Stratified Labelings for Abstract Argumentation

We introduce stratified labelings as a novel semantical approach to abstract argumentation frameworks. Compared to standard labelings, stratified labelings provide a more fine-grained assessment of the controversiality of arguments using ranks instead of the usual labels in, out, and undecided. We relate the framework of stratified labelings to conditional logic and, in particular, to the System Z ranking functions

The Reliability of Organic Certification: An Approach to Investigate the Audit Quality

Increasing complexity and first scandals indicate that the current control structures for organic food is insufficient. The main challenges are different methods of implementation on the national level and the collaborative responsibility between the public and the private sector. Both often cause lacking clarity and disagreements. The following contribution focuses on instruments to enhance the quality of certification of organic food. Only a few of the suggested instruments have been included as necessary requirements yet. Given the risk of deficient quality assurance and at the same time increasing control costs, it seems urgent to trigger discussions on risk-oriented auditing and to improve the current certification system

The Quality of Audits - A Comparative Study of Auditing and Certification Schemes in the Food Sector

In spite of the increasing number of certification schemes in the food sector, there is only few research about the economics of certification. Given the rapid growth and the lack of experience the actors have to cope with different forms of opportunistic behaviour. The following paper describes the basic structure and information economics reasons why certification schemes are created. Subsequently, an institutionalistic model is presented which includes several starting points to increase quality of certification systems mainly based on analogies in financial auditing.Audit quality, New Institutional Economics, Certification schemes, Organic Certification, Industrial Organization,

Sequence and mutational analysis of the devBCA gene cluster encoding a putative ABC transporter in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413

AbstractThe devBCA gene cluster (dev for development), shown to be essential for envelope formation in heterocysts of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, was identified in the gene bank of a second heterocyst-forming strain, Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413. Sequence and structural organization of the three genes, encoding subunits of a presumptive ABC transporter, were nearly identical in both strains. Mutants of A. variabilis defective in the devA gene were constructed. As devA mutants of Anabaena 7120, A. variabilis mutants were unable to grow on N2 as sole nitrogen source due to incomplete differentiation of heterocysts

Ökoverbände in der Identitätskrise? Eine clubtheoretische Analyse

Compliance with the rules of organic production has been motivated intrinsically. Cooperative behaviour, thus, has been a key issue in assuring organic quality. However, the environment is continuously changing. An increasing number of farmers is producing organic food not only driven by altruism, but by economic factors and public support (i.e., subsidies). The following contribution aims to reveal determinants for an efficient quality assurance within an organic farming association. It focuses on changes related to the introduction of a public certification system and the “loss” of social cohesion among the organic farmers. Based on the theory of club goods, an application of the decision theory approach underlines the analysis

Joint reconstruction of misaligned images from incomplete measurements for cardiac MRI

Publication in the conference proceedings of SampTA, Bremen, Germany, 201

An autoimmune disease prevented by anti-retroviral drugs

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Both Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a Mendelian mimic of congenital infection, and the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus can result from mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme Trex1. In mice, the absence of Trex1 causes severe myocarditis. The enzyme is thought to degrade endogenous retroelements, thus linking them to autoimmune disease. However, inhibition of reverse transcription by the inhibitor zidovudine (AZT) did not ameliorate the disease, weakening the link to retroelements.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Here, we show that two other FDA-approved drugs that inhibit reverse transcriptase can ameliorate the myocarditis in Trex1-null mouse.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The result suggests that retroelements contribute to this hereditary form of autoimmunity, and that treatment with retroelement inhibitors might ameliorate Aicardi-Goutières syndrome in humans.</p