Decomposition of sparse graphs into two forests, one having bounded maximum degree

Let G be a graph. The maximum average degree of G, written Mad(G), is the largest average degree among the subgraphs of G. It was proved in Montassier et al. (2010) [11] that, for any integer k?0, every simple graph with maximum average degree less than admits an edge-partition into a forest and a subgraph with maximum degree at most k; furthermore, when k?3 both subgraphs can be required to be forests. In this note, we extend this result proving that, for k=4,5, every simple graph with maximum average degree less than mk admits an edge-partition into two forests, one having maximum degree at most k (i.e. every graph with maximum average degree less than (resp. ) admits an edge-partition into two forests, one having maximum degree at most 4 (resp. 5)).     

Encoding a process algebra using the Event B method

This paper presents the use of the B technique in its event based definition. We show that it is possible to encode, using Event B, the models (i.e., transition systems) associated to a process algebra with asynchronous semantics. The obtained Event B models consider that the Event B model associated to the left hand side of a BNF rule defining the algebra expressions is refined by a model corresponding to the right hand side of the same rule. The translation rules of each operator of a basic process algebra are given. Then, an example illustrating each translation rule is given. This approach is based on a proof technique and therefore it does not suffer from the state number explosion problem occurring in classical model checking. The interest of this work is the capability to validate user tasks or scenarios when using a given system and particularly a critical system. Finally, we discuss the application of this approach for validating user interfaces tasks in the human–computer interaction area.     

Formal and experimental validation approaches in HCI systems design based on a shared event B model

The development of user interfaces (UI) needs validation and verification of a set of required properties. Different kinds of properties are relevant to the human computer interaction (HCI) area. Not all of them may be checked using classical software engineering validation and verification tools. Indeed, a large part of properties is related to the user and to usability. Moreover, this kind of properties usually requires an experimental validation. This paper addresses the cooperation between formal and experimental HCI properties validation and verification. It focuses on a proof based technique (event B) and a Model Based System (MBS) based technique (SUIDT). Moreover, this paper tries to bridge the gap between both approaches in order to reduce the heterogeneity they lead to.     

Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Liver Metastases: Current Management and Future Perspectives

Patients with nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer have few therapeutic options and a dismal prognosis. Although liver transplantation for this indication has historically a poor reputation, recent advances in the field of chemotherapy and immunosuppression have paved the way to revisit the concept. New data have shown promising results that need to be validated in several ongoing clinical trials. Since liver grafts represent a scarce resource, several new tools are being explored to expand the donor pool for this indication. The purpose of this review is to present all current available data and perspectives about liver transplantation for nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer.     

Towards historical document indexing: extraction of drop cap letters

This paper deals with the difficult problem of indexing ancient graphic images. It tackles the particular case of indexing drop caps (also called Lettrines) and specifically, considers the problem of letter extraction from this complex graphic images. Based on an analysis of the features of the images to be indexed, an original strategy is proposed. This approach relies on filtering the relevant information, on the basis of Meyer decomposition. Then, in order to accommodate the variability of representation of the information, a Zipf’s law modeling enables detection of the regions belonging to the letter, what allows it to be segmented. The overall process is evaluated using a relevant set of images, which shows the relevance of the approach.     

Performance evaluation of direct and cooperative transmissions in body area networks

Body area networks (BAN) offer amazing perspectives to instrument and support humans in many aspects of their life. Among all possible applications, this paper focuses on body monitoring applications having a body equipped with a set of sensors transmitting in real time their measures to a common sink. In this context, at the application level, the network fits with a star topology, which is quite usual in the broad scope of wireless networks. Unfortunately, the structure of the network at the physical layer is totally different. Indeed, due to the specificity of BAN radio channel features, all radio links are not stationary and all sensors suffer from link losses during independent time frames. In wireless networks, link losses are often coped with multi-hop transmission schemes to ensure a good connectivity. However, since the radio links are not stationary, the multi-hop routes should adapt quickly to BAN changes. We instead propose in this work a different approach based on opportunistic relaying. The concept relies on electing some sensors to support the transmission of other ones having a worst connection. Instead of changing the relay time to time, we rather select a relay node from a statistical perspective. We evaluate this approach from a theoretical point of view and on realistic simulations using the packet error rate outage probability as a performance criterion.     

Comparison of model numerical predictions of heat and moisture transfer in porous media with experimental observations at material and wall scales: An analysis of recent trends

Models for the prediction of heat and mass transfers in building porous materials have been developed since the 90’s with simulation programs such as MATCH, UMIDUS, DELPHIN and Wufi. These models are used to analyze the physical phenomena occurring and particularly the impact of moisture on buildings’ energy performance and durability. With this goal in mind, it is important to validate the representation of the physical phenomena made by the numerical models. This article reviews recent studies comparing the results obtained with numerical models and experimental data. An overall trend can be observed for most of these studies, highlighting that the experimental front always rushes faster than the simulation results. Therefore, this study analyses theses comparisons to explain these discrepancies based on the effects of (i) the type of materials, (ii) the boundary conditions, (iii) the scale of the design facility, (iv) the model used to describe the physical phenomena and (v) the influence of the model input parameter. The general trend shows that discrepancies are observed most particularly for highly hygroscopic or bio-based materials. These discrepancies are also greater for time dynamic boundary conditions, particularly at the scale of the wall. Moreover, some of the assumptions on the properties of the materials used as input in the models are questioned. Indeed, the models considering the hysteresis effects and temperature dependency of the moisture storage capacity show better agreement with experimental data. Finally, the physical phenomena used in the models only consider diffusive transport while it appears that the advective of moisture through the porous material may play an important role.