Decision support system for choosing a model for a software development life cycle

The aim of this paper is to present selected models of a Software Development Life Cycle as a set of possible alternatives. The article also includes the characteristics of IT projects which are used as the basis for selection criteria, according to which an appropriate model should be chosen. These characteristics are divided into two groups; one of them deals with the product, the other one deals with the project. Based on both a literature study and statistical surveys, a list of criteria is derived, to be later applied in the process of developing a knowledge-based system. The rules and search algorithms for selecting the best models are described by a flowchart. Finally, the method of presentation and the interpretation of the results are discussed.algorithm, knowledge base, sequential model, evolutionary model, IT project, selection criteria, risk, project complexity

Nocardia aciditolerans sp. nov., isolated from a spruce forest soil

Actinomycetes growing on acidified starch-casein agar seeded with suspensions of litter and mineral soil from a spruce forest were provisionally assigned to the genus Nocardia based upon colonial properties. Representative isolates were found to grow optimally at pH 5.5, have chemotaxonomic and morphological features consistent with their assignment to the genus Nocardia and formed two closely related subclades in the Nocardia 16S rRNA gene tree. DNA:DNA relatedness assays showed that representatives of the subclades belong to a single genomic species. The isolates were distantly associated with their nearest phylogenetic neighbour, the type strain of Nocardia kruczakiae, and were distinguished readily from the latter based on phenotypic properties. On the basis of these data it is proposed that the isolates merit recognition as a new species, Nocardia aciditolerans sp. nov. The type strain is isolate CSCA68(T) (=KACC 17155(T) = NCIMB 14829(T) = DSM 45801(T)). ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10482-013-9887-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

HIF-1-Independent Mechanisms Regulating Metabolic Adaptation in Hypoxic Cancer Cells.

In solid tumours, cancer cells exist within hypoxic microenvironments, and their metabolic adaptation to this hypoxia is driven by HIF-1 transcription factor, which is overexpressed in a broad range of human cancers. HIF inhibitors are under pre-clinical investigation and clinical trials, but there is evidence that hypoxic cancer cells can adapt metabolically to HIF-1 inhibition, which would provide a potential route for drug resistance. Here, we review accumulating evidence of such adaptions in carbohydrate and creatine metabolism and other HIF-1-independent mechanisms that might allow cancers to survive hypoxia despite anti-HIF-1 therapy. These include pathways in glucose, glutamine, and lipid metabolism; epigenetic mechanisms; post-translational protein modifications; spatial reorganization of enzymes; signalling pathways such as Myc, PI3K-Akt, 2-hyxdroxyglutarate and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); and activation of the HIF-2 pathway. All of these should be investigated in future work on hypoxia bypass mechanisms in anti-HIF-1 cancer therapy. In principle, agents targeted toward HIF-1β rather than HIF-1α might be advantageous, as both HIF-1 and HIF-2 require HIF-1β for activation. However, HIF-1β is also the aryl hydrocarbon nuclear transporter (ARNT), which has functions in many tissues, so off-target effects should be expected. In general, cancer therapy by HIF inhibition will need careful attention to potential resistance mechanisms

Understanding of the self- and co-assembly behavior of recombinant protein polymers : from design to implementation

A key part of the growing field of biomedical sciences deals with the development of new, controlled and biocompatible biomaterials. In this thesis we present results on the design, production, purification and characterization of stimuli responsive protein polymers that could ultimately be used in that field. Protein-polymers are composed of two or three blocks that are able to self- and co-assemble. An important theme in the thesis is to highlight the specific advantages of our new protein polymer for future biomedical applications. We have used recombinant DNA techniques and expression in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastorisfor protein production. DNAs encoding various polypeptide blocks were designed, produced using general molecular biology techniques and combined into synthetic genes for protein polymers. Synthetic genes were cloned into P. pastorisexpression vector pPIC9 that integrates into the yeast genome. Yields were high, typically reaching gram-per-liter (of medium). In Chapter 2we study dual-stimuli (pH, temperature) responsive silk-elastin-like protein polymers (SELPs). These polymers were designed to self- and co-assembly, controlled by both pH and temperature. The first protein is a diblock S24E40composed of 24 silk-like (S) repeats and 40 elastin-like (E) repeats. The other protein is a triblock S12C4E40, in which the Sand Eblocks are separated by a random coil block (C4) that serves as an inert ‘spacer’. A C2SHSHC2protein polymer, which consists of a pH responsive, positively charged silk-like middle block SH, flanked by two random coil collagen-like blocks C2was studied in Chapter 3. For this protein have studied fibril formation and gelling properties at pH values close to neutral, that are crucial for biomedical applications. We find that at physiological pH, these proteins form self-healing physical gels that fulfill many requirements for use in biomedical applications. In Chapter 4we test the influence of enzymatic cross-linking on elasticity andmechanical properties ofhydrogels that include collagen-like domains, using microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) as an enzymatic crosslinker that catalyzes the coupling of glutamines to lysines. We show that even though the collagen-like blocks are not particularly good substrates for the mTGase, the few cross-links that are made have a strong effect on the physical properties of the protein-polymer hydrogels. For silk-collagen fiber gels, the elastic moduli can be increased by a factor of five, and for thermosensitive collagen hydrogels, the enzymatic cross-linking induces qualitatively new behavior, namely shape-memory of hydrogels. Finally, we study the co-assembly of very asymmetric diblock copolymers with oppositely charged sodium poly(acrylic acid) (NaPAA) with a range of molar masses (Chapter 5). This asymmetric diblock consists of a cationic block of 12 lysines connected to a long (400 amino acid) collagen-like block with a net charge that is nearly zero. For shorter Na-PAA chains, spherical complex coacervates micelles are formed, as have been studied before in our lab. But, for long Na-PAA chains a new self-assembled structure is found: a single (Na-PAA) chain pearl-necklace of complex-coacervate micelles. The general discussion of the thesis in Chapter 6, focuses on recombinant and natural hydrogels as biomaterials. We point out the specific advantages of recombinant proteins and also indicate where these still need to be improved in order to be used in biomedical applications. Finally, we make some suggestions for further research in this area.</p

The impact of cognitive impairment of individuals with Parkinson's disease on their caregivers' mental health: A systematic review protocol

Introduction Parkinson’s disease is a motor disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with cardinal symptoms including bradykinesia, rigidity, and rest tremor accompanied by cognitive difficulties. The caregivers play a crucial role for individuals with Parkinson’s disease; however, many of them may suffer from high caregiver burden and mental health deterioration. This protocol of a systematic review presents a methodology of the review about the impact of cognitive impairment of individuals with Parkinson’s disease on their caregivers’ mental health. Material and methods Research will be identified by combining electronic databases searching and hand searching. The following databases will be included: Medline, PsycInfo, Web of Sciences, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase and Scopus. The inclusion and exclusion criteria followed to PECOS model. The population of informal caregivers is defined as family members providing care on a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Exposure is linked with the evaluation of a cognitive functioning and outcome is defined as mental health among caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. We will include two types of studies: observational and intervention. Both, screening and eligibility will be done by two independent reviewers. Study quality will be assessed by two authors independently. Data will be extracted by two reviewers independently and will follow a pre-pilot extraction form. Any discrepancies will be resolved by discussion or/and consultation with another reviewer. The synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines will be used to report on included studies data. The metanalysis with usage the statistical software R version 4.1.2 (2021-11-01) “Bird Hippie” and R metaphor package 3.0–2 of will be conducted if possible. Discussion The goal of this systematic review is to present the association between caregivers’ mental health problems and their proteges’ cognitive impairment. It will enable to identify the gaps in literature and its methodology giving the suggestions for further research.publishedVersio

Seed phytochemicals shape the community structures of cultivable actinobacteria-inhabiting plant interiors of Thai pigmented rice

We examined abundance, bioactivity, and endophytism of cultivable actinobacteria isolated from plant interiors of two Thai pigmented rice cultivars: Hom Nin (HN) rice and Luem Pua (LP) glutinous rice. Both rice cultivars housed the same amount of endophytic actinobacteria (33 isolates each). Microbispora (76%) and Streptomyces (73%) were the predominant endophytic actinobacteria of LP glutinous rice and HN rice, respectively. Sphaerisporangium (9%) was found only in LP glutinous rice. Twelve percent of endophytic actinobacteria was the possibility of discovering novel species from both rice cultivars. Most endophytic actinobacteria exhibited plant growth‐promoting potentials, including antimicrobial activity against test bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi, solubilization of phosphate, and production of biostimulants (i.e., ammonia, indole‐3‐acetic acid, and siderophore) and biocatalysts (i.e., amylase, cellulase, chitinase, lipase, and protease). Our findings revealed that seed phytochemicals of pigmented rice (e.g., anthocyanin, γ‐oryzanol, phytate, antioxidants, and content of amylose) were effectors, shaping the community structures and biofunctions of endophytic actinobacteria. We conclude that pigmented rice is yet a challenging source for discovery of bioactive and novel actinobacteria. This study also provides new insights into the plant‐endophyte interactions by which seed phytochemicals act as a primary checkpoint in the natural selection for establishing unique plant endophytomes

The normative evolution of the right to data protection. The new european regulation 2016/679

La creciente evolución tecnológica en continuo desarrollo supone una evolución normativa y el surgimiento de derechos nuevos que han de ir regulándose e incorporándose a las normativas por parte del legislador. El derecho está en continuo desarrollo persiguiendo la realidad social y ajustando conceptos o realidades a través de las normas. Con el desarrollo de internet, que podríamos llamar la revolución industrial del BIG DATA, desde luego los derechos que más se vieron perjudicados son los contenidos en el art. 18 de la CE. La privacidad, el honor, la intimidad y la vida familiar se ven comprometidos cada vez más y ello requiere de una regulación estricta en este sentido. Regulación que seguramente vaya a avanzar con el avance de la inteligencia artificial desarrollada en estos momentos por grandes empresas mundiales. Hasta la aparición de la normativa europea y concretamente hasta el desarrollo del Convenio 108 del Consejo de Europa no se había definido en España el alcance del derecho a la protección de datos1. Dicho Convenio, en palabras de JULIAN VALERO TORRIJOS inspiró al Tribunal Constitucional en la elaboración y confirmación del derecho a la protección de datos y a su formación como un derecho fundamental, autónomo e independiente. Este trabajo pretende mostrar el camino que ha recorrido la formación de dicho derecho fundamental a la protección de datos, teniendo en cuenta la normativa europea y la normativa española, así como algunas normativas europeas adoptadas a raíz del nuevo Reglamento de Protección de Datos (UE) 2016/679 de 27 de abril de 2016 (en adelante RGPD), haciendo especial hincapié en las novedades introducidas por el mismo.The growing technological evolution in continuous development implies a normative evolution and the emergence of new rights that must be regulated and incorporated into the regulations by the legislator. The law is in continuous development pursuing the social reality and adjusting concepts or realities through the rules. With the development of the internet, which we could call the industrial revolution of BIG DATA, of course the rights that were most affected are those contained in art. 18 of the EC. Privacy, honor, privacy and family life are increasingly compromised and this requires strict regulation in this regard. Regulation that will surely advance with the advance of artificial intelligence developed at this time by large global companies. Until the emergence of European legislation and specifically until the development of Convention 108 of the Council of Europe had not been defined in Spain the scope of the right to data protection. This Agreement, in the words of JULIAN VALERO TORRIJOS, inspired the Constitutional Court in the elaboration and confirmation of the right to data protection and its formation as a fundamental, autonomous and independent right. This work aims to show the path that has taken the formation of this fundamental right to data protection, taking into account European regulations and Spanish regulations, as well as some European regulations adopted as a result of the new Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of April 27, 2016 (hereinafter RGPD), with special emphasis on the novelties introduced by it.Máster Universitario en Acceso a la Profesión de Abogado (M155

Carbon footprint management within a supply chain : a case study

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to analyze the carbon footprint in a supply chain with the focus on distribution operations. We use the primary data from a case study conducted in the apparel industry.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Comparative studies of the results of two existing CO2 measuring standards are presented for the same supply chain. We have chosen the apparel industry due to the fact that the returns in the apparel industry reach up to 40% and they contribute to the total level of CO2 emissions from distribution operations.FINDINGS: In practice the level of the CO2 emissions depend on the logistics parameters, like distance, load factor and transshipment schedule. The methods for the measuring of the carbon footprint do not fully reflect the real life needs. The reported level of CO2 emissions depends on the used method for calculation. Thus, the choice of the calculation method should be carefully justified by a company.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The case study method allows the application of US EPA and UK DEFRA carbon footprint calculation methods in real-world conditions.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The papers on the CO2 emissions in a supply chain management focus mainly on the manufacturing and sourcing operations. The studies on the Carbon footprint, which are related to the distribution operations are very limited. We contribute to this gap, by providing the empirical results.The publication fee is funded by internal grant of the Poznan University of Technology 0812/SBAD/4187.peer-reviewe

An Approach to Line Balancing on Virtual Supervisor Induction Method and Intelligent Agents

This approach develops a method for solving the line-balancing problem, which is based on two stages. The works in a first stage is to identify the task of workstation, the assignment of the tasks to stations on the line and the recognized balance delay. In this stage we propose the induction VS method, which allows further identify the exact position between pieces, machine into a workstation and also between extern workstation, as well as intracellular and intercellular part. This way each task is identified and measured. In the second stage is to carry out a macro-approach to choose the resource to perform each of them. The hybrid intelligent agent architecture is proposed for this second stage, which has consideration of machining sequence. The integration between both technologies allows us to develop new hybrid architecture capable to reduce the computational time in the deliberative layers fundamentally. Finally, a reconfigurable testbed has been proposed for future experiments and results to evaluate this new balancing method. Some previous computational experiments provide that the proposed approach is efficient to solve practical transfer line design for balancing problem

Modestobacter excelsi sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium isolated from a high altitude Atacama Desert soil

A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic status of three Modestobacter strains isolated from a high altitude Atacama Desert soil. The isolates, strains 1G6T, 1G14 and 1G50, showed chemotaxonomic and morphological properties characteristic of members of the genus Modestobacter. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, the whole cell sugars were glucose and ribose (diagnostic sugars) and arabinose, the predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4), polar lipid patterns contained diphosphatidylglycerol, glycophosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine (diagnostic component), phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol while whole cellular fatty acid profiles consisted of complex mixtures of saturated, unsaturated iso- and anteiso-components. The isolates were shown to have different BOX-PCR fingerprint and physiological profiles. They formed a distinct phyletic line in Modestobacter 16S rRNA gene trees, were most closely related to the type strain of Modestobacter italicus (99.9 % similarity) but were distinguished from this and other closely related Modestobacter type strains using a combination of phenotypic properties. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA:DNA hybridization similarities between the draft genome sequences of isolate 1G6T and M. italicus BC 501T were 90.9 % and 42.3 %, respectively, indicating that they belong to different species. Based on these phenotypic and genotypic data it is proposed that the isolates be assigned to a novel species in the genus Modestobacter, namely as Modestobacter excelsi with isolate 1G6T (=DSM 107535T =PCM 3004T) as the type strain. Analysis of the whole genome sequence of M. excelsi 1G6T (genome size of 5.26 Mb) showed the presence of genes and gene clusters that encode for properties that are in tune with its adaptation to extreme environmental conditions that prevail in the Atacama Desert biome