Project Requirements Research Articles

Modeling uncertain requirements

AbstractAnticipating all technical requirements that a product must meet throughout its lifespan has become difficult due to a rise in market, regulatory, and technological uncertainty. As a result, the attribute values of these requirements may be highly uncertain at the start of product development. We propose a mathematical model that captures and quantifies this uncertainty in a clear and comprehensive manner. We evaluate the approach by encoding uncertain requirements for an automotive project. Misconceptions regarding probabilities are alleviated and the requirements are unambiguously defined.

Justice-Embedded Requirements Engineering (JERE) for system design

AbstractWe have a unique opportunity to consider justice in our design of a cleaner energy system. This paper introduces the Justice-Embedded Requirements Engineering (JERE) process, which was created to enable engineers to consider project goals, requirements, and potential project impacts on historically marginalized, climate-vulnerable communities. Given JERE's focus on energy technologies, we demonstrate the process using a concentrating solar power example. JERE provides engineers with a tool to better ensure justice is embedded in the system design process from the beginning.

Comparative analysis of polyacrylate latex modified cement grout for water blocking and rock reinforcement with six alternative materials

Grouting plays a crucial role in mitigating water inrush disasters and reinforcing weak surrounding rock formations, and the effectiveness of grouting operations is heavily dependent on the choice of grouting materials. This study undertakes an assessment of the feasibility of deploying polyacrylate latex modified cement grouting material (PLMC) for the purposes of water obstruction and surrounding rock reinforcement, achieved through a comparative analysis against six alternative grouting materials, each of which has been applied in practical engineering. The experimental results demonstrate that the initial setting time and fluidity of PLMC fall within the range of other grouting materials, meeting the project requirements. PLMC achieves the highest filling rate at 77.42%, while the filling rates of other grouting materials range from 39.69% to 74.13%. PLMC exhibits good performance in bleeding ratio (2.77%) and resilience against dynamic scouring (retention rate is 72.95%), ranking as the third highest among the seven compared materials for both indexes. Additionally, the uniaxial compressive strengths of PLMC grout stone body and grouting-reinforced body reached 11.94 MPa and 22.74 MPa, respectively, representing the best performances. In comparison, the highest levels of these two indexes for other grouting materials are 8.78 MPa and 21.46 MPa, respectively. Compared with other grouting materials, the porosity of PLMC grout stone body is the lowest, and the interface between rock and grout in PLMC-reinforced body exhibits no significant gaps. The findings suggest that polyacrylate latex modified cement grouting material exhibits exceptional workability characteristics, positioning it as a promising candidate for practical applications.

Architectural Patterns in Android Development: Comparing MVP, MVVM, and MVI

Abstract: This technical article provides an in-depth exploration of three prominent architectural patterns in Android development: Model-View-Presenter (MVP), Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM), and the more recent Model-View-Intent (MVI). By dissecting the core components, advantages, and trade-offs of each pattern through the lens of a hypothetical "Jetpack Composer" app, the article aims to provide developers with a comprehensive understanding of their suitability for different application scenarios. The MVP pattern separates the application's data layer from the UI, promoting maintainability and testability. The MVVM pattern, tailored for frameworks supporting two-way data binding, facilitates cleaner UI code and simplifies unit testing. The MVI pattern, well-suited for reactive programming environments, enforces a unidirectional data flow, aiding in predictable state management while introducing additional complexity. Through comparative analysis and examination of real-world examples, this article equips developers with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the architectural landscape of Android development, enabling informed decisions that align with project requirements and development philosophies, ultimately leading to more maintainable, scalable, and robust Android applications.

Comparative Study of G+6 Irregular Multistoryed Building of Different Shape of Diaphragm

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of incorporating openings in the roof of re-entrant corner plan irregular buildings at different locations under earthquake loads. Five models with varying degrees of diaphragm discontinuity were analysed using STAAD Pro software. Node displacement, storey shear in X and Z directions, stress values, and maximum bending moment were evaluated to assess structural performance. Results indicate that models with higher diaphragm discontinuity exhibit increased node displacements, storey shear, and stress levels. Model M3, with 17% diaphragm discontinuity, consistently demonstrates superior performance in terms of lower displacements and stress values compared to other models. However, final model selection should consider specific project requirements and design considerations.

Comparative Study of G+6 Irregular Multistoryed Building of L Shape of Diaphragm Discontinuity

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of incorporating roof openings in re-entrant corner plan irregular buildings at various locations under earthquake loads. Three models L-shaped diaphragm discontinuity were analyzed using STAAD Pro software. Node displacement and storey shear in both the X and Z directions were evaluated to assess structural performance. The results indicate that models with square diaphragm discontinuity exhibit increased node displacements and storey shear compared to those with L-shaped diaphragm discontinuity. The model with L-shaped diaphragm discontinuity consistently demonstrates superior performance in terms of lower displacements and shear stress values. However, the final model selection should take into account specific project requirements and design considerations.

A Novel A-RoF and VLC-based Full-Duplex FiWi System for B5G Applications

We propose the concept and report the implementation of a Gbps hybrid full-duplex analog radio-over-fiber (A-RoF)/visible light communication (VLC) laser diode (LD)-based system for beyond the fifth generation (B5G) of mobile network applications. Such hybrid optical wireless architecture is composed of a 3-km single-mode fiber fronthaul based on the A-RoF technology, followed by a 1.3 m VLC-LD-based access network. The latter one employs two counter-propagating visible light beams by using dichroic cube filters (DCFs) at the transmitter and receiver side, enabling the full-duplex mode, and avoiding the use of individual optical filters. As a proof of concept, we experimentally demonstrate a successful deployment of 5G New Radio (NR) hybrid full-duplex A-RoF/VLC system. The system performance is evaluated in terms of root mean square error vector magnitude (EVMRMS), in accordance with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) requirements, and as a function of modulation order. The experimental results demonstrate a downlink throughput of 600 Mbit/s and an uplink throughput of 420 Mbit/s, aligning with the digital performance requirements set by 3GPP.

Plant selection for rain gardens in temperate climates: The case of Izmir, Turkey

Rain gardens have gained importance in recent years as a green infrastructure strategy. These gardens, created to capture, filter, and absorb runoff from impervious surfaces, offer a sustainable method for addressing water-related challenges in urban areas. Incorporating rain gardens into urban areas not only addresses the challenges of heavy rainfall and flooding but also brings about ecological advantages by encouraging biodiversity, improving water quality, increasing resilience, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban settings. Plant selection in rain gardens plays a crucial role in their effectiveness and sustainability. The research focused on exploring the importance of carefully choosing plants for rain gardens, aiming to help in selecting the most suitable flora and creating visually appealing, resilient, and ecologically important landscapes. For this purpose, Izmir Katip Celebi University was selected as a study area. The first step was to locate an appropriate space for a rain garden and evaluate its potential for a rain garden implementation. Next, plants suitable for a rain garden in a temperate climate were listed. Among these plants, those that can be found in Izmir were selected after contacting nurseries. Only fourteen of them were available. Utilizing the plants listed that align with the project requirements and the plant design criteria such as diverse color, high density, and proportion outlined in the literature review, a proposal for a rain garden design was recommended. Since the rain garden consists of three different zones (dry, wet, and moderate), the plants were arranged accordingly. This design was tailored to suit existing conditions, such as a temperate climate and proximity to the building. Factors like varying climate conditions or alternative rain garden placements were not accounted for in this design. Given the necessity for diverse plant selections in varying climates, research carried out across different regions holds significant value. This study, conducted in Izmir province, will enrich existing literature and provide municipalities with crucial guidance in plant selection in a rain garden project, offering valuable insights.

Cost-Efficient Deployment Strategies: A Comparative Analysis of Feature Flagging Services and Blue/Green Deployments

Aims: This study provides a detailed comparison of two leading feature flagging services, LaunchDarkly and ConfigCat, and also examines the cost-efficiency and operational implications of using Blue/Green deployment strategies. It seeks to aid stakeholders in understanding the trade-offs and benefits of each approach to make informed decisions based on project-specific needs, budget constraints, and developmental objectives. Study Design: The study employs a comparative analysis framework, focusing on features, usability, scalability, architectural design, and the financial impacts of adopting feature flagging services versus Blue/Green deployment strategies. Place and Duration of Study: The analysis was conducted over a period of two years, encompassing a broad range of software development environments and project scenarios to ensure comprehensive coverage and relevance. Methodology: The methodology employed in this paper includes a detailed examination of LaunchDarkly and ConfigCat's service offerings, an evaluation of Blue/Green deployment strategies, and an analysis of cost-efficiency of each approach. The study synthesizes information from product documentation, user feedback, and performance metrics, alongside interviews with industry experts and case studies from diverse software development projects. Results: The results highlight the nuanced differences between feature flagging services in terms of scalability, ease of use, and the suitability for various project sizes. LaunchDarkly emerges as optimized for large-scale, complex projects due to its extensive feature set and scalability, while ConfigCat is favored for its simplicity and ease of use in smaller projects. The analysis also uncovers the cost benefits of feature flagging over Blue/Green deployments, emphasizing the savings on infrastructure and operational expenses while offering dynamic feature management capabilities. Conclusion: The study concludes that the choice between feature flagging services like LaunchDarkly and ConfigCat, and the utilization of Blue/Green deployment strategies, should be guided by specific project requirements, financial constraints, and desired operational efficiency. Feature flagging services provide a cost-effective, flexible solution for dynamic feature management, whereas Blue/Green deployments offer a straightforward, though potentially more resource-intensive, approach to minimizing deployment risks. This comparative analysis aims to assist stakeholders in selecting the most appropriate deployment strategy to meet their development goals efficiently.

The Development of an Automated System for a Quality Evaluation of Engineering BIM Models: A Case Study

The growing adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector raises questions about the quality of BIM data deliverables for project owners. Therefore, assessment and evaluation of such BIM data against relevant documents such as the BIM Execution Plan (BEP), the Level of Definition (LOD)/Level of Information (LOI) matrix, and quality control customized checklists become critical, especially in large construction projects. This study primarily aims to create an automated system for assessing the quality of 3D BIM model data, utilizing a proposed project quality control checklist. The automated system consists of four key elements: a BIM-based model, a Data Extraction and Analysis Module, a Data Storage Module, and a Data Visualization Module. The Data Extraction and Analysis Module extracts relevant information and parameters from BIM models to evaluate their quality against predefined checklists. Then, it transfers the information and stores the results in a database. The database is connected to an engineering project collaboration tool, ProjectWise, to automatically update and store the data in the cloud. The database is then connected to an interactive data visualization platform, Power BI, to enable automatic visualization of the generated quality assessment results of the BIM models’ data. This system was applied to a Canadian infrastructure construction project by its BIM department during the preliminary and detailed design phases. It demonstrated an average quality score (AQS) of 87.6% for the BIM models and significantly reduced failing items by around 30%. This study concludes that the system offers a robust, practical solution for enhancing the quality control process in BIM model data management, thereby aiding engineers in timely model adjustments to meet project requirements.

Experimental investigation of the mechanical performance of novel rigid connections in prestressed circular composite precast concrete columns under cyclic lateral loading

The present study introduces an advanced design of Prestressed Circular Composite Precast Concrete Columns (PCCPCCs), which have been applied in real-world structures, equipped with two novel rigid connection types (i.e., the reinforcing-cage connection and the welded-plate connection) to address existing challenges in the design, construction, and quality control of traditional precast concrete (PC) columns. Five full-scale specimens were experimented individually to assess the mechanical performance of PCCPCCs subjected to cyclic lateral loading and constant axial loading. The results indicate that the specimens exhibited no signs of collapse or loss in axial load capacity during the tests. Furthermore, all specimens met or exceeded the performance criteria set by relevant standards, such as GB50011-2010 and ACI 374.1-05, regarding drift ratio, moment capacity, energy dissipation, and ductility. It demonstrates that the novel design of PCCPCCs proposed in this study can be integrated into practical construction projects designed as lateral-force-resisting systems, such as moment-resisting frames and bridges, to accommodate diverse construction project requirements.

An IoT-Enabled Smart Energy Management System to Improve Energy Efficiency in University Laboratory

Efficient energy management remains a challenge in university laboratories. The aim of this study is to develop and deploy an Internet of Things (IoT) system that can automatically adjust electronic devices to improve the efficiency of power consumption in the university laboratory. An advanced system is urgently needed to support sustainable and effective energy management. A smart IoT-based energy management system can improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and reduce negative environmental impacts. The system enables both human and automated control of lighting and air conditioning using scheduling and occupancy detection. This development-based research uses a product design methodology that includes both software and hardware. The software product in this research is an IoT platform website for managing IoT devices. The essential processes include defining project goals and requirements, designing a system architecture, creating a user experience design, developing and integrating components, and conducting tests. The system is successful in automatically monitoring and controlling electronic devices based on certain parameters such as scheduling and presence detection. The system meets most of the specified functional and non-functional requirements as demonstrated in experiments, although it is somewhat limited by hardware limitations. Ultimately, the system increases the energy efficiency of the laboratory and thus successfully fulfills the research goal. This innovative project could be a blueprint for other smart energy control efforts.

Adaptation of Research Project Requirement at Pharmacy Undergraduate Studies: Students' Perception, Attitude, and Experiences.

To determine the final year pharmacy undergraduate students' attitudes toward research after completing a research project. A research project was introduced in the final year of the PharmD program in January 2022. After a period of one year, in Janurary 2023, students submitted their final research to the faculty members. The survey was conducted from 1st March to 30st April 2023 using a study tool that contained items asking students' demographic, their research perceptions, attitude and experience, and also motivation/barriers faced during the research project. Descriptive and t-test statistics were utilized to compare the means of subgroups at a level of significance, i.e., p < 0.05. The data were also analyzed using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma and Mann-Whitney U test. Majority of the students (93.8%) agreed regarding the significance of research in the pharmacy profession. Students were found to have their projects a worthwhile learning opportunity (94.2%). Students' motivation to execute research project stems from mandatory curriculum courses, improving clinical or hospital pharmacist training and fulfilling research skills (90%). Barriers hindered include lack of training, time, and patient follow-up (approximately 70%). The current study's finding was concluded with the fact that research is a valuable component of a well-rounded education and can enhance a pharmacist's skills. However, they need a combination of formal education and practical experience to pursue a profession in pharmacy.

REQUIREMENT PRIORITIZATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE PROJECTS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTS

The objective of the study is to develop an algorithm for prioritizing requirements in the development of software for critical infrastructure object projects. Requirement development is a fundamental phase in any software project, as this phase involves the identification, processing, and manipulation of requirements. The primary source of these requirements is project stakeholders, taking into account project constraints and limits. The number of requirements varies for each software project for a critical infrastructure object, hence the term requirement prioritization pertains to determining the priority order of executing software requirements based on considerations and decisions of stakeholders. Various proposed optimization algorithms are employed to address optimization tasks. This paper presents the main stages of basic optimization algorithms, some of their modifications aimed at enhancing their efficiency in solving such types of problems. Additionally, a hybrid approach based on WOA and GWO optimization algorithms is proposed, combining the advantages of each algorithm to determine the priority of requirements for critical infrastructure object software. Furthermore, a dataset from the SKUDA project is provided, utilized in this research, meeting the requirements of a real software project for evaluating the proposed method. The scientific novelty lies in the modification, application, and combination of results from well-known GWO and WOA algorithms to address the requirement prioritization task for critical infrastructure object software projects. The proposed algorithm achieves an accuracy of 92% for the proposed set of requirements.

Multi-objective planning for time-cost trade-offs in multi-project parallel environment

PurposeProject managers bear the responsibility of selecting and developing resource scheduling methods that align with project requirements and organizational circumstances. This study focuses on resource-constrained project scheduling in multi-project environments. The research simplifies the problem by adopting a single-project perspective using gain coefficients.Design/methodology/approachIt employs uncertainty theory and multi-objective programming to construct a model. The optimal solution is identified using Matlab, while LINGO determines satisfactory alternatives. By combining these methods and considering actual construction project situations, a compromise solution closely approximating the optimal one is derived.FindingsThe study provides fresh insights into modeling and resolving resource-constrained project scheduling issues, supported by real-world examples that effectively illustrate its practical significance.Originality/valueThe research highlights three main contributions: effective resource utilization, project prioritization and conflict management, and addressing uncertainty. It offers decision support for project managers to balance resource allocation, resolve conflicts, and adapt to changing project demands.

Research on the preparation and properties of GBFS-based mud solidification materials

Various problems are often encountered during the backfilling process of deep foundation pits. The development of low-cost and efficient solidified materials for the preparation of fluidized solidified soil is currently an ideal solution. This article used industrial solid waste (granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, carbide slag, etc.) as the main raw material to study the hydration hardening properties of solidified materials and the construction feasibility of fluidized solidified soil prepared from solid waste materials. The results are as follows: Compared with cement-based materials, solid waste-based solidified materials had lower early activity. The cumulative heat release within 72 h was less than 200 J/g. Different solid wastes, such as fly ash and carbide slag, had different effects on the properties of solidified materials. Overall, they had the potential to prepare fluidized solidified soil. The prepared fluidized solidified soil had a fluidity greater than 350 mm, a 28d compressive strength greater than 3 MPa, and exhibited good workability and excellent mechanical properties. Hydration products such as C-S-H and AFt were filled in the soil structure. The 28d compressive strength well above the design requirements of general engineering projects. Meanwhile, the prepared fluidized solidified soil had good adaptability to conventional water reducers (fluidity could be increased by more than 40%) and early strength agents (1d compressive strength could be increased by more than 60%).

Usability test and implications of an activity allocation mapping in complex organizations: perceptions about a software by emergency room agents

PurposeProperly allocating an organization's activities within a building is vital to reducing the relational complexity arising from process–environment interactions. Multiple relationships are mapped, and certain interferences are only identified after these have been processed. The method/software employed for this task is Mapping Activity Environment Allocation (MAEA). However, data input and interpretation of results depend on the usability conditions of the organization's agents. This paper presents MAEA's usability test results.Design/methodology/approachTest sessions and interviews were carried out with seven agents registered at a University Hospital. Participants were instructed to think aloud during its use, and immediately afterward, responded to semi-structured interviews. Test sessions were audio recorded and screen captured.FindingsParticipants found the software easy to use and pointed out valuable implications for professional and academic use. In addition to relationship, priority and parallelism data, customized visualizations were created, including organizational charts, flowcharts and activity flow routes on the floor plan.Practical implicationsMAEA's simplicity allows non-designers to conduct evidence-based assessments and decisions. It allows designers to test their proposals during the programming and outline proposal stages.Social implicationsA more detailed definition of design requirements from the beginning increases the conditions to successfully achieve project goals.Originality/valueThe ability to map the allocation of activity-spaces in the pre-design phase of building architecture allows for early identification of interactions, aiding in the development of more robust project requirements during programming.

Programming Skills Recommendation System with Generative AI

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for proficient programmers across various domains continues to surge. However, identifying and cultivating the right programming skills remains a daunting task for individuals seeking to enter or advance in the field. To address this challenge, our team has embarked on developing a Programming Skill Recommendation System (PSRS). The PSRS is envisioned as an intelligent platform leveraging machine learning algorithms and data analytics to provide personalized programming skill recommendations. By analysing diverse data sources such as user profiles, project requirements, industry trends, and skill proficiency.

Identifying noise control strategies for variable air volume (VAV) boxes in acute care hospital design

Variable air volume boxes are frequently used within new acute care hospital design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in Canada. Spatial and room-use noise limits as defined within the project requirements [PM1] are often necessarily onerous to provide acoustical conditions that promote well-being and patient recovery, with appropriate noise control design crucial to the success of meeting the project requirements. Additionally, the desire for fiber-free linings to ductwork exacerbates the noise control limitations. This paper will review the available noise control strategies, the acoustic performance of fiber-free variable air volume box types with and without an attenuator and identify cost-benefits to the Design-Builder. This study will demonstrate how the implementation of a variety of variable air volume box models, sizes, operating conditions, pressure drops are affecting the noise performance. This study will summarize the appropriate variable air volume box types and design conditions that meet the project noise limits used in Canadian healthcare standards such as CSA Z8000, LEED and other provincial technical guidelines.

Comprehensive stimulation of the pharmaceutical industry as a factor in ensuring drug safety in the Russian Federation

The subject of the study is comprehensive support tools based on the example of a SPIC, various aspects of the conclusion of a SPIC, requirements for companies when concluding a SPIC in relation to the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of the study is to analyze complex support tools, identify problems based on the analysis of complex support tools using the example of SPIC in relation to the pharmaceutical industry. The author examines in detail such features of the SPIC as: requirements for the conclusion of a SPIC, tax and non-tax benefits when concluding a SPIC, the concepts of "obligations" in complex support tools, price regulation of medicines from the list of VED, administrative barriers, opacity of requirements for an investment project within the framework of the conclusion of a SPIC, penalties for deviations from targets, etc. other matters. This study was conducted on the basis of the application of general scientific research methods, including systematic, logical, comparative analysis, and the method of analogy. The main conclusions of the study are the relevance of comprehensive support tools, including SPIC. The SPIC is currently an important tool for comprehensive support for both the state and companies, as it offers serious tax and non-tax benefits, which has a positive effect on investment activity in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the author highlights relevant issues for the SPIC, including administrative barriers, price regulation of medicines from the list of VED, the parties with whom a potential investor concludes a SPIC, penalties. The scientific novelty lies in the analysis of problems during the conclusion of a SPIC that were not previously highlighted, including within the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the proposal of relevant directions for the development of a SPIC that can increase the attractiveness of this investment instrument.