Military Academy

About: Military Academy is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Fuzzy logic. The organization has 2478 authors who have published 3003 publications receiving 33188 citations.

Cooperative Q-learning based channel selection for cognitive radio networks

Abstract: This paper deals with the jamming attack which may hinder the cognitive radio from efficiently exploiting the spectrum. We model the problem of channel selection as a Markov decision process. We propose a real-time reinforcement learning algorithm based on Q-learning to pro-actively avoid jammed channels. The proposed algorithm is based on wideband spectrum sensing and a greedy policy to learn an efficient real-time strategy. The learning approach is enhanced through cooperation with the receiving CR node based on its sensing results. The algorithm is evaluated through simulations and real measurements with software defined radio equipment. Both simulations and radio measurements reveal that the presented solution achieves a higher packet success rate compared to the classical fixed channel selection and best channel selection without learning. Results are given for various scenarios and diverse jamming strategies.

Smoking among Greek nurses and their readiness to quit.

Abstract: Aim and rationale: The preventable nature of smoking-associated diseases places a responsibility on health professionals for smoking-related health promotion. This paper disseminates information from a survey of qualified Greek nurses, comparing smoking attitudes, influences on smoking behaviours and desire to quit with their motivation to act as health promoters with patients and other health professionals who smoke. Method and sample: A random sample (n = 402) of qualified nurses employed by hospitals in Athens was surveyed with a self-administered questionnaire in a cross-sectional survey which had a 73% response rate. Following quality control measures, a final sample of 308 was achieved. Results: Results showed that almost half of the nurses in the sample were current smokers, almost a quarter were former smokers, with just less than a third non-smokers. Using the Stages of Change model as a measure, the survey reported that 11% of the smokers in the sample expressed a desire to stop within the next month, another 12% in the coming 6 months and 23% of current smokers were still in the pre-contemplation stage. The main reasons given for continuing to smoke included using tobacco for enjoyment and as a coping mechanism for stress. Organizational problems were identified as the main source of stress. Finally, the majority of respondents confirmed the important part that they can play as role models in promoting health behaviours in their patients. Conclusions: Findings suggest that smoking prevalence among qualified Greek nurses is greater than that reported in the general Greek population. Implications and recommendations for nursing practice, education and research include the early provision of smoking education in nurse training. Interventions should be directed at nurses who smoke to assist them to stop and to maintain cessation according to their stages of change.

Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy for recurrent pterygium.

Abstract: Purpose: To analyze the results of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) combined with simple excision in recurrent pterygium to minimize the recurrence rate and obtain a smooth corneal surface. Setting: Veni Vidi Eye Health Centre, Istanbul, Turkey. Methods: Combined pterygium excision and excimer laser PTK was performed in 22 eyes with recurrent pterygium (22 patients). Both spot and scan modes of the Meditec MEL 60 excimer laser were used to produce a wide ablation layer (depth 40 to 80 μm). Results: During the mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range 6 to 27 months), visual acuity, refraction, slitlamp, and corneal topography examinations were recorded. Pterygium recurred in only 1 eye (4.5%). Postoperative visual acuity improved in 15 eyes (68.2%). Keratometric readings were not accurately measured preoperatively because of corneal surface irregularities but could be easily taken after the surgery. Corneal astigmatism ranged from 0 to 2.00 diopters (D) (mean 1.23 D). Three months after surgery, no haze persisted in any eye. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complication was detected. Conclusion: Excimer laser PTK appears to simplify pterygium surgery because a superficial keratectomy is sufficient to remove pterygium. The excimer laser can be used to ablate the visible residual tissues and smooth the corneal surface, resulting in good postoperative refraction and visual acuity. Consequently, this procedure seems to be effective and safe.

Honor as a Motive for Making Sacrifices

Abstract: This article deals with the notion of honor and its relation to the willingness to make sacrifices. There is a widely shared feeling, especially in Western countries, that the willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good has been on a reverse trend for quite a while both on the individual and the societal levels, and that this is increasingly problematic to the military. First of all, an outline of what honor is will be given. After that, the Roman honor-ethic, stating that honor is a necessary incentive for courageous behavior and that it is something worth dying for, is contrasted with today's ruling view in the West, which sees honor as something obsolete and archaic and not as a legitimate motive for courageous behavior. The article then addresses the way honor continues to have a role in today's military, despite its diminishing role in Western society at large.