Detailed Analysis Of Requirements Research Articles

Supporting Service Discovery, Querying and Interaction in Ubiquitous Computing Environments

In this paper, we contend that ubiquitous computing environments will be highly heterogeneous, service rich domains. Moreover, future applications will consequently be required to interact with multiple, specialised service location and interaction protocols simultaneously. We argue that existing service discovery techniques do not provide sufficient support to address the challenges of building applications targeted to these emerging environments. This paper makes a number of contributions. Firstly, using a set of short ubiquitous computing scenarios we identify several key limitations of existing service discovery approaches that reduce their ability to support ubiquitous computing applications. Secondly, we present a detailed analysis of requirements for providing effective support in this domain. Thirdly, we provide the design of a simple extensible meta-service discovery architecture that uses database techniques to unify service discovery protocols and addresses several of our key requirements. Lastly, we examine the lessons learnt through the development of a prototype implementation of our architecture.

New developments for key worker housing in the UK

This paper discusses the severe housing affordability problems of certain areas of the UK and the Government's “Key Worker” initiative designed to enable teachers, health workers and other essential workers to purchase housing in these areas. A case study of a proprietary pre‐fabricated housing type, which may provide one solution to the provision of low cost housing, is presented. A detailed analysis of the energy requirements of the case study building and its assessment under the BRE's EcoHomes scheme is provided.

Designing buildings for the wireless age [FSS

A new breed of construction materials with the ability to manage RF signals is set to rock the foundations of the building industry. People at work today are demanding a communications infrastructure that is both universally accessible - therefore including mobility - and secure. But meeting both of these requirements simultaneously can present a considerable challenge. Currently, mobile communication networks and systems are designed on the basis of detailed analysis of RF coverage and capacity requirements. Security and privacy issues can be addressed through good design, but 'eavesdropping' remains a real vulnerability. An emerging technology named FSS (frequency selective surface) is increasingly being proposed as an answer to the deployment of secure wireless systems for indoor environments, taking advantage of innovative techniques in building design and the use of attenuating materials. The signals for indoor systems are attenuated, while those for wider networks are not.

Information system planning in a drug service: a case study

The development of an information system in Caribbean public sector organisations is usually seen as a matter of installing hardware and software according to a directive from senior management, without much planning. This causes huge investment in procuring hardware and software without improving overall system performance. Increasingly, Caribbean organisations are looking for assurances on information system performance before making investment decisions not only to satisfy the funding agencies, but also to be competitive in this dynamic and global business world. This study demonstrates an information system planning approach using a process-reengineering framework. Firstly, the stakeholders for the business functions are identified along with their relationships and requirements. Secondly, process reengineering is carried out to develop the system requirements. Accordingly, information technology is selected through detailed system requirement analysis. Thirdly, cost-benefit analysis, identification of critical success factors and risk analysis are carried out to strengthen the selection. The entire methodology has been demonstrated through an information system project in the Barbados drug service, a public sector organisation in the Caribbean.

Using publish/subscribe middleware for mobile systems

The range of mobile computing applications comprises location-based services, sensor networks, and ad hoc networking. Middleware for these applications must effectively support the interaction of a priori anonymous entities, support timely decoupled processing, and mediate between potentially millions of mobile clients. These requirements are hard to achieve with traditional client/server middleware systems. We argue that the publish/subscribe paradigm effectively addresses many of the challenges raised by emerging mobile applications. In this paper, we give an overview of the publish/subscribe paradigm, present a detailed analysis of mobile application requirements, and discuss two proven implementations of this paradigm that address these requirements. We thus show that the publish/subscribe paradigm may effectively address most of the challenges raised by emerging mobile applications.

Surprising flexibility of leader RNA determinants for r-protein L4-mediated transcription termination in the Escherichia coil S10 operon.

Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L4 autogenously regulates transcription of the S10 operon, which encodes L4 and 10 other ribosomal proteins. Regulation results from L4-stimulated premature transcription termination at a U-rich site in the untranslated leader. The process requires transcription factor NusA. Here we report a detailed analysis of the RNA requirements for NusA-dependent, L4-mediated transcription control. We found that efficient regulation requires multiple features of the S10 leader, including two hairpins, called HD and upper HE, a connecting tether, and a U-rich sequence at the distal side of HE. As expected, regulation was optimal when all 7 Us were maintained in the U4CGU3 sequence at the termination site. However, despite the apparent specificity of L4 action on only the S10 operon, there is surprising flexibility at the primary sequence level for the HD-tether-HE region. Changes in the sequence of non-base-paired nucleotides flanking the HD hairpin or an A at the second position of the HD loop reduced L4 regulation, but other changes had little or no effect. Furthermore, generic hairpins from other RNAs could replace the natural HD and upper HE hairpins with little or no reduction of L4 control, suggesting that the secondary structure elements are also relatively generic. The lack of specific sequence requirements suggests that L4 may recognize multiple elements within this region of the nascent leader.

Upper GI 24

Aim: To prospectively evaluate the short- and medium-term response to bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy in a consecutive series of patients with pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis (CP). Methods: All patients completed a 10-point visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and a detailed analysis of analgesic requirements was made before surgery, 1 day after surgery and at 6, 12, 24 months and yearly thereafter. Results: In 44 (26 males) of 68 patients undergoing MITS, the indication was CP (alcohol: 73 per cent; idiopathic: 20 per cent; familial: 7 per cent). The median age was 43.5 years (23–68 years). Twelve patients (27 per cent) had undergone previous pancreatic resection, 17 (39 per cent) a pancreatic drainage procedure and 2 (4 per cent) a coeliac axis block. Bilateral splanchnicectomy was completed in 42 patients (95 per cent). Five patients had intrathoracic bleeding, one required a thoracotomy, the remainder were managed successfully thoracoscopically. Follow-up was available on 42 patients. Median follow-up was 2 years (6–60 months). Median hospital stay was 2 days (1–19 days). Ninety-six per cent of patients required regular daily opioids prior to splanchnicectomy. The median preoperative VAS was 9 ± 0.16 and was significantly reduced on the first postoperative day (VAS 2 ± 0.45, P < 0.0001). At 6, 12 and 24 months, the median VAS remained significantly lower (P < 0.0001, respectively). However, patients requiring daily opioid analgesics rose from 22 per cent at 6 months to 39 per cent at 1 year and 54 per cent at 2 years. Conclusion: MITS offers substantial short-term relief from pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The longer term benefits do not appear as good, although the cycle of opioid dependency is often broken.

Analysis of sequences involved in IE2 transactivation of a baculovirus immediate–early gene promoter and identification of a new regulatory motif

Opep-2 is a unique baculovirus early gene that has only been identified in the Orgyia pseudotsugata multiple capsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (OpMNPV). Previous analyses have shown this gene is expressed at very early times post-infection (p.i.) but is shut down by 36–48 h p.i. The promoter of opep-2 therefore, represents a class of early genes that is temporally regulated. In this study, a detailed analysis of the opep-2 promoter is performed to analyze the role individual motifs play in early gene expression. A new 13 base pair regulatory element was identified and shown to be essential in controlling high-level expression of this gene. In addition, mutational analysis revealed that GATA and CACGTG motifs, which have been shown to bind cellular factors in Sf9 and Ld652Y cells, played minor roles in influencing opep-2 expression in the absence of other viral factors. The OpMNPV transactivator IE2 causes a significant activation of the opep-2 promoter. Cotransfection of an extensive number of promoter deletions and mutations did not show any sequence specificity for IE2 transactivation. This is the first detailed analysis of the sequence requirements for IE2 transactivation, and these results suggest that IE2 does not bind directly to specific elements in the opep-2 promoter.

Internet electronic product catalogs: an approach beyond simple keywords and multimedia

Internet-based Electronic Product Catalogs (IEPCs) are one of the most important parts of electronic markets. They are the merchant’s interactive interface towards online customers. Based on the features of their carrier, the interactive and ubiquitous Internet, IEPCs are online, permanently up-to date, and enable customization as well as direct communication between seller and buyer. Even though IEPCs are more sophisticated compared to paper-based catalogs, the search for products on the Internet is still a cumbersome process. Surveys show, that online customers have difficulties navigating through merchants’ sites to find the products they need. In this paper, a comprehensive approach for IEPCs as complex information spaces will be presented. First a detailed requirements analysis for IEPCs will be conducted. Then a concept for organizing information within IEPCs, which goes beyond simple keywords and multimedia, will be presented. Finally, technologies for its implementation will be identified.

A Geographic Information System (GIS)–Based Bridge Management System

Many bridge authorities responsible for the management and maintenance of bridges in their road networks use computer‐based databases or bridge management systems (BMSs) as data management and analysis tools to aid them in performing many important bridge management functions and decisions. Due to superior spatial data handling capabilities, geographic information system (GIS) technology is increasingly being considered for implementation in many infrastructure planning and management systems, including bridge management systems. This article describes the use of a hybrid business and information modeling approach to develop a model to support the development of a geographic information system (GIS)–based bridge management system. It presents the architecture for implementing such a system for the Bridge Unit of the Public Works Department (JKR) in Malaysia. Most GIS systems are technology‐based. The methodology used here captures organizational processes as well as information systems requirements. This facilitates business decision making and business process change. Using this hybrid modeling approach, first the organization's business objectives, functions, and processes are modeled. These business requirements form the basis of detailed information requirement analysis. Object‐oriented methods are then employed to define object models and show the relationships between objects and the operations performed on them. Finally, the software architecture and interface for developing such a prototype GIS‐based BMS is described and some sample screen outputs of the system to analyze and visualize over 2500 actual Malaysian bridge structures in the road network are presented. Future developments of the infrastructure set out here are capable of providing a BMS that supports business processes and facilitates business process change.

TATA sequence requirements for the initiation of transcription for an RNA polymerase II in vitro transcription system from Nicotiana tabacum.

This is the first report to describe the detailed analysis of TATA sequence requirements for the initiation of transcription for RNA polymerase II in a plant in vitro transcription system. We examined the transcriptional activities associated with 24 promoters, including wild-type (TATATATA), and the 21 point and two multiple mutations in tobacco, Drosophila, and HeLa in vitro systems. Although the relative transcriptional activities varied among these promoters, all three systems gave similar results. These results suggest the functional conservation of TATA sequence requirements for in vitro transcription systems among plants, insects, and human.

Two copies of a subelement from the Vg1 RNA localization sequence are sufficient to direct vegetal localization in Xenopus oocytes.

Localization of mRNA has emerged as a fundamental mechanism for generating polarity during development. In vertebrates, one example of this phenomenon is Vg1 RNA, which is localized to the vegetal cortex of Xenopus oocytes. Vegetal localization of Vg1 RNA is directed by a 340-nt sequence element contained within its 3' untranslated region. To investigate how such cis-acting elements function in the localization process, we have undertaken a detailed analysis of the precise sequence requirements for vegetal localization within the 340-nt localization element. We present evidence for considerable redundancy within the localization element and demonstrate that critical sequences lie at the ends of the element. Importantly, we show that a subelement from the 5' end of the Vg1 localization element is, when duplicated, sufficient to direct vegetal localization. We suggest that the Vg1 localization element is composed of smaller, redundant sequence motifs and identify one such 6-nt motif as essential for localization. These results allow insight into what constitutes an RNA localization signal and how RNA sequence elements may act in the localization process.

The hydrophobic pocket of cyclophilin is the binding site for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag polyprotein.

Completion of an early step in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) life cycle requires incorporation into virions of the cellular peptidyl-prolyl isomerase cyclophilin A (CyPA) by the Gag polyprotein. Elucidation of the biochemical role of CyPA would be aided by a detailed analysis of the genetic requirements for the formation of the Gag-CyPA complex; previous experiments have demonstrated the requirement for a critical proline and the immediately preceding glycine, located within the capsid domain of Gag, but nothing is known about the necessary CyPA residues. Cyclophilins possess a hydrophobic pocket where proline-containing peptide substrates and the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A bind. In this study, we engineered five CyPA mutations, each of which alters a residue that contributes to the hydrophobic pocket. Compared with the wild-type protein, all of the mutants drastically reduced CyPA binding to HIV-1 Gag and similarly inhibited CyPA incorporation into virions. In addition, we demonstrated that previously reported differences between the Gag-binding properties of CyPA and CyPB are due to adventitious association involving residues in the signal sequence of CyPB and that the core domain of CyPB interacts with Gag in a fashion which is indistinguishable from that of CyPA. These studies indicate that, as with other proline-containing peptides or cyclosporine A, HIV-1 Gag directly contacts residues in the hydrophobic pocket of CyPA.

Development of the city of quality: A hypertext-based group decision support system for quality function deployment

The goal of the City of Quality system is to provide a group support system (GSS) for strategic planning of large-scale system development projects—a GSS which can significantly enhance these projects by providing tools for detailed requirements management, modeling, and analysis. It is an adaptation and implementation, using hypertext, of an ensemble of Japanese management techniques. The name of these techniques translates, roughly, as Quality Function Deployment (QFD), which is part of Total Quality Management (TQM). These manual techniques have been developed over a number of years as a response to the problems of developing large, complex systems that must satisfy conflicting requirements. They can be an important strategic planning tool. When successfully applied, QFD can save 50 percent of the system development costs; however, many organizations find it difficult to apply QFD successfully. Decision support system (DSS) and GSS technology can help address this problem. Hypertext tools allow the development of a low-cost DSS implementation to support QFD. This DSS can be extended to a GSS with network management software.

Splicing function of mammalian U6 small nuclear RNA: conserved positions in central domain and helix I are essential during the first and second step of pre-mRNA splicing.

On the basis of mutational analyses in yeast, the highly conserved ACAGAGA sequence of U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and the adjacent U6-U2 helix I have been proposed to be part of the active center of the spliceosome. We report here a detailed analysis of the human U6 snRNA sequence requirements during the first and second step of splicing, using a mammalian in vitro splicing-complementation system and a mutational approach. Positions A53G54C55 (helix Ib) were identified as important specifically for the first step, but not for spliceosome assembly. A45 of the ACAGAGA sequence and U52 of helix Ia function during the second step; in addition, the bulge separating helices Ia and Ib appears critical for the second step. In contrast, no splicing-essential sequences could be identified in the central domain upstream of the ACAGAGA sequence. In sum, our data demonstrate for the mammalian splicing system that discrete positions within the ACAGAGA sequence and helix I of U6 snRNA function during the first and second step of splicing, suggesting that these two sequence elements are closely associated with the catalytic center of the spliceosome. Comparison with previous results in yeast indicates a fundamental conservation of the U6 snRNA function in the pre-mRNA splicing mechanism.

Designing for the Job

The effectiveness of any maritime policing system is directly related to its capability to undertake the functions of detection and identification, surveillance, reaction or response, and communication. The ideal maritime policing platform would therefore seem to be one which can undertake all functions as and when required. Detailed analysis of policing requirements may however demonstrate that not all of these functions will be required to satisfy a specific operational tasking. In an active value for money climate there would of course have to be some additional measurement criteria introduced into any performance analysis consideration of economic, efficiency, and effectiveness, the impact of which is not always immediately obvious except in cases where the specified minimum number of vessels required to run a viable and credible policing organisation is subsequently reduced. One commentator suggested that the only effect the new cost driven selection criteria appeared to be having was to deflate operational expectations!

Evidence for the involvement of at least two distinct transcription factors, one of which is liver-enriched, for the activation of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene promoter by cAMP.

A detailed analysis of the promoter sequence requirements for the cAMP induction of transcription of the gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) (EC 4.1.1.32) was undertaken. It was determined that the cAMP-responsive unit of this promoter consisted of two independently weak or inactive components; the typical cAMP response element (CRE) sequence located at position -85 and a region of the promoter extending from -300 to -230 which contained multiple binding sites for liver-enriched nuclear proteins. A previous study had indicated that multiple binding sites are critical for the activity of this latter region (Liu, J., Park, E. A., Gurney, A. L., Roesler, W. J., and Hanson, R. W. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 19095-19102). In the present study, we extend this observation by demonstrating that the activity of this region can be effectively substituted for by three copies of just one subsite present in that region. This would suggest that the binding of three molecules of a single liver-enriched factor is what forms this component of the cAMP response unit. The other component of the cAMP response unit, the CRE, has been shown previously to be bound by these same liver-enriched factors as well as by cAMP response element binding protein, leading to some debate as to the identity of the protein mediating the cAMP response through this element. By two different experimental approaches, we show that neither CCAAT/enhancer binding protein nor D-site binding protein is the likely mediator of the cAMP response through the CRE, while cAMP response element binding protein is a possible candidate.

A decision-oriented approach to system design and development

Describes a two-phase, decision-oriented process that overcomes many of the system usability problems and unfavorable cost/effectiveness consequences resulting from current design and development processes. The system design and development approach presented combines the use of a unique version of prototyping, a decision-oriented prototype, detailed requirements analysis, strong user involvement and extensive user operational testing throughout design and development. The first phase ends with a user-tested and user-endorsed prototype. This prototype becomes the source of a preliminary system specification that launches the second phase, which includes formal specification development, hardware and software implementation, and predeployment formal usability testing. The intent of this approach is to provide a seamless match between user-centered design and overall system design.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

In Situ Determination of Gravimetric and Volumetric Charge Densities of Battery Electrodes: Polyaniline in Aqueous and Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Polyaniline (PANI) electrodes with redox capacities >1 C/cm2 were investigated by in situ electrogravimetry in aqueous electrolytes of pH values varying from <0 to 3 and in nonaqueous, propylene carbonate‐based media. Film mass, volume, and bulk density were determined in situ as a function of electrode potential. For aqueous electrolytes, the gravimetric analysis supports a charge‐transfer mechanism which depends on pH and involves the exchange of protons, electrolyte anions, and . Protonation equilibria of reduced PANI were monitored gravimetrically in aqueous , , and. In nonaqueous electrolytes, however, the main charge‐compensating process appears to be reversible insertion of anions. For carbonate solutions, it was shown that up to 0.9 electrons can be transferred per aniline unit, resulting in experimental charge densities of 270 Ah/kg, based on dried reduced PANI. Upon immersion and cycling in nonaqueous electrolytes, the practically usable charge density was lowered to 160 Ah/kg due to sorption of solvent and incomplete oxidation. Based on in situ gravimetry, a detailed analysis of mass and volume requirements for electroactive material and electrolyte in rechargeable PANI batteries (e.g., Li/PANI) was derived.

Differential structure-function requirements of the transmembranal domain of the B cell antigen receptor.

By generating phosphorylcholine (PC)-specific, wild-type (mu), and chimeric (mu-I-A alpha) antigen receptor transfectants of mature B cells, we have shown that the COOH terminus of the mu heavy chain is essential for three major functions: immediate signal transduction (measured as changes in intracellular Ca2+), antigen presentation, and induction of immunoglobulin M secretion. A more detailed analysis of structural requirements of the COOH-terminal domains contributing to these functions was achieved by systematically replacing the spacer, cytoplasmic, and transmembranal domains of the mu-I-A alpha chimeric chain with those of mu. Using this rescue approach, we show that the carboxyl two-thirds of the transmembranal domain (proximal to the cytoplasmic domain) is required for induction of intracellular Ca2+, whereas the complete transmembranal domain is required for the function of antigen presentation but is dispensable for induction of antibody secretion.