A method for the definition of integrity constraints in object-oriented conceptual modeling languages

We propose a new method that eases the definition of integrity constraints in object-oriented conceptual modeling languages. The essence of the method is to represent constraints by special operations that we call constraint operations. The formal specification of these operations is the definition of the corresponding constraints. The method allows the specialization of constraints and the definition of exceptions. The main application of the method is for static constraints. However, a variant of it can also be applied for creation-time and deletion-time constraints, two particular classes of temporal constraints. The method can be adapted to any object-oriented language, and we show its adaptation to the UML. We also show that our method has several advantages over existing methods.     

Microstructure of (Fe0.2Co0.8)0.8(Fe2.38Co0.62O4): A Magnetic Oxidation Resistant Composite Formed by Coprecipitation

The metal–ferrite composite (Fe_0.2Co_0.8)_0.8(Fe_2.38Co_0.62O₄) has been studied by X-ray diffractometry measurements and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Spinel ferrite occurs in highly crystalline domains 100–150 nm in size, and the iron–cobalt alloy occurs in smaller and less-crystalline domains (10–20 nm). Both phases are heterogeneous in composition. The metal is embedded in the spinel phase, located near the edges, and overlaid by a poorly crystallized layer or misshapen regions containing small spinel crystals and amorphous phases. By annealing under vacuum up to 800°C, the misshapen regions disappear and the size of the metallic regions increases. The concentration of iron in the metallic regions decreases and their structure changes to face-centered cubic, while the spinel becomes enriched in iron.     

Detecting evoked potentials with SVD- and ICA-based statistical models.

In the functional diagnostics of human sensor systems, the analysis of stimulus responses embedded in an electroencephalogram (EEG), e.g. evoked potentials (EPs), is of high relevance for an objective electrophysiological assessment. The aim of this work is to detect weak EPs from highly contaminated signal traces. In principle this can be done using methods of spatiotemporal signal processing, which simultaneously increase the weak SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). However, methods based on any a priori knowledge of spatial or temporal properties as well as the propagation speed and direction are not applicable. Models with adjustable signal properties similar to real cortical activity are necessary for the development and evaluation of new methods of spatiotemporal signal processing. A model is needed which can be used in forward- and inverse-projection calculations. This study aims to develop a signal generator of the background EEG activity with embedded EPs of fully adjustable signal parameters. The study also compares the results of modeled signal analysis by known methods for signal decomposition, SVD (singular value decomposition) and ICA (independent component analysis).     

Use of bipartite graphs as a notation for data bases

Studies on computing systems making use of data bases have produced various notations to represent “schemata” of relations between data. These notations use graphs both as a tool to describe features relevant to applications and as an effective method of teaching. However, a critical limit may be the fact that they handle in different ways the concepts relevant to data and those relevant to programs. As a matter of fact, the ways of handling concepts relevant to programs are often unsuitable. For example, note that an answer to easy requests may require fairly complex programs. This paper introduces a uniform notation both for data-base schemata and for a class of application programs. This is accomplished by associating a suitable interpretation with bipartite graphs.     

The phenomena of the interaction of Nd3+-glass laser light with 6H13 alloy steel

The variation in the physical and chemical structure of the 6H13 alloy steel irradiated by laser light have been investigated. The phenomena of the capillary waves within the power density range (4.3×10⁹<P<13.8×10⁹) watt/m² have been observed and the hydrodynamic parameters of alloy steel have been determinated. The nature of the laser light interaction with metal is discussed in electronmicroscopy and X-rays analysis terms.     

Cognitive–behavioral stress management decreases dysphoric mood and herpes simplex virus-Type 2 antibody titers in symptomatic HIV-seropositive gay men.

This study tested the effects of a 10-week group cognitive–behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention on mood and immunologic parameters in HIV-seropositive gay men whose disease had progressed to a symptomatic stage. Men were randomized to either CBSM or a modified waiting-list control group. The CBSM intervention significantly decreased self-reported dysphoria, anxiety, and total distress. Individuals who practiced relaxation more consistently had significantly greater drops in dysphoria. The intervention also decreased herpes simplex virus-Type 2 (HSV-2) immunoglobulin G antibody titers. The control group showed no significant changes in either mood or antibody titers. Individual difference analyses revealed that decreases in dysphoria significantly predicted lower HSV-2 antibody titers by the end of the 10-week period. Neither group displayed changes in HSV-Type I antibody titers or in CD4+ or CD8+ cell numbers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nutritional evaluation of meat–soya bean protein product blends

The nutritive value of protein of blends consisting of meat and soya bean protein products, which replaced either 20 or 40 % of protein of meat, were determined in rat feeding experiments. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) and net protein utilisation (NPU) were significantly lower (P<0.05) in blends containing either 20% protein from soya isolate or 40% protein from soya concentrate or soya flakes than blends containing sirloin only. However, there were no significant differences in PER and NPU when model meat (consisting of 70 and 30% protein from sirloin and connective tissue, respectively) was replaced by up to 20% protein from soya isolate or up to 40% protein from soya concentrate.     

Note sulla derivata di un programma

In this paper, we consider while-program-schemata, as defined, for example, in [1] [2] [3], interpreted over a domain of functions and predicates over the real numbers. We observe that the (real) functions computed by programs of this kind are representable by (non recursive) Algol-like expressions which are, in general, too complicated to be treated with the methods of classical mathematical analysis. As an example of how to extend classical analytical concepts to functions computed by programs, we give a method for constructing in an algorithmic way a program which computes the derivative of the function computed by a given program, if such a derivative exists. A simple example is given.     

Formal verification of information derivability in databases using precedence analysis

One of the problems in database design is the lack of formal methods to verify the consistency of the design decisions. In this paper, we present the precedence analysis of information sets, and we apply it to the verification of some database design decisions.We propose a method to perform information derivability analysis. This method can be used to formally verify the logical consistency of database requirements. It can also be used to verify the query derivability from the database contents and to verify the derivability of this contents from the input transactions.