UAV maneuvering decision -making algorithm based on Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient Algorithm

Aiming at intelligent decision-making of UAV based on situation information in air combat, a novel maneuvering decision method based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed in this paper. The autonomous maneuvering model of UAV is established by Markov Decision Process. The Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(TD3) algorithm and the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm in deep reinforcement learning are used to train the model, and the experimental results of the two algorithms are analyzed and compared. The simulation experiment results show that compared with the DDPG algorithm, the TD3 algorithm has stronger decision-making performance and faster convergence speed, and is more suitable forsolving combat problems. The algorithm proposed in this paper enables UAVs to autonomously make maneuvering decisions based on situation information such as position, speed, and relative azimuth, adjust their actions to approach and successfully strike the enemy, providing a new method for UAVs to make intelligent maneuvering decisions during air combat.

Hearing Aid Technology to Improve Speech Intelligibility in Noise

Understanding speech in noise is difficult for individuals with normal hearing and is even more so for individuals with hearing loss. Difficulty understanding speech in noise is one of the primary reasons people seek hearing assistance. Despite amplification, many hearing aid users still struggle to understand speech in noise. In response to this persistent problem, hearing aid manufacturers have invested significantly in developing new solutions. Any solution is not without its tradeoffs, and decisions must be made when optimizing and implementing them. Much of this happens behind the scenes, and casual observers fail to appreciate the nuances of developing new hearing aid technologies. The difficulty of communicating this information to clinicians may hinder the use or the fine-tuning of the various technologies available today. The purpose of this issue of Seminars in Hearing is to educate professionals and students in audiology, hearing science, and engineering about different approaches to combat problems related to environmental and wind noise using technologies that include classification, directional microphones, binaural signal processing, beamformers, motion sensors, and machine learning. To accomplish this purpose, some of the top researchers and engineers from the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers agreed to share their unique insights.

One Health in Nepal- An Overview

In order to meet today’s complex health and environmental challenges, multi-disciplinary research has never been more exigent. Nepal is in the early stages of adopting One Health (OH), but it is continuously expanding. Various initiatives have been taken by the Government of Nepal (GoN) to combat problems such as antimicrobial resistance, highly pathogenic avian influenza and rabies using an integrated health approach, but several challenges remain in their implementation. A few of the major obstacles to implementing OH in Nepal include weak organizational structure to support the initiative, no legal framework required to implement OH, insufficient technical expertise, lack of intersectoral data sharing mechanisms, a limited budget, and poor legislative understanding. To address these gaps and prioritize the health problems where OH will lead to the best outcome, we encourage GoN to address the gaps. To control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the rational appli­cation of the One Health strategy should be our utmost priority. The One Health paradigm can help healthcare professionals and researchers improve the public’s health in response to the coming wave of COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future pandemics.

Impact of high residential density on the building technology, HVAC systems, and indoor environment in Swedish apartments

During the last few years, there has been an increased number of overcrowded apartments, due to increased migration but also housing shortage in general, particularly in the suburbs to major cities. The question is how the indoor environment in these apartments is affected by the high number of persons and how the problems related to high residential density can be overcome. This paper aims to specify the problem by investigating and analysing the technical parameters influenced by residential density in Swedish apartments built between 1965-1974. To map the situation, 11 interviews with employees at housing companies were conducted. Based on extreme conditions described in the interviews, simulations of the indoor climate and moisture risks at some vulnerable parts of constructions were made. Simulations were focused on moisture loads and CO2 concentrations as functions of residential density and ventilation rate. Finally, measures to combat problems associated to overcrowding are suggested. The aim is that the results should be used by authorities to formulate incentives and/or recommendations for housing companies to take actions to ensure a good indoor environment for all, irrespective of residential density conditions.

The Role of Ghanaian News Media Organisations in Countering Threats to Media Freedom and Journalists' Safety

Journalist safety is vital to media freedom as it shows stakeholders' duties to protect the media from crime and to guard media freedom. The media have the power to combat problems via coverage, yet evidence submits that journalist insecurity persists in Ghana. So, the study aims to examine how the Ghanaian media are tackling journalist insecurity through coverage. Using agenda-setting and framing theories, content analyses of 66 news stories from newspapers, and five interviews are used to gather data to study the coverage and framing of journalist insecurity in the media and how they tackle threats to media freedom. Thematic analysis of data gathered showed that the newspapers were unable to give prominence to the problem because only 30.60% of total editions gave attention to the issue. Also, the media failed to present journalist insecurity as an issue that needs national attention because only 10.6% of the news stories used thematic frames. This undermines media freedom as it allows journalist insecurity to thrive, hence, failure to advocate journalist safety.

Bromatological and sensory analyses of a snack based corn flour and cassava root fortified with moringa to combat the malnutrition

This research details an effort to develop a nutritious snack that can alleviate, and combat problems associated with undernourishment product was developed using corn, cassava, and moringa (or teberinto). Two samples of the product were made, with 1 and 2% moringa, along with corn (60%) and cassava (39%) and were tested through a sensory analysis with 15 panelists. The better product was determined by applying the ANOVA to the results of the sensory analysis. The selected sample was the one containing 1% moringa. The product was subjected to microbiological tests for quality and bromatological tests and to ascertain its chemical composition. Results from both tests met the requirement of established standards. Three physicochemical determination (protein, moisture and ash) also provided favorable results. Thus combining these foods into a snack may contribute to mitigation of undernourishment.

Highs and Lows: An Interrupted Time-Series Evaluation of the Impact of North America’s Only Supervised Injection Facility on Crime

North America is currently experiencing an opioid crisis. One proposed solution to combat problems associated with injection drug use is the use of supervised injection facilities. These facilities provide drug users a space to inject pre-obtained drugs without any legal repercussions. Research on these facilities has focused on public health outcomes, and generally found positive results. Far fewer studies have investigated the impact supervised injection facilities have on crime. The current study provides an interrupted time-series analysis on the impact of North America’s only supervised injection facility on crime. Analyses of city wide crime data evidence no impact of the supervised injection facility on crime. Disaggregated analyses indicate a significant decrease in crimes in the district where the supervised injection facility is located. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Mindfulness in the middle school classroom

Instructors of a middle school gifted language arts class implemented a 30-day unit of study on mindfulness in order to help students learn techniques to alleviate stress, perfectionistic tendencies, and anxiety. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, provides individuals with tools to understand the mind and body and encourages individuals to not dwell on past events or fixate on future events, appreciating the here and now and living in the moment. Some gifted students struggle with social and emotional issues such as perfectionism and anxiety, and these conditions can create a cycle of stress rooted in nervousness, agitation, and compulsive thoughts. Instructors explained the components of mindfulness, provided daily guided meditations, and encouraged students to apply the techniques in their everyday lives. Results varied for each student with some able to use the mindfulness exercises to combat problems, while others struggled with understanding the purpose or potential benefits of mindfulness.

Video Games and Gaming: Reaching Audiences With Health and Risk Messages

Video games are a very popular form of entertainment media and have been the subject of much debate since their meteoric rise to popularity in the 1980s. Similar to the criticisms leveraged against other forms of media, video games have often been scrutinized for their potential to negatively influence those who play them. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, many new genres of video games have emerged and as a result, both public dialogue and research attention have shifted more toward understanding how certain games can be used for prosocial purposes. Exercise-based and active video games (AVGs) are a type of game which requires players to get up and move instead of simply sitting in front of the TV and pushing buttons. These types of games have received a lot of popular press and scholarly attention due to the fact that they encourage movement and may be used as a health intervention tool, especially to combat problems like obesity and overweight. Even though there has been significant research attention focused on the potential health benefits of playing these types of games, there is still much work to be done. While researchers have advanced a general understanding of why certain AVGs are effective or ineffective, there needs to be a greater emphasis on understanding the process by which these games can be motivating and influential. Shedding light on what makes AVGs potentially effective health management and intervention tools will not only be important for motivating people to become more active, but may also help inform research which focuses on how video games may be used in the health domain more generally.