Software Compatibility Research Articles

KBT: Operating System Kernel Level Binary Translation System

with the diversification of hardware platforms, software compatibility issue has become increasingly prominent. Virtual machine with dynamic binary translation system is the key technology to solve this problem. This paper designs an operating system kernel level virtual machine with binary translation systems (KBT) which is embedded into kernel space as a kernel module. KBT reduces the number of virtual layers of the computer system, and introduces further optimization strategies using kernel mode advantages. Experiment results improves that, KBT’s efficiency is higher than existing binary translation systems about 25%. KBT also has some interfaces to support kernel module translation systems to run complex software, which are hard to run upon existing user space virtual machines.

Factors Affecting RFID Adoption in Chinese Manufacturing Firms: An Investigation Using AHP

The aim of this study is to determine and prioritise factors affecting RFID adoption in Chinese manufacturing firms. Using six case studies and employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach this study suggests that the critical factors affecting RFID adoption are top management support, hardware & software cost, tag cost, industry force, and compatibility. These factors belong to soft factor-category as well as hard factor-category. For effective adoption of RFID technology management of the manufacturing firms must take these factors into account.

A text messaging-based smoking cessation program for adult smokers: randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundDespite promising data in Western countries, there is a dearth of research into the efficacy of text messaging-based smoking cessation programs in other settings, including the Middle East, where smoking prevalence rates are higher.ObjectiveThis paper reports cessation rates observed in SMS Turkey, a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for adult smokers in Ankara, Turkey.MethodsThis study was a small-scale, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Ankara, Turkey. Participants were adult daily smokers who were seriously thinking about quitting in the next 15 days and living in Ankara, Turkey. The text messaging intervention, SMS Turkey, provided 6 weeks of daily messages aimed at giving participants skills to help them quit smoking. Messages were sent in an automated fashion, except 2 days and 7 days after the initial quit day. On days 2 and 7, the research assistant manually assigned participants to content “paths” based on whether they were still not smoking or had relapsed. The control arm received a brochure that provided similar information about smoking cessation. The main outcome measure was self-reported 3-month sustained abstinence, verified by carbon monoxide (CO) readings. Neither participants nor researchers were blinded to arm assignment.ResultsThe 151 participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: 76 to the SMS Turkey intervention group and 75 to the brochure control group. Using intention to treat, all 151 participants were included in analyses. Three-month cessation trends were not significantly higher in the intervention group: 11% intervention vs 5% control had quit (χ2 1=1.4, P=.24; R2=2.0, 95% CI 0.62-6.3). When the sample was stratified by sex, female intervention participants (14%, n=5) were significantly more likely to have quit at 3 months than female control participants (0%, n=0; χ2 1=3.7, P=.05). Among light smokers (ie, those smoking less than 20 cigarettes per day), intervention participants (17%, n=5) also were significantly more likely to have quit compared to control participants (0%, n=0; χ2 1=5.3, P=.02). We noted no difference in cessation rates for males or heavy smokers. Participants experienced significant technology problems during the study. Some participants received duplicate text messages at least once during the trial; others failed to receive some program messages. Neither receiving duplicate messages (χ2 1=0.12, P=.73), or missing 5 or more program messages (χ2 1=0.75, P=.39) negatively affected quitting rates.ConclusionsAlthough the study was not powered to detect statistically significant differences, as the primary aim was to provide estimates of effect size that could be used to better inform a power analysis for a larger trial, findings provide optimism that SMS Turkey may be able to affect quitting rates in environments with high smoking prevalence, such as Ankara, Turkey. The SMS Turkey software program did not work as well as it did 2 years previous. The system will need to be updated to maintain software compatibility with ongoing technology evolution.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT00912795 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00912795 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6Ch1cIA8l).

The Design of Control System Based on Motion Control Card for Automatic Biochemical Testing Device

A control system based on GE-300-SV-PCI-G motion control card is designed and developed. The hardware of the control system is achieved with the division of functional modules with the analysis of this biochemical testing device. Then the software realizing corresponding detection process is programmed with the method of open and independent programming. In this paper, the multi-threaded programming method is used to solve the problem of software compatibility. Also the movement accuracy of the biochemical testing device is verified with a motion accuracy detection experiment.

Backward compatibility of software interfaces: Steps towards automatic verification

This paper discusses problems of ensuring backward compatibility between new and old versions of software components (e.g., libraries). The Linux environment is considered as the main example. Breach of the compatibility in a new version of a software component may result in crashing or incorrect behavior (at the binary level) or inability to build (at the source level) applications targeted at a previous version of the component when the applications are used with the new version of the component. The paper describes typical issues that cause backward compatibility problems at the binary level and presents a new method for automatic detection of such issues in the course of the component development, with the main attention being focused on changes in structure of interfaces. The C and C++ languages are used to exemplify the approach, although it can be applied to other languages, such as Java or C#, as well. Unlike the existing means, the suggested method can verify a broad spectrum of backward compatibility problems by comparing function signatures and type definitions obtained from the component's header files in addition to analyzing symbols in the component's binaries. This paper also describes an automated checker tool that implements the suggested method together with some results of its practical usage. In conclusion, further improvements of automatic means for backward compatibility verification are discussed.

Generation of Accelerated Stability Experiment Profile of Inertial Platform Based on Finite Element

The residual stress generated in the manufacturing process of inertial platform causes the drift of inertial platform parameters in long-term storage condition. However, the existing temperature cycling experiment could not meet the increased repeatability technical requirements of inertial platform parameters. In order to solve this problem, in this paper, firstly the Unigraphics (UG) software and the interface compatibility of ANSYS software are used to establish the inertial platform finite element model. Secondly, the residual stress is loaded into finite element model by ANSYS function editor in the form of surface loads to analyze the efficiency. And then, the generation based on ANSYS simulation inertial platform to accelerate the stability of experiment profile is achieved by the application of the analysis method of orthogonal experimental design and ANSYS thermal-structural coupling. The optimum accelerated stability experiment profile is determined finally, which realizes the rapid, effective release of inertial platform residual stress. The research methodology and conclusion of this paper have great theoretical and practical significance to the production technology of inertial platform.

Multipumping flow systems devoid of computer control for process and environmental monitoring

In this paper we describe for the first time the use of astable multivibrator circuits for computer-less control of solenoid micropumps and application for analytical flow techniques. Triggering and powering were accomplished using the NE555 integrated circuit. The activation and deactivation time intervals were adjusted using 10-turn trimmer potentiometers. The potential and characteristics of the instrumentation were studied on a two-channel flow system injecting an indigo carmine indicator solution. Subsequently, a three-channel flow system was assembled and successfully applied to the determination of nitrite in well waters. One circuit was used to control the activation time intervals of three further circuits used for the control of the flow rates or pulsation of solenoid micropumps. These were used for driving carrier, reagent, and sample in an analytical flow system. In the present work, the utility of the circuits for the construction of simple multipumping flow systems was demonstrated. A main feature to be highlighted was the simplicity and very low costs of the controlling circuits, favouring economic and miniaturised flow analysers. Second, no expenses or knowledge are required for the usual software control of the solenoid micropumps. This allows working with every existing detector without considering any problems of software and control compatibility. Third, owing to these features, the proposed assembly is especially suited for simple monitoring analysers, sample provision from an environmental or industrial process, or chemical education.

Modern aspects of the development of information and control system in energetics

In the present paper the energy systems are analyzed as an example of the so called large artificial systems. An example of a multilevel system has been considered which is associated with the problem of dispatching active power within the energy system. The advantages of multilevel control as compared to a centralized approach are shown below. Construction process of the so called integrated production systems aims at providing functional, infor-mation, software, and technical compatibility as well as efficiency of the individual subsystems. In terms of control each information management system, distinguished by a hierarchical structure, consists of three main levels: lowest – field level, the second one – operational and dispatching, and the third level – information level networks.

Comparison and Evaluation of Lightweight Formats of 3D Models

The 3D models created by the CAD software have different internal formats, which leads to the poor software compatibility. It takes much longer time while loading 3D models containing much more information by CATIA and so on. During the digital collaboration process of the product design, the quickly transmission of the 3D models is the indispensable part. However, the storage space occupied by 3D models of a large document, resulting in a longer transmission time, thereby will reduce the real-time performance of the collaborative process. A good solution in the industry is to use the lightweight format in product collaborative design. Nowadays there are a variety of lightweight formats. This paper focus on the comparisons of three lightweight formats(3D XML、JT、U3D) often used in the industry. Some experiments are given to evaluate the format effectiveness. In the end, the trend of lightweight formats is also predicted.

It Application in Library - Rfid Technology

Libraries are using cutting edge item level RFID technology in a closed loop system. Today, more and more libraries are adopting RFID as it streamlines workflow in the area of self service, book returns, shelf management and inventory. The potential benefits of using RFID in libraries from the perspective of its main stake holders- the organization; library staff and its patrons shall be highlighted. The paper discusses underline NCIP standards development, practical issues related to RFID working in a library environment and touch upon basic RFID issues concerning equipment maintenance & support; software compatibility; privacy and standardization. Real potential of RFID as a cross-institution platform for identification will be limited by use of proprietary RFID systems and hence recommends system integrators, vendors and libraries to adopt standards & follow best practices guidelines issued by NISO for use of RFID in Libraries.

Computer says no [software compatibility

A device is said to be backward or downward compatible if it can work with input generated by an older device. If products designed for a new standard can receive, read, view or play older standards or formats, then the product is said to be backward compatible. In the current computer world, backward compatibility refers to the ability of a software compiler for one version of the language to accept programs or data that worked for the previous version. On the other hand, a data format is also said to be backward compatible with its predecessor if every message or file that is valid under the old format is also valid, and retains its meaning, under the new. In other words, a product or a technology is said to be backward-compatible when it is able to fully take the place of an older product, by interoperating with products that were designed for the older product.

Bioinformatics tools and database resources for systems genetics analysis in mice--a short review and an evaluation of future needs

During a meeting of the SYSGENET working group ‘Bioinformatics’, currently available software tools and databases for systems genetics in mice were reviewed and the needs for future developments discussed. The group evaluated interoperability and performed initial feasibility studies. To aid future compatibility of software and exchange of already developed software modules, a strong recommendation was made by the group to integrate HAPPY and R/qtl analysis toolboxes, GeneNetwork and XGAP database platforms, and TIQS and xQTL processing platforms. R should be used as the principal computer language for QTL data analysis in all platforms and a ‘cloud’ should be used for software dissemination to the community. Furthermore, the working group recommended that all data models and software source code should be made visible in public repositories to allow a coordinated effort on the use of common data structures and file formats.

MyCare Card Development: Portable GUI Framework for the Personal Electronic Health Record Device

In most emergency situations, health professionals rely on patients to provide information about their medical history. However, in some cases patients might not be able to communicate this information, and in most countries an online integrated patient record system has not been adopted yet. Therefore, in order to address this issue the ongoing project MyCare Card (MyC², www.myc2.org) has been established. The aim of this project is to design, implement, and evaluate a prototype patient held electronic health record device. Due to the wide range of user requirements, the device, its communication interface, and its software have to be compatible with many common platforms and operating systems. Thus, this paper is addressing one of the software compatibility matters-the cross-platform GUI implementation. It introduces a portable object-oriented GUI framework, suitable for a declarative layout definition, components customization, and fine model-view code separation. It also rationalizes the hardware and software solutions selected for this project implementation.

Patient‐specific simulation for endovascular procedures: qualitative evaluation of the development process

Recent advancements in simulation permit patient-specific rehearsal of carotid artery stenting procedures. This study evaluates the feasibility of transferring patient-specific CT data into the simulator, creating a 3D reconstruction and performing a rehearsal. The face validity of the model was assessed. By thematic analysis of qualitative data, an algorithm was generated, focusing on simulation set-up, time of data transfer, software/compatibility issues and problem-solving strategies. The face validity of the simulated case was evaluated by 15 expert interventionalists: realism (median 4/5), training potential (median 4/5) and pre-procedure rehearsal potential for challenging CAS cases (median 4/5) were rated highly. Setting up a procedure rehearsal is feasible and reproducible for different patients in different hospital settings without major software compatibility issues. The time to create a 3D reconstruction of patient-specific CT data is a major factor in the total time necessary to set up a rehearsal. The face validity is highly rated by experts.

Working in the clouds: creating an e-science collaborative environment for neurophysiology

Event Abstract Back to Event Working in the clouds: creating an e-science collaborative environment for neurophysiology Colin Ingram1* 1 University of Newcastle, Institute of Neuroscience, United Kingdom Understanding the way that neural networks function can only be achieved through detailed analysis of the spatio-temporal relationships between activity patterns of neurones within the network. The increasing sophistication of multielectrode and optical recording techniques has provided the means for us to explore the control and organisation of neural networks in ever greater detail. However, whilst developments in neuroinformatics offer new ways in which the large volumes of data generated from such techniques may be manipulated and analysed, there is a growing need to develop an infrastructure to support sharing and collaborative exploitation of these data. Cloud computing provides exciting opportunities for this exploitation with rapidly increasing availability of data storage and compute resource accessed through the web. However, any practical solution to supporting analysis and sharing of time-series neurophysiological data needs to address a number of major challenges, including interoperability of file formats, data visualisation, and effective metadata descriptions. These challenges are being addressed through a number of international research projects, including CARMEN (Code Analysis, Repository and Modelling for e-Neuroscience; www.carmen.org.uk), an open access web platform developed for handling time-series data using distributed computing technology. CARMEN has created a secure collaborative environment in which data can be shared, either between private groups or publicly, and new analysis algorithms can be deployed without restrictions of issues of software and file compatibility. The on-going implementation of an enactment engine is enabling service applications to be linked into more complex and user-defined workflows. The cloud architecture allows the co-location of data and computation and enabling users to conduct their science through a web browser. Furthermore the growing data repository enables maximum exploitation of data that are often difficult and expensive to produce. CARMEN is one example of the shift from small scale science to large scale data integration which will underpin the next major steps in understanding the brain. Infrastructure built on cloud computing will make this integration feasible and will offer new opportunities to build a global community for neuroscience. Conference: Neuroinformatics 2010 , Kobe, Japan, 30 Aug - 1 Sep, 2010. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Keynote speakers Citation: Ingram C (2010). Working in the clouds: creating an e-science collaborative environment for neurophysiology. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: Neuroinformatics 2010 . doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2010.13.00019 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 09 Jun 2010; Published Online: 09 Jun 2010. * Correspondence: Colin Ingram, University of Newcastle, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle, United Kingdom, c.d.ingram@ncl.ac.uk Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Colin Ingram Google Colin Ingram Google Scholar Colin Ingram PubMed Colin Ingram Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

The role of communication and co-operation in the adoption of precision farming

Research on Precision Farming (PF) relates the adoption of PF primarily to economic incentives as well as farm attributes, whereas social factors are commonly ignored. Therefore, the present study analyses the importance of farmers’ communication and co-operation strategies in the adoption of PF and their relation to farm attributes. Forty-nine qualitative interviews with stakeholders from the agricultural sector were conducted. The survey was based in Germany where most interviews took place and reflected with findings from the Czech Republic, Denmark and Greece. It is revealed that farms differ in their communication strategies depending on farm size. Joint investment in PF was only reported from some regions. It can be assumed that agricultural contractors will be major driving forces behind the adoption of PF over the next 10 years, especially in areas with smaller-sized farms. Agricultural data processing by service providers is seen as a common issue. Concerns regarding potential data misuse, over-regulation and software compatibility were raised.

Competition and open source with perfect software compatibility

In this paper we study duopolistic competition between closed and open source software. Inspired by recent contributions on open source, we propose a two-stage game with perfect information and product differentiation, in which producers first set software quality and then determine prices (the price is zero for open source programs). We assume perfect software compatibility and model lock-in effects, a network externality component of software quality, and accumulation of experience in software use and implementation. In comparison to the monopolistic benchmark case, we argue that, in a duopoly created by the emergence of an open source program, the proprietary software producer will reduce its selling price if: ( i) its network of users is larger than the open source network and its consumers are largely familiar with its program, ( ii) it has a small network of unskilled consumers. On the other hand, the price of proprietary software will increase if its users form a large, but poorly-skilled network. Furthermore, we show that, in all of the above cases, the hedonic quality of proprietary software increases. Finally, by modeling experience accumulation processes through difference equations, we show that the ratio between the closed and open source programs’ opportunity costs for software learning and deployment plays a crucial role in shaping market outcomes. If open source software remains too complex and technical for unskilled or time-pressed users, a shared market solution, in which both programs are adopted, is likely to emerge. However, if opportunity costs in learning and understanding open source programs are particularly low, or at least equal to the opportunity costs of a closed-source program, then open source dominance emerges (i.e. markets tip to open source).

Mobile farm equipment as a data source in an agricultural service architecture

Information management is becoming an increasingly challenging task for farmers, especially in terms of the amount of data and the complexity of processes in precision farming. One of the most demanding functions is data acquisition. Mobile farm equipment featuring different sensors is able to collect a large amount of data while working. Automated process-data acquisition can be the basis for information-steered agricultural production. But use of these data is restricted today by hardware and software compatibility, different data formats, the lack of a concept for reusing data, and the amount of data. This paper presents a prototype implementation of an agricultural process-data service (APDS). It is part of an infrastructure for data management in information-driven plant production, developed in the Pre agro joint research project. Data are recorded in an ISOBUS environment and transferred to a server. There they are analyzed and aggregated to jobs. Data can be requested for further use via a web portal and a web service interface.

Multitasking Parallel Method for High-End Embedded Appliances

Embedded appliances such as high-end cell phones require not only high performance but also a performance guarantee. The authors demonstrate a performance guarantee framework using an asymmetric multiprocessing approach. They implemented the proposed method on a multicore processor using Linux. Evaluation results show that the method improves the performance guarantee while maintaining software compatibility.

Use of Electronic Portfolios for Program Assessment: Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging Department at San Jose State University

Text: The TaskStream electronic portfolio system (Taskstream.com) is a commercially program used in a non-experimental survey design for a pilot study in the department during Spring 2007. A Directed Response Folio (DRF) that outlined expected Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) according to guidelines set forth by the department’s accreditation agencies was developed. Each SLO had one or more academic requirements. Ten students, undergraduate (n 8)/graduate (n 2), volunteered to participate. Students were introduced to TaskStream with a one-hour training session, given TaskStream guides for reference and uploaded required assignments into the electronic portfolio during the semester. Students then completed a 38-question survey embedded in the TaskStream portfolio. Questions addressed student experience with Taskstream structure and format and elicited suggestions for improvement. Descriptive survey results were summarized and compiled by the TaskStream program into an Excel spreadsheet for the Likert scale questions and into a list of responses for each openended question. Of the 33 Likert scale questions, 8 fell into the 3.5 4.0 range (acceptable), 20 in the 4.1 4.5 range (helpful), and 5 in the 4.6 5.0 range (very helpful). Recommendations forwarded to Taskstream for changes in the tools and infrastructure included better “help button” visibility, email forwarding, evaluator alerts, and open source software compatibility. Based on these results, the department will eventually require electronic portfolio use by all students enrolled in the department with implementation beginning in Fall of 2007.