Complexity spaces as quantitative domains of computation

We study domain theoretic properties of complexity spaces. Although the so-called complexity space is not a domain for the usual pointwise order, we show that, however, each pointed complexity space is an ¿-continuous domain for which the complexity quasi-metric induces the Scott topology, and the supremum metric induces the Lawson topology. Hence, each pointed complexity space is both a quantifiable domain in the sense of M. Schellekens and a quantitative domain in the sense of P. Waszkiewicz, via the partial metric induced by the complexity quasi-metric. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.Romaguera Bonilla, S.; Schellekens, M.; Valero Sierra, O. (2011). Complexity spaces as quantitative domains of computation. Topology and its Applications. 158:853-860. doi:10.1016/j.topol.2011.01.005S85386015

Fixed point results for generalized cyclic contraction mappings in partial metric spaces

Rus (Approx. Convexity 3:171–178, 2005) introduced the concept of cyclic contraction mapping. P˘acurar and Rus (Nonlinear Anal. 72:1181–1187, 2010) proved some fixed point results for cyclic φ-contraction mappings on a metric space. Karapinar (Appl. Math. Lett. 24:822–825, 2011) obtained a unique fixed point of cyclic weak φ- contraction mappings and studied well-posedness problem for such mappings. On the other hand, Matthews (Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 728:183–197, 1994) introduced the concept of a partial metric as a part of the study of denotational semantics of dataflow networks. He gave a modified version of the Banach contraction principle, more suitable in this context. In this paper, we initiate the study of fixed points of generalized cyclic contraction in the framework of partial metric spaces. We also present some examples to validate our results.S. Romaguera acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain, grant MTM2009-12872-C02-01.Abbas, M.; Nazir, T.; Romaguera Bonilla, S. (2012). Fixed point results for generalized cyclic contraction mappings in partial metric spaces. Revista- Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas Y Naturales Serie a Matematicas. 106(2):287-297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-011-0051-5S2872971062Abdeljawad T., Karapinar E., Tas K.: Existence and uniqueness of a common fixed point on partial metric spaces. Appl. Math. Lett. 24(11), 1894–1899 (2011). doi: 10.1016/j.aml.2011.5.014Altun, I., Erduran A.: Fixed point theorems for monotone mappings on partial metric spaces. Fixed Point Theory Appl. article ID 508730 (2011). doi: 10.1155/2011/508730Altun I., Sadarangani K.: Corrigendum to “Generalized contractions on partial metric spaces” [Topology Appl. 157 (2010), 2778–2785]. Topol. Appl. 158, 1738–1740 (2011)Altun I., Simsek H.: Some fixed point theorems on dualistic partial metric spaces. J. Adv. Math. Stud. 1, 1–8 (2008)Altun I., Sola F., Simsek H.: Generalized contractions on partial metric spaces. Topol. Appl. 157, 2778–2785 (2010)Aydi, H.: Some fixed point results in ordered partial metric spaces. arxiv:1103.3680v1 [math.GN](2011)Boyd D.W., Wong J.S.W.: On nonlinear contractions. Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 20, 458–464 (1969)Bukatin M., Kopperman R., Matthews S., Pajoohesh H.: Partial metric spaces. Am. Math. Monthly 116, 708–718 (2009)Bukatin M.A., Shorina S.Yu. et al.: Partial metrics and co-continuous valuations. In: Nivat, M. (eds) Foundations of software science and computation structure Lecture notes in computer science vol 1378., pp. 125–139. Springer, Berlin (1998)Derafshpour M., Rezapour S., Shahzad N.: On the existence of best proximity points of cyclic contractions. Adv. Dyn. Syst. Appl. 6, 33–40 (2011)Heckmann R.: Approximation of metric spaces by partial metric spaces. Appl. Cat. Struct. 7, 71–83 (1999)Karapinar E.: Fixed point theory for cyclic weak $${\phi}$$ -contraction. App. Math. Lett. 24, 822–825 (2011)Karapinar, E.: Generalizations of Caristi Kirk’s theorem on partial metric spaces. Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2011,4 (2011). doi: 10.1186/1687-1812-2011-4Karapinar E.: Weak $${\varphi}$$ -contraction on partial metric spaces and existence of fixed points in partially ordered sets. Math. Aeterna. 1(4), 237–244 (2011)Karapinar E., Erhan I.M.: Fixed point theorems for operators on partial metric spaces. Appl. Math. Lett. 24, 1894–1899 (2011)Karpagam S., Agrawal S.: Best proximity point theorems for cyclic orbital Meir–Keeler contraction maps. Nonlinear Anal. 74, 1040–1046 (2011)Kirk W.A., Srinavasan P.S., Veeramani P.: Fixed points for mapping satisfying cylical contractive conditions. Fixed Point Theory. 4, 79–89 (2003)Kosuru, G.S.R., Veeramani, P.: Cyclic contractions and best proximity pair theorems). arXiv:1012.1434v2 [math.FA] 29 May (2011)Matthews S.G.: Partial metric topology. in: Proc. 8th Summer Conference on General Topology and Applications. Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 728, 183–197 (1994)Neammanee K., Kaewkhao A.: Fixed points and best proximity points for multi-valued mapping satisfying cyclical condition. Int. J. Math. Sci. Appl. 1, 9 (2011)Oltra S., Valero O.: Banach’s fixed theorem for partial metric spaces. Rend. Istit. Mat. Univ. Trieste. 36, 17–26 (2004)Păcurar M., Rus I.A.: Fixed point theory for cyclic $${\phi}$$ -contractions. Nonlinear Anal. 72, 1181–1187 (2010)Petric M.A.: Best proximity point theorems for weak cyclic Kannan contractions. Filomat. 25, 145–154 (2011)Romaguera, S.: A Kirk type characterization of completeness for partial metric spaces. Fixed Point Theory Appl. (2010, article ID 493298, 6 pages).Romaguera, S.: Fixed point theorems for generalized contractions on partial metric spaces. Topol. Appl. (2011). doi: 10.1016/j.topol.2011.08.026Romaguera S., Valero O.: A quantitative computational model for complete partial metric spaces via formal balls. Math. Struct. Comput. Sci. 19, 541–563 (2009)Rus, I.A.: Cyclic representations and fixed points. Annals of the Tiberiu Popoviciu Seminar of Functional equations. Approx. Convexity 3, 171–178 (2005), ISSN 1584-4536Schellekens M.P.: The correspondence between partial metrics and semivaluations. Theoret. Comput. Sci. 315, 135–149 (2004)Valero O.: On Banach fixed point theorems for partial metric spaces. Appl. Gen. Top. 6, 229–240 (2005)Waszkiewicz P.: Quantitative continuous domains. Appl. Cat. Struct. 11, 41–67 (2003

A multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment versus standard NHS Speech and Language Therapy versus control in Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects approximately 145,519 people in the UK. Speech impairments are common with a reported prevalence of 68%, which increase physical and mental demands during conversation, reliance on family and/or carers, and the likelihood of social withdrawal reducing quality of life. In the UK, two approaches to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) intervention are commonly available: National Health Service (NHS) SLT or Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®). NHS SLT is tailored to the individuals’ needs per local practice typically consisting of six to eight weekly sessions; LSVT LOUD® comprises 16 sessions of individual treatment with home-based practice over 4 weeks. The evidence-base for their effectiveness is inconclusive. Methods/design: PD COMM is a phase III, multicentre, three-arm, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. Five hundred and forty-six people with idiopathic PD, reporting speech or voice problems will be enrolled. We will exclude those with a diagnosis of dementia, laryngeal pathology or those who have received SLT for speech problems in the previous 2 years. Following informed consent and completion of baseline assessments, participants will be randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to no-intervention control, NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® via a central computer-generated programme, using a minimisation procedure with a random element, to ensure allocation concealment. Participants randomised to the intervention groups will start treatment within 4 (NHS SLT) or 7 (LSVT LOUD®) weeks of randomisation. Primary outcome: Voice Handicap Index (VHI) total score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include: VHI subscales, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39; Questionnaire on Acquired Speech Disorders; EuroQol-5D-5 L; ICECAP-O; resource utilisation; adverse events and carer quality of life. Mixed-methods process and health economic evaluations will take place alongside the trial. Assessments will be completed before randomisation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation. The trial started in December 2015 and will run for 77 months. Recruitment will take place in approximately 42 sites around the UK. Discussion: The trial will test the hypothesis that SLT is effective for the treatment of speech or voice problems in people with PD compared to no SLT. It will further test whether NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® provide greater benefit and determine the cost-effectiveness of both interventions. Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ID: 12421382. Registered on 18 April 2016

A multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment versus standard NHS Speech and Language Therapy versus control in Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects approximately 145,519 people in the UK. Speech impairments are common with a reported prevalence of 68%, which increase physical and mental demands during conversation, reliance on family and/or carers, and the likelihood of social withdrawal reducing quality of life. In the UK, two approaches to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) intervention are commonly available: National Health Service (NHS) SLT or Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®). NHS SLT is tailored to the individuals’ needs per local practice typically consisting of six to eight weekly sessions; LSVT LOUD® comprises 16 sessions of individual treatment with home-based practice over 4 weeks. The evidence-base for their effectiveness is inconclusive. Methods/design: PD COMM is a phase III, multicentre, three-arm, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. Five hundred and forty-six people with idiopathic PD, reporting speech or voice problems will be enrolled. We will exclude those with a diagnosis of dementia, laryngeal pathology or those who have received SLT for speech problems in the previous 2 years. Following informed consent and completion of baseline assessments, participants will be randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to no-intervention control, NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® via a central computer-generated programme, using a minimisation procedure with a random element, to ensure allocation concealment. Participants randomised to the intervention groups will start treatment within 4 (NHS SLT) or 7 (LSVT LOUD®) weeks of randomisation. Primary outcome: Voice Handicap Index (VHI) total score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include: VHI subscales, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39; Questionnaire on Acquired Speech Disorders; EuroQol-5D-5 L; ICECAP-O; resource utilisation; adverse events and carer quality of life. Mixed-methods process and health economic evaluations will take place alongside the trial. Assessments will be completed before randomisation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation. The trial started in December 2015 and will run for 77 months. Recruitment will take place in approximately 42 sites around the UK. Discussion: The trial will test the hypothesis that SLT is effective for the treatment of speech or voice problems in people with PD compared to no SLT. It will further test whether NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® provide greater benefit and determine the cost-effectiveness of both interventions. Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ID: 12421382. Registered on 18 April 2016

POSTER: Understanding the pharmaceutical freeze-drying process: a stepping stone towards quality by design

info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublishe

Explaining attitudes to secret surveillance in post-communist societies

This article seeks to explain public attitudes to secret surveillance. Secret surveillance, for example wiretapping by intelligence agencies, is a controversial activity that affects fundamental civil liberties in any democratic system. Several large research projects have recently attempted to explain how people form opinions about surveillance in general. Thereby privacy concerns and institutional trust are often highlighted. In this article, we argue that earlier research uses a too narrow definition of attitudes to surveillance and that secret surveillance is particularly sensitive due to its opaque character. We introduce a two-dimensional concept that focuses on rationalistic and emotional responses to surveillance. Drawing on new data from three post-communist societies – Estonia, Poland, and Serbia – we show how institutional trust is mainly responsible for explaining acceptance of secret surveillance, but not how one feels about it. Instead, it is the level of ontological insecurity and privacy concerns that explains this second dimension. The results are theorised and implications for future research are discussed