We present a new approach for site survey by autonomous surface robots. In our method the agent constructs an intelligent map, a multi-scale model of the explored environment incorporating in situ and remote sensing data. The agent learns the model’s parameters on the fly and exploits its predictions to guide adaptive navigation and sampling. In this manner the agent can respond appropriately t...

A method is described by which mast cells harvested from the rat peritoneal cavity can be deposited on the surface of a Millipore filter without gross injury, permitting observation of morphological and chemical changes induced by a variety of agents. These isolated peritoneal mast cells respond to 48/80 and to polymyxin B but not to dextran or ovomucoid with degranulation and histamine release...

In February 2016, the World Health Organization developed the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool to independently assess country capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats as part of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) monitoring and evaluation framework. In light of this, the Taiwan government actively engaged at least 19 government agencies or institutio...

The leaves of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) have a flattened petiole that allows them to quake (oscillate and roll) under low wind velocities. It was hypothesized that this adaptation might enable the plant to respond to windy conditions that would increase transpirational losses. No effects of wind with or without leaf quaking on stomatal resistance were observed under controlled ...

As the threat of international terrorism rises, there is an increasing requirement to provide evidence-based information and training for the emergency personnel who will respond to terrorist incidents. Current major incident training advises that emergency responders prioritize their own personal safety above that of the 'scene and survivors'. However, there is limited information available on...