Canonical tree-decompositions of finite graphs I. Existence and algorithms

We construct tree-decompositions of graphs that distinguish all their k-blocks and tangles of order k, for any fixed integer k. We describe a family of algorithms to construct such decompositions, seeking to maximize their diversity subject to the requirement that they commute with graph isomorphisms. In particular, all the decompositions constructed are invariant under the automorphisms of the graph.Comment: 23 pages, 5 figure

kk-Blocks: a connectivity invariant for graphs

A $k$-block in a graph $G$ is a maximal set of at least $k$ vertices no two of which can be separated in $G$ by fewer than $k$ other vertices. The block number $\beta(G)$ of $G$ is the largest integer $k$ such that $G$ has a $k$-block. We investigate how $\beta$ interacts with density invariants of graphs, such as their minimum or average degree. We further present algorithms that decide whether a graph has a $k$-block, or which find all its $k$-blocks. The connectivity invariant $\beta(G)$ has a dual width invariant, the block-width ${\rm bw}(G)$ of $G$. Our algorithms imply the duality theorem $\beta = {\rm bw}$: a graph has a block-decomposition of width and adhesion $< k$ if and only if it contains no $k$-block.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figures. This is an extended version the journal article, which has by now appeared. The version here contains an improved version of Theorem 5.3 (which is now best possible) and an additional section with examples at the en

Survival-Day @ Wiesbaden business school - evaluation of a short-term educational intervention to reduce work-associated health risks during nursing internships of students in health care economics

Background: In 2013 RheinMain University launched its bachelor's degree program Health Care Economics requiring each student to participate in a mandatory two-month nursing internship. A preliminary risk assessment revealed serious risks for both students and patients and had to be addressed by appropriate measures such as mandatory systematic safety training for each student. Methods: A short-term educational intervention named "Survival-Day" was designed to minimize risks related to nursing internships of students. This intervention consists of six 45-min-units with theoretical input (2 units) and hands-on training (4 units) imparting basic knowledge and skills in CPR, hand hygiene and handling of masks and protective gowns, prevention of needle stick injuries, fire protection and firefighting. Performance of CPR was assessed using computerized manikins. Acceptance, necessity and usability were assessed anonymously by standardized written questionnaires after completion of nursing internships. Results: 462 students have completed the Survival-Day until January 2019. CPR performance showed acceptable adherence rates to guideline recommendations (mean 78.8%, SD ±22.6%). The majority of students performed aseptic health care activities (66%), treated patients with multi-resistant pathogens (62%) and disposed sharp instruments such as blood-contaminated needles (76%). According to students' self-reports about these hazardous activities, less than 50% of these students received adequate safety training at nursing facilities. However, no sentinel events such as needle stick injuries or students becoming second victim have been reported. Conclusion: Our study reveals severe discrepancies between legal obligation of nursing facilities to ensure safety instructions for nursing interns and initial training as perceived by this group. Mandatory initial training before conduction of hazardous tasks was mainly covered by our short-term educational intervention (Survival-Day). Regarding responsibility for their students a preliminary safety instruction program like the Survival-Day should be considered for all educational institutions sending students to nursing internships unless mandatory and sufficient safety trainings for nursing interns can be guaranteed by nursing facilities

Cost-sharing in the German health care system

In Germany, cost-sharing for health care has been used as a financing mechanism since 1923. In this article, the historical development of user charges in Germany since the 1980s is presented in more detail by type of private expenditure, including direct payments, cost-sharing measures, and voluntary health insurance. This is followed by a mapping of current cost-sharing measures including a discussion of protection mechanisms and responsibility for decision-making on cost-sharing measures and a summary of national policy debates. In the final section, the results of a systematic review of the literature on the impact of cost-sharing on equity, efficiency and health outcomes in Germany are presented. -- Die Selbstbeteiligung des Patienten an den Gesundheitsversorgungskosten hat in Deutschland eine lange Tradition und geht auf das Jahr 1923 zurück. In dieser Arbeit wird die historische Entwicklung und Bedeutung von Kostenselbstbeteiligung im Gesundheitswesen seit 1980 detailliert nach Art der Gesundheitsausgaben dargestellt. Dies beinhaltet direkte Zahlungen, Kostenbeteiligung, und private Krankenversicherung. Darauf folgt eine Darstellung der derzeitigen Regelungen zur Selbstbeteiligung mit Berücksichtigung der verschiedenen Mechanismen zum Schutz vor katastrophalen Gesundheitsausgaben und der Zuständigkeit für politische und administrative Entscheidungsfindungen zur Selbstbeteiligung. Im letzten Abschnitt werden die Ergebnisse einer systematischen Literatursuche zu den Auswirkungen von Kostenbeteiligungen auf Effizienz, Gerechtigkeit und Gesundheitsstatus in Deutschland dargestellt.

Angelomorphic Christology and the Book of Revelation

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Sabotage in Asymmetric Contests – An Experimental Analysis

In a contest players compete for winning a prize by effort and thereby increasing their probability of winning. Contestants, however, could also improve their own relative position by harming the other players. We experimentally analyze contests with heterogeneous agents who may individually sabotage each other. Our results suggest that sabotaging behavior systematically varies with the composition of different types of agents in a contest. Moreover, if the saboteur's identity is revealed sabotage decreases while retaliation motives prevail.Contest, Experiments, Sabotage, Tournament

Axioms for infinite matroids

We give axiomatic foundations for non-finitary infinite matroids with duality, in terms of independent sets, bases, circuits, closure and rank. This completes the solution to a problem of Rado of 1966.Comment: 33 pp., 2 fig