Model checking multi-level and recursive nets

With the increasing complexity of the problems and systems arising nowadays, the use of multi-level models is becoming more frequent in practice. However, there are still few reports in the literature concerning methods for analyzing such models without flattening the multi-level structure. For instance, several variants of multi-level Petri nets have been applied for modeling interaction protocols and mobility in multi-agent systems and coordination of cross-organizational workflows. But there are few automated tools for analyzing the behavior of these nets. In this paper we explain how to detect faults in models based on a representative class of multi-level nets: the nested Petri nets. We translate a nested net into a verifiable model that preserves its modular structure, a PROMELA program. This allows the use of SPIN model checker to verify properties related to termination, boundedness and reachability.     

Efficacy of closantel against Fasciola hepatica in Korean native goats

Closantel (Flukiver), a salicylanilide antiparasitic compound, was tested in Korean native goats infected with Fasciola hepatica. The goats were administered closantel once orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Efficacy was monitored weekly by fecal examination of all infected animals starting the second week post-treatment and continuing for 3 weeks. Closantel elicited 80.3, 97.8 and 92.7% efficacy in goats with naturally-acquired fasciolosis at the second, third and fourth week post-treatment, respectively. It elicited a 100% efficacy in goats experimentally infected with F. hepatica metacercariae and treated at 18 weeks post-infection.     

Covert manipulation of energy density of high carbohydrate diets in 'pseudo free-living' humans

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of varying the energy density (ED) of high carbohydrate (HC) diets on food and energy intake (EI), subjective hunger and body weight in humans. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over design. Subjects were each studied twice during 14 d, throughout which they had ad libitum access to one of two covertly-manipulated diets. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six healthy men (mean age (s.d.)=32.17 y s.d. (5.26 y), mean weight=69.74 kg s.d. (2.75 kg), mean height=1.76 m s.d. (0.05 m), body mass index (BMI)=22.57 (2.2) kg/m2) were studied. The fat, carbohydrate (CHO) and protein content (as % energy) and ED of each diet were 21:66:13% and 357 kJ/100 g, (low-energy density (LED)) or 22:66:12% and 629 kJ/100 g (high-energy density (HED)). A medium fat diet was provided at maintenance (1.6 x BMR, MF for 2 d) before each ad libitum period. Subjects could alter the amount, but not the composition of foods eaten. RESULTS: Mean EI was 8.67 and 14.82 MJ/d on the LED and HED diets, respectively. Subjects felt significantly more hungry on the LED diet, than on the HED diet (F(1,160)38.28; P < 0.001) and found the diets to be similarly pleasant (72.72 mm vs 71.54 mm (F(1,392)0.31; P = 0.579)). Mean body weight decreased on the LED diet at a rate of 0.1 kg/d and increased at 0.06 kg/d on the HED diet (F(1,131)86.60; P < 0.001), giving total weight changes of -1.41 kg and +0.84 kg, respectively, both of which were significantly different from zero (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Excess EI is possible on HC, HED diets, at least under conditions where diet selection is precluded. Comparison of these results with previous studies, which altered ED using fat, suggests that CHO may be a better cue for hunger than fat.     

Do computer-administered Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventories underestimate booklet-based scores?

We ran meta-analyses that compared the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scale scores produced in 770 booklet and 762 computer administrations described by nine studies. While most of the differences were small, the computer-based scores significantly underestimated their booklet counterparts on 8 of the 13 scales. The average underestimate was about three-quarters of a T-score point and accounted for around 4% of the reliable variance. These findings suggest that separate norms and profile sheets for computer-administered MMPIs might be helpful.     

A second order network flow algorithm for hydrothermal scheduling

This paper presents a second-order network flow algorithm specially designed for hydrothermal scheduling problems. The algorithm is based on the truncated Newton method and takes advantage of the particular layout of the hydro scheduling network. The three-diagonal structure of the Hessian matrix is also exploited. Heuristic strategies for variable partition into basic-superbasic-nonbasic sets are suggested to improve the algorithm's efficiency. Tests with systems of dimensions up to 27 hydro plants in cascade have been performed in order to evaluate the algorithm's performance and compare some variable partition strategies. Results have demonstrated the high efficiency of the code