Cautious Reasoning in ASP via Minimal models and Unsatisfiable Cores

Answer Set Programming (ASP) is a logic-based knowledge representation framework, supporting-among other reasoning modes-the central task of query answering. In the propositional case, query answering amounts to computing cautious consequences of the input program among the atoms in a given set of candidates, where a cautious consequence is an atom belonging to all stable models. Currently, the most efficient algorithms either iteratively verify the existence of a stable model of the input program extended with the complement of one candidate, where the candidate is heuristically selected, or introduce a clause enforcing the falsity of at least one candidate, so that the solver is free to choose which candidate to falsify at any time during the computation of a stable model. This paper introduces new algorithms for the computation of cautious consequences, with the aim of driving the solver to search for stable models discarding more candidates. Specifically, one of such algorithms enforces minimality on the set of true candidates, where different notions of minimality can be used, and another takes advantage of unsatisfiable cores computation. The algorithms are implemented in WASP, and experiments on benchmarks from the latest ASP competitions show that the new algorithms perform better than the state of the art.Peer reviewe

The exfoliation of irradiated nuclear graphite by treatment with organic solvent: A proposal for its recycling

For the past 50 years, graphite has been widely used as a moderator, reflector and fuel matrix in different kinds of gas-cooled reactors. Resulting in approximately 250,000 metric tons of irradiated graphite waste. One of the most significant long-lived radioisotope from graphite reactors is carbon-14 (14C) [1] with a half-life of 5730 years, this makes it a huge concern for deep geologic disposal of nuclear graphite (NG). Considering the lifecycle of NG a number of waste management options have been developed, mainly focused on the achievement the radiological requirements for disposal [2]. The existing approaches for recycling depend on the cost to be economically viable.In this new study, an affordable process to remove 14C has been proposed using samples taken from the Nuclear Power Plant in Latina (Italy) which have been used to investigate the capability of organic and inorganic solvents in removing 14C from exfoliated nuclear graphite, with the aim to design a practicable approach to obtain graphite for recycling or/and safety disposed as L& LLW. Keywords: 14C removal, Nuclear waste, Exfoliation process ultrasound assisted, Recover and recycling of irradiated graphit

proposal of a prototype plant based on the exfoliation process for the treatment of irradiated graphite

Most of irradiated graphite that should be disposed comes from moderators and reflectors of nuclear power plants. The quantity of irradiated graphite could be higher in the future if high-temperature reactors (HTRs) will be deployed. In this case noteworthy quantities of fuel pebbles containing semi-graphitic carbonaceous material should be added to the already existing 250,000 tons of irradiated graphite. Industry graphite is largely used in industrial applications for its high thermal and electrical conductivity and thermal and chemical resistance, making it a valuable material. Irradiated graphite constitutes a waste management challenge owing to the presence of long-lived radionuclides, such as 14C and 36Cl.In the ENEA Nuclear Material Characterization Laboratory it has been successfully designed a procedure based on the exfoliation process organic solvent assisted, with the purpose of investigate the possibility of achieving graphite significantly less toxic that could be recycled for other purpose [1]. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the possibility of the scalability from laboratory to industrial dimensions of the exfoliation process and provide the prototype of a chemical plant for the treatment of irradiated graphite. Keywords: Irradiated graphite, 14C, Prototype plant, Solvent recycling, Graphite reuse, Exfoliation proces

Gastroenterological complications in kidney transplant patients

Kidney transplantation is the surgical operation by which one of the two original kidneys is replaced with another healthy one donated by a compatible individual. In most cases, donors are recently deceased. There is the possibility of withdrawing a kidney from a consenting living subject. Usually, living donors are direct family members, but they could be volunteers completely unrelated to the recipient. A much-feared complication in case of kidney transplantation is the appearance of infections. These tend to arise due to immune-suppressor drugs administered as anti-rejection therapy. In this review, we describe the gastrointestinal complications that can occur in subjects undergoing renal transplantation associated with secondary pathogenic microorganisms or due to mechanical injury during surgery or to metabolic or organic toxicity correlated to anti-rejection therapy. Some of these complications may compromise the quality of life or pose a significant risk of mortality; fortunately, many of them can be prevented and treated without the stopping the immunosuppression, thus avoiding the patient being exposed to the risk of rejection episodes

Gastroenterological complications in kidney transplant patients

AbstractKidney transplantation is the surgical operation by which one of the two original kidneys is replaced with another healthy one donated by a compatible individual. In most cases, donors are recently deceased. There is the possibility of withdrawing a kidney from a consenting living subject. Usually, living donors are direct family members, but they could be volunteers completely unrelated to the recipient. A much-feared complication in case of kidney transplantation is the appearance of infections. These tend to arise due to immune-suppressor drugs administered as anti-rejection therapy. In this review, we describe the gastrointestinal complications that can occur in subjects undergoing renal transplantation associated with secondary pathogenic microorganisms or due to mechanical injury during surgery or to metabolic or organic toxicity correlated to anti-rejection therapy. Some of these complications may compromise the quality of life or pose a significant risk of mortality; fortunately, many of them can be prevented and treated without the stopping the immunosuppression, thus avoiding the patient being exposed to the risk of rejection episodes

14 MeV neutrons for 99Mo/99mTc production: Experiments, simulations and perspectives

Background: the gamma-emitting radionuclide Technetium-99m (99mTc) is still the workhorse of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) as it is used worldwide for the diagnosis of a variety of phatological conditions.99mTc is obtained from99Mo/99mTc generators as pertechnetate ion, which is the ubiquitous starting material for the preparation of99mTc radiopharmaceuticals.99Mo in such generators is currently produced in nuclear fission reactors as a by-product of235U fission. Here we investigated an alternative route for the production of99Mo by irradiating a natural metallic molybdenum powder using a 14-MeV accelerator-driven neutron source. Methods: after irradiation, an efficient isolation and purification of the final99mTc-pertechnetate was carried out by means of solvent extraction. Monte Carlo simulations allowed reliable predictions of99Mo production rates for a newly designed 14-MeV neutron source (New Sorgentina Fusion Source). Results: in traceable metrological conditions, a level of radionuclidic purity consistent with accepted pharmaceutical quality standards, was achieved. Conclusions: we showed that this source, featuring a nominal neutron emission rate of about 1015s−1, may potentially supply an appreciable fraction of the current99Mo global demand. This study highlights that a robust and viable solution, alternative to nuclear fission reactors, can be accomplished to secure the long-term supply of99Mo

A monoinstitutional experience and literature review

Background We evaluated the frequency of incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (mPTC) in thyroidectomies performed for benign diseases, to better characterize this nosologic entity and to assess the best treatment

Physical activity in elderly kidney transplant patients with multiple renal arteries

Introduction: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the gold standard for treatment of patients with end- stage-renal disease. To expand the donor reserve, it is necessary to use marginal/suboptimal kidneys. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the short/long-term outcome of 34 KT elderly patients who received allografts with vascular abnormalities (MRA group), in comparison with 34 KT patients who received a kidney with a single renal artery (SRA group) pair-matched by age, length of time on dialysis, comorbidity and donor age. Results: All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at KT, and then 4, 8, and 12 weeks after transplantation. Our data indicate that kidney with vascular anatomical variants may be successfully transplanted, since the overall rate of surgical complications was 20.6% in the SRA group and 17.6% in the MRA group and that the 5-year survival rate after KT was 100% in both groups. Conclusions: The data also underline that individualized physical activity programs induced similar excellent results in both groups, improving physical capacities, arterial pressure, lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, quality of life and physical and mental status

Effect of Lactoferrin on Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: The LAC Randomized Clinical Trial

: As lactoferrin is a nutritional supplement with proven antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities, it may be used to improve the clinical course of COVID-19. The clinical efficacy and safety of bovine lactoferrin were evaluated in the LAC randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. A total of 218 hospitalized adult patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 were randomized to receive 800 mg/die oral bovine lactoferrin (n = 113) or placebo (n = 105), both given in combination with standard COVID-19 therapy. No differences in lactoferrin vs. placebo were observed in the primary outcomes: the proportion of death or intensive care unit admission (risk ratio of 1.06 (95% CI 0.63-1.79)) or proportion of discharge or National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) ≤ 2 within 14 days from enrollment (RR of 0.85 (95% CI 0.70-1.04)). Lactoferrin showed an excellent safety and tolerability profile. Even though bovine lactoferrin is safe and tolerable, our results do not support its use in hospitalized patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19

Cautious reasoning in ASP via minimal models and unsatisfiable cores

Answer Set Programming (ASP) is a logic-based knowledge representation framework, supporting - among other reasoning modes - the central task of query answering. In the propositional case, query answering amounts to computing cautious consequences of the input program among the atoms in a given set of candidates, where a cautious consequence is an atom belonging to all stable models. Currently, the most efficient algorithms either iteratively verify the existence of a stable model of the input program extended with the complement of one candidate, where the candidate is heuristically selected, or introduce a clause enforcing the falsity of at least one candidate, so that the solver is free to choose which candidate to falsify at any time during the computation of a stable model. This paper introduces new algorithms for the computation of cautious consequences, with the aim of driving the solver to search for stable models discarding more candidates. Specifically, one of such algorithms enforces minimality on the set of true candidates, where different notions of minimality can be used, and another takes advantage of unsatisfiable cores computation. The algorithms are implemented in wasp, and experiments on benchmarks from the latest ASP competitions show that the new algorithms perform better than the state of the art. Copyright \ua9 Cambridge University Press 2018