Exploiting bounded signal flow for graph orientation based on cause-effect pairs

Background: We consider the following problem: Given an undirected network and a set of sender–receiver pairs, direct all edges such that the maximum number of “signal flows ” defined by the pairs can be routed respecting edge directions. This problem has applications in understanding protein interaction based cell regulation mechanisms. Since this problem is NP-hard, research so far concentrated on polynomial-time approximation algorithms and tractable special cases. Results: We take the viewpoint of parameterized algorithmics and examine several parameters related to the maximum signal flow over vertices or edges. We provide several fixed-parameter tractability results, and in one case a sharp complexity dichotomy between a linear-time solvable case and a slightly more general NP-hard case. We examine the value of these parameters for several real-world network instances. Conclusions: Several biologically relevant special cases of the NP-hard problem can be solved to optimality. In this way, parameterized analysis yields both deeper insight into the computational complexity and practical solving strategies. Background Current technologies [1] like two-hybrid screening ca

EU Law and Policy on Energy Security. Streamlining of Environmental Impact Assessments for Cross-border Electricity Infrastructure

Europe’s energy infrastructure is undergoing a fundamental change as the completion of the EU’s internal market and the increasing integration of energy from renewables place increasing demands on the technical modernisation and interconnection of national grids. The legal framework for the construction of such energy infrastructure is provided by the 3rd Energy Package and the TEN-E guidelines. They designate a special infrastructure category – the Project of Common Interest (PCI). A project with a PCI status enjoys certain preferential treatments in the permit granting procedure in order to facilitate and accelerate the final decision-making. This is important due to the urgent need for new infrastructure and the increased need for investment security. The construction of transboundary energy infrastructure is usually subject to environmental assessments, which are comprised of the EIA Directive and the Espoo Convention. One overarching issue of this thesis is the conflict between the security of energy supply and the protection of the environment. Against that background, the thesis investigates the EU’s legal framework for the construction of energy infrastructure in general and the Commission’s Guidance document on Streamlining environmental assessment procedures for energy infrastructure PCIs in particular. A special focus is placed on the question whether or not the legal framework for the permit granting of transboundary energy infrastructure PCIs takes due account of the environmental standards of EU law

«Rote Plakette» für Deutschlands Luftreinhaltung

In mehreren europäischen Mitgliedstaaten werden die Sickstoffdioxid-Grenzwerte der Luftreinhalterichtlinie seit Jahren überschritten und somit Unionsrecht verletzt. Die EU-Kommission hat im Mai 2018 den letzten Schritt des Vertragsverletzungsverfahrens eingeleitet und Klage gegen die Bundesrepublik Deutschland erhoben. Der EuGH wird nun die deutschen Luftreinhaltmassnahmen auf den Prüfstand stellen – es bleibt abzuwarten, ob der EuGH Deutschland für seine Versäumnisse die «rote Karte» zeigen wird. In der Zwischenzeit widmet sich der vorliegende Beitrag der Frage, wie sich das Kompetenzgefüge zwischen EU, Bund und Kommunen beim Erlass von Massnahmen des lokalen Umweltschutzes in der Luftreinhaltung aufsplittert und im Rahmen von Klagemöglichkeiten von Privaten und Umweltverbänden wieder ineinandergreift. Der Artikel stellt die Entwicklungen des aktuellen Vertragsverletzungsverfahrens dar und unternimmt den Versuch, die zentralen Fragstellungen der noch nicht veröffentlichten Klage zu antizipieren