A Probabilistic Extension of UML-B

This paper extends the graphical and formal language of UML-B to provide the ability to model probabilities. Discrete probabilities, interval probabilities, and stochastic delays are added to the UML-B's state-machine syntax, and their corresponding semantics are defined in Event-B. In addition, as a secondary contribution, UML-B (probabilistic) state-machine models are defined as MDP (Markov Decision Process) models in order to provide a means of quantitative verification in PRISM (Probabilistic Symbolic Model Checker). As an important feature of the proposed method, it does not change the Event-B syntax or semantics. To evaluate this work, as a case study, the Zeroconf protocol will be modeled in the extended UML-B using the Rodin tool, and its Event-B counterpart is converted to a PRISM model. The results of evaluations indicate that this study's additions provide the capability of modeling and verification of probabilistic and stochastic systems

Laplacian Spectral Characterization of Signed Sun Graphs

A sun $SG_{n}$ is a graph of order $2n$ consisting of a cycle $C_{n}$, $n\geq 3$, to each vertex of it a pendant edge is attached. In this paper, we prove that unbalanced signed sun graphs are determined by their Laplacian spectra. Also we show that a balanced signed sun graph is determined by its Laplacian spectrum if and only if $n$ is odd

A Set of Refactoring Rules for UML-B Specifications

UML-B is a graphical formal modelling notation which is based on UML and relies on Event-B and its verification tools. In this paper, we propose annealing and introduce subtyping rules as well-known refactoring rules which can improve and assist the derivation of object-oriented design from an abstract specification written in UML-B. We prove that the proposed annealing rules are behavior preserving. We also demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of our refactoring rules by applying them on two UML-B specifications

Fabrication of a sensitive amperometric sensor for NADH and H2O2 using palladium nanoparticles-multiwalled carbon nanotube nanohybrid

Palladium nanoparticles decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PdNPs-MWCNTs) were synthesized and simply cast on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to prepare an amperometric sensor. The fabricated sensor (PdNPs-MWCNTs/GCE) showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards NADH and H2O2 oxidation and H2O2 reduction. A fast, linear and highly sensitive response was observed for NADH in the concentration range between 0.1 and 200 μM with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 32 nM. Also, the sensor exhibited fast and sensitive responses (< 2 s) towards H2O2. The sensitivity and detection limit for H2O2 at the operating potential of + 0.35 V were 167 nA μM− 1 cm− 2 and 1.2 μM, respectively and better than those obtained at the operating potential of − 0.25 V (68 nA μM− 1 cm− 2 and 14 μM). Moreover, further modification of the proposed sensor by glucose oxidase led to the fabrication of a glucose biosensor with satisfactory performance

Difficulties of Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease: The Application of Clinical Decision Support Systems

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of dementia, which gradually causes cognitive impairment. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is a complicated process performed through several tests and examinations. Design and development of Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) could be an appropriate approach for eliminating the existing difficulties of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. Materials and Methods: This study reviews the current problems in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease with an approach to the application of CDSS. The study reviewed the articles published from 1990 to 2016. The articles were identified by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct. Considering the relevance of articles with the objectives of the study, 29 papers were selected. According to the performed investigations, various reasons cause difficulty in Alzheimer's diagnosis. Results: The complexity of diagnostic process and  the similarity of Alzheimer's disease with other causes of dementia are the most important of them. The results of studies about the application of CDSSs on Alzheimer's disease diagnosis indicated that the implementation of these systems could help to eliminate the existing difficulties in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Developing CDSSs based on diagnostic guidelines could be regarded as one of the possible approaches towards early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Applying of computer-interpretable guideline (CIG) models such as GLIF, PROforma, Asbru, and EON can help to design CDSS with the capability of minimizing the burden of diagnostic problems with Alzheimer's disease