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Institute of Public Health Newsletter, Jan-Jun 2024
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HYBRIDIZING REINFORCEMENT LEARNING WITH METAHEURISTICS FOR IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION IN URBAN TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS
Get PDFManaging road traffic in metropolitan cities is a crucial aspect of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The rapid growth of population and vehicles has led to increasing traffic congestion, which negatively affects travel times, fuel consumption, and air quality in urban areas. Intersections and their traffic lights are key contributors to this congestion, making efficient and adaptable Traffic Signal Control (TSC) and Traffic Signal Scheduling (TSS) essential. TSC manages traffic flow at intersections, while TSS optimizes the timing and sequencing of traffic signals. The techniques, Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Metaheuristic Optimization (MO), have shown promising results in addressing traffic control challenges individually. RL offers adaptability and learning capabilities, while Metaheuristics provide optimization through various problem-solving algorithms. By leveraging the complementary strengths of these approaches, the research seeks to create a more efficient, adaptable traffic control system. The study begins with a thorough review of existing TSC and TSS methodologies, followed by a comparative analysis of RL and Metaheuristic approaches specifically applied to traffic management. This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each method, offering insights into their performance in real-world scenarios. The research also delves into previous work on combining RL with Metaheuristics, exploring the benefits of such hybrid approaches. Furthermore, the study involves the development and implementation of a novel system that integrates both approaches to improve traffic signal control at congested intersections. The performance of this hybrid system will be validated through traffic simulations, with results compared against traditional methods and individual implementations of RL and Metaheuristics. The goal is to determine whether the combined approach provides measurable improvements in real-world scenarios or if standalone techniques are more effective, ultimately aiming to reduce congestion and improve urban transportation efficiency
USING A RABBIT MODEL TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ORAL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS TRANSMISSION OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS
Get PDFThe isolation of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in 1964 from a case of Burkitt lymphoma prompted a surge in research on the biology of this oncogenic virus and its role in the pathogenesis of associated malignancies. Over half a century later, a number of pertinent questions on the dynamics of EBV and the cellular targets of primary infection remain poorly defined. One major obstacle in EBV research has been the lack of a suitable small animal model. EBV is a highly human tropic virus. We have recently established a novel rabbit model of EBV infection that appears to mimic natural infection in humans. This research aimed to compare the oral versus intravenous (IV) mode of EBV transmission, the degree of viral spread in blood and peripheral organs, long-term latency, and viral reactivation. Specifically, the study explored whether oral transmission of EBV is as effective as blood-borne transmission. We investigated the connection between the transmission mode and the extent of viral dissemination in the peripheral organs and the blood. We also examined if the transmission mode influences long-term viral latency and reactivation following immunosuppression. A sample of 34 rabbits was randomly divided into three groups (IV: 15 rabbits, oral: 15 rabbits and controls: 4 rabbits) to address these research questions. Both groups received the same quantity of fresh cell culture-derived EBV via oral or intravenous route. Using histology, PCR/qPCR, EBER-in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry, our investigations indicated that rabbits can be infected with EBV via both oral and IV routes of transmission. However, the oral transmission mode is less efficient than the intravenous route. Moreover, immunosuppression of latently EBV-infected rabbits resulted in the reactivation of the virus. The viral load was lower in an oral group compared with the IV. This was also reflected in the degree of viral dissemination in other organs, most notably, the spleen. The rabbit model of EBV infection holds great potential for unraveling the biology of EBV and its associated diseases. In this study, we show that the mode of transmission impacts EBV\u27s long-term latency and reactivation
MODELING OF RADIO ARRAY DISTRIBUTION
Get PDFIn the quest to understand the mysteries of the universe through radio astronomy, selecting the right tools and methods is crucial. Just as radio astronomy provides a unique lens through which to study the universe, the adoption of open-source software, such as Python, similarly offers a distinct advantage in scientific research. Today most research is done on open-source code which reduces the limitation to have access to the science and research resources to improve the quality and the contributed researcher. For some people, access to software and tools is very expensive and limited. This work focuses on converting the IDL code to an open access code, which allows to resolve the issue of access limitation. In addition, the benefit of open access tools like Python, are more efficient and faster than IDL as shown in this work. By leveraging open-source code like Python, researchers can harness a vast ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and community-driven contributions tailored specifically to scientific inquiry. In this thesis, we remade a program for radio array distribution optimization relying on previous recent research in this field. The whole work was to understand the present problem and the proposed solution that is written in “IDL Programming” and implement a similar program in Python programming language
IN VITRO INVESTIGATION OF THE POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS OF SAFRANAL ON GASTRIC CANCER
Get PDFDespite the fact that gastric cancer patients are indispensable to conventional radiation and chemotherapy, the detrimental side effects of those approaches prompt cancer research to seek new integrative treatments. In this respect, safranal (SAF) stands out as a complementary phytotherapeutic drug with exceptional anticancer properties. Concurring studies have shown that SAF is negatively associated with several cancer types, yet its potential therapeutic impact on gastric cancer remains vastly obscure. Thus, this dissertation sought to investigate SAF\u27s prospective tumoricidal ability and its underlying mechanisms of action on gastric cancer in vitro. Herein, the study evaluated the cytotoxicity of SAF on human adenocarcinoma cell lines (AGS and NCI-N87), focusing on the drug inhibitory activity against AGS migration, colonization, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The results revealed that SAF significantly reduced the viability of both cell lines, disrupting their sustained proliferation and survival ability. Significantly, SAF caused cytological changes in AGS cells by inducing vacuolation and senescence-like morphologies. In addition, treatment with SAF impaired the migration and restricted colonization abilities in AGS cells, eliminating their metastatic movement. Simultaneously, SAF hindered the cell cycle progression by forcing a cycle arrest in the mitotic phase, terminating AGS\u27s sustained proliferative life span. In parallel, treatment with SAF triggered the apoptotic machinery and its associated signal transduction pathways in AGS cells. This study compellingly confirms the efficacy of SAF as a potential anticancer compound and further supports its pharmaceutical application in cancer treatment in the battle against gastric malignancy
THE EFFECT OF NEROLIDOL ON THE RENAL DYSFUNCTION FOLLOWING BILATERAL URETERAL OBSTRUCTION IN THE RAT
Get PDFThis thesis addressed nerolidol’s potential therapeutic and protective effects on bilateral ureteral obstruction-induced uropathy in rats. Obstructive uropathy stands as a notable contributor to acute kidney injury (AKI), accounting for 5-10% of all AKI cases worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence among the elderly, constituting 22% of AKI cases in this age group. Urinary tract obstruction, often attributed to factors such as kidney stones, urinary tract deformities and benign/malignant growths such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older men can lead to detrimental outcomes if left untreated, potentially progressing to kidney failure and even mortality. The severity of the kidney injury is contingent upon the nature and duration of the obstruction. Common treatment approaches include surgical intervention to remove the obstruction and the subsequent monitoring of the serum chemistry of the patient to address any post-obstruction complications that could lead to alterations in kidney function and prescribing the appropriate medications. Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in exploring natural products that are seen as a potential alternative remedy for many diseases and conditions. This is due to their low toxicity, affordability, and wide availability, which underscores the need for comprehensive research to address the therapeutic potential of these natural products. Nerolidol, which is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol compound found in the essential oils of many plants, is believed to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities, making it a hot topic of clinical research. Although nerolidol has exhibited effectiveness in various organ-related conditions, as reported by several research studies, its effects on renal dysfunction following reversible bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) remain unexplored. Hence, the primary objective of this research was to investigate the in-vivo effects of nerolidol on the alterations in renal function associated with BUO in the rat. Nerolidol was administered orally to Wistar rats using an oral gavage needle after being dissolved in corn oil which was used as a vehicle. Nerolidol was administered as a single daily dose of 200 mg/Kg for 14 consecutive days. Sham group (n=12) underwent sham surgery, whereas the BUO group (n=12) and BUO/NERO group (n=12) underwent reversible 24-hour BUO and received the vehicle or Nerolidol, respectively. The treatment started 9 days prior to the BUO/Sham surgery and continued till 4 days post-BUO. Renal functional parameters and histological changes were assessed before the start of the treatment (Basal), just prior to the intervention (BUO/Sham surgery) (Pre-BUO) and 4 days after the intervention (Post-BUO). The gene and protein expression levels of some important markers of renal injury, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress were measured using PCR and western blot techniques. Neither nerolidol nor the vehicle affected the basal renal functions. The administration of nerolidol resulted in a significant attenuation in the BUO-induced alterations in renal functional parameters such as serum creatinine and serum urea, creatinine clearance and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. Nerolidol also exhibited the ability to attenuate the changes in several markers associated with renal injury, inflammation, fibrosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress. Moreover, nerolidol was able to attenuate the BUO-induced alterations in kidney histology. The study\u27s findings may provide insights into the potential therapeutic and reno-protective effects of nerolidol on obstructive uropathy-induced kidney injury that could be extended to the clinical setting
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE LIVING WALL ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION: CASE STUDY IN UAEU CLOSED OFFICES
Get PDFExtreme hot climates can significantly affect indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, resulting in higher energy demands. Numerous studies have demonstrated that outdoor greening, such as trees and landscaped areas, can reduce a building’s energy consumption. However, less research has been conducted on the impact of indoor vegetation on energy use and air quality. Indoor vegetation decreases carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration by absorbing and releasing oxygen (O₂), while the evapotranspiration process further enhances (IAQ) and reduces energy expenditure. The United Arab Emirates has dry arid climate and summers with high humidity levels, causing individuals to stay longer indoors, which is leading to an increase in energy usage and high cooling demands resulting from global warming and climate change. This feasibility study explores the impacts of indoor planting on IAQ and energy consumption through the implementation of Active Living Wall (ALW) during the fall and winter seasons across several offices at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain. To evaluate the ALW impacts on IAQ and potential energy reduction, IAQ monitoring for selected offices was conducted along with a survey and interviews to gather user-side evaluations. CFD and energy simulations were also performed to analyses the effects of ALW on airflow and cooling load demand. Results indicate a temperature reduction of 0.3°C to 1.0°C across different fan speeds. Additionally, ALW enhanced IAQ by reducing PM10, PM2.5, and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), with levels reduced by up to 100 ppm and TVOCs reduced up to 9.8 μg/m³. Limitations include the structural design of the ALW and the chosen plant types in indoor conditions. ALWs improves human comfort which reduces the health effects of sick building syndromes (SBS). Further research should explore the long-term effects of ALWs to effectively address climate change challenges
SOLVENT- AND TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED REGIOSELECTIVE CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS OF POTENTIALLY BIOACTIVE
Get PDFIsothiocyanates play a crucial role as essential components in the development of effective synthetic methods for producing key chemical intermediates and biologically active molecules. Similarly, N-arylcyanothioformamide compounds have been employed to create structural cores for numerous heterocycles in a one-step reaction. In this study, we describe the first consistent regiospecific reaction of isothiocyanates with a variety of substituted N-arylcyanothioformamides in a 1:1 molar ratio to generate a series of imidazolidineiminodithiones decorated with a multitude of functional groups on both aromatic rings. The reaction is carried out at room temperature using a 20 mol% catalytic amount of triethylamine with DMF as the controlling solvent to selectively form the mentioned products with exclusive regioselectivity.The methodology features wide substrate scope, no requirement for purification via chromatography, and good to high reaction yields. Furthermore, the imidazolidineiminodithione products can be easily isolated through straightforward ether/brine extraction in all cases. The compounds\u27 structures were confirmed using multinuclear NMR Spectroscopy and high-accuracy mass measurements. The first definitive molecular structure elucidation of the observed imidazolidineiminodithione regioisomer was achieved through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Likewise, the tautomer of the N-arylcyanothioformamide reactant was verified using X-ray diffraction analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-D4/def2-TZVP level were carried out to support the observed regiochemical outcome and proposed reaction mechanism
FISH-EYE CAMERA-BASED REAL-TIME PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PREDICTING SYSTEM
Get PDFFisheye cameras are widely used in traffic monitoring for their broad view, yet their distortion challenges deep-learning models in pedestrian detection and tracking. Despite available datasets like FishEye8K, collected in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and the availability of several studies that have delved into pedestrian prediction systems, a notable gap remains: the absence of datasets specifically designed for the cultural context of the UAE. This study aims to address this gap by introducing an in-house fisheye dataset tailored to enhance the prediction and tracking of pedestrians in fisheye footage within the UAE\u27s environment. The present study addresses the development of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that combines YOLOv8 and Deep SORT, which are part of the proposed tracking-by-detection framework for real-time pedestrian detection and tracking in fisheye footage. It employs color-coded bounding boxes to enhance safety monitoring and simplification: green indicates pedestrians outside the crossing area; yellow highlights objects near the boundary; and red shows risk areas. The proposed model was manually tested on 20 videos and was classified with ratings of Excellent, Good, or Fair. When training with the UAE Fisheye dataset using both YOLO Nano and YOLO Medium versions, the results demonstrated ‘Excellent’ and ‘Good’ ratings. However, when training with the FishEye8k dataset, the results of the study have shown ‘Fair’ tracking performance. After 150-time epochs, the proposed YOLOv8m model achieved an F1-score of 0.836 and a mAP of 0.651, indicating its efficacy in recognizing distorted images and validating the hypothesized training approach
FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVE-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE HEAT TRANSFER PROPERTIES OF FLUID FLOW OVER A CONTRACTING PERMEABLE INFINITE-LENGTH CYLINDER
Get PDFUnderstanding the complex interplay between the contracting behavior of the cylinder and the fluid flow dynamics has implications for the design of porous structures for heat exchange and filtration systems. In this study, we investigate the dynamics and thermal behavior of fluid flow past a contracting permeable infinite cylinder. First, we developed a mathematical model based on the Navier-Stokes equations to describe the fluid dynamics around the contracting permeable infinite cylinder. A new simple well-behaved definition of fractional derivative called conformable fractional derivative introduced by authors Khalil et al. [3] is employed to generalize the PDE’s of momentum and energy. The similarity transformation technique is utilized to transform the proposed mathematical problem into a non-linear ODE’s. Then, we utilized Iterative Power Series (IPS) technique to numerically solve the governing equations and obtain detailed insights into the flow patterns and thermal characteristics. We observed significant changes in the flow velocity and temperature distribution as the cylinder contracted, highlighting the intricate thermal behavior of the system. Additionally, the changes in the fraction order were found to have a notable impact on the overall flow patterns and heat transfer processes