Strategic Argumentation is NP-Complete

In this paper we study the complexity of strategic argumentation for dialogue games. A dialogue game is a 2-player game where the parties play arguments. We show how to model dialogue games in a skeptical, non-monotonic formalism, and we show that the problem of deciding what move (set of rules) to play at each turn is an NP-complete problem

Sea-Level Change along the Emilia-Romagna Coast from Tide Gauge and Satellite Altimetry

Coastal flooding and retreat are markedly enhanced by sea-level rise. Thus, it is crucial to determine the sea-level variation at the local scale in order to support coastal hazard assessment and related management policies. In this work we focus on sea-level change along the Emilia-Romagna coast, a highly urbanized, 130 km-long belt facing the Northern Adriatic Sea, by analysing data from three tide gauges (with data records in the last 25-10 years) and related closest grid points from ESA_CCI monthly gridded satellite altimetry. The results reveal that the rate of sea-level rise observed by altimetry is coherent along the coast (2.8 \ub1 0.5 mm/yr) for the period 1993-2019 and that a negative acceleration of -0.3 \ub1 0.1 mm/yr is present, in contrast with the global scale. Rates resulting from tide gauge time series analysis diverge from these values mainly in consequence of a large and heterogeneous rate of subsidence in the region. Over the common time span, altimetry and tide gauge data show very high correlation, although their comparison suffers from the short overlapping period between the two data sets. Nevertheless, their combined use allows to assess the recent (last 25 years) sea-level change along the Emilia-Romagna coast and to discuss the role of different interacting processes in the determination of the local sea level

Changes to temporary norms

Normative systems accommodate temporary norms of several types, which can also be modified in different, and codified ways. In this paper we address the problem of modifying temporary norms that are represented by means of the combination of two known formalisms in the current literature. The framework evolves from a known one, which provides a system of norms at two distinct layers, and represents changes at the two layers as means to provide room for the codified change types. This results in four novel operators that anticipate and extend norms in two different combined ways, by preserving or not the effects of the norms in the period of time generated by the temporal modifications. We study these new oper- ators and show how they relate to the operators of annulment and abrogation analysed elsewhere

Applications of Linear Defeasible Logic: combining resource consumption and exceptions to energy management and business processes

Linear Logic and Defeasible Logic have been adopted to formalise different features of knowledge representation: consumption of resources, and non monotonic reasoning in particular to represent exceptions. Recently, a framework to combine sub-structural features, corresponding to the consumption of resources, with defeasibility aspects to handle potentially conflicting information, has been discussed in literature, by some of the authors. Two applications emerged that are very relevant: energy management and business process management. We illustrate a set of guide lines to determine how to apply linear defeasible logic to those contexts.Comment: In Proceedings DICE-FOPARA 2019, arXiv:1908.04478. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1809.0365

Prospettive per uno studio storico sulla corruzione tra politica ed economia nella cultura mediterranea. Il caso italiano e il caso spagnolo nel seennio 2014-2020

Starting from an organization of the major scientific studies developed in the field of corruption and a series of considerations on the major historical events of Italian and Spanish corruption, the article aims to investigate the social dynamics through which the political and economic systems interact with the phenomenon of corruption, both in Italy and in Spain. The possibility of conducting a comparative analysis of the phenomenon had as a premise the belonging of these two countries to the same cultural model, defined as mediterranean. The political and the economy systems, always considered the majors responsables for the onset of the phenomenon of corruption, have been observed in a comparative way between the two countries. Ultimate objective is to propose a reflection on the weaknesses that the current European geopolitical system, and in particular the mediterranean system, have in the management of the phenomenon and in the consequent possibility of aligning with the 2014-2020 europeans development programs

it could rain weather forecasting as a reasoning process

Abstract Meteorological forecasting is the process of providing reliable prediction about the future weathear within a given interval of time. Forecasters adopt a model of reasoning that can be mapped onto an integrated conceptual framework. A forecaster essentially precesses data in advance by using some models of machine learning to extract macroscopic tendencies such as air movements, pressure, temperature, and humidity differentials measured in ways that depend upon the model, but fundamentally, as gradients. Limit values are employed to transform these tendencies in fuzzy values, and then compared to each other in order to extract indicators, and then evaluate these indicators by means of priorities based upon distance in fuzzy values. We formalise the method proposed above in a workflow of evaluation steps, and propose an architecture that implements the reasoning techniques

Urothelial bladder carcinoma metastasizing to the eye: a systematic review and case report

The eye is a rare site for disseminated malignancies; nevertheless, several tumors may metastasize to ocular structures. Few cases of urothelial and bladder cancer with eye involvement have been described in the literature thus far. The rarity of metastatic ocular localization implies an accurate differential diagnosis among the possible primary tumor sites. However, a specific diagnostic algorithm is not currently available, nor a defined therapeutic approach. Eye metastases are associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis. Physicians should be made aware of the possibility of eye involvement in patients with a past medical history of urothelial bladder cancer associated with ocular symptoms. The present case reports discusses the first documented case, to the best of our knowledge, of an urothelial bladder cancer metastasizing to the retro bulbar region that infiltrates the lacrimal gland. Furthermore, the report provides a systematic qualitative review of the current literature on eye metastases from urothelial bladder cancer using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses

Multilayer Nanocomposite Polymetric Packaging For Microwave Applications

Microwaveable packaging material should ensure good preservation of the product before cooking/ heating such as high barriers to gases and aromas and adequate control of water vapor transmission. Among the polymers used in flexible packaging, crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (CPET) is characterized by good oxygen barrier properties and quite high heat stability which ensures the absence of alterations of foods flavors. CPET trays or films are suitable for Ready To Cook (RTC) products within a temperature range from -40 to + 220°C. The aim of this work was the production and characterization of nanocomposite multilayer PET films, for microwave applications, in which the nanoclay acts as a heating enhancer. Films prototypes were made by means of laboratory compounding equipment for the production of nanocomposite CPET and by a co-extrusion equipment for producing multilayer films using two different PET copolymer matrices and a modified nanoclay (Cloisite 20A) as heating enhancer. The study of morphology of nanocomposite layer by means of X-ray diffraction experiments was carried out in order to correlate the intercalation/ exfoliation degree of nanoclay with cooking performance

Does Physical Exercise Enhance the Immune Response after Vaccination? A Systematic Review for Clinical Indications of COVID-19 Vaccine

Background: Stimulating protective immunity with vaccines appears to be the most promising option for providing widespread moderate to high protection against COVID-19 in people over the age of 18. Regular exercise improves the immune response, transmitting possible benefits against virus infections. The aim of this review is to study the effects of physical activity on vaccine injections, helping to develop new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Methods: A comprehensive review of the existing literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The internal quality of the studies was assessed according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The outcomes analyzed were antibody titer, the level of lymphocytes CD4, CD8, InterLeukin 6 (IL6), leukocytes level, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall pain rating, arm and forearm circumferences and volume of oxygen (VO2) peak. Results: Fourteen articles were selected for the analysis. The majority of studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT) (n = 8) and controlled trials (CT) (n = 6). According to PEDro, the ‘fair’ category (n = 7) was the most represented, followed by ‘good’ (n = 6) and ‘excellent’ (n = 1). Physical training showed a positive effect on antibody titers of the vaccine; yet, different variables seem to influence antibody titers: higher new vs. old antigen in the vaccine, higher in younger vs. older individuals, and higher in females vs. males. After exercise, when analyzing variables of direct response to the vaccine, such as the amount of CD4, IL-6 and leukocytes, higher levels were observed in the patients who performed physical exercise compared to the control group. In the same way, better results were observed in physiological variables such as VO2 and limb circumferences, or subjective variables such as pain, which showed better results than the control group. [...]Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA