Functional Point Research Articles

Color Stability of Microhybrid Composite Resins Depending on the Immersion Medium.

The aim of this study was to assess the color stability of two microhybrid composite resins after immersion in different coloring solutions for 4 weeks. Sixty disc-shaped samples (2 mm in thickness and 10 mm in diameter) were prepared according to ISO standard 4049. Two composite resins were used: Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) and Harvard Restore (Harvard Dental International GmbH). After initial color measurements, five samples of each resin were immersed in artificial saliva, Turkish coffee, lemonade, black tea, Coca-Cola 0%, and green tea for 4 weeks. The spectrophotometric measurements were carried out after 24 hours of immersion in the various solutions and then weekly, using a VITA Easyshade Advance 4.0 spectrophotometer (CIE L*a*b* system). Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 25.0 software. The two composite resins tested revealed discoloration after immersion in all the drinks at a variable immersion period showing different color behaviors. The one-way analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the values of brightness (L), in chromaticity from green to red (a), in chromaticity from blue to yellow (b), and in the color (ΔE) of the two materials at different time intervals. The greatest color change in all the groups was caused by coffee followed by lemonade and black tea followed by green tea, Coca-Cola 0%, and artificial saliva. The importance of color stability of dental restorations is crucial for dental professionals and patients. Indeed, the quality of a restoration is considered from both a functional and esthetic points of view. The information obtained from this study should prove useful for clinicians to make informed decisions in selecting the best materials for their patients' esthetic restorations. The Harvard Restore showed a better colorimetric behavior compared with the Filtek Z350. Coffee, black tea, and green tea had the most marked effects on the discoloration of composites, especially on Filtek Z350. Coca-Cola 0% showed a similar behavior to artificial saliva.

Association of Reperfusion and Procedural Characteristics with Endovascular Thrombectomy Outcomes in Large Core Stroke: Sub-Analysis from the SELECT2 Trial.

From the SELECT2 trial, we evaluated the association between reperfusion status, first-pass effect (near-complete or complete reperfusion [extended thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) 2c-3] in 1 pass), procedure time and primary technique (aspiration vs stent-retriever) with functional outcomes in patients receiving EVT across ASPECTS (3 vs 4 vs 5) and core estimate strata (<70 vs ≥70ml, <100 vs ≥100ml, and <150 vs ≥150ml). Of 180 patients who received thrombectomy, 144 (80%) achieved successful reperfusion (eTICI 2b-3) and demonstrated better clinical outcomes (adjusted generalized odds ratios [aGenOR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.15), compared with unsuccessful reperfusion. Results were consistent across ASPECTS and core estimate strata. Additionally, complete or near-complete reperfusion (eTICI 2c-3) was associated with better functional outcome (aGenOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.33-2.97) in patients achieving successful reperfusion. Functional outcome point estimates favored those with first-pass-effect (42 of 167 (25%), aGenOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.96-2.24). Longer procedure time was associated with worse modified Rankin scale (mRS) distribution (aGenOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96, p-value = 0.001 for 10 minutes increment). Aspiration-first technique was used in 43 of 154 (25%) patients and was not associated with higher reperfusion (88% vs 78%, p = 0.18) or better functional outcome (aGenOR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.50-1.10) as compared with stent-retriever first. Successful reperfusion resulted in improved clinical outcomes in large core patients across baseline ischemic core strata. Near complete or complete reperfusion was further associated with better outcomes, whereas prolonged procedures were associated with worse outcomes. Results were consistent regardless of the technique used. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Social Representation of Mental Health Disorders in the Italian Big Brother VIP Edition.

Despite the revolutionary impact of new media, television remains a socially shared reference point for media functions, e.g., information, entertainment, and hybridized genres. Through its simplified knowledge and scripts, television reduces cognitive asymmetry between experts and the public on general and specific topics, thus having a critical role in constructing social representations. This work examines two (apparently) distant realities, i.e., mental health as a fundamental aspect of public health and popular and "light" entertainment formats like reality shows. In the past, researchers investigated media representation of mental illness in general terms alongside other types of programs, e.g., coming-of-age, dramedy television series, and children's television programs. This study examines how depression is discursively constructed and socially represented in a case that shook the Italian public opinion, i.e., a Big Brother VIP cast member with depression symptoms. The critical discourse analysis, focusing on positioning and representations about depression, enabled us to emphasize that (1) knowledge about depression is poorly defined and participants' reactions are mostly immature and clumsy, and (2) mass media can play an essential role in creating more mindful and complete knowledge about mental health.

Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer is a combination of intensive local delivery of anticancer drugs using microcatheters and external beam radiation. Unlike conventional chemoradiotherapy, it is highly effective in treating the primary tumor, but it cannot treat distant metastases. In the field of head and neck cancer, where quality of life is significantly impaired by curative surgery from a functional and cosmetic point of view, it is a useful treatment not only for unresectable cases but also for resectable advanced cancers, with the maxillary sinus being a particularly good indication. This treatment is expected to outperform conventional systemic chemotherapy and even comes close to the outcomes of radical surgery if the patient is carefully selected and the appropriate technique is used. Currently, a multicenter phase III clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment for maxillary sinus cancer has been completed, and the results are being analyzed.

Software Development and Maintenance Effort Estimation Using Function Points and Simpler Functional Measures

Functional size measures are widely used for estimating software development effort. After the introduction of Function Points, a few “simplified” measures have been proposed, aiming to make measurement simpler and applicable when fully detailed software specifications are not yet available. However, some practitioners believe that, when considering “complex” projects, traditional Function Point measures support more accurate estimates than simpler functional size measures, which do not account for greater-than-average complexity. In this paper, we aim to produce evidence that confirms or disproves such a belief via an empirical study that separately analyzes projects that involved developments from scratch and extensions and modifications of existing software. Our analysis shows that there is no evidence that traditional Function Points are generally better at estimating more complex projects than simpler measures, although some differences appear in specific conditions. Another result of this study is that functional size metrics—both traditional and simplified—do not seem to effectively account for software complexity, as estimation accuracy decreases with increasing complexity, regardless of the functional size metric used. To improve effort estimation, researchers should look for a way of measuring software complexity that can be used in effort models together with (traditional or simplified) functional size measures.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Right Ventricle from a Radial Basis Morphing of the Inner Surface

In the realm of cardiac health research, accurate fluid dynamics simulations are vital for comprehending the heart function and diagnosing conditions. Central to these simulations is the precision of ventricular wall meshes used to model heart geometry. However, segmenting the wetted surface, particularly in the right ventricle (RV) with its significantly thinner parietal thickness compared to the left ventricle, presents challenges. This study focuses on qualitatively evaluating an automated reconstruction model for the RV’s outer wall using Radial Basis function (RBF) morphing. Two procedural criteria were compared, a random selection of control points and a curvature-based approach, which differ in terms of the identification of the control points of the RBF function. From these considerations, it emerges that a controlled use of the RBF function on the basis of the curvatures guarantees the greater controllability of the shape evolutions of the parietal structure of the RV, but it is more sensitive to any anomalies in the distribution of the vertices, as can be seen from the number of outliers, and its controllability is a function of the percentage of points chosen, exerting a greater impact on the required computational capacity. The definition of a strategic criterion for the selection of control points could represent a crucial aspect in the definition of an automatic reconstruction procedure of anatomical elements, which guarantees a morphological variability in line with the need to expand the pathological sample to be used for statistical formulations in the clinical field.

Study of the Characteristics and Functions Astrocytes of the Nervous System

Astrocytes are glial cells located in the central nervous system, that is, in the brain and spinal cord. Like the rest of the glia, astrocytes play supporting roles concerning neurons, the main cells of the nervous system from a functional point of view. Astrocytes are formed from cells of the ectoderm, the layer of the embryonic disc from which the nervous system and epidermis arise, during the organism's early development. Like most glia, astrocytes start from undifferentiated cells similar to those that give rise to neurons. This article aims to relate the characteristics and functions of astrocytes in the brain nutrition function, in the memory and learning process of stroke. Concerned with outlining a public profile of quality research in the area, we sought to answer these questions based on a literature review in the main journals in the area (national and international) classified by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). To complement this analysis with other types of documents such as books, scientific journals, documents, and digital platforms, the following analysis steps were followed: (1) exhaustive reading of each article aiming at a global understanding and discovery of the approach used by its authors; (2) identification of the central ideas of each article; (3) classification of the ideas around core meanings; (4) comparison between the different core meanings present in the articles studied; (5) classification of the core meanings into broader axes (themes) around which the authors' discussions revolved; and (6) writing of interpretative summaries of each theme. After analyzing the content of the articles, we sought to establish a dialogue between the themes found and the literature that served as a basis for introducing the present study.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Mavacamten for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common hereditary cardiomyopathy. Mavacamten, a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, is considered to be a specific drug for the treatment of HCM. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of mavacamten in patients with HCM. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Clinical Trials.gov databases were searched from inception to February 6, 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the efficacy and safety between mavacamten and placebo in treating HCM. Six RCTs involving 732 patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that mavacamten improved the New York Heart Association (NYHA) function class [risk ratios (RR): 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48 to 3.30, p = 0.00001], Clinical Summary Score of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-CSS) scores [mean difference (MD): 9.33, 95% CI: 7.09 to 11.57, p < 0.00001] and composite functional end point (RR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.25 to 2.78, p = 0.002). Meanwhile, mavacamten decreased N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (MD: -492.28, 95% CI: -611.55 to -373.02, p < 0.00001), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (MD: -14.58, 95% CI: -26.98 to -2.17, p = 0.02) and Valsalva left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient (MD: -57.96, 95% CI: -82.15 to -33.78, p < 0.00001). The results for the incidence of ≥1 total emergent adverse event (TEAE) and ≥1 serious adverse event (SAE) showed that there was no significant difference between both groups (RR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.24, p = 0.16) (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.44, p = 0.90). Mavacamten has great efficacy for the treatment of HCM. Meanwhile, mavacamten did not increase the incidence of adverse events or serious adverse events.

Tratamento endodôntico em dentes decíduos associado à reabilitação oral estética e funcional: relato de caso

Pediatric dentistry is an area within dentistry dedicated to oral health care for babies, children and even teenagers. The main focus of this specialty, as well as the focus of this work, is to promote awareness about the importance of creating healthy habits for children and maintaining the deciduous tooth in the alveolus until it is naturally replaced by permanent teeth. Endodontic treatment is usually proposed for two main causes: caries and dental trauma, which is very common in early childhood. The objective of this work was to carry out an endodontic treatment in deciduous teeth (51 and 61) and subsequent aesthetic rehabilitation of elements 51, 61, 52, 62 with composite resin. It can be concluded that the rehabilitation of the anterior deciduous teeth was extremely important from the aesthetic, functional and psychological point of view of the child. The use of maneuvers such as endodontics in deciduous teeth as well as the association of restorations with composite resins became a viable alternative in this clinical case, allowing the reestablishment of form, function and aesthetics.

An upper bound for the number of critical points of the systole function on the moduli space of hyperbolic surfaces

We obtain an upper bound for the number of critical points of the systole function on Mg. Besides, we obtain an upper bound for the number of those critical points whose systole is smaller than a constant.

Evaluating human error probability in maintenance task: An integrated system dynamics and machine learning approach

AbstractHuman error is often implicated in industrial accidents and is frequently found to be a symptom of broader issues within the sociotechnical system. Therefore, research exploring human error during maintenance activities is important. This article aims to assess the probability of human error in maintenance tasks at a cement factory using the Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method and System Dynamics modeling. Given that human error probability (HEP) is influenced by various common performance conditions (CPCs) and their sub‐factors, and changes dynamically in response to other variables, the SD method offers a practical approach for estimating and predicting human error behavior over time. This study identifies and quantifies the variables affecting HEP, explores their interactions and feedback in maintenance tasks, and assesses the associated costs. The machine learning technique is then used to estimate the relationship between HEP and these costs. The optimal value of the HEP function, 0.000772, is determined by identifying the minimum point of a cubic function, thereby minimizing associated costs and occupational accidents. Determining the optimal HEP is crucial for minimizing excessive costs and investing in improved ergonomics and CPCs for better performance. This addresses a significant gap in existing research where the impact of human error on maintenance tasks has not been estimated as a function. Furthermore, three scenarios are presented to help managers allocate the organization's budget more effectively.

Fibrotic outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 virus interstitial pneumonia.

Following the onset of the new COVID-19 pandemic, particular attention is paid to the long-term outcomes, especially concerning patients affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus leading to interstitial pneumonia. The aim of this research is to evaluate the possible evolution over time of interstitial pneumonia into post-inflammatory fibrosing interstitial disease. This research included 42 patients admitted to the COVID ward for SARS-CoV-2 interstitial pneumonia, 10 patients with mild pneumonia and respiratory failure who were treated with O2 only, 32 patients with severe pneumonia in which O2 and non-invasive ventilation were used for respiratory assistance, and 4 patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. At 70±30 days, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after discharge, the cohort of patients carried out the evaluation of inflammation indices, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) chest scans, and functional respiratory tests. The comparative analysis showed that 83.3% of patients had residual parenchymal lung disease at 36-month follow-up, with a significantly higher rate in those with severe pneumonia and more extensive disease on initial CT. Regarding the pulmonary involvement model, patients presented ground-glass opacity or peripheral parenchymal bands, or a combination of them, peri- and intralobular interstitial thickening, which may be representative of fibrotic interstitial lung disease. There is a correlation between the severity of pneumonia, the inflammatory state, the need to increase respiratory support, and the quantity and persistence of CT-related lesions. Reductions in respiratory functions and exercise capacity were observed, the latter more pronounced in patients (24%) who had contracted severe pneumonia and required ventilatory support.Pulmonary outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections show a wide range of radiological findings, from complete recovery to stable outcomes of thickening and distortion of the interstitial architecture. From a functional point of view, there is an impairment of the alveolar-capillary diffusion capacity and, in cases who had contracted severe pneumonia, desaturation and reduced exercise tolerance in 24% of cases at a 36-month follow-up.

An MP-Newton method for computing nonlinear eigenpairs and its application for solving a semilinear Schrödinger equation

ln Yao and Zhou (2008), a minimax method for computing nonlinear eigenpairs by calculating critical points of the Lagrange multiplier function is presented. But, the method is slow and can find limited amount of eigenpairs. In this paper, a new general characterization, orthogonal-max characterization, for critical points of the Lagrange multiplier function is suggested. An MP-Newton method for finding orthogonal-max type critical points is designed through analyzing how the minimax method works. The new method becomes fast and able to calculate more nonlinear eigenpairs. Numerical experiment confirms these two progresses. Also, the MP-Newton method inherits the advantages of the minimax method. A convergence result for the method is established. Finally, an application for solving a semilinear Schrödinger equation is discussed.

Enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit in the Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 by band-structure and -filling control

ABSTRACT Topological materials attract a considerable research interest because of their characteristic band structure giving rise to various new phenomena in quantum physics. Besides this, they are tempting from a functional materials point of view: Topological materials bear potential for an enhanced thermoelectric efficiency because they possess the required ingredients, such as intermediate carrier concentrations, large mobilities, heavy elements etc. Against this background, this work reports an enhanced thermoelectric performance of the topological Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 upon alloying the trivial semiconductor Zn3As2. This allows to gain fine-tuned control over both the band filling and the band topology in Cd3-x Zn x As2. As a result, the thermoelectric figure of merit exceeds 0.5 around x = 0.6 and x = 1.2 at elevated temperatures. The former is due to an enhancement of the power factor, while the latter is a consequence of a strong suppression of the thermal conductivity. In addition, in terms of first-principle band structure calculations, the thermopower in this system is theoretically evaluated, which suggests that the topological aspects of the band structure change when traversing x = 1.2 .

Endpoints and Design for Clinical Trials in USH2A-Related Retinal Degeneration: Results and Recommendations From the RUSH2A Natural History Study.

To evaluate functional and structural assessments as endpoints for clinical trials for USH2A-related retinal degeneration. People with biallelic disease-causing variants in USH2A, visual acuity ≥ 20/80, and visual field ≥ 10° diameter were enrolled in a 4-year, natural history study. Participants underwent static perimetry, microperimetry, visual acuity, fullfield stimulus testing (FST), and optical coherence tomography annually. Rates of change estimated from mixed-effects linear models and percentages of eyes with changes exceeding the coefficient of repeatability (CoR) or thresholds conforming with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines were evaluated. Rates of change were generally more sensitive to change than proportions of eyes exceeding a threshold such as the CoR. Baseline ellipsoid zone area ≥ 3mm2 was necessary to detect change. Mean sensitivity and volumetric hill of vision measures on static perimetry had similar properties and were the most sensitive to changes of the continuous measures. The highest 4-year proportions of eyes exceeding the CoR were from FST testing (47%) and microperimetry (32%). Specification of loci as functional transition points (FTPs) resulted in 45% (static perimetry) and 46% (microperimetry) at 4years, meeting FDA guidelines for progression. Rate of change of mean sensitivity on static perimetry was a sensitive perimetric continuous measure. Percentages of within-eye change were largest with FST testing and microperimetry. FTPs appear to be particularly sensitive to change. These results affect clinical trial design for USH2A-related retinal degeneration. Analyses of natural history data from the Rate of Progression in USH2A-Related Retinal Degeneration (RUSH2A) study can inform eligibility criteria and endpoints for clinical trials.

Compact staring-type underwater spectral imaging system utilizing k-Nearest neighbor-based interpolation for spectral reconstruction

Besides the challenges posed by the complex optical properties of water, underwater spectral imaging face significant issues, including system bulkiness, optical complexity, and high spectral resolution requirement. This study introduces a compact staring-type underwater spectral imaging system designed to overcome these limitations. Featuring a 6-channel rotary spectral camera, the system is optimized for optical simplicity, and spectral efficiency. It employs a k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN)-based spectral reconstruction method to substantially enhance spectral resolution. Auto-focusing and image registration techniques, utilizing the Tenengrad function and Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) feature points, ensure sharp and aligned multi-channel imagery. Experimental validation demonstrates the system’s capability to accurately reconstruct spectral reflectance data across the 400 nm to 700 nm band, significantly increasing spectral resolution from 6 to 31 channels. The spectral reflectance reconstruction results, achieving an average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.0651 and Goodness of Fit Coefficient (GFC) of 0.9871, highlight the system’s efficiency in precise spectral analysis. This advancement in spectral resolution and adaptability to diverse underwater applications marks a significant leap forward in underwater observation and monitoring through spectral imaging.

Comprehensive pulmonary function analysis identifies predominant obstructive phenotype in former premature infants around one year of age.

Preterm infants suffer from significant respiratory morbidity during the first years of life, but the underlying lung pathophysiology is not fully understood. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the pulmonary functions of preterm infants using full infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT). Between 2008 and 2019, we recruited 150 infants (Mage 10.5 ± 6 months) of them 104 preterm infants (median gestational age [GA] = 34 weeks (28-36), n = 23 with bronchopulmonary disease [BPD]) and 46 controls born at term. We compared full iPFT parameters of preterm infants to a control group of term infants. Subanalysis included a comparison of preterm infants by BPD status and GA. Preterm infants had impaired flow parameters, reduced compliance, and air trapping, compared to term infants. Only 15% (n = 14) of the preterm group had normal iPFT, compared to 69% (n = 31) of the term group. The majority of the impaired iPFT in preterm infants were obstructive and 72% (n = 69) had no response to bronchodilators. Reduced maximal flow at the functional residual capacity point (V'maxFRC) was associated with low birth weight and GA. There were no major differences between preterm infants with or without BPD. Preterm infants in the first year of life, demonstrated a high prevalence of obstructive iPFT unresponsive to bronchodilators. BPD status did not add to the degree of pulmonary impairment. These data reveal an airway-predominant pathology of the modern-era prematurity-associated lung disease. Pulmonary function screening tests at an early age may be of value in determining the presence and severity of lung disease in the preterm population. V'maxFRC may provide a good assessment of pulmonary impairment in preterm infants.

The impact of surgical technique on very early functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy.

To determine the very early functional as well as oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) at a single institution. We identified patients who underwent RARP or ORP at our institution between August 2021 and July 2023. The main criterion for surgical technique selection was patient preference. Primary endpoints included anastomosis leakage rate, very early continence rate reported by standardized pad-test, and positive surgical margin rate. Furthermore, we analyzed operation time, hospital stay, postoperative analgesia, and complication rates. In this prospective study, we analyzed data from 222 radical prostatectomies (111 RARP and 111 ORP). There were no significant differences in preoperative age, prostate size, and risk stratification among the groups. Patients who underwent RARP had lower anastomosis leakage rates (8.1% vs. 18.9%) and slightly lower early continence rates (76.6% vs. 78.4%) when compared to patients who underwent ORP. Positive surgical margin rates were similar, and complication rates were also comparable. Operation time was similar for both techniques, but the hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RARP group (6.3 vs. 9.1 days, p=0.03). The ORP group experienced significantly higher opioid administration postoperatively (p<0.001). From a functional and oncological point of view, both techniques are safe and provide excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons. Nevertheless, patients are likely to benefit from a shortened hospital stay and reduced postoperative pain after RARP.

De Novo Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis Covered Stent Treatment for Resistant Hypertension (ARTISAN) Results

BackgroundAtherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) may provoke hypertension and/or impaired kidney function. Some patients develop uncontrolled hypertension and deteriorating kidney function despite optimal medical therapy. In these patients, endovascular treatment is an important therapeutic option. ARTISAN was a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the iCast RX covered stent both functionally for reestablishing renal artery flow, and clinically for controlling resistant hypertension. MethodsPatients considered for enrollment had average systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥155 mm Hg despite taking 3 antihypertensive medications. Prior to enrollment and covered stent placement, angiographic confirmation of ARAS ≥80% with physiologic significance was required. Clinical assessments were performed at 30 days, 9 months, and annually through 36 months. Covered stent safety and efficacy were based on 9-month coprimary end points, including primary vessel patency and SBP improvement at 9 months. Secondary outcomes included target lesion revascularization, major adverse events, and secondary patency. ResultsSixty-eight of the planned 138 subjects were enrolled. Primary patency was seen in 94.3% of subject lesions; the mean SBP reduction was 15.7 mm Hg. The functional and clinical end points met prespecified performance goals of 70% primary patency (P < .0001) and ≥10 mm Hg SBP decrease (P = .0192), respectively, at 9 months. Six subjects (8.8%) experienced 7 major adverse events within 36 months. The clinically driven target lesion revascularization rate was 7.3% at 36 months. ConclusionsThe high primary patency and improvement in SBP, persisting through 36 months, suggest that the iCast RX covered stent is safe and effective for the treatment of appropriately selected patients with ARAS.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF METHODS AND MODELS FOR ESTIMATING SIZE AND EFFORT IN DESIGNING MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Mobile applications have long become an integral part of everyday life and have gained popularity among ordinary users, small companies, and large enterprises. However, this is a completely separate area of software. We can say that this is a whole separate ecosystem. Creating functional software for this ecosystem comes with new requirements, constraints, and characteristics that were not used in previous software metrics evaluation methods such as desktop programs or web applications. Mobile applications have new features, limitations and capabilities that are different from other software. Estimating the size and effort helps the software development team approximate the costs needed to more successfully develop a software product such as a mobile application. An early estimate of size and effort is necessary to identify resources that can help in the early stages of implementation a software project within budget and on time. The reliability of the assessment is also of great importance. Low reliability can lead to overestimation or underestimation, which can have bad consequences for any software development company, especially mobile applications. However, the suitability of methods and models for measuring size and efforts that are used for traditional software (PC applications and web applications) do not always provide sufficient reliability for mobile applications.The main goal of this article is to analyze the usage of various methods and models for estimating size and effort the development of mobile applications, including for the Android OS at the initial stages of their design. There is a brief description of the main and widespread methods and models that are used to estimate the size and effort, such as: Lines of Code (LOC), Function Points (FP), COCOMO and COCOMO 2, COSMIC, FiSMA, application of regression analysis for construction of mathematical models. The methods and models proposed by various authors are directly analyzed.