Production Test Research Articles

Digital Quantification and Ultrasensitive Detection of Single Influenza Virus Using Microgel-in-Droplet Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Detection and quantification of viral particles (VPs) facilitate both diagnostics of pathogenic viruses and quality control testing of virus-based products. However, existing technologies fail to afford concurrent ultrasensitive detection and large-scale absolute quantification of VPs. Here, we propose a digital Microgel-in-Droplet enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system that enables the processing and monitoring of millions of ELISA reactions at the single-VP level by incorporating droplet microfluidics with sandwich ELISA. Upon validating the microfluidic workflow and optimizing ELISA parameters, we demonstrate ultrasensitive VP detection at a limit of detection of 56 PFU/test. Leveraging a fluorescence-based screening platform, we further realize high-throughput digital counting of VPs with a linear detection range of 500-64 000 PFU/test. The precision is comparable to that of the gold standard, the plaque assay, across a wide range of virus concentrations. We anticipate that our system will provide a novel paradigm for the absolute enumeration of various types of viral particles.

Beyond traditional consumer research - current adoption and next steps for neuromarketing

<b>Purpose</b>. Neuroscience used for conducting market research is called Neuromarketing. Though the effectiveness of Neuromarketing over traditional research has been proven, its adoption is very limited. The automotive sector is one of the biggest industries worldwide and due to lack of detailed research on the adoption of Neuromarketing in the Automotive space, authors have tried to bridge this gap. They have identified the current adoption of Neuromarketing and have suggested solutions to overcome barriers. This research will help Automotive brands, market research companies and Neuro experts to come up with relevant solutions to increase the usage of Neuromarketing <b>Design.</b> The authors first reviewed any available literature related to the Automotive landscape. Then, in-depth discussions with Automotive players were conducted in order to clarify the Neuromarketing adoption in the current scenario. Finally, Neuro experts, viz. neuroscientists and research companies, were consulted for possible future solutions <b>Findings</b>. Literature reviews and discussions with Automotive companies revealed that Neuromarketing adoption is limited as compared to traditional market research methods. Though the majority are aware of Neuromarketing, limited companies have used it. It is mostly undertaken in advertisement and product testing, primarily using EEG and Eye tracking. Neuromarketing is perceived as being expensive and difficult to understand and having ethical concerns. It is also believed that Neuromarketing does not answer the ‘why’ behind the participants’ responses. The paper also validated Simon’s Bounded Rationality Theory where automotive organizations used conformity instead of maximum value in adoption of neuromarketing. Expert discussions clarified that most of the Neuromarketing limitations like ethics, cost, lower sample, lab setup, etc. mentioned by Automotive players can be overcome. Hence the next step is to take this science to maximum automotive players and make them aware of the development, conduct pilot studies, remove their inhibitions about Neuromarketing and complement it with traditional research methods.

Forced vibrations of the shaft line based on the model of a two-stage rod with an elastic connection of sections

The paper considers a method for solving the problem of dynamics of forced vibrations of a wall line based on a model of an equivalent elastic two-stage rod with a pliable connection of sections. The model is represented by a system of partial differential equations. The solution of the equations is obtained by the Fourier method for eigenfunctions orthogonal with weight. It is established that the presence of an elastic element at the junction of the sections does not affect the orthogonality of the eigenfunctions. The influence of the elastic coupling compliance coefficient on the natural frequency spectrum of the shaft line is estimated. The obtained forms of natural vibrations of an equivalent elastic two-stage rod are consistent in appearance with the corresponding forms known in the literature for a discrete model of a similar torsional circuit. A partial solution of the equations is found for the case of the action of the harmonic load on the engine and the averaged torque on the propeller. As an example, the dynamics of forced vibrations of the shaft line of a barge of the Sosnovka type is studied. The results of calculating the natural frequencies of the considered model are compared with the classical discrete mass method. The analysis of the obtained plots of the twisting angles and torques showed that the angles are satisfactorily approximated by the first proper oscillation shape, and for moments, high shapes must be taken into account. The comparison of the simulation results with the data of the torsiogram obtained under production testing conditions indicates the need for further development of the model. Further improvement of the torsional circuit, as well as a more detailed study of the nature of the operating loads, are considered as promising areas of research.

Proteomic Analysis and Biochemical Characterization of the Nematocyst Extract of the Hydrozoan Velella velella.

The venom contained within cnidarian nematocysts has a complex composition and holds significant potential for biotechnological applications. In this context, one of the most effective methods for studying nematocyst contents is the proteomic approach, which can detect even trace amounts of compounds while minimizing the need for large-scale animal collection, thus helping to preserve ecosystem integrity. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive proteomic and biochemical characterization of the crude nematocyst extract from the common hydrozoan Velella velella. Despite not being harmful to humans, the analysis of the crude venom extract from V. velella brought to the identification of 783 different proteins, categorized into structural components, enzymes, and potential toxins, revealing a qualitative composition of the venom similar to that of other more toxic cnidarians. Biochemical assays confirmed the presence of various active hydrolytic enzymes within the extract, including proteases, phospholipases, hyaluronidases, DNases, and chitinases. These findings pave the road for future studies involving the pharmacological applications of Velella velella venom components through recombinant production and functional testing.

Yield, varietal zoning of spring barley in Tyumen region and assessment of ecological plasticity and stability of its varieties

The purpose of the study is to assess the yield of spring barley in the production and state variety testing of the Tyumen region for 2017-2022, its varietal zoning, as well as the yield and adaptability of varieties for 2021-2023 in the conditions of the subtaiga. There was a significant excess of yield in state variety testing compared to production, which averaged 15.0 c/ha in 2017-2022. The originators of most of the varieties approved for use are the Federal Research Centers of the Urals and Western Siberia. The variety Kudesnik (44.8 c/ha) was the best in terms of average yield, and Chelyabinsky 99 (69.2%) – in terms of the realization of its potential. Stress resistance is low in all varieties, which ranged from -31.2 (Orda) to -49.0 (Nord 18/2613). All varieties had significant yield variability, ranging from 42.7% (Orda) to 69.4% (Nord 18/2613). Strong responsiveness to changes in conditions was detected in the varieties KVS Jessy (bi = 1.10) and Nord 18/2613 (bi = 1.34), which are classified as intensive. The varieties Acha, Despina, Kudesnik, Divny and Abba, with a regression coefficient equal to or close to one, were characterized as plastic, and the varieties Orda, Chelyabinsky 99 and Abalak were poorly responsive to changes in conditions (bi < 1). Yield stability is low in all varieties, from St2 = 0.52 (Nord 18/2613) to St2 = 0.82 (Abalak, Orda). The variety Kudesnik (Ei..=4.8) was characterized the greatest indicator of the genotypic effect, and the variety Abalak (143.5%) – the indicator of the yield and stability of the variety. The varieties Abalak (sum of ranks 32) and Kudesnik (sum of ranks 35) were recognized as the best by the sum of the ranks of the indicators of yield and adaptability of spring barley for 2021-2023 in the subtype of the Tyumen region.

Development of History of Islamic Culture: Learning Media Based on “Siraa” Android Applications

The development of science and technology required the education sector to strive for innovation and transformation. One of these efforts was to develop learning media, because learning media can be a means of improving the quality of education and achieving educational goals. This research aimed to determine the need for the development of an Android application-based history of Islamic culture through learning media on the history of Khulafaur Rasyidin material at MA Darul Ulum. This research was development research, or research and development (R&D). This research used the Borg and Gall development model, which is modified for the sixth stage, namely, limited product testing. This media development's results were valid for use in the very good category. Based on the results of the feasibility analysis carried out by material experts, who got a score of 82%, and media experts, who got a score of 94%, although this research made a significant contribution to the development of the history of Islamic culture, learning media. Therefore, it necessary to refine it up to the dissemination stage to all MA’s in Indonesia.

Designing an innovative learning model for fundamental throwing and catching skills using the teaching games for understanding (tgfu) approach in elementary education

This research focuses on enhancing elementary school students' fundamental throwing and catching skills through an engaging and effective learning model grounded in the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) approach. Traditional physical education methods often fail to engage students, particularly those with underdeveloped motor skills, resulting in lower participation in physical activities. This study aimed to design and validate a TGFU-based learning model specifically for fifth graders, following Borg and Gall's development process, which includes iterative testing and refinement stages. Instruments used to measure throwing and catching skills included performance assessments and observational checklists. The study involved three stages: initial testing with 20 students, main product testing with 100 students, and effectiveness testing with 36 students. Content validation reached 91%, and media expert validation was 85%, with practicality and student engagement questionnaires scoring 92.5% and 95%, respectively, in small-scale trials, and media interest reaching 96% in large-scale trials. Data normality and homogeneity were confirmed through normality (p > 0.05) and homogeneity tests (p > 0.05), indicating that the data were normally distributed and homogeneous. The paired t-test results (sig. 0.000) demonstrated a significant improvement in students' throwing and catching skills, confirming the effectiveness of the developed learning model. These findings validate the TGFU-based approach as a superior method for engaging students and enhancing their motor skills in physical education. Keywords: Physical Activity, The Teaching Games for Understanding, Learning Model, Basic Movements, Throwing, Catching.

Hybrid paper/PDMS microfluidic device integrated with RNA extraction and recombinase polymerase amplification for detection of norovirus in foods.

HuNoV belongs to the family of Caliciviridae and is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis that can be transmitted through contaminated foods. HuNoV causes around one out of five cases of acute gastroenteritis that lead to diarrhea and vomiting, placing a substantial burden on the healthcare system worldwide. HuNoV outbreaks can occur when food is contaminated at the source (e.g., wild mussels exposed to polluted water), on farms (e.g., during crop cultivation, harvesting, or livestock handling), during packaging, or at catered events. The research outcomes of this study expand the approaches of HuNoV testing, adding value to the framework for routine testing of food products. This microfluidic device can facilitate the monitoring of HuNoV outbreaks, reduce the economic loss of the agri-food industry, and enhance food safety.

Thermal testing of corundum ceramics: pulse heating and optimized data processing algorithms

A review of the types of defects in the production of corundum ceramic tiles and traditional methods of integrity testing of products made of this material is carried out. The integrity of tiles containing artificial defects was investigated by the method of active thermal testing using pulsed optical heating. A scheme of two-way thermal testing with software processing of the initial thermograms using the Parker method is applied. It has been established that the best results in detecting internal defects in ceramic tiles with a thickness of 10 mm during thermal stimulation using xenon lamps are obtained by the method of two-way thermal testing with the construction of thermal conductivity maps.

Investigation on Wax Deposition Risk in Shale Oil Well During Production Test

Abstract During production test of the shale oil well, the low temperature environment in the wellbore is likely to cause wax precipitation of shale oil, and in turn disrupt the normal production test, increase the operating costs and risks. In view of this problem, by considering the gas-liquid flow, radial heat transfer and temperature gradient etc, a temperature and pressure field model of shale oil wellbore was established, and a prediction method of wax deposition zone in the shale oil wellbore during production test was proposed. Furthermore, by using the production data of a shale oil well with wax deposition in the South China Sea during production test, the accuracy of the model in calculating the fluid temperature and pressure of the wellbore with wax deposition was verified. The wellhead temperatures calculated by the model had a maximum error of 9.31%, and the bottom-hole pressures calculated by the model had a maximum error of 7.52%, indicating the model has high calculation accuracy. The model was used to analyze the sensitivities of wax deposition to the time and rate of production, water content and the ratio of gas to oil. It is found that the wax deposited in wellbore increases in thickness with the production time, is more strongly affected by production rate and water content, but less affected by the ratio of gas to oil. The research results can provide support for preventing wax deposition during production test of shale oil wells.

Bridged Ethylene Polyethylene Oxide Surfaces to Improve Packing Materials for Widepore Size Exclusion Chromatography.

Here, we describe the preparation of bridged ethylene polyethylene oxide (BE-PEO) surface-modified silica packing materials for size exclusion chromatography. BE-PEO surface-modified silica was hydrolyzed and subsequent 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of hydrolysis products confirmed the successful formation of BE-PEO bonded surface. Silica particles exhibiting 3µm diameters and 1000 Å nominal pore diameters were selected as a base material for this work out of the critical need to improve analytical capabilities for the testing of cell and gene therapy drug products. Accelerated high pH aging study revealed significant enhancement in column stability. Multi-angle light scattering noise measurements showed inordinately lower baseline noise. Moreover, we evaluated the chromatographic performance of BE-PEO silica-packed columns through separations of a protein test mixture, DNA ladder, monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, and adeno-associated viruses. BE-PEO silica columns demonstrated high resolution, high recovery separations that were confirmed to be reproducible and capable of extended column lifetimes and exhibited low ionic and hydrophobic secondary interactions. In summary, BE-PEO silica particles have yielded a new level of performance, improved base stability, and inherently lower baseline noise. These novel widepore particles will facilitate more sensitive size-based detection and characterization of large biologics in the form of advanced gene therapy products.

Informal language contact and formulaic language development of Chinese students abroad during a global crisis

Abstract This longitudinal mixed-methods study tracked the informal language contact and phrasal verb knowledge of 21 Chinese foundation program students in the United Kingdom (UK) during the 2019–2020 academic year through three rounds of data collection. Because of the disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study was able to capture the impact of a global crisis on the experiences of international students studying abroad and learning a second language (L2). Data from a Language Contact Questionnaire, a Study Abroad Social Network Survey, and semi-structured interviews indicated significant changes in their L2 use and social networks. Our findings showed that the students sharply reduced their L2 contact and increased their use of first language (L1) during the pandemic. Productive and receptive tests assessing phrasal verb knowledge revealed that the students did not make significant gains after the pandemic lockdown. The study suggests that significant changes in the living environment can directly impact students’ L2 usage and their formulaic language development.

Mechanical Robustness Analysis of Semiconductors with a Single Needle Probe Card Using Acoustic Emissions

The combination of indentation testing and acoustic emission (AE) is widely used to analyze the fracture toughness of test substrates. In the manufacturing of semiconductor devices this material parameter also plays an important role. During the so-called wafer testing inside a wafer prober small probe tips are pressed onto the chip surface to check its performance. To prevent damaging the chip by that, the fracture toughness and load limit of it has to be defined in a prequalification step. This paper presents a test system that imitates the wafer testing process as close as possible and uses acoustic emission to detect appearing cracks and thereby also the load limit. The frontend of the test setup consists of a modular single needle probe card which can be placed in a wafer prober. Also, the indenter properties (tip diameter, stiffness, etc.) can be adjusted to the probe used later on during productive wafer testing to ensure realistic probing conditions. A piezoelectric sensor and a full strain gauge Wheatstone bridge are implemented close to the single indenter to measure the AEs and the applied contact force respectively. The signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs) of both sensors are improved with an own analog amplifier module before recording them with an USB oscilloscope. A developed measurement software (LabVIEW) is used to adjust measurement parameters (trigger limit, record length, conversion factors, etc.) and automatically store and separate measurement data from different acoustic events and imprints. To evaluate the result files a second software tool (MATLAB) reads the files out and clusters the recorded events to separate crack signals from electrical and mechanical disturbances. With a prototype first test results are generated and the functionality and accuracy of the measurement concept is proven.

Research on automated verification method for temperature-related tests of electrical energy meters

Abstract Program of pattern evaluation of fixed electrical energy meters-alternating current and GB/T 17215 series of national standards for the examination of energy meter performance by the impact of temperature change, set up a variety of temperature-related test items. Systematic research is possible to conclude that temperature-related tests can be divided into two categories according to the test procedure: Hold at test temperature for a certain period of time, return to the reference temperature and then measure the relevant parameters; measurement of the relevant parameters immediately after a certain period of time at the test temperature. Relevant parameters include errors at different load points and daily timing error of the internal clock of the energy meter. Data processing is undertaken after the test mainly consists of deriving error shift and mean temperature coefficient. This automated calibration method allows you to freely set the test temperature, test duration, reference temperature, stabilization duration, detection parameters, test points and data processing according to the test requirements. The paper explains in detail the application of the automated calibration method to realize typical temperature dependence, test of time-keeping accuracy of the energy meter with temperature and climatic tests (high temperature test, low temperature test and durability test of accuracy) The method breaks the shackles of the traditional calibration method of fixed test temperature, fixed test points and fixed test duration. It can adapt to the development needs of different levels of pattern evaluation of energy meter and national standards, for the laboratory to realize automated testing to provide the basis for industry standards and product testing commissioned inspection.

Study on the Multiphase Flow Behavior in the Jet Pump Lifted Natural Gas Hydrate Wells with Combined Depressurization and Heat Injection Method

Abstract Natural gas hydrate production tests have been carried out successfully with different exploitation methods and gas recovery drainage technologies. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the fluid flow behavior in the jet pump lifted natural gas hydrate wells and optimize hot water injection parameters for the jet pump drainage gas recovery technology. The mechanism of jet pump drainage recovery of natural gas hydrate wells was analyzed and its applicability to natural gas hydrate exploitation with combined depressurization and heat injection method was demonstrated. In addition, multiphase flow models of tubing and annulus were established respectively for the phenomenon of countercurrent flow of heat exchange in the jet pump drainage gas recovery process, and the corresponding multiphase flow laws were derived. Based on the study of multiphase flow, sensitivity analysis and optimization of heat injection parameters were performed. It has been demonstrated that jet pump drainage gas recovery technology is suitable for the exploitation of onshore natural gas hydrate with combined depressurization and heat injection method. The multihphase flow behavior in the tubing and annulus of the jet pump lifted natural gas hydrate wells was disclosed in this study. Numerical simulation results show that the temperature and pressure distribution in the wellbore of the jet pump lifted natural gas hydrate wells during the recovery process are affected by the injection conditions. This study provides theoretical guidance for the production optimization and hydrate prevention and control in the wellbore of the jet pump lifted natural gas hydrate wells.

Development of a flexible produce supply chain food safety risk model: Comparing tradeoffs between improved process controls and additional product testing for leafy greens as a test case

The produce industry needs a tool to evaluate food safety interventions and prioritize investments and future research. A model was developedin R for a generic produce supply chain and made accessible via Shiny. Microbial contamination events, increases, reductions, and testing can be modeled. The output for each lot was the risk of one, 300-gram sample testing positive, described by two industry-relevant risk metrics, the overall risk of a positive test (proxy for recall risk) and the number of lots with the highest risk (>1 in 10 chance) of testing positive (proxy for public health risk). A leafy green supply chain contaminated with Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli was modeled with a mean of 1 pathogen cell per pound (µ=1 CFU/lb or -2.65 Log(CFU/g)) under high (σ=0.8 Log(CFU/g)) and low (σ=0.2 Log(CFU/g)) variability. Baseline risk of a positive test in the low-variability scenario (1 in 20,000) was lower than for high-variability (1 in 4,500), showing rare high-level contamination drives risk. To evaluate tradeoffs, we modeled two well-studied, frequently used interventions: additional product testing (8 of 375-gram tests/lot) and improved process controls (additional -0.87±0.32 Log(CFU/g) reduction). Improved process controls better reduced recall risk (to 1 in 115,000 and 1 in 26,000 for low- and high-variability, respectively), compared to additional product testing (to 1 in 21,000 and 1 in 11,000 for low- and high-variability, respectively). For low variability contamination, no highest risk lots existed. Under high variability contamination, both interventions removed all highest risk lots (about 0.05% of total). Yet, additional product testing rejected more lower-risk lots (about 1% of total), suggesting meaningful food waste tradeoffs. This model evaluates tradeoffs between interventions using industry-relevant risk metrics to support decision-making and can be adapted to assess other commodities, process stages, and less-studied interventions.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA DAKON EDUKATIF BERBASIS PROFIL PELAJAR PANCASILA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PADA MATERI IDE POKOK PARAGRAF SISWA KELAS V SDN KEMLOKO 01 KECAMATAN NGLEGOK

The study aims to produce educational dakon learning media products based on Pancasila student profiles to improve learning outcomes on the main idea paragraph material for grade V SDN Kemloko 1 Nglegok District which are valid based on material experts and media experts, and are suitable to be used by teachers and students who can improve the learning outcomes of grade V students. This study uses the ADDIE development model. The results of the validity test of the educational dakon product show a level of validity that is very valid and valid with a validation score percentage of 91%, 80% and 80%. The results of the feasibility test of the educational dakon product are very feasible with a percentage of 91.11%. The results of the pretest and posttest of students on the educational dakon product show that the educational dakon media can improve student learning outcomes with the N-gain score obtained reaching 0.45 with a moderate category. Thus, the educational dakon product produced is valid and suitable to be used in learning the main idea paragraph material at grade V.

Impact of Different Packaging Configurations on A Topical Cream Product

PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate whether different dispensing processes can alter the physicochemical and structural (Q3) attributes of a topical cream product, and potentially alter its performance.MethodsAcyclovir cream, 5% (Zovirax®) is sold in the UK and other countries in a tube and a pump packaging configurations. The structural attributes of the cream dispensed from each packaging configuration were analyzed by optical microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy and cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Rheological behavior of the products was also evaluated. Product performance (rate and extent of skin delivery) was assessed by in vitro permeation tests (IVPT) using heat-separated human epidermis mounted in static vertical (Franz-type) diffusion cells.ResultsDifferences in Q3 attributes and IVPT profiles were observed with creams dispensed from the two packaging configurations, even though the product inside each packaging appeared to be the same in Q3 attributes. Visible globules were recognized in the sample dispensed from the pump, identified as dimethicone globules by confocal Raman microscopy. Differences in rheological behaviour could be attributed to these globules as products not dispensed through the pump, demonstrated a similar rheological behaviour. Further, IVPT confirmed a reduced rate and extent to delivery across human epidermis from the product dispensed through a pump.ConclusionsDifferent methods of dispensing topical semisolid products can result in metamorphosis and Q3 changes that may have the potential to alter the bioavailability of an active ingredient. These findings have potential implications for product developers and regulators, related to the manufacturing and comparative testing of reference standard and prospective generic products dispensed from different packaging configurations.

Review article: Comparison of cosmetic regulatory policies in various countries toward consumer protection

Cosmetics are various products that enhance physical appearance and care for the skin, hair, and body. Cosmetic regulation refers to the rules and regulations imposed by a country's government or health regulatory agencies to regulate the production, marketing, and use of cosmetic products. The purpose of writing this journal is to compare the regulation of cosmetic products in Indonesia with the regulation of cosmetic products abroad, and it is hoped that people will be more aware and understand the regulation of cosmetic products that have been established. The literature method is used to conduct a review article, and the criteria chosen are based on the originality and relevance of the reading. The result of this writing is that the requirements regarding labeling in various countries are similar, such as composition, country of manufacture, product name, instructions for use, full name and address of the owner of the notification number (manufacturer), manufacturing batch number, expiration date, and special precautions that must be considered when using. Consumers must consider different regulations for cosmetic products in each country. These must be considered when making or selling cosmetic products: import and export regulations, limited ingredients, and safety testing of cosmetic products. Keywords: Cosmetics, Export, Import, Labelling, Regulation

A multi-step mathematical model-based predictive strategy for software release timing during testing stage

Mathematically precise modeling is important to be established to accurately examine the quantitative relationship between software testing and software reliability. Software testing process is complex since it is concerned with various factors such as test case execution, defect debugging, tester expertise, test case selection, and so forth. For this reason, it is required to be meticulous in formulating the software testing process in a manner which is mathematically concise. The software release life cycle or sequential release timeline, referring to the process related to the development, testing and distribution of a software product comprises several critical stages, and the length of this particular life cycle reveals variations depending on different factors like the type of product, the intended use of it, industry security, general standards and compliance. One consideration software engineers have is related to the release date of the software so that future commitments about the software’s release time can be formulated beforehand. In view of these aspects, a multi-step strategy for predicting software release dates is proposed in the current study along with the following stages: firstly, the proposed technique selects the utmost reliability growth model that very well fits the observed test data halfway through the testing period, and then employs it to forecast the probable date of release. This technique entails approximating the unknown parameters of suitable Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGMs). Finally, the chosen SRGM is used to forecast the release date of the software under test by fitting it to available fault data. The proposed method is straightforward and applied to test on a total of ten actual datasets collected from the literature. The results of the proposed technique reveal that in the majority of the situations, nearly exact approximation of date of release can be made halfway through the testing period. Moreover, the proposed method’s performance is also compared to that of a number of previous strategies present in the literature. The outcomes obtained by our study demonstrate that the proposed strategy may be used to forecast the release date of software in practical situations.