A Methodology for Building Service-Oriented Applications in the Presence of Non-Functional Properties

This thesis presents ⇡SOD-M (Policy-based Service Oriented Development Methodology), a methodology for modeling reliable service-based applications using policies. It proposes a model driven method with: (i) a set of meta-models for representing non-functional constraints associated to service-based applications, starting from an use case model until a service composition model; (ii) a platform providing guidelines for expressing the composition and the policies; (iii) model-to-model and model-to-text transformation rules for semi-automatizing the implementation of reliable service-based applications; and (iv) an environment that implements these meta-models and rules, and enables the application of ⇡SOD-M. This thesis also presents a classification and nomenclature for non-functional requirements for developing service-oriented applications. Our approach is intended to add value to the development of service-oriented applications that have quality requirements needs. This work uses concepts from the service-oriented development, non-functional requirements design and model-driven delevopment areas to propose a solution that minimizes the problem of reliable service modeling. Some examples are developed as proof of concepts

Evolving Future Internet clean-slate Entity Title Architecture with quality-oriented control-plane extensions

A Internet atual vem sofrendo vários problemas em termos de escalabilidade, desempenho, mobilidade, etc., devido ao vertiginoso incremento no número de usuários e o surgimento de novos serviços com novas demandas, propiciando assim o nascimento da Internet do Futuro. Novas propostas sobre redes orientadas a conteúdo, como a arquitetura Entidade Titulo (ETArch), proveem novos serviços para este tipo de cenários, implementados sobre o paradigma de redes definidas por software. Contudo, o modelo de transporte do ETArch é equivalente ao modelo best-effort da Internet atual, e vem limitando a confiabilidade das suas comunicações. Neste trabalho, ETArch é redesenhado seguindo o paradigma do sobreaprovisionamento de recursos para conseguir uma alocação de recursos avançada integrada com OpenFlow. Como resultado, o framework SMART (Suporte de Sessões Móveis com Alta Demanda de Recursos de Transporte), permite que a rede defina semanticamente os requisitos qualitativos das sessões para assim gerenciar o controle de Qualidade de Serviço visando manter a melhor Qualidade de Experiência possível. A avaliação do planos de dados e de controle teve lugar na plataforma de testes na ilha do projeto OFELIA, mostrando o suporte de aplicações móveis multimídia com alta demanda de recursos de transporte com QoS e QoE garantidos através de um esquema de sinalização restrito em comparação com o ETArch legado

Histerese térmica de sistemas magnéticos nanoestruturados

We report a theoretical investigation of thermal hysteresis in magnetic nanoelements. Thermal hysteresis originates in the existence of meta-stable states in temperature intervals which may be tuned by small values of the external magnetic field, and are controlled by the systems geometric dimensions as well as the composition. Two systems have been investigated. The first system is a trilayer consisting of one antiferromagnetic MnF2 film, exchange coupled with two Fe lms. At low temperatures the ferromagnetic layers are oriented in opposite directions. By heating in the presence of an external magnetic field, the Zeeman energy induces a gradual orientation of the ferromagnets with the external field and the nucleation of spin- op-like states in the antiferromagnetic layer, leading eventually, in temperatures close to the Neel temperature, to full alignment of the ferromagnetic films and the formation of frustrated exchange bonds in the center of the antiferromagnetic layer. By cooling down to low temperatures, the system follows a different sequence of states, due to the anisotropy barriers of both materials. The width of the thermal hysteresis loop depends on the thicknesses of the FM and AFM layers as well as on the strength of the external field. The second system consists in Fe and Permalloy ferromagnetic nanoelements exchange coupled to a NiO uncompensated substrate. In this case the thermal hysteresis originates in the modifications of the intrinsic magnetic

Correlação entre contexto morfoestrutural e sismicidade nas regiões de João Câmara e São Rafael (RN)

This MSc thesis describes brittle deformation in two seismic zones located in north-eastern Brazil: João Câmara and São Rafael, Rio Grande do Norte State. Both areas show seismogenic faults, Samambaia and São Rafael, indicated by narrow zones of epicentres with a strike of 040o, a lenght of 30 km and 4 km, and a depth of 1-12 and 0,5-4 km, respectively. The first seismological and geological studies suggested blind faults or faults that were still in the beginning of the nucleation process. The region is under E-W-oriented compression and is underlain by Precambrian terrains, deformed by one or more orogenic cycles, which generated shear zones generally marked by strong pervasive foliation and sigmoidal shapes. The crystalline basement is capped by the Cretaceous Potiguar basin, which is also locally capped by Pliocene continental siliciclastic deposits (Barreiras Formation), and Quaternary alluvium. The main aim of this study was to map epicentral areas and find whether there are any surface geological or morphotectonic expression related to the seismogenic faults. A detailed geological map was carried out in both seismic areas in order to identify brittle structures and fault-related drainage/topographic features. Geological and morphotectonic evidence indicate that both seismogenic faults take place along dormant structures. They either cut Cenozoic rocks or show topographic expression, i.e., are related to topographic heights or depressions and straight river channels. Faults rocks in the Samambaia and São Rafael faults are cataclasite, fault breccia, fault gouge, pseudotachylyte, and quartz veins, which point to reactivation processes in different crustal levels. The age of the first Samambaia and the São Rafael faulting movement possibly ranges from late Precambrian to late Cretaceous. Both fault cut across Precambrian fabric. They also show evidence of brittle processes which took place between 4 and 12 km deep, which probably have not occurred in Cenozoic times. The findings are of great importance for regional seismic hazard. They indicate that fault zones are longer than previously suggested by seismogenic studies. According to the results, the methodology used during this thesis may also be useful in other neotectonic investigation in intraplate areas

Modelagem estrutural física de semigrábens ortogonais e oblíquos à distenção regional: influência da trama do embasamento e comparação com analógicos no nordeste brasileiro

The physical structural modeling tool is being increasingly used in geology to provide information about the evolutionary stages (nucleation, growth) and geometry of geological structures at various scales. During the simulations of extensional tectonics, modeling provides a better understanding of fault geometry and evolution of the tectonic-stratigraphic architecture of rift basins. In this study a sandbox type apparatus was used to study the nucleation and development of basins influenced by previous structures within the basement, variably oriented as regards to the main extensional axis. Two types of experiments were conducted in order to: (i) simulate the individual (independent) development of half-grabens oriented orthogonal or oblique to the extension direction; (ii) simulate the simultaneous development of such half-grabens, orthogonal or oblique to the extension direction. In both cases the same materials (sand mixed with gypsum) were used and the same boundary conditions were maintained. The results were compared with a natural analogue represented by the Rio do Peixe Basin (one of the eocretaceous interior basins of Northeast Brazil). The obtained models allowed to observe the development of segmented border faults with listric geometry, often forming relay ramps, and the development of inner basins faults that affect only the basal strata, like the ones observed in the seismic sections of the natural analogue. The results confirm the importance of basement tectonic heritage in the geometry of rift depocenters

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-based Endodontic Sealer Stimulates Hydroxyapatite Nucleation in Human Osteoblast-like Cell Culture

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Probing the Specificity of Binding to the Major Nuclear Localization Sequence-binding Site of Importin-alpha Using Oriented Peptide Library Screening

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A micelle nucleation model for the interaction of dodecyl sulphate with Lys49-phospholipases A(2)

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) is a Lys49-PLA(2) from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu that lacks detectable catalytic activity, yet causes rapid Ca2+-independent membrane damage. With the aim of understanding the interaction between BthTx-I and amphiphilic molecules, we have studied the interaction of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) with the protein. Circular dichroism and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectra of BthTx-I reveal changes in the alpha-helical organization of the protein at an SDS/BthTx-I molar ratio of 20-25. At SDS/BthTx-I ratios of 40-45 the alpha-helices return to a native-like conformation, although fluorescence emission anisotropy measurements of 2-amino-N-hexadecyl-benzamide (AHBA) demonstrate that the total SDS is below the critical micelle concentration when this transition occurs. These results may be interpreted as the result of SDS accumulation by the BthTx-I homodimer and the formation of a pre-micelle SDS/BthTx-I complex, which may subsequently be released from the protein surface as a free micelle. Similar changes in the alpha-helical organization of BthTx-I were observed in the presence of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes, suggesting that protein structure transitions coupled to organization changes of bound amphiphiles may play a role in the Ca2+-independent membrane damage by Lys49-PLA(2)s. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel Aspects of the Purpose-Built Materials Strategy: Evidence of Topographic Template Effect and Oriented Attachment Growth Mechanism

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Test of the adiabatic nucleation model in SeTe and GeSnSe glasses

Se1-yTey and Ge1-ySnySe2.5 glasses, with compositions Y less than or equal to 0.5 and Y less than or equal to 0.6 respectively, are investigated. These glasses show a glass transition temperature (T-g) above the stability limit, indicated by the Adiabatic Nucleation Model (ANM). This effect has to be so because, other-wise, when cooled, these undercooled liquids would crystallize by generalized nucleation near the stability limit and no T-g could be observed. This shows that Se1-yTey glasses for Y < 0.5 are structurally stable. Limiting cases are pure Te and Se50Te50, which have T'(g)'s on the stability limit. Pure amorphous Te has to be obtained by fast quenching techniques, where the effective (fast quenching) T-g(*) is higher and Se50Te50 tends to crystallize easily. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanically activating formation of layered structured bismuth titanate

Bismuth titanatc-Bi(4)Ti(3)O(12) (BIT) with wide application in the electronic industry as capacitors, memory devices and sensors is the simplest compound in the Aurivillius family, which consists of (Bi(2)O(2))(2+) sheets alternating with (Bi(2)T(i)3O(10))(2-) perovskite-like layers. The synthesis of more resistive BIT ceramics would be preferable advance in obtaining of well-densified ceramic with small grains randomly oriented to limit the conductivity along the (Bi(2)O(2))(2+) layers. Having in mind that the conventional ceramic route for the synthesis can lead to non-stoichiometry in composition, in consequence of the undesirable loss in bismuth content through volatilization of Bi(2)O(3) at elevated temperature, our efforts were addressed to preparation of BIT by mechanical activation the constituent oxides. The nucleation and phase formation of BIT, crystal structure, microstructure, powder particle size and specific surface area were followed by XRD, Rietveld refinement analysis, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the BET specific surface area measurements. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Crystal nucleation kinetics of a metastable phase on cordierite glass surfaces

The crystal nucleation rates of a metastable phase (chi) on the surface of a near stoichiometric cordierite glass were determined for temperatures between 839 and 910 degrees C (T-g similar to 800 degrees C). The surface nucleation kinetics of that phase on our glass, as well as on a stoichiometric glass (2 MgO-2Al(2)O(3)-5SiO(2)) studied by other authors, were analysed in terms of the classical nucleation theory; for the first time. It was shown that the effective interfacial energy for surface nucleation is substantially lower than that for homogeneous volume nucleation in silicate glasses, vindicating the assumption of heterogeneous nucleation on free glass surfaces. The average wetting angle between the nucleating crystals and the active solid particles was estimated to be around 46 degrees C. The pre-exponential constant was several orders of magnitude higher than the theoretical values as found for volume homogeneous nucleation in oxide glasses.

Photoconductivity excitation spectrum for stretch-oriented PPV

We have obtained the photoconductivity (PC) excitation spectrum for a stretch-oriented poly(paraphenylene vinylene) film over a wide spectral range (up to 5 eV). The measurements were performed in the surface cell configuration with the electric field parallel or perpendicular to the stretch direction. Although the sample had a stretch ratio of similar to 4, the dark conductivity and the steady-state photoconductivity were both about 40 and 20 times higher with the electric field parallel to the average chain direction, respectively. However, the shape of the PC excitation spectrum was independent of field direction and did not show a significant rise in the ultraviolet, as is usually observed for measurements in the photodiode configuration. The implications of these results to the charge photogeneration mechanism in conjugated polymers are discussed.