Formalizing defeasible argumentation using a labeled deductive system

In the last years there has been an increasing demand of a variety of logical systems, prompted mostly by applications of logic in AI, logic programming and other related areas. Labeled Deductive Systems (LDS) were developed as a flexible methodology to formalize such a kind of complex logical systems. In the last decade, defeasible argumentation has proven to be a confluence point for many approaches to formalizing commonsense reasoning. Different formalisms have been developed, many of them sharing common features. This paper presents a formalization of an LDS for defensible argumentation, in which the main issues concerning defeasible argumentation are captured within a unified logical framework. The proposed framework is defined in two stages. First, defeasible inference will be formalized by characterizing an argumentative LDS. That system will be then extended in order to capture conflict among arguments using a dialectical approach. We also present some logical properties emerging from the proposed framework, discussing also its semantical characterization.

Em direção a uma representação para equações algébricas :uma lógica equacional local

The intervalar arithmetic well-known as arithmetic of Moore, doesn't possess the same properties of the real numbers, and for this reason, it is confronted with a problem of operative nature, when we want to solve intervalar equations as extension of real equations by the usual equality and of the intervalar arithmetic, for this not to possess the inverse addictive, as well as, the property of the distributivity of the multiplication for the sum doesn t be valid for any triplet of intervals. The lack of those properties disables the use of equacional logic, so much for the resolution of an intervalar equation using the same, as for a representation of a real equation, and still, for the algebraic verification of properties of a computational system, whose data are real numbers represented by intervals. However, with the notion of order of information and of approach on intervals, introduced by Acióly[6] in 1991, the idea of an intervalar equation appears to represent a real equation satisfactorily, since the terms of the intervalar equation carry the information about the solution of the real equation. In 1999, Santiago proposed the notion of simple equality and, later on, local equality for intervals [8] and [33]. Based on that idea, this dissertation extends Santiago's local groups for local algebras, following the idea of Σ-algebras according to (Hennessy[31], 1988) and (Santiago[7], 1995). One of the contributions of this dissertation, is the theorem 5.1.3.2 that it guarantees that, when deducing a local Σ-equation E t t in the proposed system SDedLoc(E), the interpretations of t and t' will be locally the same in any local Σ-algebra that satisfies the group of fixed equations local E, whenever t and t have meaning in A. This assures to a kind of safety between the local equacional logic and the local algebras

Two ways to common knowledge

It is not clear what a system for evidence-based common knowledge should look like if common knowledge is treated as a greatest fixed point. This paper is a preliminary step towards such a system. We argue that the standard induction rule is not well suited to axiomatize evidence-based common knowledge. As an alternative, we study two different deductive systems for the logic of common knowledge. The first system makes use of an induction axiom whereas the second one is based on co-inductive proof theory. We show the soundness and completeness for both systems.

Intuitionistic common knowledge or belief

Starting off from the usual language of modal logic for multi-agent systems dealing with the agents’ knowledge/belief and common knowledge/belief we define so-called epistemic Kripke structures for intu- itionistic (common) knowledge/belief. Then we introduce corresponding deductive systems and show that they are sound and complete with respect to these semantics.

Embedding logical frameworks in scala

El Framework Lógico de Edimburgo ha demostrado ser una poderosa herramienta en el estudio formal de sistemas deductivos, como por ejemplo lenguajes de programación. Sin embargo su principal implementación, el sistema Twelf, carece de expresividad, obligando al programador a escribir código repetitivo. Este proyecto presenta una manera alternativa de utilizar Twelf: a través de un EDSL (Lenguaje Embebido de Dominio Específico) en Scala que permite representar firmas del Framework Lógico, y apoyándonos en Twelf como backend para la verificación, abrimos la puerta a diversas posibilidades en términos de metaprogramación. El código fuente, así como instrucciones para instalar y configurar, está accesible en https://github.com/akathorn/elfcala. ---ABSTRACT---The Edinburgh Logical Framework has proven to be to be a powerful tool in the formal study of deductive systems, such as programming languages. However, its main implementation, the Twelf system, lacks expressiveness, requiring the programmer to write repetitive code. This project presents an alternative way of using Twelf: by providing a Scala EDSL (Embedded Domain Specific Language) that can encode Logical Framework signatures and relying on Twelf as a backend for the verification, we open the door to different possibilities in terms of metaprogramming. The source code, along with instructions to install and configure, is accessible at https://github.com/akathorn/elfcala

On OBDD Transformations Representing Finite State Automata

We present OBDD transformation problem representing finite labeled transition systems corresponding to some congruence relation. Transformations are oriented toward obtaining the OBDD of a minimized transition system for this congruence relation.

Behavioral equivalence of hidden k-logics: an abstract algebraic approach

This work advances a research agenda which has as its main aim the application of Abstract Algebraic Logic (AAL) methods and tools to the specification and verification of software systems. It uses a generalization of the notion of an abstract deductive system to handle multi-sorted deductive systems which differentiate visible and hidden sorts. Two main results of the paper are obtained by generalizing properties of the Leibniz congruence — the central notion in AAL. In this paper we discuss a question we posed in [1] about the relationship between the behavioral equivalences of equivalent hidden logics. We also present a necessary and sufficient intrinsic condition for two hidden logics to be equivalent.

Biomimetic oxidative treatment of spruce wood studied by pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate analysis and (13)C-labeled tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis: implications for fungal degradation of wood

In this work, pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry analysis coupled with principal components analysis and (13)C-labeled tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis were used to study lignin oxidation, depolymerization, and demethylation of spruce wood treated by biomimetic oxidative systems. Neat Fenton and chelator-mediated Fenton reaction (CMFR) systems as well as cellulosic enzyme treatments were used to mimic the nonenzymatic process involved in wood brown-rot biodegradation. The results suggest that compared with enzymatic processes, Fenton-based treatment more readily opens the structure of the lignocellulosic matrix, freeing cellulose fibrils from the matrix. The results demonstrate that, under the current treatment conditions, Fenton and CMFR treatment cause limited demethoxylation of lignin in the insoluble wood residue. However, analysis of a water-extractable fraction revealed considerable soluble lignin residue structures that had undergone side chain oxidation as well as demethoxylation upon CMFR treatment. This research has implications for our understanding of nonenzymatic degradation of wood and the diffusion of CMFR agents in the wood cell wall during fungal degradation processes.

Micromorphology of Resin-Dentin Interfaces Using One-Bottle Etch&Rinse and Self-Etching Adhesive Systems on Laser-Treated Dentin Surfaces: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Analysis

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the hybrid layer (HL) morphology created by three adhesive systems (AS) on dentin surfaces treated with Er:YAG laser using two irradiation parameters. Study Design: Occlusal flat dentin surfaces of 36 human third molars were assigned into nine groups (n = 4) according to the following ASs: one bottle etch&rinse Single Bond Plus (3M ESPE), two-step Clearfil Protect Bond (Kuraray), and all-in-one S3 Bond (Kuraray) self-etching, which were labeled with rhodamine B or fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran and were applied to dentin surfaces that were irradiated with Er:YAG laser at either 120 (38.7 J/cm(2)) or 200 mJ/pulse (64.5 J/cm(2)), or were applied to untreated dentin surfaces (control group). The ASs were light-activated following MI and the bonded surfaces were restored with resin composite Z250 (3M ESPE). After 24 hours of storage in vegetable oil, the restored teeth were vertically, serially sectioned into 1-mm thick slabs, which had the adhesive interfaces analyzed with confocal laser microscope (CLSM-LSM 510 Meta). CLSM images were recorded in the fluorescent mode from three different regions along each bonded interface. Results: Non-uniform HL was created on laser-irradiated dentin surfaces regardless of laser irradiation protocol for all AS, while regular and uniform HL was observed in the control groups. ""Stretch mark""-like red lines were found within the HL as a result of resin infiltration into dentin microfissures, which were predominantly observed in 200 mJ/pulse groups regardless of AS. Poor resin infiltration into peritubular dentin was observed in most regions of adhesive interfaces created by all ASs on laser-irradiated dentin, resulting in thin resin tags with neither funnel-shaped morphology nor lateral resin projections. Conclusion: Laser irradiation of dentin surfaces at 120 or 200 mJ/pulse resulted in morphological changes in HL and resin tags for all ASs evaluated in the study. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:662-670, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Practical Quality Control: Comparision of Methods on the Quantification of Stationary Phases in Paper and Thin-Layer Chromatographic Systems

Introduction: Paper and thin layer chromatography methods are frequently used in Classic Nuclear Medicine for the determination of radiochemical purity (RCP) on radiopharmaceutical preparations. An aliquot of the radiopharmaceutical to be tested is spotted at the origin of a chromatographic strip (stationary phase), which in turn is placed in a chromatographic chamber in order to separate and quantify radiochemical species present in the radiopharmaceutical preparation. There are several methods for the RCP measurement, based on the use of equipment as dose calibrators, well scintillation counters, radiochromatografic scanners and gamma cameras. The purpose of this study was to compare these quantification methods for the determination of RCP. Material and Methods: 99mTc-Tetrofosmin and 99mTc-HDP are the radiopharmaceuticals chosen to serve as the basis for this study. For the determination of RCP of 99mTc-Tetrofosmin we used ITLC-SG (2.5 x 10 cm) and 2-butanone (99mTc-tetrofosmin Rf = 0.55, 99mTcO4- Rf = 1.0, other labeled impurities 99mTc-RH RF = 0.0). For the determination of RCP of 99mTc-HDP, Whatman 31ET and acetone was used (99mTc-HDP Rf = 0.0, 99mTcO4- Rf = 1.0, other labeled impurities RF = 0.0). After the development of the solvent front, the strips were allowed to dry and then imaged on the gamma camera (256x256 matrix; zoom 2; LEHR parallel-hole collimator; 5-minute image) and on the radiochromatogram scanner. Then, strips were cut in Rf 0.8 in the case of 99mTc-tetrofosmin and Rf 0.5 in the case of 99mTc-HDP. The resultant pieces were smashed in an assay tube (to minimize the effect of counting geometry) and counted in the dose calibrator and in the well scintillation counter (during 1 minute). The RCP was calculated using the formula: % 99mTc-Complex = [(99mTc-Complex) / (Total amount of 99mTc-labeled species)] x 100. Statistical analysis was done using the test of hypotheses for the difference between means in independent samples. Results:The gamma camera based method demonstrated higher operator-dependency (especially concerning the drawing of the ROIs) and the measures obtained using the dose calibrator are very sensitive to the amount of activity spotted in the chromatographic strip, so the use of a minimum of 3.7 MBq activity is essential to minimize quantification errors. Radiochromatographic scanner and well scintillation counter showed concordant results and demonstrated the higher level of precision. Conclusions: Radiochromatographic scanners and well scintillation counters based methods demonstrate to be the most accurate and less operator-dependant methods.

Toward a Run-Time Verification Framework for Real-Time Safety-Critical Systems

Presented at SEMINAR "ACTION TEMPS RÉEL:INFRASTRUCTURES ET SERVICES SYSTÉMES". 10, Apr, 2015. Brussels, Belgium.

Charge dependent substrate activity of C3' and N3 functionalized, organometallic technetium and rhenium-labeled thymidine derivatives toward human thymidine kinase 1.

Human cytosolic thymidine kinase (hTK1) has proven to be a suitable target for the noninvasive imaging of cancer cell proliferation using radiolabeled thymidine analogues such as [(18)F]3'-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine ([(18)F]FLT). A thymidine analogue for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which incorporates the readily available and inexpensive nuclide technetium-99m, would be of considerable practical interest. hTK1 is known to accommodate modification of the structure of the natural substrate thymidine at the positions N3 and C3' and, to a lesser extent, C5. In this work, we used the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to synthesize two series of derivatives in which thymidine is functionalized at either the C3' or N3 position with chelating systems suitable for the M(CO)(3) core (M = (99m)Tc, Re). The click chemistry approach enabled complexes with different structures and overall charges to be synthesized from a common precursor. Using this strategy, the first organometallic hTK1 substrates in which thymidine is modified at the C3' position were identified. Phosphorylation of the organometallic derivatives was measured relative to thymidine. We have shown that the influence of the overall charge of the derivatives is dependent on the position of functionalization. In the case of the C3'-functionalized derivatives, neutral and anionic substrates were most readily phosphorylated (20-28% of the value for the parent ligand thymidine), whereas for the N3-functionalized derivatives, cationic and neutral complexes were apparently better substrates for the enzyme (14-18%) than anionic derivatives (9%).

Demonstration Project 85, Video Imagery Systems for Highway Applications, HR-1047, 1990

The report describes the state of the art video equipment used and experiences gained from the 6,800 mile field test. The first objective of this project was to determine if laser disc equipment could capture and store usable roadway images while operating in a mobile environment. The second objective was to evaluate methods of using optical disc storage and retrieval features to enhance highway planning and design function. Several highway departments have attempted to use video technology to replace the traditional 16 and 35 mm film format used in photologging. These attempts have met with limited success because of the distortion caused by video technology not being capable of dealing with highway speeds. The distortion has caused many highway signs to be unreadable and, therefore, clients have labeled the technology unusable. Two methods of using optical laser disc storage and retrieval have been successfully demonstrated by Wisconsin and Connecticut Departments of Transportation. Each method provides instantaneous retrieval and linking of images with other information. However, both methods gather the images using 35 mm film techniques. The 35 mm film image is then transferred to laser disc. Eliminating the film conversion to laser disc has potential for saving $4 to $5 per logging mile. In addition to a cost savings, the image would be available immediately as opposed to delays caused by film developing and transferring to laser disc. In June and November of 1986 Iowa DOT staff and cooperating equipment suppliers demonstrated the concept of direct image capture. The results from these tests were promising and an FHWA Demonstration program established. Since 1986 technology advancements have been incorporated into the design that further improve the image quality originally demonstrated.