Modeling Lane-based Traffic Flow In Emergency Situations In The Presence Of Multiple Heterogeneous Flows

In recent years, natural, man-made and technological disasters have been increasing in magnitude and frequency of occurrence. Terrorist attacks have increased after the September 11, 2001. Some authorities suggest that global warming is partly the blame for the increase in frequency of natural disasters, such as the series of hurricanes in the early-2000\u27s. Furthermore, there has been noticeable growth in population within many metropolitan areas not only in the US but also worldwide. These and other facts motivate the need for better emergency evacuation route planning (EERP) approaches in order to minimize the loss of human lives and property. This research considers aspects of evacuation routing never before considered in research and, more importantly, in practice. Previous EERP models only either consider unidirectional evacuee flow from the source of a hazard to destinations of safety or unidirectional emergency first responder flow to the hazard source. However, in real-life emergency situations, these heterogeneous, incompatible flows occur simultaneously over a bi-directional capacitated lane-based travel network, especially in unanticipated emergencies. By incompatible, it is meant that the two different flows cannot occupy a given lane and merge or crossing point in the travel network at the same time. In addition, in large-scale evacuations, travel lane normal flow directions can be reversed dynamically to their contraflow directions depending upon the degree of the emergency. These characteristics provide the basis for this investigation. This research considers the multiple flow EERP problem where the network travel lanes can be reconfigured using contraflow lane reversals. The first flow is vehicular flow of evacuees from the source of a hazard to destinations of safety, and the second flow is the emergency first responders to the hazard source. After presenting a review of the work related to the multiple flow EERP problem, mathematical formulations are proposed for three variations of the EERP problem where the objective for each problem is to identify an evacuation plan (i.e., a flow schedule and network contraflow lane configuration) that minimizes network clearance time. Before the proposed formulations, the evacuation problem that considers only the flow of evacuees out of the network, which is viewed as a maximum flow problem, is formulated as an integer linear program. Then, the first proposed model formulation, which addresses the problem that considers the flow of evacuees under contraflow conditions, is presented. Next, the proposed formulation is expanded to consider the flow of evacuees and responders through the network but under normal flow conditions. Lastly, the two-flow problem of evacuees and responders under contraflow conditions is formulated. Using real-world population and travel network data, the EERP problems are each solved to optimality; however, the time required to solve the problems increases exponentially as the problem grows in size and complexity. Due to the intractable nature of the problems as the size of the network increases, a genetic-based heuristic solution procedure that generates evacuation network configurations of reasonable quality is proposed. The proposed heuristic solution approach generates evacuation plans in the order of minutes, which is desirable in emergency situations and needed to allow for immediate evacuation routing plan dissemination and implementation in the targeted areas

Analysis of Dijkstra’s and A* algorithm to find the shortest path

There are so many algorithms used to find the shortest path such as Dijkstra, A* algorithm, Genetic algorithm, Floyd algorithm and Ant algorithm. In this study, two algorithms will be focused on. This study compares the Dijkstra’s, and A* algorithm to estimate search time and distance of algorithms to find the shortest path. It needs the appropriate algorithm to search the shortest path. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore which is the best shortest path algorithm by comparing the two types of algorithms. Such that it can be used to solve the problem path, search to analyze their efficiency in an environment based on two dimensional matrix which is best because of lookup time. This study implements the algorithm in visual C++ 2008 and design interface for the algorithms that allow the user to find the shortest path with the search time and the distance by determine the size of map, starting node and the destination node. The experimental result showed the search time of A* algorithm is faster than Dijkstra’s algorithm with average value 466ms and the distance is same of the both of algorithms

Evaluation of a shorter 12h acetylcysteine regimen & development of a simpler acetylcysteine (SNAP) protocol for the treatment of paracetamol poisoning

PhD ThesisParacetamol is the commonest drug involved in hospital admissions with poisoning in the UK. Acetylcysteine (NAC) is the antidote of choice for treatment of paracetamol overdose, but the original 3-bag NAC regimen, designed in Edinburgh, is associated with infusion-related adverse reactions related to high peak plasma acetylcysteine concentrations from the high loading infusion of 600mg/kg/h. The Scottish and Newcastle Antiemetic Pre-treatment (SNAP) study has shown that a simpler 12 h regimen (SNAP) consisting of a reduced loading infusion rate of 50mg/kg/h, causes significantly fewer adverse reactions (1). The SNAP regimen was implemented in 3 UK hospitals with the approval of their local medicines management committees with prospective audit of clinical outcomes. In this thesis, I have compared the efficacy in preventing hepatotoxicity of a 12h (‘SNAP’) regimen with the conventional 21 h NAC regimen used to treat paracetamol poisoning, including in patients at high risk of developing hepatotoxicity. Secondly, I have developed and validated a simple clinical decision rule for safe discharge of patients at the end of the 12h NAC treatment. Thirdly, I have developed a simpler 12 h NAC (‘SNAP’) protocol and care pathway to facilitate implementation in clinical practice. The major findings and conclusions of the thesis are: i) development of hepatotoxicity (peak ALT >1000) and hepatic synthetic dysfunction (INR greater than 2) in patients treated with the SNAP regimen were not significantly different compared to the conventional regimen both in high-risk and low-risk patients (14.6% SNAP vs 15.2% standard, 95% CI, - 8.2 to 9.8), and (3.2% SNAP vs 2.6% standard, 95% CI, - 0.7 to 1.8), respectively; ii) paracetamol-aminotransferase multiplication product (APAP×AT) >1500 mg L-1× IU L-1 h is a predictor of hepatotoxicity in patients treated with NAC and an important confounding variable, particularly in patients presenting late (P=0.001); iii) The SNAP regimen can interfere with coagulation activity with a median INR increase of 0.3 from baseline, even in the absence of liver injury, indicating that re-measurement of the INR at least 24 h post exposure if there is no other evidence of hepatic injury can avoid unnecessary additional treatment with NAC; iv) a simple clinical decision rule (paracetamol <10 and ALT≤ ULN, and ALT not doubled or more than doubled from admission value) accurately predicted patients who were eligible to discharge safely after a shorter 12 h SNAP regimen with 100% positively predictive value, which can be used to facilitate earlier discharge of low-risk patients.Princess Norah bint Abdurahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ministry of Education and the Saudi Cultural Bureau in Londo

Pengaruh Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) terhadap Kadar Creatine Kinase (CK) dan Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) pada Proses Pemulihan Setelah Latihan Interval Intensitas Tinggi

Penelitian mengenai Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) telah diketahui memberikan hasil positif pada penyakit inflamasi, perbaikan jaringan, dan penanganan nyeri. Namun penggunaan LLLT pada bidang kedokteran olahraga masih sangat terbatas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh LLLT terhadap kadar creatine kinase (CK) dan lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) sebagai biomarker kerusakan otot setelah latihan interval intensitas tinggi.Penelitian eksperimental kuasi dengan rancangan single-blind, randomized, placebo controlled dilakukan dengan 20 orang subjek laki-laki sehat yang tidak terlatih. Subjek dibagi menjadi dua kelompok yakni kelompok dengan LLLT aktif dan kelompok kontrol plasebo. Setiap kelompok akan melakukan latihan interval intensitas tinggi mneggunakan sepeda statis dengan intensitas kayuh 50%-80% HR maksimal selama 30 menit. Segera setelah latihan fisik kelompok perlakuan akan diberikan LLLT (810nm, 5mW, 40 Joule) menggunakan probe multi diode pada 4 titik untuk masing-masing tungkai bawah, sedangkan kelompok kontrol menerima plasebo. Terdapat perbedaan kadar CK yang signifikan antara kelompok LLLT (105,50 ± 47,12) dan kelompok kontrol (182,91 ± 49,77) (p<0,05). Hasil pengukuran kadar LDH juga menunjukan hasil yang signifikan dengan rerata kelompok LLLT 144,37 ± 15,96 dan kelompok kontrol 183,88 ± 30,19 (p<0,05)

Novel quinazoline and acetamide derivatives as safe anti-ulcerogenic agent and anti-ulcerative colitis activity

Two novel quinazoline derivatives named as; 3-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-2-p-tolyl3H-quinazolin-4-one (5) and 2-p-Tolyl-3-[3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzylidene-amino]-3H-quinazolin-4-one (6) in addition to one acetamide derivative named as 2-(2-Hydroxycarbonylphenylamino)-N-(4- aminosulphonylphenyl) 11 were synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-ulcerogenic & AntiUlcerative colitis activities. All of the three compounds showed curative activity against acetic acid induced ulcer model at a dose of 50 mg/kg, they produced 65%, 85% & 57.74% curative ratio for compounds 5, 6 & 11 respectively. The effect of the tested compounds 5, 6 & 11 at dose 50 mg/kg were significantly (P < 0.01) more effective than dexamesathone (0.1 mg/kg) in reducing all parameters. Compounds showed curative activity of for peptic ulcer (induced by absolute alcohol (at a dose of 50 mg/kg, it produced Curative of control ulcer 56.00%, 61.70% & 87.1% for compounds 5, 6 & 11 respectively at dose 50 mg/kg, while the standard drug (Omeprazole 20 mg/kg) produced 33.3%. In both tests, the activity of our target compounds were higher than the standard drugs used for treatment of peptic ulcer and ulcerative colitis. No side effects were reported on liver and kidney functions upon prolonged oral administration of this compounds

Anti-ulcerogenic and anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) activities of seven amines derivatives

The Novel target compounds (CP-1-7) were synthesized and tested at doses up to 1000mg/kg for their entitled activities. They exerted promising results without any behavioral changes and mortality in mice. Therefore, according to the results obtained in our study, it could be categorized as highly safe agents for treating UC since substances possessing LD50 higher than 50mg/kg are considered nontoxic. They also possessed a potent anti-ulcerogenic activity with different potentials. The most effective compound was CP-4, it produced 97.7% ulcer protection of control followed by CP-3, which produced 90.3% protection, while the standard drug ranitidine (100mg/kg) produced 49.2% protection. Compound CP-1 showed lowest activity among the current series, it produced 55.5% protection. The target compounds were significantly more effective than the standard in reducing ulcer index. The anti-ulcerative colitis activity was tested using acetic acid induced colitis model. The curative effect of the tested compounds at a dose of 50mg/kg oral administration on rats showed a potent anti-ulcerative colitis activity with different potentials. They induced a significant decrease in ulcer score, ulcer area, ulcer index and weight/length of the colon specimens.The percent protection of control colitis ranged from 66.8% for CP-7 to 22.3% for CP-5; however the percent protection for dexamesathone (0.1. mg/kg) was 59.3%. The effect of the tested compounds CP-7 and CP-3 at dose 50. mg/kg were significantly more effective than dexamesathone (0.1. mg/kg) in reducing all parameters.Liver functions were not affected as there is no effect on the activity of both AST and ALT in animals that received the compounds, so the compounds didn't reveal hepatotoxic manifestation. Although, the results on kidney functions showed that, CP-1 slightly elevated blood urea concentration and CP-3 & CP-4 slightly elevated serum creatinine; no apparent nephrotoxic manifestations were recorded

Student Attitudes and Interests in STEM in Qatar through the Lens of the Social Cognitive Theory

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) has taken center stage as a priority policy agenda for Qatar’s leadership. At present, STEM stands as a fundamental catalyst for Qatar’s sustainable economic, environmental, human, and social development goals, as is outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the determinants of students’ interest in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) studies and eventual careers in Qatar. This study used a survey involving a representative sample of a total of 425 students from public (government-funded) middle schools in the country. Data for this research were gathered using a survey distributed to students in grades 7, 8, and 9. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, a survey was implemented with a view to investigating the intrinsic and extrinsic factors likely to contribute to student STEM educational and career interest. Two main statistical tests were carried out: independent sample t-tests and one way ANOVA. Results derived from the study reveal that gender, nationality, and parental education and occupation served as predictors of student interest in a STEM degree or profession. The results derived from this study have important implications for STEM-related fields of study and career.This study was made possible by an NPRP-C # Subproject (NPRP12C-33955-SP-93), which is part of a cluster project (NPRP12C-0828-190023) from the Qatar national research fund (a member of the Qatar foundation). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Novel essential amino acid-sulfanilamide hybrid as safe anti-ulcerogenic agent with anti-helicobacter pylori activity

A novel and safe essential amino acid (Leucine) incorporating sulfanilamide was synthesized, and evaluated for its anti-ulcerogenic activity and in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. The new molecule showed a dose dependent activity against absolute ethanol-induced ulcer in rats, it produced percent protection of control ulcer by 66.7 at dose 100 mg/kg. In addition it showed a potent anti-Helicobacter pylori activity in vitro against 7 clinically isolated strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 12.5 to 50 μg/ml. The preliminary safety studies and toxicity profile are optimistic and encouraging

Kids' Atlas application to Learn about Geography and Maps

Geography is the study of local and spatial variations in physical and human events on Earth. Studies of the world's geography have grown together with human developments and revolutions. Atlases often present geographic features and boundaries of areas; an atlas is a compilation of different Earth maps or Earth regions, such as the Middle East, and the continents of Asia, and North America. Most teachers still use classical methods of teaching. Geographical concepts and map-reading skills are the most common aspects of learning that early-stage students find challenging. Hence, the objective of this application is to develop a geography application for children between the ages of 9 and 12 years that would allow them to learn maps. Nowadays, smartphones and mobile apps are drawing closer to becoming acceptable learning tools. To facilitate this, Kids' Atlas is an android application, the main purpose of which is to help children to learn easily and test their knowledge. The application improves learning through entertainment by adding technologies that will help children to learning geography. It captures their attention to learn by visualizing objects and allows them to interact more effectively than traditional methods teaching by visualizing the 3D items. The application intends to improve the individual's ability to understand by providing a training section containing simple quizzes, listening/voice recognition capability, and it has the ability to search for a country by voice recognition and zooming for searched country. The methodology involves a set of software development phases, beginning with the planning; analyze data, design, implementation, testing and maintenance phases. The result of this project is a geography learning application that assists children to enjoy learning geography. The result has shown positive indicators that improve children's ability and knowledge of geography. Learning geography also becomes enjoyable; encouraging and motivating children to continue learning. This project contributes to the growth of education in early childhood, which is essential to shape the nation for the future. Therefore, this project is significant and relevant, as it contributes to the knowledge society for Saudi Arabia