Modeling the external software interface for requirements specification

Requirements specification is an important part of the software, indeed the system, development process. It is critical that this effort be started early. This work suggests an early model for software developers to incorporate a systems viewpoint in their process. This model is an attempt to formalize an approach that will include a systematic representation of essentials of the external interface for software that is embedded within a larger system. The model is useful for early analysis of the software system and environment for such things as consistency, completeness, and safety

Floating Exchange Rates after Ten years

macroeconomics, exchange rate

Computer-Aided Tools in Negotiation: Negotiable Issues, Counterfactual Thinking, and Satisfaction

Negotiations research has identified both economic and social-psychological outcomes are important for negotiations. Despite the economic advantages of having multiple issues to negotiate, inconsistencies exist between objective economic outcomes and negotiator satisfaction. Although having more negotiable issues yields better objective payoffs, it can result in more thoughts about different possible outcomes. Such counterfactual thoughts about different outcomes can reduce overall satisfaction due to increased cognitive complexity and thoughts about different outcomes. In this study, we explore how information technology can influence negotiator satisfaction and better manage counterfactual thoughts and post-negotiation satisfaction. Results support the prediction that having a computer aid to better manage cognitively complex issues, even a relatively simple one, reduces participants’ counterfactual thoughts about better possible outcomes. As a result, the use of some type of technology—even a simple technology such as a spreadsheet—may improve overall negotiator satisfaction, while maintaining desirable economic outcomes

Specification languages for embedded systems : a survey

Requirements specification is an important part of the software development process. Use of well developed techniques, tools, and languages during requirements specification is especially crucial for complex embedded software systems. Four langauges appropriate for the specification of software requirements for complex embedded systems (RSL, PAISLey, Statecharts, and SCR) are reviewed in detail here. In addition, other representation languages with features relevant to the embedded software systems domain are mentioned. Conclusions about the current status of embedded systems requirements specification and indications of further research are given

Sentencing circles in Saskatchewan

This Thesis attempts to develop an understanding of the problems that Aboriginal offenders encounter in the Canadian justice system and examines why Euro-Canadian justice philosophy and mechanisms are not appropriate or effective. It is often very difficult for non-Aboriginal persons to understand that there is a difference between being Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. This difference impacts offenders as they interact with the criminal justice system. The sentencing circle is one process by which the sentencing judge can obtain a clearer picture of the offender and consider sentencing options other than the `usual punishment'. It is an opportunity for the offender to address the consequences of his or her actions and to seek the help of community and family. It is also an opportunity for the victim to be heard and to seek redress. Current sentencing practices and theory are briefly examined as they bear on sentencing circles. Issues which have arisen as a result of the implementation of sentencing circles in Saskatchewan are examined (where possible, within the context of Saskatchewan case law). The use of sentencing circles has raised questions about the current approach to sentencing as contrasted with the restorative approach of the circle. The restorative approach to justice is a recurring theme throughout the Thesis. The different approach of the sentencing circle to the offender and the involvement of the community in the sentencing process have raised questions about incarcerating offenders, about disparity in sentences, about the protection of the public, and about the role of the community, the family and victims in the sentencing and rehabilitative processes. These issues are examined. This Thesis has also attempted to draw some conclusions about the larger issue of where sentencing circles may be leading the justice system and the Canadian public. Is the sentencing circle merely an innovation within the justice system that can provide a more effective sentencing mechanism than the sentencing hearing? Or, is the sentencing circle leading Aboriginal peoples towards their own justice systems? The sentencing circle has forced an examination of current sentencing practices. This, in turn, has opened a window of opportunity to do some serious re-evaluation of the existing sentencing process

Anatomy of the nodose ganglion in the rat: central projections of afferent fibers in the hepatic vagus.

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was applied to the rostral end of sectioned hepatic vagi (HV) . Subsequently, a count of HRP—labeled cells in the nodose ganglia (NDG) yielded an estimate of the minimum number of afferent fibers in the HV of 139. HHP labeled cells were found only in the left NDG and were diffusely spread throughout the ganglia. No HRP labeling was found in areas of the brain previously reported to contain vagal afferent projections. In three cases small numbers of HRP labeled cell bodies were seen in the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) . The NDG were organized with cell bodies on the sides and their processes and fibers of passage in the center. The NDG have an apparent population of two cell types; large sensory neurons and smaller glial cells. However, the possibility of a population of smaller sensory cells is discussed. An average of total sensory cell counts for three NDG yielded an estimate of 9115 sensory cells

Airline Deregulation: Success of Failure

This thesis focused on the study of airline deregulation and the impact it made on the airlines and the consumers. The history of the airline industry was reviewed, as well as the specific events which lead to the formation of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Following deregulation there were debates as to whether deregulation bad achieved its original goals . These debates have continued up until today. The hypothesis stated herein was that research would indicate that airline deregulation had benefited the industry as a whole and that if further deregulation and more adherence to policies under deregulation were followed, both the airlines and the consumer would benefit. The studies of major authors and theorists, who have studied deregulation , were examined. The results of these studies supported the hypothesis and, therefore, it was accepted . These results indicated that airline deregulation had overall benefited both the airlines and the consumer . Deregulation had achieved what it originally set out to do and that was to allow the common person to travel by air. Likewise, the full benefit of deregulation can be realized if more adherence to the rules of deregulation are followed

Causerie

I think everyone is amazed at how fast this semester has gone by. Hosting SAVMA Symposium 2001 was a great honor and an excellent opportunity to showcase Iowa State and all it has to offer. On the other hand, as most of the VM3\u27s and any of the students who were involved in the planning stages will tell you, it\u27s an unbelievable amount of work. It requires a huge cooperative effort and strong leadership on many levels. Fortunately, the present student body was more than up to the task