Matching Metamodels with Semantic Systems - An Experience Report

Abstract: Ontology and schema matching are well established techniques, which have been applied in various integration scenarios, e.g., web service composition and database integration. Consequently, matching tools enabling automatic matching of various kinds of schemas are available. In the field of model-driven engineering, in contrast to schema and ontology integration, the integration of modeling languages relies on manual tasks such as writing model transformation code, which is tedious and error-prone. Therefore, we propose the application of ontology and schema matching techniques for automatically exploring semantic correspondences between metamodels, which are currently the modeling language definitions of choice. The main focus of this paper is on reporting preliminary results and lessons learned by evaluating currently available ontology matching tools for their metamodel matching potential.

A pilot study to assess the feasibility of transcutaneous glomerular filtration rate measurement using fluorescence-labelled sinistrin in dogs and cats

In dogs and cats an assessment of renal function is often needed, however, existing methods including urine and plasma clearances are invasive, cumbersome and time consuming. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a transcutaneous glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement in dogs and cats. Additionally the optimal dose and location for the transcutaneous measurement device were investigated. Renal elimination of fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labelled sinistrin (FITC-S) was measured transcutaneously for 4 hours. The procedures were performed in awake, freely moving animals using escalating doses of FITC-S (10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) with a wash-out period of at least 24 h in between. Multiple devices were placed on each animal. The resulting FITC-S disappearance curves were visually assessed to determine the most suitable location and the appropriate dose to reach an adequate transcutaneous peak signal for kinetic analysis. In both species 30 mg/kg were adequate for kinetic calculation. The most suitable place for the device was the lateral thoracic wall in dogs and the ventral abdominal wall in cats, respectively. Transcutaneous FITC-S clearance was then repeated using the optimal dose and location and in parallel with an additional plasma sinistrin clearance. Plasma elimination half-lives [min] were 26, 31 and 35, and corresponding transcutaneous elimination half-lives [min] were 26, 34 and 55, respectively in the dogs. Plasma elimination half-lives [min] were 51, 60 and 61, and corresponding transcutaneous elimination half-lives [min] were 75, 96 and 83, respectively in the cats. In conclusion, transcutaneous FITC-S clearance is a feasible method for the assessment of GFR in awake dogs and cats. It is noninvasive, well tolerated and easy to perform even in a clinical setting with results being readily available. A dose of 30 mg/kg of FITC-S seems adequate for kinetic assessment. Further studies are now needed to establish reference values and evaluate transcutaneous renal clearance in various conditions

Formal support for QVT-Relations with Coloured Petri nets

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04425-0_19Proceedings of 12th International Conference, MODELS 2009, Denver, CO, USA, October 4-9, 2009QVT is the OMG standard language for specifying model-to-model transformations in MDA. Even though it plays a crucial role in model driven development, there are scarce tools supporting the execution of its sublanguage QVT-Relations, and none for its analysis or verification. In order to alleviate this situation, this paper provides a formal semantics for QVT-Relations through its compilation into Coloured Petri nets, enabling the execution and validation of QVT specifications. The theory of Petri nets provides useful techniques to analyse transformations (e.g. reachability, model-checking, boundedness and invariants) and to determine their confluence and termination given a starting model. We also report on using CPNTools for the execution, debugging, and analysis of transformations, and on a tool chain to transform QVT-Relations specifications into the input format of CPNTools.Work supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, projects METEORIC (TIN2008-02081) and MODUWEB (TIN2006-09678

Spherical segment approximation of sexpartite vaults

As a continuation and generalization of an article dealing with quadripartite vaults using the same approach, this paper proposes spherical segment approximations of some medieval sexpartite vaults having pointed arches, with the idea of finding simple, yet representative geometric models for them. On the supposition that the bounding curves of every vault cell can be reckoned as vertical sections of spherical surfaces, it results in severe, yet expressive models of a wide range of vault shapes, revealing feasible computer representations of several vault types appearing in the books of architectural history either in textual or non-textual forms

Rate-Setting Philosophies of Elected Officials and Funding Needs of Selected California Wastewater Districts

This study surveyed wastewater utility elected officials from selected wastewater districts in California to examine their primary rate-setting philosophies and their utility\u27s greatest unmet funding needs. Basic financial indicators, including operating ratio (OR) and net loss, were calculated for responding districts. Results showed that setting rates to recover costs was the primary rate-setting philosophy of the majority (59%) of elected officials and renewing or replacing aging infrastructure was their utility\u27s greatest unmet funding need (53%). During Fiscal Year 2009-2010, 60% of responding districts showed an OR less than 1.0, and 43% showed a net loss. There was no apparent relationship seen between rate-setting philosophy and a district\u27s OR. Many responding districts balance the books, but do not cover the operating expense of capital asset depreciation in their user rates. Implementation of asset management plans, simplified financial reporting for the public, and increased ratepayer education are program recommendations for these districts to remain effective and financially sustainable

KONSTRUKTION DES REGULAREN SIEBZEHNECKS MIT LINEAL UND STRECKENUBERTRAGER

In 1899 D. Hilbert proved that regular polygons that can be constructed with a ruler and a pair of compasses can also be constructed by using a ruler and a gauge. However, the procedure for the construction of the regular settimdecagon by these tools could be described only more than 90 years later (see [2] and [3]). Since that time we succeeded to simplify the construction. In this paper we present the construction of the regular settimdecagon in this simpler form