Reliability prediction in model driven development

Evaluating the implications of an architecture design early in the software development lifecycle is important in order to reduce costs of development. Reliability is an important concern with regard to the correct delivery of software system service. Recently, the UML Profile for Modeling Quality of Service has defined a set of UML extensions to represent dependability concerns (including reliability) and other non-functional requirements in early stages of the software development lifecycle. Our research has shown that these extensions are not comprehensive enough to support reliability analysis for model-driven software engineering, because the description of reliability characteristics in this profile lacks support for certain dynamic aspects that are essential in modeling reliability. In this work, we define a profile for reliability analysis by extending the UML 2.0 specification to support reliability prediction based on scenario specifications. A UML model specified using the profile is translated to a labelled transition system (LTS), which is used for automated reliability prediction and identification of implied scenarios; the results of this analysis are then fed back to the UML model. The result is a comprehensive framework for addressing software reliability modeling, including analysis and evolution of reliability predictions. We exemplify our approach using the Boiler System used in previous work and demonstrate how reliability analysis results can be integrated into UML models

The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-4): Psychometric evidence of introjected approach regulation in Portuguese health club exercisers

The assessment of motivation has been a key aspect to the understanding of exercise participation, and research grounded in self-determination theory has presented valid and reliable instruments for that purpose. Given the need to continually refine this latent construct, the present study aimed to translate, adapt, and psychometrically validate a subscale targeting the approach facet of introjection, and to test the pattern of associations between motives for practice, basic psychological needs satisfaction/frustration, and behavioral regulations encompassing the validated introjection subscale, in a sample of health club exercisers. For that purpose, two studies were developed with a total of 1216 health club exercisers. In Study I (n = 806), Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling analysis to test the motivational continuum encompassing the introjected approach subscale were performed. In Study II (n = 410) associations and structural models between intrinsic and extrinsic goal contents, basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, and behavioral regulations with the new subscale were tested. The correlated seven-factor model with 21 items in Study I displayed good psychometric properties (CFA: χ2 = 481.977 (168), p < .001, CFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.915, SRMR = 0.037, RMSEA = 0.048; ESEM: χ2 = 178.672 (84), p < .001, CFI = 0.980, TLI = 0.949, SRMR = 0.014, RMSEA = 0.037). The introjected approach regulation added to the preexisting factorial structure did not affect the validity and reliability of the instrument. The results from Study II supported a theoretically expected pattern of associations, in which the introjected regulation of approach is positioned between introjected avoidance and identified regulation along the motivational continuum. Additionally, path estimates depicted criterion validity for the new subscale. All in all, this work presents preliminary evidence for an introjected approach regulation subscale that can be used in health club practices for a better understanding of the motivational quality of exercise practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Causal explanation for observed superluminal behavior of microwave propagation in free space

In this paper we present a theoretical analysis of an experiment by Mugnai and collaborators where superluminal behavior was observed in the propagation of microwaves. We suggest that what was observed can be well approximated by the motion of a superluminal X wave. Furthermore the experimental results are also explained by the so called scissor effect which occurs with the convergence of pairs of signals coming from opposite points of an annular region of the mirror and forming an interference peak on the intersection axis traveling at superluminal speed. We clarify some misunderstandings concerning this kind of electromagnetic wave propagation in vacuum.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Physics Letters

Adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the regulation of eating behavior scale (REBSp)

The aim of present study was two-fold: i) to translate and adapt the Regulation of Eating Behavior Scale to Portuguese (REBSp), and ii) to analyze its psychometrics properties (factorial validity with gender invariance analyses, reliability and construct validity). The study sample was composed by 471 Portuguese participants (68.4% females) with a mean age of 30.5 years (SD = 11.2). Structural equation modeling was used to verify the psychometric properties of the scale using SPSS v. 23.0 and AMOS 24.0 software. The analysis showed that the Portuguese 24-item scale presented a good fit, achieving good reliability and convergent validity. Some issues arose with discriminant validity within autonomous and controlled regulations, discussed in light of the simplex pattern expected by self-determination theory literature. Additionally, the scale presented concurrent validity and evidence of gender measurement invariance. Latent mean analysis between genders showed that women presented higher means for intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation when compared to men. In conclusion, analyses suggest that the 24-item Portuguese version of REBS can be used safely to assess the eating regulation in both genders.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Seminal quality, testicle and epididymis morphology of bulls fed a diet containing gossypol

The objective was to evaluate the effect of intake of free gossypol on sperm quality and morphology of the testicles and epididymis of Nelore bulls. Twelve bulls were fed diets containing 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day (cottonseed) (Group 1, n = 6) and a diet free of gossypol (Group 2, n = 6), respectively. Semen samples were collected in the beginning and end of the experiment which lasted 73 days. In the end of the study the testes and epididymis of bulls were removed to study the effect of free gossypol on histological characteristics. The average consumption of 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day (mean 7.1mg of free gossypol/kg/day) reduced motility and sperm concentration and increased the percentage of major and total sperm defects, as well as the animals showing testes with seminiferous tubules of smaller thickness, fewer layers of spermatogenic lineage cells, smaller epididymal epithelium thickness and smaller number of sperm within the epididymal ducts, compared to animals with a diet free of gossypol (Group 2). The consumption of 3.3g of free gossypol/bull/day led to changes in morphology and morphometry of the testes and epididymis and reduced sperm quality of bulls.Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da ingestão de gossipol livre sobre a qualidade espermática e a morfologia dos testículos e dos epidídimos de touros da raça Nelore. Doze touros receberam dieta contendo 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia (caroço de algodão) (Grupo 1, n=6) e dieta isenta de gossipol (Grupo 2, n=6), respectivamente. Foram realizadas coletas de sêmen no início e no final do experimento, que teve duração de 73 dias. Ao final do estudo, foram retirados os testículos e os epidídimos dos touros para se estudar o efeito do gossipol livre sobre as características histológicas. O consumo médio de 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia (média 7,1mg de gossipol livre/kg/dia) reduziu a motilidade e a concentração espermática e aumentou a porcentagem de defeitos espermáticos maiores e totais. Além disso, os animais apresentaram testículos com túbulos seminíferos de menor espessura de parede, menor número de camadas de células espermatogênicas, menor espessura do epitélio epididimário e menor número de espermatozoide no interior dos ductos epidídimários, em relação aos animais com dieta isenta de gossipol (Grupo 2). O consumo de 3,3g de gossipol livre/touro/dia acarretou alterações na morfologia e na morfometria dos testículos e dos epidídimos e reduziu a qualidade espermática dos touros.Universidade de Cuiabá Faculdade de Medicina VeterináriaUFMS Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e ZootecniaEpamigUniversidade Federal do Mato GrossoUNIFESP-EPMUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

REM sleep deprivation promotes a dopaminergic influence in the striatal MT2 anxiolytic-like effects

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible anxiolytic-like effects of striatal MT2 activation, and its counteraction induced by the selective blockade of this receptor. Furthermore, we analyzed this condition under the paradigm of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (REMSD) and the animal model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced by rotenone. Male Wistar rats were infused with intranigral rotenone (12μg/μL), and 7 days later were subjected to 24h of REMSD. Afterwards the rats underwent striatal micro-infusions of selective melatonin MT2 receptor agonist, 8-M-PDOT (10μg/μL) or selective melatonin MT2 receptor antagonist, 4-P-PDOT (5μg/μL) or vehicle. Subsequently, the animals were tested in the open-field (OP) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Results indicated that the activation of MT2 receptors produced anxiolytic-like effects. In opposite, the MT2 blockade did not show an anxiogenic-like effect. Besides, REMSD induced anxiolytic-like effects similar to 8-M-PDOT. MT2 activation generated a prevalent locomotor increase compared to MT2 blockade in the context of REMSD. Together, these results suggest a striatal MT2 modulation associated to the REMSD-induced dopaminergic supersensitivity causing a possible dopaminergic influence in the MT2 anxiolytic-like effects in the intranigral rotenone model of PD

O desafio da publicação em meio científico: como, onde e porquê?: livro de resumos

O presente documento reúne os contributos de todos os autores que apresentaram as suas comunicações na III Conferência do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco sobre o Livre Acesso ao Conhecimento Científico e que consentiram em partilhar as suas ideias e o seu conhecimento, disponibilizando-os em Livre Acesso

Indication Of Unusual Pentagonal Structures In Atomic-size Cu Namwires

A study of the structural and quantum conductance properties of atomic-size copper nanowires generated by mechanical stretching was presented. The time-resolved electron microscopy observations and molecular dynamics simulations were used to derive the atomistic evolution. The quantum transport behavior was analyzed by means of conductance measurements and theoretical calculations. The formation of an unusual and highly pentagonal Cu nanowires with a diameter of ∼0.45 nm and ∼4.5 conductance quanta was also shown.93121261031-126103-4Agraït, N., Yeyati, A.L., Van Ruitenbeek, J.M., (2003) Phys. Rep., 377, p. 81Gulseren, O., Ercolessi, F., Tosatti, E., (1998) Phys. Rev. Lett., 80, p. 3775Kondo, Y., Takayanagi, K., (2000) Science, 289, p. 606Oshima, Y., Onga, A., Takayanagi, K., (2003) Phys. Rev. Lett., 91, p. 205503Ohnishi, H., Kondo, Y., Takayanagi, K., (1998) Nature (London), 395, p. 780Yanson, A.I., (1998) Nature (London), 395, p. 783Rodrigues, V., Fuhrer, T., Ugarte, D., (2000) Phys. Rev. Lett., 85, p. 4124Rego, L.G.C., Rocha, A.R., Rodrigues, V., Ugarte, D., (2003) Phys. Rev. B, 67, p. 045412Rodrigues, V., (2002) Phys. Rev. B, 65, p. 153402Krans, J.M., (1995) Nature (London), 375, p. 767Kondo, Y., Takayanagi, K., (1997) Phys. Rev. Lett., 79, p. 3455Rodrigues, V., Ugarte, D., (2003) Nanowires and Nanobelts, 1, p. 177. , edited by Z. L. Wang Kluwer, DordrechtRodrigues, V., Bettini, J., Silva, P.C., Ugarte, D., (2003) Phys. Rev. Lett., 91, p. 096801Marks, L.D., (1994) Rep. Prog. Phys., 57, p. 603Urban, J., (1998) Cryst. Res. Technol., 33, p. 1009Lisiecki, I., (2000) Phys. Rev. B, 61, p. 4968Emberly, E.G., Kirczenow, G., (1998) Phys. Rev. B, 58, p. 10911(1999) Phys. Rev. B, 60, p. 6028Reinhard, D., (1997) Phys. Rev. Lett., 79, p. 1459Sen, P., (2002) Phys. Rev. B, 65, p. 235433Cleri, F., Rosato, V., (1993) Phys. Rev. B, 48, p. 22Tomànek, D., Aligia, A.A., Balseiro, C.A., (1985) Phys. Rev. B, 32, p. 5051Coura, P.Z., (2004) Nano Lett., 4, p. 1187EPAPS Document No. E-PRLTAO-93-010436, E-PRLTAO-93-010436. , http://www.aip.org/pubservs/epaps.html)orfromftp.aip.orginthedirectory/ epaps, Figure 4 snapshot of a Cu nanowire being elongated along the [110] axis. A direct link to this document may be found in the online article's HTML reference section. The document may also be reached via the EPAPS homepage See the EPAPS homepage for more informatio

Ictiofauna Dos Enclaves De Floresta úmida Nos Planaltos Da Ibiapaba E Do Araripe, Nordeste Do Brasil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Humid highland forest enclaves are remnants of Atlantic Forest found in tablelands within the Caatinga biome (Northeastern Brazil), which emerged during interglacial periods in the Pleistocene. These ecosystems have a highly diverse and endemic fish fauna. Most earlier surveys have focused on the tableland of Borborema (Pernambuco and Paraíba States). In this study we surveyed the fish fauna of the humid forest enclaves in the tablelands of Ibiapaba and Araripe, based on samples collected in the rainy season (March and April) between 2009 and 2014. The 45 sampling points covered rivers, streams and reservoirs in five river basins belonging to three ecoregions. The species were listed according to drainage divide, and endemism was determined for each ecoregion and for the Caatinga. Our area was more species-rich (n=59) than Borborema (n=27). The samples included five introduced species and 29 species endemic to the Caatinga (49.1% of the sampled species). The distribution of Parotocinclus haroldoi was expanded to the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion (Timonha river basin, Ceará State). Our study intends to make a significant contribution to current knowledge of the ichthyofauna in humid highland forest enclaves of semiarid Northeastern Brazil, identified as a priority in the conservation of the biodiversity in the Caatinga. © 2016, Universidade Estadual de Campinas UNICAMP. All rights reserved.164457463/2012-0, CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico552009/2011-3, CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico552086/2011-8, CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

X-ray microdiffraction studies to measure strain fields in a metal matrix composite

An x-ray diffraction microscope has been used to map the strain field in a fiber-reinforced composite material. The monochromatic x-ray (11 keV) beam was focused by a phase zone plate to produce a focal spot of 1 x 4 {micro}m{sup 2} on the specimen. The change in the peak position of diffraction patterns due to interatomic spacing change, caused by stress in the sample, was measured by using a two-dimensional CCD detector. The radial residual strain field in the fiber-reinforced composite (SCS-6/Ti-14Al-21Nb) was measured from diffraction patterns with a sensitivity of {approximately} 10{sup {minus}4} and an average standard deviation of 9.4 {times} 10{sup {minus}5}