Simulation method of urban evacuation based on mesoscopic cellular automata

This study integrates pedestrian flow characteristics to formulate a mesoscopic cellular automata model tailored for simulating evacuations in large-scale scenarios. Departing from the conventional planar grid cell division, the model employs road cell segmentation, thereby physically enlarging the dimensions of individual cells. This augmentation accommodates an increased occupancy of individuals per cell, representing pedestrian flow parameters within each cell through state variables. The source loading cell facilitates the simulation of pedestrian behavior transitioning from buildings to roads during an actual evacuation event, while the unloading cell situated at the exit removes evacuees from the system. The continuity equation for state transitions comprehensively encapsulates the dynamics of pedestrians throughout the evacuation process. Potential challenges in actual evacuation processes are identified through the simulation, offering valuable insights for improvement. This research aims to contribute to a more effective and informed approach to evacuation planning and management.Comment: 13 pages, 14figure

Exploring crowd persistent dynamism from pedestrian crossing perspective: An empirical study

Crowd studies have gained increasing relevance due to the recurring incidents of crowd crush accidents. In addressing the issue of the crowd's persistent dynamism, this paper explored the macroscopic and microscopic features of pedestrians crossing in static and dynamic contexts, employing a series of systematic experiments. Firstly, empirical evidence has confirmed the existence of crowd's persistent dynamism. Subsequently, the research delves into two aspects, qualitative and quantitative, to address the following questions:(1) Cross pedestrians tend to avoid high-density areas when crossing static crowds and particularly evade pedestrians in front to avoid deceleration, thus inducing the formation of cross-channels, a self-organization phenomenon.(2) In dynamic crowds, when pedestrian suffers spatial constrained, two patterns emerge: decelerate or detour. Research results indicate the differences in pedestrian crossing behaviors between static and dynamic crowds, such as the formation of crossing channels, backward detours, and spiral turning. However, the strategy of pedestrian crossing remains consistent: utilizing detours to overcome spatial constraints. Finally, the empirical results of this study address the final question: pedestrians detouring causes crowds' persistent collective dynamism. These findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of pedestrian dynamics in extreme conditions and provide empirical support for research on individual movement patterns and crowd behavior prediction.Comment: 31pages, 17figure

The Sediment Selectivity of Perinereis aibuhitensis Larvae: Active or Passive?

The selectivity of Perinereis aibuhitensis larvae on different sediment types was studied using an experimental behavioral device in the lab. There were six types of sediment with different organic matter content: 2.19, 2.30, 2.86, 3.25, 3.51, and 5.52%. The results indicated significant differences in the six treatments’ organic matter content (p < 0.05). When the P. aibuhitensis larvae initially attached to the sediment, the larvae’s density showed no significant difference among the six treatments. The density of larvae decreased gradually during the experimental period. It increased with the increasing organic matter content in sediment at every sampling time, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The larvae’s specific growth rate in the first month was significantly higher than those in the second and third months (p < 0.05). The mortality showed no significance at different sediments in equal sampling times, but the mortality was lower in high organic matter content sediments. This study showed that the P. aibuhitensis larvae did not make an active selection; random selection happened when initially attached to the sediment with different organic matter contents. Higher organic matter content in the sediment was more conducive to larvae survival, and the organic matter content is the limitation factor on the mortality and the density. The different densities in the natural habitat of P. aibuhitensis might occur due to the passive selection by the environment

Application of polychaetes in (de)coupled integrated aquaculture: an approach for fish waste bioremediation

ABSTRACT: Development of benthic components within integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems warrants more attention, and the development of polychaetes as an extractive component in IMTA systems is ongoing. This study estimates the bioremediation potential of Capitella sp. and Ophryotrocha craigsmithi for coupled and decoupled salmon-driven IMTA. In coupled IMTA, polychaetes receive fresh faeces, while in decoupled IMTA, preservation of faeces is applied. Respiration and ammonia excretion rates were measured for polychaetes fed fresh, oven-dried or acidified salmon faeces, and combined with nutrients incorporated into tissue growth, to estimate nutrient requirements. Nutrient requirements were subsequently used to evaluate bioremediation potential. Metabolic rates were highest for O. craigsmithi and contributed notably to their overall nutrient requirement (20-30%). For the 2 polychaete species, nutrient requirements ranged from 5 to 26 mg C and from 2 to 6 mg N g-1 AFDW d-1. These requirements were comparable with or higher than other polychaete species, highlighting the potential for fish waste bioremediation by Capitella sp. and O. craigsmithi. Preserved diets reduced bioremediation potential 1.5 and 3-5 times for, respectively, Capitella sp. and O. craigsmithi. Assuming that polychaetes are efficient fish-faeces convertors, the bioremediation potential indicates that benthic cultivation units containing 65000-95000 ind. m-2 of Capitella sp. or 36000-194000 ind. m-2 of O. craigsmithi can convert the daily organic waste flux deposited below an average salmon farm. These densities were within ranges reported for wild populations, indicating that, based on the bioremediation potential, development of benthic IMTA with these 2 polychaete species seems realistic and efficient for waste conversion.publishedVersio

A novel investment strategy for renewable-dominated power distribution networks

Aiming at the problem of insufficient adaptability to the new elements of the new power system in the current distribution network investment method, this paper innovatively proposes a distribution network investment method based on the new power system. By constructing a source-grid-load-storage-side investment calculation model, the investment in the new power system can be accurately calculated. First, the distributed power investment is calculated from the two aspects of new construction and renovation. Secondly, construct the grid investment demand and grid investment capacity measurement model, and obtain the grid side investment model by weighted summation. Then, a model for calculating the scale of investment that can be saved due to demand-side response is constructed, and the cost of demand response is subtracted to obtain a model for calculating the scale of investment that can be saved on the load side. Finally, the energy storage side investment calculation model is constructed from the power supply side, grid side, user-side energy storage investment, and energy storage investment benefit. The research results are applied to the empirical area, and scientific guidance is provided to realize the precise investment in the area

Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Learning and Memory via Activation of the CREB Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus to Attenuate Apoptosis after Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) ameliorates learning and memory after ischemic injury. However, there have been few studies elucidating the mechanisms of EA on learning and memory in cerebral hypoperfusion. In this study, we explored the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway-mediated antiapoptotic action involved in EA-induced improvement of learning and memory. EA at GV20 and GV14 acupoints was applied in cerebral hypoperfusion rats. A Morris water maze task was performed, and the immunoreactivities of pCREB, Bcl-2, and Bax in the hippocampal CA1 area were evaluated by the Western blotting technique. Our findings indicated that (1) EA ameliorated spatial learning and memory impairment in cerebral hypoperfusion rats; (2) EA increased the immunoreactivities of pCREB and Bcl-2 and decreased the immunoreactivity of Bax; (3) intracerebroventricular administration of H89 (the inhibitor of protein kinase A) blocked EA-induced, pCREB-mediated antiapoptotic action and improved learning and memory. These results suggest that EA can ameliorate learning and memory via activation of the CREB signaling pathway in the hippocampus to attenuate apoptosis after cerebral hypoperfusion

Dynamic Changes in the Nigrostriatal Pathway in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

The characteristic brain pathology and motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are well established. However, the details regarding the causes of the disease and its course are much less clear. Animal models have significantly enriched our current understanding of the progression of this disease. Among various neurotoxin-based models of PD, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model is the most commonly studied model. Here, we provide an overview of the dynamic changes in the nigrostriatal pathway in the MPTP mouse model of PD. Pathophysiological events, such as reductions in the striatal dopamine (DA) concentrations and levels of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein, depletion of TH-positive nerve fibers, a decrease in the number of TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and glial activation, are addressed. This article will assist with the development of interventions or therapeutic strategies for PD

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses of aficamten in healthy Chinese participants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study

Objectives: Aficamten is a selective, small-molecule allosteric inhibitor of cardiac sarcomere being developed as a chronic oral treatment for patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This was the first-in-Chinese study aiming to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of aficamten in healthy adults.Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study was conducted in 28 healthy male and female Chinese participants after single ascending dose (SAD) and multi-dose (MD) administrations of aficamten. In the SAD cohort, 16 participants were randomized to receive a single oral dose of aficamten: 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo. In the MD cohort, 12 participants were randomized to receive multiple doses of aficamten: 5 mg or placebo once daily for 14 days. Safety was monitored throughout the study with electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, clinical laboratory tests, and reporting of adverse events (AEs). Pharmacokinetic profiles of aficamten and metabolites, as well as CYP2D6 genetic impact, were evaluated.Results: A total of 35 treatment-emergent AEs were reported by 14 (50%) participants with mild severity. There were no serious AEs or adverse decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% during the study. Aficamten was dose-proportional over the dose range of 5–20 mg and accumulated in the MD cohort.Conclusion: Aficamten was safe and well-tolerated in the healthy Chinese adult participants. The pharmacokinetics of aficamten in the Chinese population was comparable to those previously found in Western participants. These phase 1 data support the progression of aficamten into future clinical studies in Chinese patients.Clinical Trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04783766

A compendium of genetic regulatory effects across pig tissues

The Farm Animal Genotype-Tissue Expression (FarmGTEx) project has been established to develop a public resource of genetic regulatory variants in livestock, which is essential for linking genetic polymorphisms to variation in phenotypes, helping fundamental biological discovery and exploitation in animal breeding and human biomedicine. Here we show results from the pilot phase of PigGTEx by processing 5,457 RNA-sequencing and 1,602 whole-genome sequencing samples passing quality control from pigs. We build a pig genotype imputation panel and associate millions of genetic variants with five types of transcriptomic phenotypes in 34 tissues. We evaluate tissue specificity of regulatory effects and elucidate molecular mechanisms of their action using multi-omics data. Leveraging this resource, we decipher regulatory mechanisms underlying 207 pig complex phenotypes and demonstrate the similarity of pigs to humans in gene expression and the genetic regulation behind complex phenotypes, supporting the importance of pigs as a human biomedical model.</p