Applying formal methods to standard development: the open distributed processing experience

Since their introduction, formal methods have been applied in various ways to different standards. This paper gives an account of these applications, focusing on one application in particular: the development of a framework for creating standards for Open Distributed Processing (ODP). Following an introduction to ODP, the paper gives an insight into the current work on formalising the architecture of the Reference Model of ODP (RM-ODP), highlighting the advantages to be gained. The different approaches currently being taken are shown, together with their associated advantages and disadvantages. The paper concludes that there is no one all-purpose approach which can be used in preference to all others, but that a combination of approaches is desirable to best fulfil the potential of formal methods in developing an architectural semantics for OD

Risk identification framework in construction of Egyptian mega housing projects

Egypt's population is increasing and expected to exceed 120 million by 2050. Egypt constructed mega housing projects (M.H.P) to cater with that escalation in population. The Egyptian strategy 2030 prioritized the construction of M.H.P. Contractors’ in Egypt have struggled to manage construction risks and deliver housing projects successfully. The aim of the paper is to develop a conceptual risk identification framework to improve contractors’ risk identification practices during the construction of mega housing projects in Egypt. The objectives of the paper are to analyse risk management practices in Egyptian M.H.P and to develop a risk identification framework (CRIF). The paper reviewed the literature of identified risks in construction of mega projects. Through a constructivism paradigm, the paper adopted the interview technique and allocated contractors’ recent risk practice. Qualitative risk information is analysed using NVivo tool for qualitative analysis. The paper used the ISO 31,000 as a backdrop to design a conceptual risk identification framework (CRIF), and a computerized risk identification database (CRID) using visual basic programming. The paper further produced generic guidelines to support the use of the CRIF during construction of M.H.P. Availability of resources, poor financial status, and weak technical training were the most common risks in construction of mega projects worldwide. The paper presented a risk breakdown structure (R.B.S) that included M.H.P common opportunities and challenges in Egypt. Egypt’s main challenges in construction of M.H.P included Management of Resources, Project Management, and Cash flow issues. The CRIF guides contractors’ in Egypt to improve risk knowledge, and management. The CRID improves the management of identified risks by providing a database for future M.H.P. The guidelines support contractors’ in using the conceptual risk identification framework. The paper updates risk identification process by adding multidisciplinary risk elements including risk communication, risk knowledge, and considering the context in building frameworks. The paper enhances contractors’ capability in management and identification of risks in construction of M.H.P. The paper allowed researchers to manage challenges and opportunities in construction of mega housing project in Egypt

Toxicity of Tungsten Carbide and Cobalt-Doped Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticles in Mammalian Cells in Vitro

BACKGROUND: Tungsten carbide nanoparticles are being explored for their use in the manufacture of hard metals. To develop nanoparticles for broad applications, potential risks to human health and the environment should be evaluated and taken into consideration. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the toxicity of well-characterized tungsten carbide (WC) and cobalt-doped tungsten carbide (WC-Co) nanoparticle suspensions in an array of mammalian cells. METHODS: We examined acute toxicity of WC and of WC-Co (10% weight content Co) nanoparticles in different human cell lines (lung, skin, and colon) as well as in rat neuronal and glial cells (i.e., primary neuronal and astroglial cultures and the oligodendrocyte precursor cell line OLN-93). Furthermore, using electron microscopy, we assessed whether natioparticles can be taken up by living cells. We chose these in vitro systems in order to evaluate for potential toxicity of the nanoparticles in different mammalian organs (i.e., lung, skin, intestine, and brain). RESULTS: Chemical-physical characterization confirmed that WC as well as WC-Co natioparticles with a mean particle size of 145 nm form stable suspensions in serum-containing cell culture media. WC nanoparticles were not acutely toxic to the studied cell lines. However, cytotoxicity became apparent when particles were doped with Co. The most sensitive were astrocytes and colon epithelial cells. Cytotoxicity of WC-Co nanoparticles was higher than expected based on the ionic Co content of the particles. Analysis by electron microscopy demonstrated presence of WC nanoparticles within mammalian cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that doping of WC nanoparticles with Co markedly increases their cytotoxic effect and that the presence of WC-Co in particulate form is essential to elicit this combinatorial effect

Bayesian Inference in Processing Experimental Data: Principles and Basic Applications

This report introduces general ideas and some basic methods of the Bayesian probability theory applied to physics measurements. Our aim is to make the reader familiar, through examples rather than rigorous formalism, with concepts such as: model comparison (including the automatic Ockham's Razor filter provided by the Bayesian approach); parametric inference; quantification of the uncertainty about the value of physical quantities, also taking into account systematic effects; role of marginalization; posterior characterization; predictive distributions; hierarchical modelling and hyperparameters; Gaussian approximation of the posterior and recovery of conventional methods, especially maximum likelihood and chi-square fits under well defined conditions; conjugate priors, transformation invariance and maximum entropy motivated priors; Monte Carlo estimates of expectation, including a short introduction to Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods.Comment: 40 pages, 2 figures, invited paper for Reports on Progress in Physic

Standardization as emerging content in technology education at all levels of education

Integration of standardization into different levels of technology education has surfaced as a critical issue for educational practitioners and policy makers at national and regional (APEC, EU) level. In this paper, we describe and analyze empirical data collected from 118 educational experiences and practices about technology standards and standardization in 21 countries of a regional variety. Specifically, this research examines standardization education programs these countries have implemented, and explores suggestive indications for the design and development of an educational policy for standardization. Online surveys, offline interviews, face-to-face meetings and case studies have been used to determine the way these standardization education programs are segmented and implemented in different contexts. The findings are consolidated into a framework for standardization education. The framework presents an applicable combination of target groups (who), appropriate learning objectives (why), probable program operators (where), prospective contents modules (what), and preferred teaching methods (how). This framework may contribute to planning and implementing more inclusive standardization education programs

Laboratory assessment of cold weather clothing

An overview of laboratory tests for cold weather clothing is provided starting from physical measurements on fabrics, and physical measurements on whole garments using thermal manikins. This is extended to human wear trials and climatic chamber experimentation. Insulation and vapour resistance are considered the most relevant parameters followed by wind and water proofness and moisture absorption properties. The use of test participants in wear trials is considered regarding the information provided by such tests. Tests for innovative fabrics (heated, variable insulation, phase change materials) are discussed. Finally testing of sleeping bags is considered