Goal-oriented requirements modeling as a means to address stakeholder-related issues in EA

In this paper we explore goal-oriented requirements engineering (GORE) as a means to address stakeholder-related issues in the enterprise architecting process. We elaborate on a recent literature analysis on enterprise architecting issues. We refine this literature analysis results by identifying problem areas that we consider solvable by increasing the focus on the stakeholders in EA. We develop a conceptual model, which we use to provide reasoning about means to foster stakeholder orientation and thereby to address stakeholder-related issues. We argue that a stronger focus on the stakeholders‟ benefits EA and that this increased stakeholder orientation can be reached by leveraging intentional modeling used in software engineering

Critical Issues in Enterprise Architecting – A Literature Review

Enterprise Architecture (EA) has been identified as a means to Business-/IT-Alignment, cost reduction or to facilitate change. Research has been focusing on the effectiveness of EA management while the enterprise architecting process is the process of developing, managing, utilizing and maintaining architectural descriptions (ADs) for EA. In this paper we present the results of a literature review on the process of enterprise architecting. Our research contribution is a consolidated view on the challenges and issues arising throughout the architecting process

International study on the long-term efficiency of stormwater infiltration by permeable pavements

Although permeable pavements have been used all over the world in recent years to infiltrate and treat stormwater, only limited research has been undertaken to investigate and compare the long-term performance of these sustainable urban drainage system devices. This paper presents the results of an extensive international review of research on the reduction of infiltration capacity of permeable pavements over time. The results of these studies, coupled with specific knowledge of the key environmental factors on the individual research locations and infiltration testing methods used, enables the maintenance of these SUDS to be strategically planned in order to meet specific European and international infiltration capacity guidelines

Platelet activation and thrombus formation relates to the presence of myocardial inflammation in patients with cardiomyopathy

AbstractBackgroundPatients with cardiomyopathy show a significantly increased risk for thromboembolic events due to a hypercoagulable state and platelet dysfunction. The pathophysiologic mechanism underlying the increasing platelet activity in patients with cardiomyopathy remains unclear. We performed a clinical study to elucidate the link between myocardial tissue alterations and platelet activation in patients with cardiomyopathy.MethodsA total of 30 patients with suspected cardiomyopathy and 10 healthy control patients were included in our study. Hemodynamic parameters were measured by catheterization and echocardiography. Endomyocardial biopsies were taken to determine myocardial inflammation. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the platelet activation by quantification of p-selectin and thrombospondin expression on platelets.ResultsThe p-selectin (8.46±3.67AU) and thrombospondin (26.56±23.21AU) expression was significantly correlated with the amount of CD3+ T cells (p-selectin: r=0.573, p<0.05; thrombospondin: r=0.488, p<0.05) and the endothelial/interstitial activation (p-selectin: r=0.521, p<0.05; thrombospondin: r=0.39, p<0.05). This was found to be independent of hemodynamic parameters, age, and gender. The platelet activation of patients (n=3) with echocardiographically documented ventricular thrombi was significantly increased (p-selectin: 12.57±5.5AU vs. 8.1±3.2AU, p<0.05) and this was associated with elevated myocardial inflammation scores.ConclusionMyocardial inflammation is associated with a significant increase in platelet activation and ventricular thrombus formation independently of the hemodynamic conditions

Quantification of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells Using the Modified ISHAGE Protocol

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), involved in endothelial regeneration, neovascularisation, and determination of prognosis in cardiovascular disease can be characterised with functional assays or using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Combinations of markers, including CD34+KDR+ or CD133+KDR+, are used. This approach, however may not consider all characteristics of EPC. The lack of a standardised protocol with regards to reagents and gating strategies may account for the widespread inter-laboratory variations in quantification of EPC. We, therefore developed a novel protocol adapted from the standardised so-called ISHAGE protocol for enumeration of haematopoietic stem cells to enable comparison of clinical and laboratory data.In 25 control subjects, 65 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD; 40 stable CAD, 25 acute coronary syndrome/acute myocardial infarction (ACS)), EPC were quantified using the following approach: Whole blood was incubated with CD45, KDR, and CD34. The ISHAGE sequential strategy was used, and finally, CD45(dim)CD34(+) cells were quantified for KDR. A minimum of 100 CD34(+) events were collected. For comparison, CD45(+)CD34(+) and CD45(-)CD34(+) were analysed simultaneously. The number of CD45(dim)CD34(+)KDR(+) cells only were significantly higher in healthy controls compared to patients with CAD or ACS (p = 0.005 each, p<0.001 for trend). An inverse correlation of CD45(dim)CD34(+)KDR(+) with disease activity (r = -0.475, p<0.001) was confirmed. Only CD45(dim)CD34(+)KDR(+) correlated inversely with the number of diseased coronaries (r = -0.344; p<0.005). In a second study, a 4-week de-novo treatment of atorvastatin in stable CAD evoked an increase only of CD45(dim)CD34(+)KDR(+) EPC (p<0.05). CD45(+)CD34(+)KDR(+) and CD45(-)CD34(+)KDR(+) were indifferent between the three groups.Our newly established protocol adopted from the standardised ISHAGE protocol achieved higher accuracy in EPC enumeration confirming previous findings with respect to the correlation of EPC with disease activity and the increase of EPC during statin therapy. The data of this study show the CD45(dim) fraction to harbour EPC

General technical approvals for decentralised sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) : the current situation in Germany

The use of decentralised, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) for the treatment of stormwater runoff is becoming increasingly prevalent in Germany. Decentralised SUDS can offer a viable and attractive alternative to end of pipe treatment systems for stormwater runoff from urban areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the long-term performance of SUDS, and the general legislative requirements for SUDS approval and testing. Whilst the allowable pollution levels in stormwater runoff that infiltrate into ground and/or water table are regulated across Germany by the Federal Soil Protection Law, there is presently no federal law addressing the discharge requirements for surface water runoff. The lack of clear guidance can make it difficult for planners and designers to implement these innovative and sustainable stormwater treatment systems. This study clarifies the current understanding of urban stormwater treatment requirements and new technical approval guidelines for decentralised SUDS devices in Germany. The study findings should assist researchers, designers and asset managers to better anticipate and understand the performance, effective life-spans, and the planning and maintenance requirements for decentralised SUDS systems. This should help promote even greater use of these systems in the future