Parametric Linear Dynamic Logic

We introduce Parametric Linear Dynamic Logic (PLDL), which extends Linear Dynamic Logic (LDL) by temporal operators equipped with parameters that bound their scope. LDL was proposed as an extension of Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) that is able to express all $\omega$-regular specifications while still maintaining many of LTL's desirable properties like an intuitive syntax and a translation into non-deterministic B\"uchi automata of exponential size. But LDL lacks capabilities to express timing constraints. By adding parameterized operators to LDL, we obtain a logic that is able to express all $\omega$-regular properties and that subsumes parameterized extensions of LTL like Parametric LTL and PROMPT-LTL. Our main technical contribution is a translation of PLDL formulas into non-deterministic B\"uchi word automata of exponential size via alternating automata. This yields a PSPACE model checking algorithm and a realizability algorithm with doubly-exponential running time. Furthermore, we give tight upper and lower bounds on optimal parameter values for both problems. These results show that PLDL model checking and realizability are not harder than LTL model checking and realizability.Comment: In Proceedings GandALF 2014, arXiv:1408.556

Parametric Linear Dynamic Logic

We introduce Parametric Linear Dynamic Logic (PLDL), which extends Linear Dynamic Logic (LDL) by adding temporal operators equipped with parameters that bound their scope. LDL is an extension of Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) to all ω-regular specifications, while maintaining a translation into exponentially-sized non-deterministic Büchi automata. Since LDL cannot express timing constraints, we add parameterized operators and subsume parameterized extensions of LTL like Parametric LTL and PROMPT-LTL. Our contribution is a translation of PLDL into exponentially-sized non-deterministic Büchi automata via alternating automata. This yields PSPACE algorithms for model checking and assume-guarantee model checking and a 2EXPTIME realizability algorithm. The problems are complete for their complexity classes. We give tight bounds on optimal parameter values for model checking and realizability and present a PSPACE procedure for model checking optimization and a 3EXPTIME algorithm for realizability optimization. Our results show that these PLDL problems are no harder than their (parametric) LTL counterparts

The 4th Reactive Synthesis Competition (SYNTCOMP 2017): Benchmarks, Participants & Results

We report on the fourth reactive synthesis competition (SYNTCOMP 2017). We introduce two new benchmark classes that have been added to the SYNTCOMP library, and briefly describe the benchmark selection, evaluation scheme and the experimental setup of SYNTCOMP 2017. We present the participants of SYNTCOMP 2017, with a focus on changes with respect to the previous years and on the two completely new tools that have entered the competition. Finally, we present and analyze the results of our experimental evaluation, including a ranking of tools with respect to quantity and quality of solutions.Comment: In Proceedings SYNT 2017, arXiv:1711.10224. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1609.0050

Hypnosis Antenatal Training for Childbirth (HATCh): a randomised controlled trial [NCT00282204]

BACKGROUND: Although medical interventions play an important role in preserving lives and maternal comfort they have become increasingly routine in normal childbirth. This may increase the risk of associated complications and a less satisfactory birth experience. Antenatal hypnosis is associated with a reduced need for pharmacological interventions during childbirth. This trial seeks to determine the efficacy or otherwise of antenatal group hypnosis preparation for childbirth in late pregnancy. METHODS/DESIGN: A single centre, randomised controlled trial using a 3 arm parallel group design in the largest tertiary maternity unit in South Australia. Group 1 participants receive antenatal hypnosis training in preparation for childbirth administered by a qualified hypnotherapist with the use of an audio compact disc on hypnosis for re-enforcement; Group 2 consists of antenatal hypnosis training in preparation for childbirth using an audio compact disc on hypnosis administered by a nurse with no training in hypnotherapy; Group 3 participants continue with their usual preparation for childbirth with no additional intervention. Women > 34 and < 39 weeks gestation, planning a vaginal birth, not in active labour, with a singleton, viable fetus of vertex presentation, are eligible to participate. Allocation concealment is achieved using telephone randomisation. Participants assigned to hypnosis groups commence hypnosis training as near as possible to 37 weeks gestation. Treatment allocations are concealed from treating obstetricians, anaesthetists, midwives and those personnel collecting and analysing data. Our sample size of 135 women/group gives the study 80% power to detect a clinically relevant fall of 20% in the number of women requiring pharmacological analgesia – the primary endpoint. We estimate that approximately 5–10% of women will deliver prior to receiving their allocated intervention. We plan to recruit 150 women/group and perform sequential interim analyses when 150 and 300 participants have been recruited. All participant data will be analysed, by a researcher blinded to treatment allocation, according to the "Intention to treat" principle with comprehensive pre-planned cost- benefit and subgroup analyses. DISCUSSION: If effective, hypnosis would be a simple, inexpensive way to improve the childbirth experience, reduce complications associated with pharmacological interventions, yield cost savings in maternity care, and this trial will provide evidence to guide clinical practice

Whole body vibration compared to conventional physiotherapy in patients with gonarthrosis: a protocol for a randomized, controlled study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative arthropathy. Load-bearing joints such as knee and hip are more often affected than spine or hands. The prevalence of gonarthrosis is generally higher than that of coxarthrosis.</p> <p>Because no cure for OA exists, the main emphasis of therapy is analgesic treatment through either mobility or medication. Non-pharmacologic treatment is the first step, followed by the addition of analgesic medication, and ultimately by surgery.</p> <p>The goal of non-pharmacologic and non-invasive therapy is to improve neuromuscular function, which in turn both prevents formation of and delays progression of OA. A modification of conventional physiotherapy, whole body vibration has been successfully employed for several years. Since its introduction, this therapy is in wide use at our facility not only for gonarthrosis, but also coxarthrosis and other diseases leading to muscular imbalance.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This study is a randomized, therapy-controlled trial in a primary care setting at a university hospital. Patients presenting to our outpatient clinic with initial symptoms of gonarthrosis will be assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. After patient consent, 6 weeks of treatment will ensue. During the six weeks of treatment, patients will receive one of two treatments, conventional physiotherapy or whole-body-vibration exercises of one hour three times a week. Follow-up examinations will be performed immediately after treatment and after another 6 and 20 weeks, for a total study duration of 6 months. 20 patients will be included in each therapy group.</p> <p>Outcome measurements will include objective analysis of motion and ambulation as well as examinations of balance and isokinetic force. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and SF-12 scores, the patients' overall status, and clinical examinations of the affected joint will be carried out.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>As new physiotherapy techniques develop for the treatment of OA, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of competing strategies. With this study, not only patient-based scores, but also objective assessments will be used to quantify patient-derived benefits of therapy.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) DRKS00000415</p> <p>Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01037972</p> <p>EudraCT 2009-017617-29</p

CAPTCHA-based Image Labeling on the Soylent Grid

We introduce an open labeling platform for Computer Vision researchers based on Captchas, creating as a byproduct labeled image data sets while supporting web security. For the two different tasks of annotation and detection, we provide a security analysis and explore usability issues. We present the interfaces used by researchers, website administrators and users and experimental results obtained using the platform. Finally, we discuss system sustainability issues in the context of a broader “ecosystem” for the platform.Pre-2018 CSE ID: CS2009-094