Using ontology for the representational analysis of process modelling techniques

Selecting an appropriate business process modelling technique forms an important task within the methodological challenges of a business process management project. While a plethora of available techniques has been developed over the last decades, there is an obvious shortage of well-accepted reference frameworks that can be used to evaluate and compare the capabilities of the different techniques. Academic progress has been made at least in the area of representational analyses that use ontology as a benchmark for such evaluations. This paper reflects on the comprehensive experiences with the application of a model based on the Bunge ontology in this context. A brief overview of the underlying research model characterizes the different steps in such a research project. A comparative summary of previous representational analyses of process modelling techniques over time gives insights into the relative maturity of selected process modelling techniques. Based on these experiences suggestions are made as to where ontology-based representational analyses could be further developed and what limitations are inherent to such analyses.

Fingerprinting of complex mixtures with the use of high performance liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and chemometrics

The molecular and metal profile fingerprints were obtained from a complex substance, Atractylis chinensis DC—a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the use of the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) techniques. This substance was used in this work as an example of a complex biological material, which has found application as a TCM. Such TCM samples are traditionally processed by the Bran, Cut, Fried and Swill methods, and were collected from five provinces in China. The data matrices obtained from the two types of analysis produced two principal component biplots, which showed that the HPLC fingerprint data were discriminated on the basis of the methods for processing the raw TCM, while the metal analysis grouped according to the geographical origin. When the two data matrices were combined into a one two-way matrix, the resulting biplot showed a clear separation on the basis of the HPLC fingerprints. Importantly, within each different grouping the objects separated according to their geographical origin, and they ranked approximately in the same order in each group. This result suggested that by using such an approach, it is possible to derive improved characterisation of the complex TCM materials on the basis of the two kinds of analytical data. In addition, two supervised pattern recognition methods, K-nearest neighbors (KNNs) method, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), were successfully applied to the individual data matrices—thus, supporting the PCA approach.

Construct Redundancy in Process Modeling Grammars: Improving the Explanatory Power of Ontological Analysis

Conceptual modelling supports developers and users of information systems in areas of documentation, analysis or system redesign. The ongoing interest in the modelling of business processes has led to a variety of different grammars, raising the question of the quality of these grammars for modelling. An established way of evaluating the quality of a modelling grammar is by means of an ontological analysis, which can determine the extent to which grammars contain construct deficit, overload, excess or redundancy. While several studies have shown the relevance of most of these criteria, predictions about construct redundancy have yielded inconsistent results in the past, with some studies suggesting that redundancy may even be beneficial for modelling in practice. In this paper we seek to contribute to clarifying the concept of construct redundancy by introducing a revision to the ontological analysis method. Based on the concept of inheritance we propose an approach that distinguishes between specialized and distinct construct redundancy. We demonstrate the potential explanatory power of the revised method by reviewing and clarifying previous results found in the literature.

An R2R3 MYB transcription factor determines red petal colour in an Actinidia (kiwifruit) hybrid population

Background Red colour in kiwifruit results from the presence of anthocyanin pigments. Their expression, however, is complex, and varies among genotypes, species, tissues and environments. An understanding of the biosynthesis, physiology and genetics of the anthocyanins involved, and the control of their expression in different tissues, is required. A complex, the MBW complex, consisting of R2R3-MYB and bHLH transcription factors together with a WD-repeat protein, activates anthocyanin 3-O-galactosyltransferase (F3GT1) to produce anthocyanins. We examined the expression and genetic control of anthocyanins in flowers of Actinidia hybrid families segregating for red and white petal colour. Results Four inter-related backcross families between Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. chinensis and Actinidia eriantha Benth. were identified that segregated 1:1 for red or white petal colour. Flower pigments consisted of five known anthocyanins (two delphinidin-based and three cyanidin-based) and three unknowns. Intensity and hue differed in red petals from pale pink to deep magenta, and while intensity of colour increased with total concentration of anthocyanin, no association was found between any particular anthocyanin data and hue. Real time qPCR demonstrated that an R2R3 MYB, MYB110a, was expressed at significant levels in red-petalled progeny, but not in individuals with white petals. A microsatellite marker was developed that identified alleles that segregated with red petal colour, but not with ovary, stamen filament, or fruit flesh colour in these families. The marker mapped to chromosome 10 in Actinidia. The white petal phenotype was complemented by syringing Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying Actinidia 35S::MYB110a into the petal tissue. Red pigments developed in white petals both with, and without, co-transformation with Actinidia bHLH partners. MYB110a was shown to directly activate Actinidia F3GT1 in transient assays. Conclusions The transcription factor, MYB110a, regulates anthocyanin production in petals in this hybrid population, but not in other flower tissues or mature fruit. The identification of delphinidin-based anthocyanins in these flowers provides candidates for colour enhancement in novel fruits.

Analysis of expressed sequence tags from Actinidia : Applications of a cross species EST database for gene discovery in the areas of flavor, health, color and ripening

Background Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) are a relatively new, but economically important crop grown in many different parts of the world. Commercial success is driven by the development of new cultivars with novel consumer traits including flavor, appearance, healthful components and convenience. To increase our understanding of the genetic diversity and gene-based control of these key traits in Actinidia, we have produced a collection of 132,577 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Results The ESTs were derived mainly from four Actinidia species (A. chinensis, A. deliciosa, A. arguta and A. eriantha) and fell into 41,858 non redundant clusters (18,070 tentative consensus sequences and 23,788 EST singletons). Analysis of flavor and fragrance-related gene families (acyltransferases and carboxylesterases) and pathways (terpenoid biosynthesis) is presented in comparison with a chemical analysis of the compounds present in Actinidia including esters, acids, alcohols and terpenes. ESTs are identified for most genes in color pathways controlling chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. In the health area, data are presented on the ESTs involved in ascorbic acid and quinic acid biosynthesis showing not only that genes for many of the steps in these pathways are represented in the database, but that genes encoding some critical steps are absent. In the convenience area, genes related to different stages of fruit softening are identified. Conclusion This large EST resource will allow researchers to undertake the tremendous challenge of understanding the molecular basis of genetic diversity in the Actinidia genus as well as provide an EST resource for comparative fruit genomics. The various bioinformatics analyses we have undertaken demonstrates the extent of coverage of ESTs for genes encoding different biochemical pathways in Actinidia.

Interaction of Gibberellic Acid and Indole-3-acetic Acid in the Growth of Excised Cuscuta Shoot Tips in Vitro1

Gibberellic acid (GA3) induced a marked elongation of 2.5-centimeter shoot tips of Cuscuta chinensis Lamk. cultured in vitro. In terms of the absolute amount of elongation, this growth may be the largest reported for an isolated plant system. The response to hormone was dependent on an exogenous carbohydrate supply. The hormone-stimulated growth was due to both cell division and cell elongation. The growth response progressively decreased if GA3 was given at increasingly later times after culturing, but the decreased growth response could be restored by the application of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to the apex. Explants deprived of GA3 gradually lost their ability to transport IAA basipetally, but this ability was also restored by auxin application. The observations are explained on the basis that: (a) the growth of Cuscuta shoot tip in vitro requires, at least, both an auxin and a gibberellin; and (b) in the absence of gibberellin the cultured shoot tip explants lose the ability to produce and/or transport auxin.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals six new species of Diaporthe from Australia

Six new species of Diaporthe, D. beilharziae on Indigofera australis, D. fraxini-angustifoliae on Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa, D. litchicola on Litchi chinensis, D. nothofagi on Nothofagus cunninghamii, D. pascoei on Persea americana and D. salicicola on Salix purpurea from Australia are described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Three of the new species no longer produced sporulating structures in culture and two of these were morphologically described from voucher specimens. Phylogenetic relationships of the new species with other Diaporthe species are revealed by DNA sequence analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and partial regions of the β-tubulin (BT) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF). © 2013 Mushroom Research Foundation.

Ethnobotany of the Monpa ethnic group at Arunachal Pradesh, India

Background: The present paper documents the uses of plants in traditional herbal medicine for human and veterinary ailments, and those used for dietary supplements, religious purpose, local beverage, and plants used to poison fish and wild animals. Traditional botanical medicine is the primary mode of healthcare for most of the rural population in Arunachal Pradesh. Materials and methods: Field research was conducted between April 2006 and March 2009 with randomly selected 124 key informants using semi-structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed through informant consensus factor (F(IC)) to determine the homogeneity of informant's knowledge on medicinal plants. Results: We documented 50 plants species belonging to 29 families used for treating 22 human and 4 veterinary ailments. Of the medicinal plants reported, the most common growth form was herbs (40%) followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. Leaves were most frequently used plant parts. The consensus analysis revealed that the dermatological ailments have the highest F(IC) (0.56) and the gastro-intestinal diseases have F(IC) (0.43). F(IC) values indicated that there was high agreement in the use of plants in dermatological and gastro-intestinal ailments category among the users. Gymnocladus assamicus is a critically rare and endangered species used as disinfectant for cleaning wounds and parasites like leeches and lice on livestocks. Two plant species (Illicium griffithii and Rubia cordifolia) are commonly used for traditional dyeing of clothes and food items. Some of the edible plants recorded in this study were known for their treatment against high blood pressure (Clerodendron colebrookianum), diabetes mellitus (Momordica charantia), and intestinal parasitic worms like round and tape worms (Lindera neesiana, Solanum etiopicum, and Solanum indicum). The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh have traditionally been using Daphne papyracea for preparing hand-made paper for painting and writing religious scripts in Buddhist monasteries. Three plant species (Derris scandens, Aesculus assamica, and Polygonum hydropiper) were frequently used to poison fish during the month of June-July every year and the underground tuber of Aconitum ferrox is widely used in arrow poisoning to kill ferocious animals like bear, wild pigs, gaur and deer. The most frequently cited plant species; Buddleja asiatica and Hedyotis scandens were used as common growth supplements during the preparation of fermentation starter cultures. Conclusion: The traditional pharmacopoeia of the Monpa ethnic group incorporates a myriad of diverse botanical flora. Traditional knowledge of the remedies is passed down through oral traditions without any written document. This traditional knowledge is however, currently threatened mainly due to acculturation and deforestation due to continuing traditional shifting cultivation. This study reveals that the rural populations in Arunachal Pradesh have a rich knowledge of forest-based natural resources and consumption of wild edible plants is still an integral part of their socio-cultural life. Findings of this documentation study can be used as an ethnopharmacological basis for selecting plants for future phytochemical and pharmaceutical studies.

Comentario a la sentencia de la Rota Romana del 27/10/2006, Coram R. P. D. Mauricio Monier, ponente prot. N. 17.557 – sent. 136/06

Introducción: La presente Sentencia contempla la nulidad de un matrimonio en que las partes tuvieron un noviazgo de más de cuatro años y una convivencia matrimonial de dos años y medio, en la que no hubo hijos. La separación de las partes definitiva tuvo lugar porque el convenido era incapaz de instalar una vida verdaderamente conyugal. Se me solicita un comentario a esta Sentencia, publicada en su texto original latino y en su traducción castellana, cuando ya existe un breve, pero medular y excelente comentario del Revdo. Mons. Dr. Alejandro W. Bunge, Juez de la Rota, publicado en el libro “Pius et Prudens”, con el título de “Una Sentencia integradora”1. Además, el indicado comentario, se encuentra en el contexto de un generoso elogio a la persona de quien suscribe por la preocupación acerca de la indebida omnipresencia de las causas psíquicas de nulidad matrimonial en los Tribunales eclesiásticos, cuando muchas veces es más ajustada a la verdad y se deberían tener en cuenta, las causas éticas, concretamente las exclusiones de algunos de los fines o de las propiedades esenciales del matrimonio que tiene lugar por parte de los cónyuges...

Anuario Argentino de Derecho Canónico, 2006, Vol. XIII (número completo)

Contenido: Los requisitos psicológicos en el penitente y en el confesor para la eficacia del Sacramento de la Reconciliación / C. Baccioli – La belleza de la verdad sobre el matrimonio : comentario al discurso del Santo Padre a la Rota Romana el 27 de enero de 2007 / J. Bonet Alcón – Servidores de la verdad : la función pastoral de los patronos en los juicios de nulidad matrimonial / A. W. Bunge – Los derechos y las obligaciones del clérigo en la sociedad civil a la luz del Código de Derecho Canónico / A. D. Busso – El celibato : don, propuesta y tarea. (La necesaria madurez humana y el Derecho) / J. Fronza – Iglesias, medios de comunicación y libertad religiosa en la República Argentina / J. G. Navarro Floria – El régimen canónico de los bienes de propiedad de las personas jurídicas privadas / H. A. von Ustinov – Notas – Sentencias – Actualidad – Recensiones

La administración en la Iglesia después del código de 1917

Sumario: Introducción. I.- La potestad de gobierno en la Iglesia. II.- La potestad administrativa (aspecto estático). III.- La administración eclesiástica (aspecto dinámico). 1. Fundamentos teológicos y jurídicos de la administración. 1.1. teológicos. 1.2. jurídicos. 2. Función administrativa en sentido amplio. 3. Función administrativa en sentido estricto: el acto administrativo. IV.- Principio de legalidad. V.- Derecho administrativo. VI.- La tutela de los derechos de los fieles. VII.- La justicia administrativa. Conclusión

Anuario Argentino de Derecho Canónico, 2002, Vol. IX (número completo)

Contenido: Presentación – Homenaje – Coloquio de graduados en derecho canónico 29 julio – 2 agosto 2002: Actualización del Directorio para el Ministerio Pastoral de los Obispos a la luz del Sínodo de los Obispos del 2001 : el Obispo al servicio de la comunión / A. W. Bunge – La dimisión del estado clerical-ex officio- de los clérigos no idóneos que han cometido delito grave y rechazar pedirla pro gratia en relación con el período de su formación sacerdotal / A. D. Busso – Admisión al Seminario : discernimiento eclesial y protección de la intimidad en el C.I.C./ M. Colombo – Normas acerca de los delitos más graves reservadas a la Congregación para la Doctrina de la Fe / N. Dellaferrera – Artículos: La Comunión con el cáliz en el rito latino / L. A. Alessio – La sexualidad y la validez del matrimonio / J. Bonet Alcón – El derecho romano cristiano / A. Di Pietro – El servicio de amor en la actividad judicial de la Iglesia / Z. Grocholewski – “Sectas” o nuevos movimientos religiosos ante el derecho argentino / J. G. Navarro Floria – Aspectos del derecho eclesiástico del Estado argentino en torno al patrimonio de las personas jurídicas canónicas / H. A. von Ustinov – Notas – Legislación particular – Crónica de la Facultad -- Recensiones

Anuario Argentino de Derecho Canónico, 1998, Vol. V (número completo)

Contenido: Abreviaturas y citas – Artículos: Los sacramentales de la Iglesia, el matrimonio y la familia / J. Bonet Alcón – Los consejos de asuntos económicos / A. W. Bunge – I beni culturali di interesse religioso in Italia : la collaborazione tra autorità ecclesiastiche e autorità civil / G. Feliciani – El Opus Dei y sus tribunales / C. I. Heredia – Errore e simulazione circa la sacramentalità del matrimonio nella realtà dell’odierna società postcristiana / M. F. Pompedda – Notas – Jurisprudencia – Actualidad – Legislación particular argentina -- Recensiones