Software Cost Research Articles

Implementation Challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Participating in Public Projects in Qatar

This research investigates the implementation challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) participating in public projects, with a focus on the construction industry in Qatar. Through a combination of literature review, surveys, and interviews, the study identifies key obstacles such as interoperability issues, financial constraints, organisational and cultural resistance, and the lack of comprehensive training programs. The literature highlights the fragmented nature of construction projects and the potential of BIM to improve efficiency through enhanced data handling and collaboration. However, SMEs often struggle with the high initial costs of software and hardware, as well as the need for extensive training to bridge the skill gap. Interviews with industry professionals reveal that while mandatory BIM integration in public projects drives adoption, it also exacerbates these challenges for SMEs, which may lack the necessary resources and expertise. Survey findings indicate that contractors frequently encounter issues with understanding and implementing BIM and meeting the government body standards, suggesting a need for better training and support. The study also emphasises the importance of strategic incremental adoption, where SMEs gradually integrate BIM into their processes, starting with low-level implementation in privately funded projects. The research concludes that while BIM offers significant benefits for the construction industry, its successful adoption requires targeted support for SMEs. This includes financial incentives, improved interoperability standards, comprehensive training programs, and strategic change management approaches. Addressing these challenges will enable SMEs to fully leverage BIM's potential, enhancing project efficiency and competitiveness in the construction sector.

Design Business Offline and Online Based on Website of Pikyeum SME in Bandung

Pikyeum SME created a new business idea to connect sellers and consumers, introduce products,and place online purchases. By creating a website, Pikyeum SME makes it easy for consumersthroughout Indonesia to find Peuyeum chips. This case study was conducted in Pikyeum SME,located in Lot Leuwidulang No. C 02, Sub-district Pameungpeuk, Bandung, Indonesia. Datacollection and analysis were conducted qualitatively and quantitatively. The purpose of thisresearch is to measure the demand, design technical and operational aspects, design a websitebased application, measure the product's financial feasibility, and measure the sensitivity level ofPikyeum food products offline and online sales. Survey data were analyzed using corrected itemtotal correlation as a validity testing technique and Cronbach's Alpha as a reliability testingtechnique with the aid of the SPSS program. Based on this research, Net Present Value (NPV) isIDR 167.006.461, Interest Rate of Return (IRR) at 36,70%, and Payback Period at 3,4 years. It canbe concluded that Pikyeum SME is feasible to run because NPV > 0, payback period < asseteconomic life, and IRR > MARR. The increase of raw materials and packaging costs shouldn’t bemore than 36,76%. Meanwhile, the increase of labor cost shouldn’t be more than 23,51%. Thedemand decreases shouldn’t be more than 15,63% and selling prices shouldn’t exceed 11,34%.

Exploring key metrics of sterilization services using cost analysis

ABSTRACT Sterilization services not only impact service delivery processes directly but also account for a substantial portion of total costs. Therefore, accurate resource measurement becomes imperative for efficient resource utilization. This research aims to draw a framework for calculating the package and autoclave unit cost within a sterilization unit and to pinpoint sterilization unit-specific findings distinct from those of other service provider departments. To achieve this, we collected and analyzed cost data from a public hospital in Trabzon, Türkiye, for 2021 and 2022. Subsequently, the unit cost of the package and autoclave of the sterilization unit was calculated based on the collected data. Our analysis considered various cost components, such as equipment maintenance, personnel salaries, and utility expenses. Through our research, we identified key factors influencing the sterilization process. The findings guided decision-makers in prioritizing areas for efficient and sustainable service provision. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of our developed framework in cost analysis, highlighting its potential impact on resource management practices in healthcare settings. Additionally, insights into decision-making processes regarding in-house versus outsourced provision of sterilization services can inform managerial decisions and resource allocation strategies more effectively.

Modeling the impact of noise and uncertain operational environment on software release decisions considering testing coverage-based SRGM

The operational environment of software differs from the debugging environment. Therefore, the study explores the impact of irregular consumption by diverse users on the development cost of software, reliability of software, and release decisions. To accomplish this, a release model has been formulated considering logistic testing coverage-based reliability growth model built as a stochastic process including the error generation. The stochastic nature has been captured by considering the noise factor due to irregular fluctuations occurring during testing while usage uncertainty has been captured by introducing a constant parameter in the cost function of the operational phase. It is assumed that the testing phase cost is affected by the noise and the operation phase cost is affected by the severity of noise which is the result of uncertain usage by users. The model was evaluated against a real failure dataset. The release model creates a trade-off between software development cost, release timing, and reliability aspirations. This study contributes to software reliability literature and provides insights to practitioners to make software release decisions. The sensitivity analysis results give information about various aspects during the operational phase that affect the overall development cost.

Investigating the impact of product‐to‐package volume ratio on strawberry quality within modified humidity packaging systems

SummaryTo reduce high humidity, minimise postharvest losses and optimise packaging volume, this study examines the effects of different product‐to‐package volume ratios (G/P) in modified humidity packaging systems using perforated containers and moisture conditioning agents. Strawberries were stored at 20 °C and 50% RH for 7 days with G/P ratios of 1:24, 1:12, 1:6 and 1:4, and their sensory and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The results show that moisture‐controlled packaging effectively preserves strawberry quality compared to non‐humidified packaging. Strawberries with a G/P of 1:24 in humidified packs had the best colour, aroma and texture on day 7. Higher G/P ratios correlated with increased quality deterioration. The lowest deterioration rates were observed in the G/P 1:24 and 1:12 groups, which also had the highest levels of vitamin C (54.72 mg/100 g and 55.40 mg/100 g), anthocyanins (1.086 ΔOD g−1 and 0.966 ΔOD g−1) and flavonoids (0.748 ΔOD g−1 and 0.726 ΔOD g−1). Although hardness, TSS and TA showed no significant correlation, these parameters were better in moderate G/P groups (1:12 and 1:6). These findings suggest that combining perforation with humidifiers in packaging can enhance the storage quality of fruits and vegetables while reducing packaging costs.

From Probabilistic to Fuzzy Matching Record Linkage: A promising Transition

ObjectiveProbabilistic Record Linkage (PRL) heavily relies on manual intervention for gray area resolutions. This makes PRL extremely time and resource intensive. No matter how scientifically sound and robust PRL method is, it didn’t meet close-to-real-time data availability requirements at ICES. ApproachDuring a thorough evaluation and comparison process of three software and two methods of Record Linkage, ICES initiated a semi-design of experiment to select an optimal record linkage approach. For this experiment, a large Ontario data on 12 million individuals with required linkage variables plus valid Ontario health card numbers was selected. While the availability of the health card number enabled assessment of the accuracy of different approaches, the analysts were blinded to the correct health card numbers during the process. If manual intervention was required, it was repeated by two analysts to allow capturing human error. ResultsPRL-based software needed the most personnel time to complete the process. Human errors were identified during the manual intervention due to subjective decisions by the analysts. Fuzzy Matching approach eliminated manual intervention but achieved comparable linkage rate to PRL while maintaining the same accuracy. The Fuzzy Matching software costs were higher; however, the data timeliness was significantly improved, and the clerical review costs and human error were eliminated. ConclusionsThe Modernization of Record Linkage (MORL) project was a successful demonstration of the advantages of Fuzzy Matching over PRL method. However, the implementation of new approach at the organization level was a challenging change management.

Production of sweet potato distilled beverage: Economic evaluation via enzymatic and acid hydrolysis

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of utilizing sweet potato waste for distilled beverage production in two process scenarios: (i) acid hydrolysis and (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis. Laboratory experiments were conducted using in natura sweet potato waste and the data obtained were used to design a production system capable of producing 1000 L of distillate per day. Net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and discounted payback indicators were used for economic analysis, with a minimum attractiveness rate (MARR) of 15%. The initial investment for the projects was BRL 1 139 610.86 (USD 223 146.80) for enzymatic hydrolysis and BRL 1 314 824.54 (USD 257 455.36) for acid hydrolysis. Packaging costs were identified as the greatest expenses in the process. Assuming a selling price of BRL 14.50 (USD 2.84), the enzymatic hydrolysis process demonstrated an NPV of BRL 4 792 520.77 (USD 938 421.92) and IRR of 83.39%, and the acid hydrolysis process showed an NPV of BRL 2 191 636.78 (USD 429 143.68) and IRR of 42.49%. Consequently, establishing a production plant for distilled beverages proved to be more economically attractive when employing the enzymatic hydrolysis process and fermentation simultaneously, resulting in a return on investment within 1.46 years of operation. Upon scrutinizing the gain matrix, it became apparent that critical factors with the potential to affect the project's feasibility detrimentally, if increased, included the cost of acquiring packaging, the final volumetric fraction of the distilled beverage, and the tax rate. Nevertheless, an upturn in the selling price of the beverage and a process improvement yield both have the potential to underpin the project effectively.

Trends in Sustainability and Innovative Food Packaging Materials: An Overview

Globally, 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted or lost every year. This loss is valued at US $2.6 trillion and accounts for 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Food waste is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and results in a waste of natural resources. Therefore, reducing food waste can help diminish GHG emissions, improve food security, and promote healthy food systems. Packaging plays an important role in protecting food, enhancing quality and safety, and reducing food losses. Innovative and sustainable packaging strategies are necessary to decrease waste accumulation, particularly of plastics, safeguard food quality and safety, and reduce food losses and waste. Sustainable packaging aims to enhance the effectiveness of design and the use of environmentally friendly materials. This review provides an overview of the sustainable status of common packaging materials such as plastic, glass, metal, and paper/cardboard based on the circular economy, which includes recycling, reuse, composting, and bio-based packaging. The study examines new developments in food packaging materials in response to the growing demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives. Several applications from food companies and sustainable studies are discussed regarding continuous availability without impacting the environment. Ongoing research and technological advancements, such as material reduction, the development of innovative new materials like bio-plastics, and improvements in recycling, will contribute to increasing the acceptance of sustainable packaging. Definitions, requirements, limitations, legislation, and applications of sustainable packaging are explored. Sustainable packaging can stimulate economic growth and offer new opportunities for companies, notably by helping the environment and reducing the carbon footprint. However, the cost of sustainable packaging can still be challenging for small businesses. Determining whether consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging is also crucial in this transition.

Constructing renewable energy sphere for efficient search

In the field of renewable energy (RE), traditional methods for understanding, development, and education have heavily relied on 2D table formats for data retrieval and presentation. However, these formats suffer from inefficiency and an inability to fully capture the relationships between variables. In response to this challenge, Li et al. (2022) demonstrated that their therapeutic 3D sphere system significantly outperformed the therapeutic 2D table in query processing time. Furthermore, Shih et al. (2020) utilized a T-test to underscore the superiority of the TED Talks sphere over the TED Talks 2D table format website in terms of convenience, query processing efficiency, usefulness, and intuitiveness. Building upon this foundation, this study referenced and enhanced the work of Li et al. by introducing a three-dimensional spherical visualization model driven by cluster-based binary integer programming (BIP). This novel approach resulted in a 58% reduction in information retrieval time and achieved an impressive 86.4% user satisfaction rating. It is worth noting that compared to the previous Systematic Review and Synthesis (SRS), user satisfaction experienced a significant 19% improvement. This improvement enhances the search efficiency for RE information, thereby fostering public awareness and development of RE. Taking energy supply-demand balance sheets as an example, this study demonstrates that the spherical retrieval system (SRS) constructed by the visualization 3D spherical model resolves the issue of inefficient retrieval in 2D table formats, and the newly added functionality of highlighting objects on the spherical surface intuitively illustrates the one-to-many relationships between individual RE supply and demand. To optimize hardware and software performance, data mining techniques are employed to cluster supply data, reducing complexity, and improving optimization efficiency. The experiment is that testers search for the same targets and compared the proposed 3D SRS with the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) 2D website in terms of retrieval speed and accuracy. The statistical results of the T-test indicate that the proposed 3D SRS is more effective and accurate than the Taipower 2D website. The research findings indicate: 1. The new 3D SRS reduces query time by 58%. 2. Adopting the k-means algorithm for clustering and batch optimization can transform from an initially infeasible solution to finding the optimal solution within 12 s. This method also reduces computer software and hardware costs, providing effective solutions for relevant applications. These technologies can be used for the education, promotion, publicity, and dissemination of RE.

A Cross-Sectional Validation of Horos and CoreSlicer Software Programs for Body Composition Analysis in Abdominal Computed Tomography Scans in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Body composition assessment using computed tomography (CT) scans may be hampered by software costs. To facilitate its implementation in resource-limited settings, two open-source segmentation programs (Horos and CoreSlicer) were transversally validated in colorectal cancer patients. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans were analyzed following the Alberta protocol. The Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) and intensities of skeletal muscle tissue (MT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were measured. The Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was calculated. Cutoff points were applied to the SMI, MT intensity, and VAT CSA to define muscle atrophy, myosteatosis, and abdominal obesity. The inter-software agreement was evaluated using different statistical tools. A total of 68 participants were measured. The MT CSA and SMI displayed no differences. The MT CSA agreement was excellent, and both programs provided equal muscle atrophy prevalences. CoreSlicer underestimated the MT intensity, with a non-significant myosteatosis prevalence increase (+5.88% and +8.82%) using two different operative definitions. CoreSlicer overestimated the CSA and intensity in both VAT and SAT, with a non-significant increase (+2.94%) in the abdominal obesity prevalence. Both software programs were feasible tools in the study group. The MT CSA showed great inter-software agreement and no muscle atrophy misdiagnosis. Segmentation differences in the MT intensity and VAT CSA caused limited diagnostic misclassification in the study sample.

Systematic Review of Open-Source Software for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

In the era of Industry 4.0, software is essential for connecting technologies, creating smart systems, and driving innovation across industries. There are several challenges and limitations related to software in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), such as software cost, software piracy, and limited modification access to the software. This demonstrates the demand for new approaches that may deal with these issues and offer alternatives by using the open-source software. The paper aims to explore on the utilization and impact of Open-Source Software (OSS) in TVET based on three main themes: (1) hardware compatibility using OSS, (2) teaching and learning aids using OSS, and (3) online learning practice using OSS. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach, the research, based on 21 articles selected from Scopus and Eric databases, reveals that OSS is compatible with hardware used in TVET programs, offers diverse teaching and learning aids, and is suitable for online learning environment. These findings underscore OSS's potential as an alternative in meeting TVET requirements, fostering dynamic learning environments, and improving pedagogical approaches, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness in TVET institutions.

Implementation of Decision Tree Method to Predict Customer Interest in Internet Data Packages

The use of smartphones is on the rise, making internet packages vital in everyday life. In Indonesia, mobile operators offer a variety of data packages to meet customer needs. Understanding preferences is important to making the right decisions when providing products that meet customer needs. However, not all packages are suitable for all customers. Telkomsel is one of the providers that can deliver consistent signals and a wide range of data packages, but it still has a relatively high price. The study uses decision tree methodology to analyze citizens' preferences about Telkomsel services, comparing the relative cost of data packages with other services. This research will use surveys with samples from different communities to determine the representativeness of the results and provide strategic recommendations for Telkomsel to improve customer satisfaction. The research methods employed in this study included data collection, preprocessing, data division, model design, prediction results, and result evaluation. The results showed accuracy levels of 98.7%, precision of 100%, recall of 98.7%, specificity of 100%, and an F1-score of 99.3%. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the decision tree model in predicting customer interest in Telkomsel services. Despite some limitations, the findings provide valuable insights that Telkomsel can use to develop more effective marketing strategies.

Software cost estimation tool: A App based application, estimate the cost of software project

This paper presents the design and implementation of a software cost estimation tool integrated into a mobile application developed using Flutter. The tool incorporates various techniques for software cost estimation, including expert judgment, function point analysis, 3D point analysis, and the COCOMO model. The purpose of the program is to give software engineers and project managers a practical and effective tool for calculating the time and money needed for software development projects. The paper provides a thorough explanation of each estimation technique’s implementation, along with a discussion of the app’s main features and functionalities. Because of the app’s intuitive and user-friendly design, users can quickly enter project data and get precise cost estimates. The tool’s efficacy is assessed using case studies and contrasts with other software cost estimation methods currently in use. The outcomes show that the app can produce trustworthy and precise cost estimates, which makes it an important resource for software development projects.

Enhancing effort estimation in global software development using a unique combination of Neuro Fuzzy Logic and Deep Learning Neural Networks (NFDLNN)

ABSTRACT Effective project planning and management in the global software development landscape relies on addressing major issues like cost estimation and effort allocation. Timely estimation of software development is a critical focus in software engineering research. With the industry increasingly relying on diverse teams worldwide, accurate estimation becomes vital. Software size serves as a common measure for costs and schedules, but advanced estimation methods consider various variables, such as project purpose, personnel expertise, time and efficiency constraints, and technology requirements. Estimating software costs involve significant financial and strategic commitments, making it crucial to address complexity and versatility related to cost drivers. To achieve enhanced accuracy and convergence, we employ the cuckoo algorithm in our proposed NFDLNN (Neuro Fuzzy Logic and Deep Learning Neural Networks) model. Through extensive validation with industrial project data, using Function Point Analysis as the algorithmic models, our NFA model demonstrates high accuracy in software cost approximation, outperforming existing methods insights of MRE of 3.33, BRE of 0.13, and PI of 74.48. Our research contributes to improved project planning and decision-making processes in global software development endeavours.

Hybridization of Social Group Optimization and Past Present Future Algorithm and its Application for Software Cost Estimation

Hybridization of Social Group Optimization and Past Present Future Algorithm and its Application for Software Cost Estimation

A new Fermatean fuzzy multi‐objective indefinite quadratic transportation problem with an application to sustainable transportation

AbstractIn this work, a Fermatean fuzzy (FF) multi‐objective indefinite quadratic transportation problem (TP) is introduced. Due to some unavoidable reasons, real‐life transportation parameters such as supply, demand and costs are indeterminate in nature and cannot be expressed in crisp terms. We represent these parameters using FF numbers, an extension of fuzzy numbers, which are capable of representing indeterminacy efficiently. A multi‐objective indefinite quadratic TP where each objective is a product of two linear factors (cost functions) is considered. Defuzzification of FF numbers is accomplished by the introduction of ‐cut for the first time. The obtained crisp TP is solved using the intuitionistic fuzzy programming approach and FF programming approach to arrive at a compromise solution. To substantiate the work, solution methodology based on defuzzification using the ranking function is also deliberated. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through a sustainable TP, which simultaneously minimizes transportation cost with depreciation cost and packaging cost with wastage cost. The resulting value of the objective functions and the aspiration levels are compared to depict the efficacy of the proposed method over the ranking function method. The concluding section summarizes the work, and future avenues along with some limitations of the work are also specified.

ANALISIS MODEL BUSINESS CANVAS JASA CEK PLAGIASI THE LUCKY OF TURNITIN

Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a visual chart with nine elements that explain the value proposition of a company or product, infrastructure, customers and finances. The aim of implementing these nine BMC elements is to become a guide in running The Lucky of Turnitin services. BMC determines the best starting from planning The Lucky of Turnitin to realization, as a part of MSMEs managed by students who are still beginners in entrepreneurship. The research method uses descriptive methods, while data analysis uses qualitative analysis. Analysis has been carried out by compiling and verifying BMC. The results of the analysis of The Lucky of Turnitin using the BMC model show that; 1) The Lucky of Turnitin Customer Segments are lecturers and students. 2) Value Propositions using a fast application. 3) The Lucky of Turnitin channels will utilize social media to promote The Lucky of Turnitin through FB posts, official IG, WA stories, and word of mouth promotions. 4) Customer Relationship The Lucky of Turnitin will build relationships with customers by providing testimonials which can be done through assessment testimonials on official IG accounts, WA stories, posts on FB. 5) Revenue Streams for this business come from sales of The Lucky of Turnitin services. 6) Key Resources The Lucky of Turnitin, the main source used by Smartphones, the Internet and Vehicles. 7) Key Activities The Lucky of Turnitin will provide good and quality service quickly. 8) Key Partnership Tawanyesss works with several suppliers that The Lucky of Turnitin needs. 9) Cost Structure (Cost Structure). The costs incurred in this business are divided into several parts, namely Equipment Costs, Raw Material Costs, Packaging Costs and Operational Costs.

Review on low power design of digital integrated circuits

Abstract With the rapid development of science and technology, integrated circuit (IC) plays an increasingly important role in our daily life. Moreover, due to the increasing reduction of chip process size, the IC had greatly improved on its integration and performance. However, because of the improvement of the system complexity and the widely applied to various mobile devices, power consumption becomes an important limitation of the development in chip design. Power consumption not only affects the chip package type and cost, but also causes the increasing of chip temperature, which will directly affect the reliability of chips. On the other hand, high power consumption will also harm the stability of chips. Low power design are becoming more and more imminent, so low-power design are becoming a tendency of designing digital integrated circuits. This paper firstly introduces the importance of nowadays IC research, some background principles and research process of integrated circuits, then analyses the current challenges of designing low-power ICs and also research the power consumption of digital integrated circuits, later explores and analyses the low-power design methods in two different ways. And finally summarize the research status on low-power design circuits with some relevant personal views and the vision to the future are also put forward.

A Review on Coupled Inductor-Based High Step-Up DC-DC Converters for Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources are increasingly being embraced due to their environmental advantages, characterized by clean energy production, including solar energy, fuel cells, and wind turbines. High step-up DC-DC converters are commonly employed in conjunction with these sources to elevate their unregulated output voltage to a high and regulated level. This is especially true for converters based on coupled inductors, which are able to achieve high voltage with a low duty cycle. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the coupled inductor-based high step-up DC-DC converters. This review involves five widely used topologies, namely stacked converters, cascaded converters, multi-winding converters, interleaved converters, and integrated converters. It is evident that the researchers proposing these converters aim to enhance the overall efficiency of the renewable energy system by achieving a high voltage gain with a low duty cycle, thereby reducing conduction losses, mitigating stress on switches, alleviating voltage spikes across the main switches, and recycling the leakage energy. However, it is noteworthy that some of the proposed circuit designs are complex and involve a high number of components resulting in increase in cost and size of packaging. Additionally, some proposed circuits could not effectively achieve the aforementioned objectives. This paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers, offering an overview of the latest developments in the high step-up converters based on coupled inductor, which may help them to identify potential research gaps.

MS-PyCloud: A Cloud Computing-Based Pipeline for Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Data Analyses.

Rapid development and wide adoption of mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomic technologies have empowered scientists to study proteins and protein glycosylation in complex samples on a large scale. This progress has also created unprecedented challenges for individual laboratories to store, manage, and analyze proteomic and glycoproteomic data, both in the cost for proprietary software and high-performance computing and in the long processing time that discourages on-the-fly changes of data processing settings required in explorative and discovery analysis. We developed an open-source, cloud computing-based pipeline, MS-PyCloud, with graphical user interface (GUI), for proteomic and glycoproteomic data analysis. The major components of this pipeline include data file integrity validation, MS/MS database search for spectral assignments to peptide sequences, false discovery rate estimation, protein inference, quantitation of global protein levels, and specific glycan-modified glycopeptides as well as other modification-specific peptides such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination. To ensure the transparency and reproducibility of data analysis, MS-PyCloud includes open-source software tools with comprehensive testing and versioning for spectrum assignments. Leveraging public cloud computing infrastructure via Amazon Web Services (AWS), MS-PyCloud scales seamlessly based on analysis demand to achieve fast and efficient performance. Application of the pipeline to the analysis of large-scale LC-MS/MS data sets demonstrated the effectiveness and high performance of MS-PyCloud. The software can be downloaded at https://github.com/huizhanglab-jhu/ms-pycloud.