Modeling Software Components Using Behavior Protocols

This thesis proposes a novel approach for a description of a software component's behavior. The behavior is specified by using behavior protocols - a notation similar to regular expressions, which is easy to read and comprehend

Band structure and Bloch states in birefringent 1D magnetophotonic crystals: An analytical approach

An analytical formulation for the band structure and Bloch modes in elliptically birefringent magnetophotonic crystals is presented. The model incorporates both the effects of gyrotropy and linear birefringence generally present in magneto-optic thin film devices. Full analytical expressions are obtained for the dispersion relation and Bloch modes in a layered stack photonic crystal and their properties are analyzed. It is shown that other models recently discussed in the literature are contained as special limiting cases of the formulation presented herein

Substance use and knowledge among Italian High School students.

This study was aimed for evaluation of Italian students' attitudes to addictive substances, their knowledge and personal experience, and their awareness about the risks. The research was realized among high school students from Marche region in the Central Italy in the year 2006; the study group was randomly chosen from all schools in the region. 4118 appropriately completed questionnaires returned. The statistic processing was carried out by using chi-square test for two qualitative variables. 29.9 % of the students have tried drugs; 36.4 % of the interviewed reckon alcohol, tobacco and antidepressants for drugs. A relationship between the use of licit and illicit addictive substances and a correlation between the use of illicit substances and the use of liquors and tobacco in family was found. The students, who drink frequently, smoke regularly and use drugs, believe that the drugs create dependence only if overused; only a quarter of them classify themselves as drug addicts. The study indicates a lack of information on the drugs among the young people. It emerges that the young people do not sufficiently know the risk of the dependence. A change of the preventive strategies should be considered