POMDPs) with finite horizon. The algorithm is suitable for computing optimal plans for a cooperative group of agents that operate in a stochastic environment such as multirobot coordination, network traffic control, `or distributed resource allocation. Solving such problems efiectively is a major challenge in the area of planning under uncertainty. Our solution is based on a synthesis of classical heuristic search and decentralized control theory. Experimental results show that MAA* has significant advantages. We introduce an anytime variant of MAA* and conclude with a discussion of promising extensions such as an approach to solving infinite horizon problems.Comment: Appears in Proceedings of the Twenty-First Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (UAI2005

A Study to Investigate the Influence of Work Safety Scale (WSS) on Compliance with Safety Behavior Among Foreign Workers in Construction Industry

There were limited studies on safety being carried out involving the foreign worker compared to local employees. Safety trainings and awareness programmes had been aggressively put into actions to get the staffs involvement and commitment over safety yet there are still incidents and accidents at construction site involving foreign workers. This study was conducted to determine the influence of the five facets of Work Safety Scale (WSS) on compliance with safety behavior among foreign worker and their perception on safety. A total of 278 guidance questionnaires were distributed to the sample chosen on the study consisting of five independent variables of Work Safety Scale that are: (a) job safety, (b) co-worker safety, (c) supervisor safety, (d) management safety practices and (e) satisfaction of the safety programme and compliance safety behavior as the dependent variables. The result revealed the mean of WSS among the foreign workers are moderate with mean value is 3.016. Finally, the finding of the study also shows that job safety, co-worker safety, supervisor safety and management safety practices are significantly related to compliance safety behavior whilst safety programme have no any intercorrelation to safety behavior in this study

Probability of occurrence of health and safety risks on scaffolding caused by noise exposure

The paper presents the results of measurements for one hundred and ten scaffolds located in five cities in different parts of Poland. Measurements were made between April of 2016 and October of 2017. The environmental tests performed on scaffoldings were focused mainly on the sound level. The parameters on which we base our analysis are the value of C-weighted peak sound levels and daily noise exposure level. The noise that affects construction workers on scaffolding may influence the behaviour of workers and increase the risk of accidents. And at the same time, noise exposure laws facilitate identification of high noise-emitting activities and provide effective preventive measures that reduce noise pollution and improve work environments. The analyses carried out confirmed the qualitatively expected dependencies, and allowed us to quantify the impact of noise to which scaffolding workers are exposed. In summary, noise measurements on scaffoldings can be a valuable aid in improving working conditions. The analysis of research results allows understanding hazards related to noise in an accessible way. They provide the opportunity to modify the professional environment so that it is more employee-friendly and does not expose them to problems occurring in a noisy work environment

Changes in experience and behavior of schizophrenic patients in therapy groups improve functioning and symptoms. RCT with 154 outpatients in CR-group compared to TAU

For the treatment of schizophrenia patients, some evidence-based group therapy approaches with different treatment goals are available today, also in cognitive remediation. However, there is little to no data on how the group factor, as an unspecific mechanism of change, affects the treatment outcome in schizophrenia patients. Does participation in goal-directed groups per se affect treatment outcome? Methods: To address this gap, a group approach to cognitive remediation developed in our laboratory (Integrated Neurocognitive Therapy, INT) was compared with control patients who did not participate in therapy groups (Treatment As Usual, TAU). 154 outpatients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to INT (N=79) or TAU (n=75). INT was administered twice a week for a therapy duration of 15 weeks. A comprehensive test battery was assessed before and after therapy, as well as at the 1-year follow-up in both comparison groups. The group factor was assessed with the newly developed short questionnaire "Experience and Behavior in Therapy Groups EBIT", which comprises 11 items. Results: The therapy group showed significantly better effects in EBIT outcome compared to controls regarding the global score (mean of all EBIT items) (GLM: F=5.42, p <.01) as well as the empirical 2-factor solution using factor analysis: factor 1 (inactivity and fear) (GLM: F=5.05; p <.01) and factor 2 (eye contact and attention during communication) (F=4.02, p=.02). Additionally, EBIT scores are significantly associated with improvement in cognition, negative and general symptoms after treatment. Furthermore, EBIT scores are also significantly correlated with treatment motivation and therapy attendance rate but not with positive symptoms and medication. Conclusion: The group factor can be identified and measured using a brief questionnaire. Additionally, the experience and behavior in groups have a supplement positive effect on various group outcome variables

Deletions of the derivative chromosome 9 occur at the time of the Philadelphia translocation and provide a powerful and independent prognostic indicator in chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by formation of the BCR-ABL fusion gene, usually as a consequence of the Philadelphia (Ph) translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. Large deletions on the derivative chromosome 9 have recently been reported, but it was unclear whether deletions arose during disease progression or at the time of the Ph translocation. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was used to assess the deletion status of 253 patients with CML. The strength of deletion status as a prognostic indicator was then compared to the Sokal and Hasford scoring systems. The frequency of deletions was similar at diagnosis and after disease progression but was significantly increased in patients with variant Ph translocations. In patients with a deletion, all Ph+ metaphases carried the deletion. The median survival of patients with and without deletions was 38 months and 88 months, respectively (P = .0001). By contrast the survival difference between Sokal or Hasford high-risk and non-high-risk patients was of only borderline significance (P = .057 and P = .034). The results indicate that deletions occur at the time of the Ph translocation. An apparently simple reciprocal translocation may therefore result in considerable genetic heterogeneity ab initio, a concept that is likely to apply to other malignancies associated with translocations. Deletion status is also a powerful and independent prognostic factor for patients with CML. The prognostic significance of deletion status should now be studied prospectively and, if confirmed, should be incorporated into management decisions and the analysis of clinical trials. (C) 2001 by The American Society of Hematology

Enzyme replacement therapy with taliglucerase alfa: 36-month safety and efficacy results in adult patients with Gaucher disease previously treated with imiglucerase.

Taliglucerase alfa is the first available plant cell-expressed human recombinant therapeutic protein. It is indicated for treatment of patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD) in adult and pediatric patients in several countries. Study PB-06-002 examined the safety and efficacy of taliglucerase alfa for 9 months in patients who previously received imiglucerase. The results of adult patients from Study PB-06-002 who continued receiving taliglucerase alfa in extension Study PB-06-003 for up to 36 months are reported here. Eighteen patients received at least one dose of taliglucerase alfa in Study PB-06-003; 10 patients completed 36 total months of therapy, and four patients who transitioned to commercial drug completed 30-33 months of treatment. In patients who completed 36 total months of treatment, mean percent (±standard error) changes from baseline/time of switch to taliglucerase alfa to 36 months were as follows: hemoglobin concentration, -1.0% (±1.9%; n = 10); platelet count, +9.3% (±9.8%; n = 10); spleen volume measured in multiples of normal (MN), -19.8% (±9.9%; n = 7); liver volume measured in MN, +0.9% (±5.4%; n = 8); chitotriosidase activity, -51.5% (±8.1%; n = 10); and CCL18 concentration, -36.5 (±8.0%; n = 10). Four patients developed antidrug antibodies, including one with evidence of neutralizing activity in vitro. All treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate and transient. The 36-month results of switching from imiglucerase to taliglucerase alfa treatment in adults with GD provide further data on the clinical safety and efficacy of taliglucerase alfa beyond the initial 9 months of the original study. www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00705939. Am. J. Hematol. 91:661-665, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Parasocial Relationships with Musicians

Extending research on the development of parasocial relationships (PSR), the present study fits into a long line of research beginning with Rubin and McHugh’s (1987) seminal work investigating the how communication, liking, and intimacy interact as audiences form relationships with mediated characters.  The current study applied Ruben and McHugh’s model to the unique connection consumers feel with their favorite musicians.  Structural equation modeling reveals that these parasocial relationships with musicians differ from those previously found with more traditional media characters. The model confirms that music fans develop parasocial relationships with musicians, as well as reinforce previous findings that exposure is a powerful predictor of physical attraction.  The results provide justification for extending the theoretical expectations of parasocial relationships to musicians

Oral chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in Australia: clinical features and challenges in management

Data from the Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry show a steady increase in the number of allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) performed annually in Australia and New Zealand. In 2012, 629 allogeneic HSCT were performed. Allogeneic HSCT is associated with numerous potential complications, including chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). The oral cavity is one of the most frequent sites affected by cGvHD, often leading to significant disability and reduced quality of life. Management strategies are often complex, of variable efficacy and influenced by the availability of various therapeutic agents, access to compounding pharmacies and associated costs. This paper summarises the current status of allogeneic HSCT in Australia and New Zealand with a focus on oral cGvHD and the associated challenges in its management. Key words: graft-versus-host disease, oral mucosa, saliva

Programmation dynamique à base de points pour la résolution des DEC-POMDPs

National audienceNous présentons un nouvel algorithme de planification pour la construction de systèmes multi-agents réactifs et situés pouvant se modéliser par des processus de décision de Markov décentralisés (DEC-POMDP). Cet algorithme est fondé sur la programmation dynamique à base de points. Il est dérivé de techniques de programmation dynamique optimale utilisées pour résoudre des jeux stochastiques partiellement observables(POSG) et des techniques d'approximation utilisées pour résoudre des POMDP mono-agents. Nous montrons pour la première fois qu'il est possible de déterminer un ensemble d'états de croyance multi-agent pertinents, et nous montrons comment ce calcul permet ensuite d'éviter le recours à la programmation linéaire très couteuse dans le cas multi-agent. Nous détaillons une version exacte et une version approximative de notre algorithme, et nous montrons son efficacité sur un exemple de la littérature