Modelling of Multi-Agent Systems: Experiences with Membrane Computing and Future Challenges

Formal modelling of Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) is a challenging task due to high complexity, interaction, parallelism and continuous change of roles and organisation between agents. In this paper we record our research experience on formal modelling of MAS. We review our research throughout the last decade, by describing the problems we have encountered and the decisions we have made towards resolving them and providing solutions. Much of this work involved membrane computing and classes of P Systems, such as Tissue and Population P Systems, targeted to the modelling of MAS whose dynamic structure is a prominent characteristic. More particularly, social insects (such as colonies of ants, bees, etc.), biology inspired swarms and systems with emergent behaviour are indicative examples for which we developed formal MAS models. Here, we aim to review our work and disseminate our findings to fellow researchers who might face similar challenges and, furthermore, to discuss important issues for advancing research on the application of membrane computing in MAS modelling.Comment: In Proceedings AMCA-POP 2010, arXiv:1008.314

Smoking behavior among nurses in rural greece

Evidence suggests that rural health care providers may be at increased risk for tobacco addiction. Few researchers have studied the habitual use of tobacco in rural Greece and no published studies have examined sustained tobacco use by nurses working in these areas or their knowledge and attitudes toward smoking cessation. To explore the above, the authors conducted a questionnaire-based study in 40 health centers in rural mainland and island Greece. Two hundred twenty nurses were surveyed (65% response rate). Thirty-two percent of the nurse respondents were smokers, 54% were non-smokers, and 14% were former smokers. Only 8% of respondents had been trained to assist clients with smoking cessation. © American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc

RNA-Mediated therapeutics: From gene inactivation to clinical application

The specific targeting and inactivation of gene expression represents nowdays the goal of the mainstream basic and applied biomedical research. Both researchers and pharmaceutical companies, taking advantage of the vast amount of genomic data, have been focusing on effective endogenous mechanisms of the cell that can be used against abnormal gene expression. In this context, RNA represents a key molecule that serves both as tool and target for deploying molecular strategies based on the suppression of genes of interest. The main RNA-mediated therapeutic methodologies, deriving from studies on catalytic activity of ribozymes, blockage of mRNA translation and the recently identified RNA interference, will be discussed in an effort to understand the utilities of RNA as a central molecule during gene expression