Applying Formal Methods to Gossiping Networks with mCRL and Groove

In this paper we explore the practical possibilities of using formal methods to analyze gossiping networks. In particular, we use mCRL and Groove to model the peer sampling service, and analyze it through a series of model transformations to CTMCs and finally MRMs. Our tools compute the expected value of various network quality indicators, such as average path lengths, over all possible system runs. Both transient and steady state analysis are supported. We compare our results with the simulation and emulation results found in [10]

Optically activated ZnO/Sio2/Si cantilever beams

The photomechanical effect induced by periodically varying sub-bandgap illumination in thin ZnO films deposited on oxidized Si has been demonstrated for the first time. The efficiency of this effect is at least one order of magnitude higher as compared to the photothermal activation of Si. Thus it can be considered as a powerful optical drive for resonant sensors. A phenomenological model of the mechanisms involved in the process is proposed. The optomechanical effect can also be used as a complementary method in determination of the surface state parameters of ZnO films

Research methodology of grazing

Throughout Europe, grass is the main feed for dairy cattle. This report presents the main results of the first meeting of the European Grassland Federation (EGF) Working Group Grazing in Kiel on 29 August 2010. The theme of the meeting was "Research methodology of grazing". There were three sessions: - setting the scene; - modelling of grazing; and - field measurements

R package hiphop: parentage assignment using bi-allelic genetic markers. Statistical software

Can be used for paternity and maternity assignment and outperforms conventional methods where closely related individuals occur in the pool of possible parents. The method compares the genotypes of offspring with any combination of potentials parents and scores the number of mismatches of these individuals at bi-allelic genetic markers (e.g. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). It elaborates on a prior exclusion method based on the Homozygous Opposite Test (HOT; Huisman 2017 ) by introducing the additional exclusion criterion HIPHOP (Homozygous Identical Parents, Heterozygous Offspring are Precluded; Cockburn et al., in revision). Potential parents are excluded if they have more mismatches than can be expected due to genotyping error and mutation, and thereby one can identify the true genetic parents and detect situations where one (or both) of the true parents is not sampled. Package 'hiphop' can deal with (a) the case where there is contextual information about parentage of the mother (i.e. a female has been seen to be involved in reproductive tasks such as nest building), but paternity is unknown (e.g. due to promiscuity), (b) where both parents need to be assigned, because there is no contextual information on which female laid eggs and which male fertilized them (e.g. polygynandrous mating system where multiple females and males deposit young in a common nest, or organisms with external fertilisation that breed in aggregations)

Arbeid op hightechbedrijf en lagekostenbedrijf

De laatste twee jaar realiseerden de bedrijven de werkzaamheden in een gemiddelde bedrijfstijd van 50 uur per week

Cardiac foetal reprogramming:a tool to exploit novel treatment targets for the failing heart

As the heart matures during embryogenesis from its foetal stages, several structural and functional modifications take place to form the adult heart. This process of maturation is in large part due to an increased volume and work load of the heart to maintain proper circulation throughout the growing body. In recent years, it has been observed that these changes are reversed to some extent as a result of cardiac disease. The process by which this occurs has been characterized as cardiac foetal reprogramming and is defined as the suppression of adult and re-activation of a foetal genes profile in the diseased myocardium. The reasons as to why this process occurs in the diseased myocardium are unknown; however, it has been suggested to be an adaptive process to counteract deleterious events taking place during cardiac remodelling. Although still in its infancy, several studies have demonstrated that targeting foetal reprogramming in heart failure can lead to substantial improvement in cardiac functionality. This is highlighted by a recent study which found that by modulating the expression of 5-oxoprolinase (OPLAH, a novel cardiac foetal gene), cardiac function can be significantly improved in mice exposed to cardiac injury. Additionally, the utilization of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) has demonstrated clear benefits, providing important clinical proof that drugs that increase natriuretic peptide levels (part of the foetal gene programme) indeed improve heart failure outcomes. In this review, we will highlight the most important aspects of cardiac foetal reprogramming and will discuss whether this process is a cause or consequence of heart failure. Based on this, we will also explain how a deeper understanding of this process may result in the development of novel therapeutic strategies in heart failure

Maximising grazing in ruminant production systems: proceedings 6th Meeting EGF Working Group "Grazing" in Cork

This report presents the main outcomes of the sixth meeting of the EGF Working Group “Grazing” which was held in Cork, Ireland on 17 June 2018. The aim of the Working Group “Grazing” is to exchange knowledge on all aspects of grazing research and to provide a forum for networking. The theme of the meeting in Cork was “Maximising grazing in ruminant production systems”