Practical Software Research Articles

From HEVC to VVC: The First Development Steps of a Practical Intra Video Encoder

Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266) is an emerging successor to the widespread High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC/H.265) and is shown to double the coding efficiency for the same subjective visual quality. Nevertheless, VVC still adopts the similar hybrid video coding scheme as HEVC and thereby sets the scene for reusing many HEVC coding tools and techniques as is or with minor modifications. This paper explores the feasibility of developing a practical software VVC intra encoder from our open-source Kvazaar HEVC encoder. The outcome of this work is called uvg266 VVC intra encoder that is distributed under the same permissive 3-clause BSD license as Kvazaar. uvg266 inherits the optimized coding flow of Kvazaar and all upgradable Kvazaar intra coding tools, but it also introduces basic VVC intra coding tools not available in HEVC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to describe the implementation details of upgrading an HEVC encoder to a VVC encoder. The rapid development time with promising coding performance make our proposal a viable approach over the encoder development from scratch.

ADVANCED MALICIOUS SOFTWARE DETECTION USING DNN

The special component of malicious software analysis is advanced malicious software analysis which implicates interested the main framework of malicious software that can be executed after executing it and aggressive malicious software investigation depend on inquisitive of the practice of malicious software after running it in a composed habitat. Advanced malicious software analysis is usually performed by contemporary anti-malicious software operating systems using signature-based analysis.
 The purpose of this research is to propose also decide a DNN for the progressive identification of portable files to study the features of portable executable malicious software to minimize the occurrence of distorted likeness when aware of advanced malicious software. The model proposed in this study is a NN with a Dropout model contrary to a resolution tree model to examine how well it performs in detecting real malicious PE files. Setup-skeptic methods are used to extract features from files. The dataset is used to train the proposed approach and measure outcomes by alternative common malicious software datasets.
 The results from this study illustrate that the use of simple DNNs to study PE vector elements is not only efficient but more fewer system comprehensive than the traditional interested disclosure approach. The model proposed in this study achieves an A-UC of ninety-nine point eight with ninety accurate specifics at one percent inaccurate specific on the R-OC curve. For shows that this model has the potential to complement or replace conventional anti-malicious software operating systems so for future research, it is proposed to implement this model practically.

Documenting research software in engineering science

The reuse of research software needs good documentation, however, the documentation in particular is often criticized. Especially in non-IT specific disciplines, the lack of documentation is attributed to the lack of training, the lack of time or missing rewards. This article addresses the hypothesis that scientists do document but do not know exactly what they need to document, why, and for whom. In order to evaluate the actual documentation practice of research software, we examined existing recommendations, and we evaluated their implementation in everyday practice using a concrete example from the engineering sciences and compared the findings with best practice examples. To get a broad overview of what documentation of research software entailed, we defined categories and used them to conduct the research. Our results show that the big picture of what documentation of research software means is missing. Recommendations do not consider the important role of researchers, who write research software, whose documentation takes mainly place in their research articles. Moreover, we show that research software always has a history that influences the documentation.

A practical discrete sizing optimization methodology for the design of high-rise concrete buildings

PurposeIn this article, a practical design methodology is proposed for discrete sizing optimization of high-rise concrete buildings with a focus on large-scale and real-life structures.Design/methodology/approachThis framework relies on a computationally efficient approximation of the constraint and objective functions using a radial basis function model with a linear tail, also called the combined response surface methodology (RSM) in this article. Considering both the code-stipulated constraints and other construction requirements, three sub-optimization problems were constructed based on the relaxation model of the original problem, and then the structural weight could be automatically minimized under multiple constraints and loading scenarios. After modulization, the obtained results could meet the discretization requirements. By integrating the commercially available ETABS, a dedicated optimization software program with an independent interface was developed and details for practical software development were also presented in this paper.FindingsThe proposed framework was used to optimize different high-rise concrete buildings, and case studies showed that material usage could be saved by up to 12.8% compared to the conventional design, and the over-limit constraints could be adjusted, which proved the feasibility and effectiveness.Originality/valueThis methodology can therefore be applied by engineers to explore the optimal distribution of dimensions for high-rise buildings and to reduce material usage for a more sustainable design.

Determinants of Sustainable Software Practices in The Malaysian Electronic Industries

Determinants of Sustainable Software Practices in The Malaysian Electronic Industries

CHANGES IN THE TRENDS IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR FUTURE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION SPECIALISTS

Formulation of the problem. The study aims to substantiate and determine the dynamics of changes in the use of information and communication tools in the process of training future specialists in vocational and technological education. Materials and methods. The study used theoretical analysis, surveys (questionnaires, interviews), observations, systematization, analysis of data, comparisons, and generalizations. Results. The analysis of a survey of future specialists in vocational and technological education conducted in 2016-2021 at TNPU named V. Hnatyuk is presented. Despite the high and medium levels of grades in the school computer science course, before the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the students rated their readiness to use computer technology as low, which was explained by gaps in practical training, software updates, and occasional use of digital technology in the classroom. The locations of students' work with computer equipment in the 2019/2020 academic year (at home, in offices and laboratories, with friends, at the place of work of parents, in Internet clubs, at the place of employment, etc.) were studied. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the prompted introduction of distance learning, the use of computer technology and software in all classes, which has helped to increase the IT skills of participants in the educational process. Conclusions. Analyzing the research data, it can be argued that the COVID-19 Pandemic has led to the rapid development of ICT in education. The dominant means of ensuring the educational process were laptops (99.2%) and mobile devices (98.4%). Most used software - Microsoft Office, Google cloud services; online platforms - Zoom, Google Meet, digital board Padlet; social networks - Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp; LMS systems (Google Class, Moodle). Further research is needed on the optimization of tasks for students, compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards of work with information and communication tools.

Evaluation of Corvis ST tonometer with the updated software in glaucoma practice.

To evaluate the agreement of biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (b-IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained with the updated Corvis ST tonometer versus Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and optical-based corneal pachymetry (OB-CCT) in controls, patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Additionally, we examined the differences in corneal deformation parameters provided by the updated Corvis ST among the three groups. For each participant, GAT IOP, OB-CCT and measurements with a Corvis ST with updated software were obtained. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between the two measurement methods. A consecutive series of 80 eyes from 80 participants (30 with POAG, 25 with OHT and 25 normal controls) were included in this prospective study. The mean GAT IOP of all eyes was 17.2±3.6 mm Hg, and the mean b-IOP was 15.9±3.7 mm Hg (Spearman's rho=0.767, P<0.001). The 95% limits of agreement (LoAs) ranged from -3.1 mm Hg to 5.5 mm Hg for GAT IOP and b-IOP. b-IOP was not correlated with OB-CCT (Spearman's rho=-0.13 P=0.917). Meanwhile there was a weak positive corelation between OB-CCT and GAT IOP-b-IOP difference (Spearman's rho=0.378, P=0.001). The mean OB-CCT was 549.5±36.4 µm, and the Corvis-CCT was 556.1±41.5 µm (Spearman's rho=0.900, P<0.001). No statistically significant difference in the new indices provided by the updated Corvis ST was detected among the three groups. Compared with control eyes, POAG eyes had a significantly reduced applanation time 2 after adjusting for OB-CCT and GAT IOP (P=0.048). Corvis b-IOP and CCT correlate well with GAT IOP and OB-CCT. b-IOP is not affected by CCT, which might be an advantage, especially in thick or thin corneas. Corvis ST yields shorter applanation time 2 measurements in patients with POAG, which might reflect altered corneal viscoelasticity.

Hausärztliche Perspektiven auf eine multimodale Intervention zum adäquaten Einsatz von Antibiotika beim Harnwegsinfekt – eine qualitative Interviewstudie

IntroductionContrary to current guideline recommendations, second-line antibiotics are still frequently used in the ambulatory treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI), which are associated with a high risk of antibiotic resistance development. The REDARES project (REDuction of Antibiotic RESistance in uncomplicated urinary tract infections by treatment according to national guidelines in ambulatory care), funded by the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, G-BA)/Innovation Fund is developing a multimodal intervention for primary care physicians to support them in a guideline-based approach. The intervention consists of the following components: (1) provision of local resistance data of pathogens of uncomplicated UTI (Robert Koch Institute), (2) concise guideline content on the therapy of uncomplicated UTI for patients (paper and online), and (3) prescription feedback on practice level and benchmarking among the study participants (anonymized). In a participatory approach and as part of the process evaluation, representatives of the intended target group were interviewed in advance about the acceptance and feasibility of the intervention. MethodsUsing guided individual interviews, Thuringian GPs were interviewed before the start of the intervention phase. Following a description of the study concept and the planned components of the intervention, the interviewees were asked about their assessment regarding acceptance and feasibility. The individual interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analyzed according to Mayring. ResultsA total of ten interviews with an average duration of 29minutes were conducted and evaluated. 40 per cent of the interviewed GPs were female and, on average, 45 years old. The interviewees described the uncomplicated UTI as an easily manageable condition. The practical nature of the research question was described as a reason to potentially participate in the intervention phase; lack of time or human resources were cited as potential barriers. Regarding the intervention elements, the provision of local resistance data of UTI pathogens was considered beneficial to their own work. The extraction of their own antibiotic prescription data from the practice software was basically assessed as feasible. The interviewees differed in their assessment of whether they would take account of the feedback on their prescribing behavior in their daily work. DiscussionThe interviews generated a detailed picture of the different diagnostic and therapeutic pathways used by respondents for uncomplicated UTI. Overall, they predominantly regarded both the study concept and the intervention components as feasible. Although the study population is small and not representative, some of the results seem to be transferable to other regions in Germany. ConclusionA research question relating to their daily routine can increase participation of primary care physicians in (intervention) studies. Starting the process evaluation before the intervention seems to be reasonable since the results will be integrated into the design of the intervention. The method of data extraction from practice software by practice teams seems to be promising.

Research on the Fault Diagnostic of the Aircraft Cross-Linking Systems

High complexity of modern civil aircraft system leads to a huge difficulty to its trouble-shooting. This paper firstly discussed the two main directions of improving the aircraft fault diagnosis capability, and then analysed the pain points encountered by the model-based troubleshooting method. For the pain points, the Colour Fuzzy Fault Petri Net (CFFPN) model was proposed. The basic principles of the model and the basic process of conducting forward and reverse reasoning diagnosis based on the model were illustrated. Then the application of reasoning process in system design integration and airline maintenance was expounded. Finally, a practical software prototype of the model was developed, and effectiveness of the method and model was demonstrated through applications in engineering practice.

Hierarchical Networks Technology and Simulation of An Adaptive Beamforming Antenna

This paper focuses on designing and simulation of an adaptive beamforming antenna technology. This was done to ensure that the transmitted signals are beamed in a specified direction for better signal reception in the desired of specified desired stations because the problems of the weak signal emancipate if the antenna is not pointed in the right direction leading to scattering of the signals. This is to say that a beamformoing antenna radiate or receives a greater power in a specified directions allowing for increased performance and reduced interference from an unwanted sources. In order to achieve our aim, a pictorial system design of the antenna was set showing and stating the basic parameters of the systems, the transmitter, channel module, receiver module, display and control module. A practical Simulink software model without and with adaptive beamforming antenna systems were developed, tested, compared and implemented as shown in figure 1 and figure 2 respectively. Simulink model was chosen primarily for its collection of several applications specific blocks that supports different design discipline and specifically for this paper.

Patient and practitioner views on a combined face-to-face and digital intervention to support medication adherence in hypertension: a qualitative study within primary care

ObjectivesTo explore patients’ and healthcare practitioners’ (HCPs) views about non-adherence to hypertension medication and potential content of a combined very brief face-to-face discussion (VBI) and digital intervention (DI).MethodsA qualitative study...

Cognitive Analysis of Intrusion Detection System

Usability evaluation methods have gained a substantial attention in networks particularly in Intrusion Detection System (IDS) as these evaluation methods are envisioned to achieve usability and define usability defects for a large number of practical software’s. Despite a good number of available survey and methods on usability evaluation, we feel that there is a gap in existing literature in terms of usability evaluation methods, IDS interfaces and following usability guidelines in IDS development. This paper reviews the state of the art for improving usability of networks that illustrates the issues and challenges in the context of design matters. Further, we propose the taxonomy of key issues in evaluation methods and usability problems. We also define design heuristics for IDS users and interfaces that improves detection of usability defects and interface usability compared to conventional evaluation heuristics. The similarities and differences of usability evaluation methods and usability problems are summarized on the basis of usability factors, current evaluation methods and interfaces loopholes

Discussion on Application of Embedded Operating System in Dual-Core Smart Electric Meter

The new generation of smart meters need to realize the requirements of flexible expansion of advanced applications and transplantation of application software across hardware platforms. The software platform composed of operating system and middle layer service components is conducive to reducing the cost of software and hardware development and management. This paper first introduces the research and development background of the new generation smart meter, then introduces its overall software and hardware architecture and management unit hardware development platform, then introduces the construction of development environment and development tools and the basic functions based on the software platform, and finally introduces the development practice of application software. The large-scale promotion of the new generation of smart meters has become a development trend. This paper has a good reference for the application software development based on the new generation of smart meter software platform and is conducive to promoting the large-scale application of the new generation of smart meters.

Assessing the Use of Smart Phones-Based Apps, Software and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Real Estate Practice

The covid-19 pandemic ushered the world into what is seen or described as new normal. In addition, it aided what could be seen as increased or rapid adoption of the use of modern and improved technologies in real estate practice. The technologies even though many of them have been in existence, the increased patronage was made possible through the coming of the pandemic. This study however identified or studied the Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ESVs) response in the use of phones-based apps, software, smartphones, and GIS in real estate practice. The identified apps and software used by the practitioners include; Google Earth, QGIS, ArcGIS, MapIt, SW Maps, Map with Us, MapPt, Locus GIS, GCP/GPS among others. The findings indicated that practitioners are familiar with a good number of them adding that the majority has been using them at their own pace i.e., depending on the individual level of knowledge of same. There was also noticeably increased patronage of use of same since the coming covid-19 pandemic. It is expected that practitioners who are yet to key in should as a matter of necessity try to or adopt the same as the practice is going digitized and enhanced technologically.

Performance Enhancement of Optimized Link State Routing Protocol by Parameter Configuration for UANET

The growing need for wireless communication has resulted in the widespread usage of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a variety of applications. Designing a routing protocol for UAVs is paramount as well as challenging due to its dynamic attributes. The difficulty stems from features other than mobile ad hoc networks (MANET), such as aerial mobility in 3D space and frequently changing topology. This paper analyzes the performance of four topology-based routing protocols, dynamic source routing (DSR), ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV), geographic routing protocol (GRP), and optimized link state routing (OLSR), by using practical simulation software OPNET 14.5. Performance evaluation carries out various metrics such as throughput, delay, and data drop rate. Moreover, the performance of the OLSR routing protocol is enhanced and named “E-OLSR” by tuning parameters and reducing holding time. The optimized E-OLSR settings provide better performance than the conventional request for comments (RFC 3626) in the experiment, making it suitable for use in UAV ad hoc network (UANET) environments. Simulation results indicate the proposed E-OLSR outperforms the existing OLSR and achieves supremacy over other protocols mentioned in this paper.

The SMARTscreen Trial: a randomised controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a GP-endorsed narrative SMS to increase participation in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

BackgroundIncreasing participation in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) is the most efficient and cost-effective way of reducing mortality associated with colorectal cancer by detecting and treating early-stage disease. Currently, only 44% of Australians aged 50–74 years complete the NBCSP. This efficacy trial aims to test whether this SMS intervention is an effective method for increasing participation in the NBCSP. Furthermore, a process evaluation will explore the barriers and facilitators to sending the SMS from general practice.MethodsWe will recruit 20 general practices in the western region of Victoria, Australia to participate in a cluster randomised controlled trial. General practices will be randomly allocated with a 1:1 ratio to either a control or intervention group. Established general practice software will be used to identify patients aged 50 to 60 years old who are due to receive a NBCSP kit in the next month. The SMS intervention includes GP endorsement and links to narrative messages about the benefits of and instructions on how to complete the NBCSP kit. It will be sent from intervention general practices to eligible patients prior to receiving the NBCSP kit. We require 1400 eligible patients to provide 80% power with a two-sided 5% significance level to detect a 10% increase in CRC screening participation in the intervention group compared to the control group. Our primary outcome is the difference in the proportion of eligible patients who completed a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) between the intervention and control group for up to 12 months after the SMS was sent, as recorded in their electronic medical record (EMR). A process evaluation using interview data collected from general practice staff (GP, practice managers, nurses) and patients will explore the feasibility and acceptability of sending and receiving a SMS to prompt completing a NBCSP kit.DiscussionThis efficacy trial will provide initial trial evidence of the utility of an SMS narrative intervention to increase participation in the NBCSP. The results will inform decisions about the need for and design of a larger, multi-state trial of this SMS intervention to determine its cost-effectiveness and future implementation.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001020976. Registered on 17 October 2020.

Reuse in Contemporary Software Engineering Practices – An Exploratory Case Study in A Medium-sized Company

Background: Software practice is evolving with changing technologies and practices such as InnerSource, DevOps, and microservices. It is important to investigate the impact of contemporary software engineering (SE) practices on software reuse. Aim: This study aims to characterize software reuse in contemporary SE practices and investigate its implications in terms of costs, benefits, challenges, and potential improvements in a medium-sized company. Method: We performed an exploratory case study by conducting interviews, group discussions, and reviewing company documentation to investigate software reuse in the context of contemporary SE practices in the case company. Results: The results indicate that the development for reuse in contemporary SE practices incurs additional coordination, among other costs. Development with reuse led to relatively fewer additional costs and resulted in several benefits such as better product quality and less development and delivery time. Ownership of reusable assets is challenging in contemporary SE practice. InnerSource practices may help mitigate the top perceived challenges: discoverability and ownership of the reusable assets, knowledge sharing and reuse measurement. Conclusion: Reuse in contemporary SE practices is not without additional costs and challenges. However, the practitioners perceive costs as investments that benefit the company in the long run.

Theory on Non-Technical Characteristics Affecting Process Adoption in Small Software Companies: A Grounded Theory Study

Despite the inefficiency of software processes and products, small software companies (SSCs) enjoy a promising future. These companies are known to have few employees, creating the inefficiency that makes it challenging for the SSCs to adopt effective software practices. This subsequently introduces additional complexity, affecting software engineering processes’ adoption. Using the Glaserian Grounded Theory, we conducted interviews (N=18) with participants from SSCs intensively engaged in software development from four countries. We looked for the common traits that are identifiable as antecedents to the number of employees in a company to affect the adoption of software engineering processes. From the participants’ experience, five non-technical characteristics (Risk, Competitive advantage, Resilience, Innovative capacity, and Management ability) emerged, complementing the number of employees to affect the process during software practice in SSCs. By the end of this study, we developed five hypotheses for predicting and explaining the adoption of software engineering processes by small software companies.

Prediction of Transverse Reinforcement of RC Columns Using Machine Learning Techniques

Transverse reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) columns contributes greatly to the ductility deformation capacity of RC structures. The existing models to predict the amount of transverse reinforcement required are all empirical models with low accuracy and large dispersion and have not considered the real ductility demand of individual components. This paper proposes a ductility design method of RC structure based on component drift ratio demand obtained from nonlinear structural dynamic analysis. To establish the best transverse reinforcement ratio prediction model for RC columns, based on an experimental database consisting of 498 columns, 12 machine learning (ML) models are trained. To solve the over‐fitting problem caused by the current situation of “few samples and big errors” of the experimental database, feature engineering aiming at dimension reduction is systematically carried out through an iterative process. Through comprehensive performance evaluation on the testing set, an XGBoost model is selected. To interpret the “black box” ML model, the SHAP method and partial dependence plots are used to analyse the correlation between the input parameters and the transverse reinforcement ratio. The interpretation results are consistent with mechanical laws and engineering experience, which prove the reliability of the selected ML model. Compared with two existing empirical models, the proposed XGBoost model shows higher accuracy and smaller deviation. After safety probability analysis, the trained XGBoost model is transformed into C code and integrated into seismic design software for productive practice. An open‐source data‐driven model to predict the transverse reinforcement ratio required for RC columns is provided worldwide, with the flexibility to account for additional experimental results.

Green Measurements for Software Product Based on Sustainability Dimensions

Software is a central component in the modern world and vastly affects the environment’s sustainability. The demand for energy and resource requirements is rising when producing hardware and software units. Literature study reveals that many studies focused on green hardware; however, limited efforts were made in the greenness of software products. Green software products are necessary to solve the issues and problems related to the long-term use of software, especially from a sustainability perspective. Without a proper mechanism for measuring the greenness of a particular software product executed in a specific environment, the mentioned benefits will not be attained. Currently, there are not enough works to address this problem, and the green status of software products is uncertain and unsure. This paper aims to identify the green measurements based on sustainable dimensions in a software product. The second objective is to reveal the relationships between the elements and measurements through empirical study. The study is conducted in two phases. The first phase is the theoretical phase, where the main components, measurements and practices that influence the sustainability of a software product are identified. The second phase is the empirical study that involved 103 respondents in Malaysia investigating current practices of green software in the industrial environment and further identifying the main sustainability dimensions and measurements and their impact on achieving green software products. This study has revealed seven green measurements of software product: Productivity, Usability, Cost Reduction, Employee Support, Energy Efficiency, Resource Efficiency and Tool Support. The relationships are statistically significant, with a significance level of less than 0.01 (p = 0.000). Thus, the hypothesised relationships were all accepted. The contributions of this study revolve around the research perspectives of the measurements to attain a green software product.