A milestone in the mathematical modeling of complex systems is the analysis of the significance of the system components. When examining the reliability, Birnbaum (1968) proposed measures of element ...significance. This direction of research into mathematical models of systems has led to many alternative analyzes. The aim of the article is to further expand the diagnostic capabilities of systems through a specialized analysis of their mathematical models. We propose, using the methods of game theory and stochastic processes, functionals that measure the structural reliability of the system and the operational performance related to maintenance. This allows for the construction of a new measure of significance, using knowledge of system design, reliability, and wear to optimize repair and maintenance. The considerations of this work are aimed at showing the ways of applying this approach to multi-state systems.
The purpose of this report is to look at the measures of importance of components in systems in terms of reliability. In the first work of Birnbaum (1968) on this subject, many interesting studies ...were created and important indicators were constructed that allowed to organize the components of complex systems. They are helpful in analyzing the reliability of the designed systems, establishing the principles of operation and maintenance. The significance measures presented here are collected and discussed regarding the motivation behind their creation. They concern an approach in which both elements and systems are binary, and the possibility of generalization to multistate systems is only mentioned. Among the discussed is one new proposal using the methods of game theory, combining the sensitivity to the structure of the system and the operational effects on the system performance. The presented severity measures use a knowledge of the system structure as well as reliability and wear and tear, and whether the components can be repaired and maintained.
Very little is known about the effects of red wine consumption on male reproductive functions. Here we report the effect of regular drinking of different types of red wine on hormonal reproductive ...parameters and total antioxidant status in young adult male rats. Dry red wine (D-RW) exerted higher antioxidant activity and was characterized by higher concentration of phenolic compounds compared to semi-dry (SD-RW), sweet (S-RW) and semi-sweet (SS-RW) wines. No differences in total antioxidant status of rat plasma after six weeks of drinking of the wines were detected. Increased plasma follicle-stimulating hormone levels in S-RW
versus
control and D-RW (5.26
vs.
3.06 and 3.21 ng mL
−1
) groups were found. The plasma testosterone concentration was lower in D-RW compared to control, SD-RW, S-RW and SS-RW groups (0.25
vs.
1.12, 1.09, 1.54 and 1.25 ng mL
−1
). Higher plasma 17β-estradiol level in S-RW
versus
SD-RW and SS-RW (10.94
vs.
7.18 and 6.72 pg mL
−1
) group was stated. The prolactin level was higher in plasma of S-RW
versus
D-RW and SS-RW (17.35
vs.
9.74 and 8.59 ng mL
−1
) rats. The effects of red wine drinking on the hormonal regulation of the male reproductive system depend on the type and the dose of red wine. Chemical compounds naturally occurring in red wines (
i.e.
phenolics) may modulate the effects of ethyl alcohol, but also directly affect the male reproduction.
Chemical compounds naturally occurring in red wines may modulate the effects of ethyl alcohol on the hormonal regulation of male reproduction.
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