A pumping lemma and decidability problems for recognizable tree series

In the present paper we show that given a tree series S, which is accepted by (a) a deterministic bottom-up finite state weighted tree automaton (for short: bu-w-fta) or (b) a non-deterministic bu-w-fta over a locally finite semiring, there exists for every input tree t E supp(S) a decomposition t = C'[C[s]] into contexts C, C' and an input tree s as well as there exist semiring elements a, a', b, b', c such that the equation (S,C'[Cn[s]]) = a'OanOcObnOb' holds for every non-negative integer n. In order to prove this pumping lemma we extend the power-set construction of classical theories and show that for every non-deterministic bu-w-fta over a locally finite semiring there exists an equivalent deterministic one. By applying the pumping lemma we prove the decidability of a tree series S being constant on its support, S being constant, S being boolean, the support of S being the empty set, and the support of S being a finite set provided that S is accepted by (a) a deterministic bu-w-fta over a commutative semiring or (b) a non-deterministic bu-w-fta over a locally finite commutative semiring

Your Car, My Content, Our Post: Strategic Communication Using Prosumers in Shared Mobility

The scarcity of resources is a central challenge of the 21st century. Companies, therefore, rely on innovative and sustainable business models. For example, shared mobility is a booming sector of the sharing economy experiencing a high competitive pressure among suppliers. A concrete solution to survive in the market is to integrate prosumers more closely into corporate communication activities. Hence, this work examines to what extent communication experts of shared mobility companies use prosumers for strategic corporate communication to date. For this purpose, guided expert interviews were conducted. Knowledge about the utilized tools and channels, requirements as well as existing standardized processes with regard to communication with and via prosumers was gained. The results confirm that prosumers are used in the strategic communication of shared mobility companies, but their potential is insufficiently exploited. The measures used in dealing with prosumers do not differ from those used for other multipliers. Nevertheless, it is clear that a stronger professionalization of the practice can strengthen stakeholder loyalty and thus secure long-term company success. In addition, best practices were identified and recommendations for action were made

The mycotoxin phomoxanthone A disturbs the form and function of the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondria are cellular organelles with crucial functions in the generation and distribution of ATP, the buffering of cytosolic Ca2+ and the initiation of apoptosis. Compounds that interfere with these functions are termed mitochondrial toxins, many of which are derived from microbes, such as antimycin A, oligomycin A, and ionomycin. Here, we identify the mycotoxin phomoxanthone A (PXA), derived from the endophytic fungus Phomopsis longicolla, as a mitochondrial toxin. We show that PXA elicits a strong release of Ca2+ from the mitochondria but not from the ER. In addition, PXA depolarises the mitochondria similarly to protonophoric uncouplers such as CCCP, yet unlike these, it does not increase but rather inhibits cellular respiration and electron transport chain activity. The respiration-dependent mitochondrial network structure rapidly collapses into fragments upon PXA treatment. Surprisingly, this fragmentation is independent from the canonical mitochondrial fission and fusion mediators DRP1 and OPA1, and exclusively affects the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to cristae disruption, release of pro-apoptotic proteins, and apoptosis. Taken together, our results suggest that PXA is a mitochondrial toxin with a novel mode of action that might prove a useful tool for the study of mitochondrial ion homoeostasis and membrane dynamics

Forecasting environmental responses to restoration of rivers used as log floatways : an interdisciplinary challenge

Log floating in the 19th to mid 20th centuries has profoundly changed the environmental conditions in many northern river systems of the world. Regulation of flow by dams, straightening and narrowing of channels by various piers and wing dams, and homogenization of bed structure are some of the major impacts. As a result, the conditions for many riverine organisms have been altered. Removing physical constructions and returning boulders to the channels can potentially restore conditions for these organisms. Here we describe the history of log driving, review its impact on physical and biological conditions and processes, and predict the responses to restoration. Reviewing the literature on comparable restoration efforts and building upon this knowledge, using boreal Swedish rivers as an example, we address the last point. We hypothesize that restoration measures will make rivers wider and more sinuous, and provide rougher bottoms, thus improving land-water interactions and increasing the retention capacity of water, sediment, organic matter and nutrients. The geomorphic and hydraulic/hydrologic alterations are supposed to favor production, diversity, migration and reproduction of riparian and aquatic organisms. The response rates are likely to vary according to the types of processes and organisms. Some habitat components, such as beds of very large boulders and bedrock outcrops, and availability of sediment and large woody debris are believed to be extremely difficult to restore. Monitoring and evaluation at several scales are needed to test our predictions