A declarative two-level framework to specify and verify workflow and authorization policies in service-oriented architectures

The specification of distributed service-oriented applications spans several levels of abstraction, e.g., the protocol for exchanging messages, the set of interface functionalities, the types of the manipulated data, the workflow, the access policy, etc. Many (even executable) specification languages are available to describe each level in separation. However, these levels may interact in subtle ways (for example, the control flow may depend on the values of some data variables) so that a precise abstraction of the application amounts to more than the sum of its per level components. This problem is even more acute in the design phase when automated analysis techniques may greatly help the difficult task of building “correct” applications faced by designers. To alleviate this kind of problems, this paper introduces a framework for the formal specification and automated analysis of distributed service-oriented applications in two levels: one for the workflow and one for the authorization policies. The former allows one to precisely describe the control and data parts of an application with their mutual dependencies. The latter focuses on the specification of the criteria for granting or denying third-party applications the possibility to access shared resources or to execute certain interface functionalities. These levels can be seen as abstractions of one or of several levels of specification mentioned above. The novelty of our proposal is the possibility to unambiguously specify the—often subtle—interplay between the workflow and policy levels uniformly in the same framework. Additionally, our framework allows us to define and investigate verification problems for service-oriented applications (such as executability and invariant checking) and give sufficient conditions for their decidability. These results are non-trivial because their scope of applicability goes well beyond the case of finite state spaces allowing for applications manipulating variables ranging over infinite domains. As proof of concept, we show the suitability and flexibility of our approach on two quite different examples inspired by industrial case studies.     

Experimental evaluation of plowing and scratch hardness of aqueous two-component polyurethane (2K-PUR) coatings on glass and polycarbonate

Scratch resistance of aqueous two-component (2K-PUR) polyurethane coatings deposited on glass and polycarbonate was investigated by constant mode scratch tests. Penetration and residual depths as well as scratch widths were experimentally evaluated. A first analytical model was applied to estimate plowing and scratch hardness of the polyurethane coatings according to contact pressure and load rate and the corresponding 3D maps were drawn out. The experimental findings allowed mapping the scratch response the polyurethane coatings came through varying the applied load, load rate and substrate compliance, thus establishing the basis for the development of useful tools for failure prediction of the investigated coating systems in a broad range of operational conditions.     

Diet supplementation with donkey milk upregulates liver mitochondrial uncoupling,reduces energy efficiency and improves antioxidant and antiinflammatory defences in rats

Dietary PUFA, mainly those of the n‐3 family, are known to play essential roles in the maintenance of energy balance and in the reduction of body fat deposition through the upregulation of mitochondrial uncoupling that is the main source of reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that rat supplementation with raw donkey's milk (DM), characterized by low‐fat content and higher n3:n6 ratio, may affect energy balance, lipid metabolism, and prooxidant status as compared to animals treated with cow's milk. In the present study, the effects of drinking raw DM (for 4 weeks) on energy balance, lipid metabolism, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant/detoxifying defences was compared to that produced by rat intake of an iso‐energetic amount of raw cow's milk. The hypolipidemic effect produced by DM paralleled with the enhanced mitochondrial activity/proton leakage and with the increased activity or expression of mitochondrial markers namely, carnitine palmitoyl transferase and uncoupling protein 2. The association of decreased energy efficiency with reduced proinflammatory signs (TNF‐α and LPS levels) with the significant increase antioxidant (total thiols) and detoxifying enzyme activities (glutathione‐S‐transferase NADH quinone oxidoreductase) in DM‐treated animals, indicated that beneficial effects were attributable, at least in part, to the activation of nuclear factor 2 erythroid‐related factor 2 pathway.     

Effect of the substrate and interface on micro-scratch deformation of epoxy-polyester powder coatings

The role of the interface on the deformation response in scratch tests of epoxy-polyester films deposited by electrostatic spraying is investigated. A comparative study of the scratch deformation behaviour of films deposited on micro- and macro-corrugated rigid substrates and on ‘soft’ silicon sub-layers is made. Scratch deformation parameters were evaluated by contact gauge inductive profilometry, whilst morphological examinations of the residual scratch patterns were performed by electron microscopy.     

DVR3D: a program suite for the calculation of rotation-vibration spectra of triatomic molecules

The DVR3D program suite calculates energy levels, wavefunctions, and where appropriate dipole transition moments, for rotating and vibrating triatomic molecules. Potential energy and, where necessary, dipole surfaces must be provided. Expectation values of geometrically defined functions can be calculated, a feature which is particularly useful for fitting potential energy surfaces. The programs use an exact (within the Born-Oppenheimer approximation) Hamiltonian and offer a choice of Jacobi or Radau internal coordinates and several body-fixed axes. Rotationally excited states are treated using an efficient two-step algorithm. The programs uses a Discrete Variable Representation (DVR) based on Gauss-Jacobi and Gauss-Laguerre quadrature for all 3 internal coordinates and thus yields a fully point-wise representation of the wavefunctions. The vibrational step uses successive diagonalisation and truncation which is implemented for a number of possible coordinate orderings. The rotational, expectation value and transition dipole programs exploit the savings offered by performing integrals on a DVR grid. The new version has been rewritten in FORTRAN 90 to exploit the dynamic array allocations and the algorithm for dipole and spectra calculations have been substantially improved. New modules allow the z-axis to be embedded perpendicular to the plane of the molecule and for the calculation of expectation values.

Program summary

Title of the program: DVR3D suiteCatalogue number: ADTIProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTIProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandProgramming language: Fortran 90No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 61 574No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 972 404Distribution format: tar.gz

New version summary

Title of program: DVR3DRJZCatalogue number: ADTBProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTBProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandReference in CPC to previous version: 86 (1995) 175Catalogue identifier of previous version: ADAKAuthors of previous version: J. Tennyson, J.R. Henderson and N.G. FultonDoes the new version supersede the original program?: DVR3DRJZ supersedes DVR3DRJComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 Unix; SGI Origin 2000, Sunfire V750 and V880 systems running SunOS, IBM p690 Regatta running AIXProgramming language used in the new version: Fortran 90Memory required to execute: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 4203No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 30 087Has code been vectorised or parallelised?: The code has been extensively vectorised. A parallel version of the code, PDVR3D has been developed [1], contact the first author for detailsAdditional keywords: perpendicular embeddingDistribution format: gzNature of physical problem: DVR3DRJZ calculates the bound vibrational or Coriolis decoupled rotational-vibrational states of a triatomic system in body-fixed Jacobi (scattering) or Radau coordinates [2]Method of solution: All coordinates are treated in a discrete variable representation (DVR). The angular coordinate uses a DVR based on (associated) Legendre polynomials and the radial coordinates utilise a DVR based on either Morse oscillator-like or spherical oscillator functions. Intermediate diagonalisation and truncation is performed on the hierarchical expression of the Hamiltonian operator to yield the final secular problem. DVR3DRJ provides the vibrational wavefunctions necessary for ROTLEV3, ROLEV3B or ROTLEV3Z to calculate rotationally excited states, DIPOLE3 to calculate rotational-vibrational transition strengths and XPECT3 to compute expectation valuesRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: (1) The size of the final Hamiltonian matrix that can practically be diagonalised. (2) The order of integration in the radial coordinates that can be dealt with within the machine exponent range. Some adjustment in the code may be necessary when large order Gauss-Laguerre quadrature is usedTypical running time: Case dependent but usually dominated by the final (3D) matrix diagonalisation. The test runs take minutes on a fast PCUnusual features of the program: A user supplied subroutine containing the potential energy as an analytic function is a program requirementReferences:

[1]

H.Y. Mussa, J. Tennyson, Comput. Phys. Commun. 128 (2000) 434.

[2]

J. Tennyson, B.T. Sutcliffe, Internat. J. Quantum Chem. 42 (1992) 941.

New version summary

Title of program: ROTLEV3Catalogue number: ADTCProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTCProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandReference in CPC to previous version: 86 (1995) 175Catalogue identifier of previous version: ADALAuthors of previous version: J. Tennyson, J.R. Henderson and N.G. FultonDoes the new version supersede the original program?: YesComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 Unix; SGI Origin 2000, Sunfire V750 and V880 systems running SunOSProgramming language used: Fortran 90High speed storage required: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1514No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 12 652Has code been vectorised or parallelised?: The code has been extensively vectorised. A parallel version of the code, PROTLEV3 has been developed [1], contact the first author for detailsDistribution format: gzNature of physical problem: ROTLEV3 performs the second step in a two-step variational calculation for the bound rotational-vibrational levels of a triatomic system represented in either Jacobi or unsymmetrised Radau coordinatesMethod of solution: A basis is constructed from the solutions of the Coriolis decoupled problem provided by DVR3DRJZ. The angular coordinate is transformed back to a basis set representation. The sparse Hamiltonian matrix can be diagonalised iteratively or in coreRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: The size of matrix that can practically be diagonalisedTypical running time: Case dependent. The sample data takes less than a minute on a fast PCUnusual features of the program: Most data is read directly from DVR3DRJZ. ROTLEV3 can provide data to drive DIPOLE3 and/or XPECT3References: [1] H.Y. Mussa, J. Tennyson, Comput. Phys. Commun. 128 (2000) 434.

New version summary

Title of program: ROTLEV3BCatalogue number: ADTDProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTDProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandReference in CPC to previous version: 86 (1995) 175Catalogue identifier of previous version: ADAMAuthors of previous version: J. Tennyson, J.R. Henderson and N.G. FultonDoes the new version supersede the original program?: YesComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 Unix, Sunfire V750 and V880 systems running SunOSProgramming language used: Fortran 90High speed storage required: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2215No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 16 595Has code been vectorised or parallelised?: The code has been extensively vectorised. A parallel version of the code, PROTLEV3B has been developed [1], contact the first author for detailsDistribution format: gzNature of physical problem: ROTLEV3B performs the second step in a two-step variational calculation for the bound rotational-vibrational levels of a triatomic system represented by symmetrised Radau coordinates using a bisector embedding [2]Method of solution: A basis is constructed from the solutions of the Coriolis decoupled problem provided by DVR3DRJZ. The problem is constructed entirely within the DVR. The Hamiltonian matrix can be diagonalised iteratively or in coreRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: The size of matrix that can practically be diagonalisedTypical running time: Case dependent. The sample data takes a few minutes on a fast PCUnusual features of the program: Most data is read directly from DVR3DRJZ. ROTLEV3B can provide data to drive DIPOLE3 and/or XPECT3References:

[1]

H.Y. Mussa, J. Tennyson, Comput. Phys. Commun. 128 (2000) 434.

[2]

J. Tennyson, B.T. Sutcliffe, Internat. J. Quantum Chem. 42 (1992) 941.

Program summary

Title of program: ROTLEV3ZCatalogue number: ADTEProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTEProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 Unix, Sunfire V750 and V880 systems running SunOSProgramming language used: Fortran 90High speed storage required: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2919No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 17 241Keywords: rotationally excited state, Coriolis coupling, secondary variational method, sparse matrix, vectorised, perpendicular embedding, Radau coordinatesHas code been vectorised or parallelised?: The code has been extensively vectorisedDistribution format: gzNature of physical problem: ROTLEV3Z performs the second step in a two-step variational calculation for the bound rotational-vibrational levels of a triatomic system represented by symmetrised Radau coordinates using a perpendicular embedding [1]Method of solution: A basis is constructed from the solutions of the Coriolis decoupled problem provided by DVR3DRJZ. The problem is constructed entirely within the DVR. The Hamiltonian matrix is diagonalised in coreRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: The size of matrix that can practically be diagonalisedTypical running time: Case dependent. The sample data takes a few minutes on a fast PCUnusual features of the program: Most data is read directly from DVR3DRJZReferences: [1] M.A. Kostin, O.L. Polyansky, J.Tennyson, J. Chem. Phys. 116 (2002) 7564.

New version summary

Title of program: DIPOLE3Catalogue number: ADTFProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTFProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandReference in CPC to previous version: 86 (1995) 175Catalogue identifier of previous version: ADANAuthors of previous version: J. Tennyson, J.R. Henderson and N.G. FultonDoes the new version supersede the original program?: YesComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 Unix; SGI Origin 2000; sunfire V750 and V880 systemsProgramming language used: Fortran 90High speed storage required: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1921No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 15 685Has code been vectorised or parallelised?: The code has been extensively vectorised. Commands to parallelise the code using OpenMP are included in the sourceDistribution format: gzNature of physical problem: DIPOLE3 calculates dipole transition intensities between previously calculated wavefunction for both rotational and rotational-vibrational transitionsMethod of solution: Integrals over dipole surfaces are constructed using a DVR in all three coordinates, this requires a transformation of the angular wavefunctions. Wavefunctions generated by DVR3DRJZ and ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3B are then used to give transition intensities for individual pairs of statesRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: The complexity of the problem that can be solved by DVR3DRJZ, ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3BTypical running time: Case dependent. The test data takes a few seconds on a fast PCUnusual features of the program: Most data is read directly from DVR3DRJZ and ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3B. DIPOLE provides data to drive SPECTRA

New version summary

Title of program: SPECTRACatalogue number: ADTGProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTGProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 UnixReference in CPC to previous version: 75 (1993) 339Catalogue identifier of previous version: ACNBAuthors of previous version: J. Tennyson, S. Miller and C.R. Le SueurDoes the new version supersede the original program?: YesProgramming language used: Fortran 90High speed storage required: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1037No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 9159Has code been vectorised or parallelised?: As execution times are very short this is usually not importantDistribution format: gzNature of physical problem: SPECTRA generates synthetic, frequency ordered spectra as a function of temperature. Absolute intensities can be calculated if the necessary data to calculate the partition function is suppliedMethod of solution: Transitions are sorted by frequency and weighted using Boltzmann statisticsRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: The complexity of problem that can be solved by other programs in the suiteTypical running time: Case dependent, but very small for sample dataUnusual features of the program: Most data is read directly from DIPOLE3. Some data from DVR3DRJZ and ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3B may also be required

Program summary

Title of program: XPECT3Catalogue number: ADTHProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADTHProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandComputer: PC running LinuxInstallation: desktopOther machines on which program tested: Compaq running True64 UnixProgramming language used: Fortran 90High speed storage required: case dependentNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1214No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 9361Distribution format: gzKeywords: Expectation values, Hellmann-Feynman theorem, potential fittingHas code been vectorised or parallelised?: The code has been extensively vectorisedNature of physical problem: XPECT3 calculates expectation of geometrically defined operators using previously calculated wavefunctionsMethod of solution: Integrals over the user defined surfaces are constructed using a DVR in all three coordinates. Wavefunctions generated by DVR3DRJZ and ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3B are then used to give expectation values for each stateRestrictions on the complexity of the problem: The complexity of problem that can be solved by DVR3DRJZ, ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3BTypical running time: Case dependent. The test data takes a few seconds on a fast PCUnusual features of the program: Most data is read directly from DVR3DRJZ and ROTLEV3 or ROTLEV3B.     

Junction leakage current degradation under high temperature reverse-bias stress induced by band-defect-band tunnelling in power VDMOS

A deep analysis of the intrinsic junction and surface currents in power vertically diffused MOS devices with sub-micrometer channel length and thin gate oxide has been carried on after a typical reliability high temperature reverse bias (HTRB) stress. A reference set of gated diodes has also been examined in order to better understand the onset and evolution of post-stress leakage degradation. A comparison among complete MOSs, single body diodes and enriched diodes allows to highlight the role played by the point defectivity both at gate interface and in the bulk silicon close to the junction surface. We found that the typical interface defects involved in the leakage degradation are shallow traps and can be de-populated simply by a thermally activated mechanism. More specifically, the main degradation mechanism relies to band-defect-band tunneling localized at the surface drain/body junction where an intrinsic n-i-p region evolves due to a bird’s beak lateral profile of the body diffusion. We have demonstrated that the most important contribution to the activation of the precursor defect sites is given by the transverse electrical field that develops just below the SiO₂/Si interface within the n-i-p region during the stress.     

Next-Generation Sequencing Workflow for NSCLC Critical Samples Using a Targeted Sequencing Approach by Ion Torrent PGM? Platform

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a cost-effective technology capable of screening several genes simultaneously; however, its application in a clinical context requires an established workflow to acquire reliable sequencing results. Here, we report an optimized NGS workflow analyzing 22 lung cancer-related genes to sequence critical samples such as DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks and circulating free DNA (cfDNA). Snap frozen and matched FFPE gDNA from 12 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, whose gDNA fragmentation status was previously evaluated using a multiplex PCR-based quality control, were successfully sequenced with Ion Torrent PGM™. The robust bioinformatic pipeline allowed us to correctly call both Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) and indels with a detection limit of 5%, achieving 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity. This workflow was also validated in 13 FFPE NSCLC biopsies. Furthermore, a specific protocol for low input gDNA capable of producing good sequencing data with high coverage, high uniformity, and a low error rate was also optimized. In conclusion, we demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining gDNA from FFPE samples suitable for NGS by performing appropriate quality controls. The optimized workflow, capable of screening low input gDNA, highlights NGS as a potential tool in the detection, disease monitoring, and treatment of NSCLC.     

Scratch and wear resistance of transparent topcoats on carbon laminates

The present investigation deals with the application of low-curable powder paints on epoxy–carbon laminates. Carbon laminates were first peened to corrugate their surface, hence increasing the wettability and allowing a better adhesion of the overlying coatings. Powder coatings were then electrostatically sprayed onto peened and unpeened substrates and baked into a convection oven. Their aesthetic and tribological performance was comparatively evaluated. Powder coated peened carbon laminates exhibited good adhesion and visual appearance as well as noteworthy scratch resistance and tribological performance.     

Mixed convection with viscous dissipation and pressure work in a lid-driven square enclosure

Buoyant laminar flow in a square lid-driven enclosure is analysed. The vertical sides are kept isothermal at different temperatures, while the horizontal sides are insulated. Assisting mixed convection flow due to uniform motion of the top side is considered. The governing balance equations are solved numerically by employing a Galerkin finite element method. The effects of viscous dissipation and pressure work are taken into account. In order to investigate the influence of these effects, the Nusselt number is evaluated with respect to the heat fluxes at both vertical sides, for different values of the Rayleigh number and of the Péclet number based on the lid velocity. Two sample fluids are considered: a gas and a highly viscous liquid. In the framework of the Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation, a comparison is made between three different energy balance models: (A) enthalpy formulation (pressure work and viscous dissipation are included); (B) internal-energy formulation (viscous dissipation is included); (C) both pressure work and viscous dissipation are neglected. It is shown that, in the absence of a lid motion, the three models yield substantially the same predictions. On the other hand, when the forced flow induced by the lid motion becomes sufficiently large, the three models yield discrepant results, thus implying that pressure work and viscous dissipation are not negligible. Moreover, it is shown that, in this case, model (A) yields unphysical results, while model (B) leads to reasonable predictions.