Applying reinforcement learning in playing Robosoccer using the AIBO

"Robosoccer is a popular test bed for AI programs around the world in which AIBO entertainments robots take part in the middle sized soccer event. These robots need a variety of skills to perform in a semi-real environment like this. The three key challenges are manoeuvrability, image recognition and decision making skills. This research is focussed on the decision making skills ... The work focuses on whether reinforcement learning as a form of semi supervised learning can effectively contribute to the goal keeper's decision making when a shot is taken." -Master of Computing (by research

Multiscale Modeling of the Anisotropic Creep Response of SnAgCu Single Crystal

The lack of statistical homogeneity in functional SnAgCu (SAC) solder joints due to their coarse grained microstructure, in conjunction with the severe anisotropy exhibited by single crystal Sn, renders each joint unique in terms of mechanical behavior. An anisotropic multiscale modeling framework is proposed in this dissertation to capture the influence of the inherent elastic anisotropy and grain orientation in single crystal Sn on the primary and secondary creep response of single crystal SnAgCu (SAC) solder. Modeling of microstructural deformation mechanisms in SnAgCu (SAC) solder interconnects requires a multiscale approach because of tiered microstructural heterogeneities. The smallest length scale (Tier 0) refers to the Body Centered Tetragonal (BCT) structure of the Sn matrix itself because it governs: (1) the associated dislocation slip systems, (2) dislocation line tension (3) dislocation mobility and (4) intrinsic orthotropy of mechanical properties in the crystal principal axis system. The next higher length scale, (Tier 1), consists of nanoscale Ag3Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) surrounded by Body Centered Tetragonal (BCT) Sn to form the eutectic Sn-Ag phase. The next higher length scale (Tier 2) consists of micron scale lobes of pro-eutectic Sn dendrites surrounded by eutectic Sn-Ag regions and reinforced with micron scale Cu6Sn5 IMCs. Unified modeling of above two length scales provides constitutive properties for SAC single crystal. Tier 3 in coarse-grained solder joints consists of multiple SAC crystals along with grain boundaries. Finally, Tier 4 consists of the structural length scale of the solder joint. Line tension and mobility of dislocations (Tier 0) in dominant slip systems of single crystal Sn are captured for the elastic crystal anisotropy of body centered tetragonal (BCT) Sn by using Stroh's matrix formalism. The anisotropic creep rate of the eutectic Sn-Ag phase of Tier I is then modeled using above inputs and the evolving dislocation density calculated for the dominant glide systems. The evolving dislocation density history is estimated by modeling the equilibrium between three competing processes: (1) dislocation generation; (2) dislocation impediment (due to backstress from forest dislocations in the Sn dendrites and from the Ag3Sn IMC particles in the eutectic phase); and (3) dislocation recovery (by climb/diffusion from forest dislocations in the Sn dendrites and by climb/detachment from the Ag3Sn IMC particles in the eutectic phase). The creep response of the eutectic phase (from Tier 1) is combined with creep of ellipsoidal Sn lobes at Tier 2 using the anisotropic Mori-Tanaka homogenization theory, to obtain the creep response of SAC305 single crystal along global specimen directions and is calibrated to experimentally obtained creep response of a SAC305 single crystal specimen. The Eshelby strain concentration tensors required for this homogenization process are calculated numerically for ellipsoidal Sn inclusions embedded in anisotropic eutectic Sn-Ag matrix. The orientations of SAC single crystal specimens with respect to loading direction are identified using orientation image mapping (OIM) using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and then utilized in the model to estimate the resolved shear stress along the dominant slip directions. The proposed model is then used for investigating the variability of the transient and secondary creep response of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC305) solder, which forms the first objective of the dissertation. The transient creep strain rate along the [001] direction of SAC305 single crystal #1 is predicted to be 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that along the [100]/[010] direction. Parametric studies have also been conducted to predict the effect of changing orientation, aspect ratio and volume fraction of Sn inclusions on the anisotropic creep response of SAC single crystals. The predicted creep shear strain along the global specimen direction is found to vary by a factor of (1-3) orders of magnitude due to change in one of the Euler angles (j1) in SAC305 single crystal #1, which is in agreement with the variability observed in experiments. The second objective of this dissertation focuses on using this proposed modeling framework to characterize and model the creep constitutive response of new low-silver, lead-free interconnects made of Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC105) doped with trace elements, viz., Manganese (Mn) and Antimony (Sb). The proposed multiscale model is used to mechanistically model the improvement in experimentally observed steady state creep resistance of above SAC105X solders due to the microalloying with the trace elements. The third and final objective of this dissertation is to use the above multiscale microstructural model to mechanistically predict the effect of extended isothermal aging on experimentally observed steady state creep response of SAC305 solders. In summary, the proposed mechanistic predictive model is demonstrated to successfully capture the dominant load paths and deformation mechanisms at each length scale and is also shown to be responsive to the microstructural tailoring done by microalloying and the continuous microstructural evolution because of thermomechanical life-cycle aging mechanisms in solders

Effect of micronutrient supplementation on hormonal profile of local goat and sheep breeds of West Bengal

The investigation was carried out to assess the influence of trace mineral supplementation on certain steroid and thyroid hormones that affect reproduction in Black Bengal goat and Garole sheep. Trace mineral feeding to local goat and sheep breeds showed positive influence. Rise of the serum trace minerals does not necessarily influence rising of serum steroid and thyroid hormone levels within short period

Revolutionizing the Biological Landscape: the Power of Genome Editing

In recent decades, the advent of genome editing has brought about profound transformations in biology, allowing for precise modifications to the genetic material of living organisms beyond traditional genetic manipulation methods. This summary explores the vast potential, diverse applications, and ethical considerations associated with genome editing. Led by CRISPR-Cas9, this technology revolutionizes genetic engineering by providing unparalleled accuracy and versatility. Scientists can now manipulate genes with unprecedented precision, impacting various fields such as agriculture and medicine. Genome editing facilitates the creation of genetically modified organisms with desirable traits, from enhancing crop disease resistance to pioneering human therapies. Moreover, it sheds light on gene function, offering crucial biological insights. Despite its transformative potential, ethical concerns accompany genome editing, especially in terms of editing the germ line and its implications for future generations. This necessitates ongoing discussions to address unintended consequences, highlighting the importance of responsible use. Ultimately, genome editing represents a revolutionary advancement with the potential to transform agriculture, medicine, and our understanding of life. Moving forward, inclusive dialogues involving scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public are essential to ensure the responsible application of genome editing for the benefit of humanity and the environment

TLR4 is one of the receptors for Chikungunya virus envelope protein E2 and regulates virus induced pro-inflammatory responses in host macrophages

Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) receptor, is known to exert inflammation in various cases of microbial infection, cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, any such involvement of TLR4 in Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is yet to be explored. Accordingly, the role of TLR4 was investigated towards CHIKV infection and modulation of host immune responses in the current study using mice macrophage cell line RAW264.7, primary macrophage cells of different origins and in vivo mice model. The findings suggest that TLR4 inhibition using TAK-242 (a specific pharmacological inhibitor) reduces viral copy number as well as reduces the CHIKV-E2 protein level significantly using p38 and JNK-MAPK pathways. Moreover, this led to reduced expression of macrophage activation markers like CD14, CD86, MHC-II and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-6, MCP-1) significantly in both the mouse primary macrophages and RAW264.7 cell line, in vitro. Additionally, TAK-242-directed TLR4 inhibition demonstrated a significant reduction of percent E2-positive cells, viral titre and TNF expression in hPBMC-derived macrophages, in vitro. These observations were further validated in TLR4-knockout (KO) RAW cells. Furthermore, the interaction between CHIKV-E2 and TLR4 was demonstrated by immuno-precipitation studies, in vitro and supported by molecular docking analysis, in silico. TLR4-dependent viral entry was further validated by an anti-TLR4 antibody-mediated blocking experiment. It was noticed that TLR4 is necessary for the early events of viral infection, especially during the attachment and entry stages. Interestingly, it was also observed that TLR4 is not involved in the post-entry stages of CHIKV infection in host macrophages. The administration of TAK-242 decreased CHIKV infection significantly by reducing disease manifestations, improving survivability (around 75%) and reducing inflammation in mice model. Collectively, for the first time, this study reports TLR4 as one of the novel receptors to facilitate the attachment and entry of CHIKV in host macrophages, the TLR4-CHIKV-E2 interactions are essential for efficient viral entry and modulation of infection-induced pro-inflammatory responses in host macrophages, which might have translational implication for designing future therapeutics to regulate the CHIKV infection