A method to build information systems engineering process metamodels

12 pagesInternational audienceSeveral process metamodels exist. Each of them presents a different viewpoint of the same information systems engineering process. However, there are no existing correspondences between them. We propose a method to build unified, fitted and multi-viewpoint process metamodels for information systems engineering. Our method is based on a process domain metamodel that contains the main concepts of information systems engineering process field. This process domain metamodel helps selecting the needed metamodel concepts for a particular situational context. Our method is also based on patterns to refine the process metamodel. The process metamodel can then be instantiated according to the organisation's needs. The resulting method is represented as a pattern system

Can cat predation help competitors coexist in seabird communities?

On oceanic islands, nest site availability can be an important factor regulating seabird population dynamics. The potential for birds to secure a nest to reproduce can be an important component of their life histories. The dates at which different seabird species arrive at colonies to breed will have important consequences for their relative chances of success. Early arrival on the island allows birds to obtain nests more easily and have higher reproductive success. However, the presence of an introduced predator may reverse this situation. For instance, in the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen archipelago, early arriving birds suffer heavy predation from introduced cats. Cats progressively switch from seabirds to rabbits, since the local rabbit population starts to peak after early arriving seabird species have already returned to the colony. When late-arriving birds arrive, cat predation pressure on seabirds is thus weaker. In this paper, we investigate the assumption that the advantage of early nest mnopolization conferred to early arriving birds may be counterbalanced by the cost resulting from predation. We develop a mathematical model representing a simplified situation in which two insular seabird species differ only in their arrival date at the colony site and compete for nesting sites. We conclude that predation may ensure the coexistence of the two bird species or favor the late-arriving species, but only when seasonal variations in predation pressure are large. Interestingly, we conclude that arriving early is only favorable until a given level where high reproductive success no longer compensates for the long exposure to strong predation pressure. Our work suggests that predation can help to maintain the balance between species of different phenologies.

Acute myocardial infarction and limb ischemia as manifestation of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis

Low-grade sarcoma of the right upper lobe vein mimicking a metastatic disease

Nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: Assessing the need for postchemotherapy contralateral pulmonary resection in patients with ipsilateral complete necrosis

Our objective was to explore the pathologic components of residual masses after primary chemotherapy in patients with metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.

Composite cervical skin and cartilage flap provides a novel large airway substitute after long-segment tracheal resection

Airway replacement after long-segment tracheal resection for benign and malignant disease remains a challenging problem because of the lack of a substitute conduit. Ideally, an airway substitute should be well vascularized, rigid, and autologous to avoid infections, airway stenosis, and the need for immunosuppression. We report the development of an autologous tracheal substitute for long-segment tracheal resection that satisfies these criteria and demonstrates excellent short-term functional results in a large-animal study.

Cell therapy with autologous bone marrow mononuclear stem cells is associated with superior cardiac recovery compared with use of nonmodified mesenchymal stem cells in a canine model of chronic myocardial infarction

Stem cell therapy can facilitate cardiac repair in infarcted myocardium, but the optimal cell type remains uncertain. We conducted a randomized, blind, and placebo-controlled comparison of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell and mesenchymal stem cell therapy in a large-animal model of chronic myocardial infarction.

“Valve-in-valve” implantation in a patient with stentless bioprosthesis and severe intraprosthetic aortic regurgitation

RR1. Pre-operative Use of Clopidogrel and Aspirin Versus Aspirin is Associated with a Stable Atherosclerotic Plaque Phenotype

Unravelling peer assessment: Methodological, functional, and conceptual developments

Peer assessment is an educational arrangement where students judge a peer’s performance quantitatively and/or qualitatively and which stimulates students to reflect, discuss and collaborate. However, empirical evidence for peer assessment effects on learning is scarce, mostly based on student self-reports or involving comparison of peers’ and teachers’ ratings or anecdotal evidence from case studies. Systematic investigation of learning effects necessitates methodological, functional, and conceptual development in peer assessment research. This implies sound (quasi-)experimental studies, the definition of specific peer assessment mechanisms, and affiliations with other research domains. The articles in this special issue address these three needs and offer new directions for research.