408 research outputs found
Parametrised Complexity of Model Checking and Satisfiability in Propositional Dependence Logic
In this paper, we initiate a systematic study of the parametrised complexity
in the field of Dependence Logics which finds its origin in the Dependence
Logic of V\"a\"an\"anen from 2007. We study a propositional variant of this
logic (PDL) and investigate a variety of parametrisations with respect to the
central decision problems. The model checking problem (MC) of PDL is
NP-complete. The subject of this research is to identify a list of
parametrisations (formula-size, treewidth, treedepth, team-size, number of
variables) under which MC becomes fixed-parameter tractable. Furthermore, we
show that the number of disjunctions or the arity of dependence atoms
(dep-arity) as a parameter both yield a paraNP-completeness result. Then, we
consider the satisfiability problem (SAT) showing a different picture: under
team-size, or dep-arity SAT is paraNP-complete whereas under all other
mentioned parameters the problem is in FPT. Finally, we introduce a variant of
the satisfiability problem, asking for teams of a given size, and show for this
problem an almost complete picture.Comment: Update includes refined result
Baltic Ecological Recycling Agriculture and Society (BERAS project) - a case of Juva milk system
The aim of the study was to determine the potential, impact and prerequisites of localization and enhanced recycling in a rural food system, illustrated by the case of Juva milk. An interdisciplinary scenario based on the increase of local, organic milk to 50 % of milk comsumption was created and the sustainability was compared, on the basis of the statistics and data collected from the actors, with the present milk system
Matematiikan opetuksen tutkimusryhmÀn eettiset periaatteet : hyvÀn tieteellisen kÀytÀnnön toteuttaminen tutkimusryhmÀn toiminnassa
Complexity Thresholds in Inclusion Logic
Logics with team semantics provide alternative means for logical
characterization of complexity classes. Both dependence and independence logic
are known to capture non-deterministic polynomial time, and the frontiers of
tractability in these logics are relatively well understood. Inclusion logic is
similar to these team-based logical formalisms with the exception that it
corresponds to deterministic polynomial time in ordered models. In this article
we examine connections between syntactical fragments of inclusion logic and
different complexity classes in terms of two computational problems: maximal
subteam membership and the model checking problem for a fixed inclusion logic
formula. We show that very simple quantifier-free formulae with one or two
inclusion atoms generate instances of these problems that are complete for
(non-deterministic) logarithmic space and polynomial time. Furthermore, we
present a fragment of inclusion logic that captures non-deterministic
logarithmic space in ordered models
Structure and ecological function of the soil microbiome affecting plant-soil feedbacks in the presence of a soil-borne pathogen
Plant science
Steering root microbiomes of a commercial horticultural crop with plant-soil feedbacks
Plant science
CHARACTERISATION AND IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EVALUATION OF SUPERCRITICAL-CO2-FOAMED B-TCP/PLCL COMPOSITES FOR BONE APPLICATIONS
Most synthetic bone grafts are either hard and brittle ceramics or paste-like materials that differ in applicability from the gold standard autologous bone graft, which restricts their widespread use. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop an elastic, highly porous and biodegradable beta-tricalciumphosphate/poly(L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (beta-TCP/PLCL) composite for bone applications using supercritical CO2 foaming. Ability to support osteogenic differentiation was tested in human adipose stem cell (hASC) culture for 21 d. Biocompatibility was evaluated for 24 weeks in a rabbit femur-defect model. Foamed composites had a high ceramic content (50 wt%) and porosity (65-67 %). After 50 % compression, in an aqueous environment at 37 degrees C, tested samples returned to 95 % of their original height. Hydrolytic degradation of beta-TCP/PLCL composite, during the 24-week follow-up, was very similar to that of porous PLCL scaffold both in vitro and in vivo. Osteogenic differentiation of hASCs was demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase activity analysis, alizarin red staining, soluble collagen analysis, immunocytochemical staining and qRT-PCR. In vitro, hASCs formed a pronounced mineralised collagen matrix. A rabbit femur defect model confirmed biocompatibility of the composite. According to histological Masson-Goldner's trichrome staining and micro-computed tomography, beta-TCP/PLCL composite did not elicit infection, formation of fibrous capsule or cysts. Finally, native bone tissue at 4 weeks was already able to grow on and in the beta-TCP/PLCL composite. The elastic and highly porous beta-TCP/PLCL composite is a promising bone substitute because it is osteoconductive and easy-to-use and mould intraoperatively.Peer reviewe
Ten steps or climbing a mountain: A study of Australian health professionals' perceptions of implementing the baby friendly health initiative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding
Background: The Baby Friendly Hospital (Health) Initiative (BFHI) is a global initiative aimed at protecting,
promoting and supporting breastfeeding and is based on the ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Worldwide,
over 20,000 health facilities have attained BFHI accreditation but only 77 Australian hospitals (approximately 23%)
have received accreditation. Few studies have investigated the factors that facilitate or hinder implementation of
BFHI but it is acknowledged this is a major undertaking requiring strategic planning and change management
throughout an institution. This paper examines the perceptions of BFHI held by midwives and nurses working in
one Area Health Service in NSW, Australia.
Methods: The study used an interpretive, qualitative approach. A total of 132 health professionals, working across four maternity units, two neonatal intensive care units and related community services, participated in 10 focus groups. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three main themes were identified: âBelief and Commitmentâ; âInterpreting BFHIâ and âClimbing a
Mountainâ. Participants considered the BFHI implementation a high priority; an essential set of practices that would
have positive benefits for babies and mothers both locally and globally as well as for health professionals. It was
considered achievable but would take commitment and hard work to overcome the numerous challenges including a number of organisational constraints. There were, however, differing interpretations of what was required to attain BFHI accreditation with the potential that misinterpretation could hinder implementation.
A model described by Greenhalgh and colleagues on adoption of innovation is drawn on to interpret the findings.
Conclusion: Despite strong support for BFHI, the principles of this global strategy are interpreted differently by
health professionals and further education and accurate information is required. It may be that the current
processes used to disseminate and implement BFHI need to be reviewed. The findings suggest that there is a
contradiction between the broad philosophical stance and best practice approach of this global strategy and the
tendency for health professionals to focus on the ten steps as a set of tasks or a checklist to be accomplished. The
perceived procedural approach to implementation may be contributing to lower rates of breastfeeding
continuation
Root exudates and rhizosphere microbiomes jointly determine temporal shifts in plantâsoil feedbacks
Plant science
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