A software package to calibrate preferential flow models

Preferential pathway flows can form as the result of physical-chemical interactions between soils and chemically aggressive permeants. Preferential pathway flow models have been developed to predict increases in the permeability of hydraulic barriers due to aggressive permeant interactions. The parameters of these models are difficult to determine experimentally. Equation nonlinearities, the number of model coefficients, parameter constraints and randomness of experimental data make the inverse problem of parameter estimation quite challenging. A modified Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm in a Monte Carlo multi-start implementation (Ravi and Jennings, 1990) has been developed into a software package to resolve these difficulties. This package helps users calibrate preferential flow models using transient permeability data. The package, Parameter Estimation Algorithm for Preferential Pathway Models (PEAPPM), has been designed with graphing and contour plotting capabilities to help user improve the calibration process. The package also offers statistical analysis of parameter estimation results.     

Transportable package software

Package programs allow people who are not computer experts to use the power of machine computation for specialized purposes. Because the designers of scientific packages are more often experts in their scientific field than in computing, they may ignore issues of transportability and ease-of-use until too late, and produce a package that is difficult to use, and difficult to move to a different computer. In this paper we suggest some techniques to aid the scientific package designer. We suggest a kernel of routines that interface to the peculiar operating system of each machine, providing sophisticated but standard operating system services. This kernel makes the operating system of each computer appear identical and does not pose a difficult implementation problem. Above this interface all code can be machine-independent, without sacrificing power and ease of use on any machine. We also suggest some novel organizations of processing routines designed to make the system easy to alter and extend. Complete independence of modules encourages centralization of tasks, which is both efficient and essential for easy extension. With this organization, the vast preponderance of package code can be written in machine-independent ANSI FORTRAN. We suggest the use of a preprocessor like RATFOR to make this more pleasant. The paper closes with an application to an image-processing package, in which a major problem is the flexible sequencing of processing routines.     

Development of a Windows-based indoor air quality simulation software package

A Microsoft Windows-based indoor air quality (IAQ) simulation software package has been developed and has completed a small-scale beta test and quality assurance review. Tentatively named Simulation Tool Kit for Indoor Air Quality and Inhalation Exposure, or STKi for short, this package complements and supplements existing IAQ simulation packages and is designed mainly for advanced users. STKi Version 1 consists of a general-purpose simulation program and four stand-alone, special-purpose programs. The general-purpose program performs multi-zone, multi-pollutant simulations and allows gas-phase chemical reactions. With a large collection of models for sources, sinks, and air filters/cleaners, it can perform simulations for a wide range of indoor air pollution scenarios. The special-purpose programs implement fundamentally based models, which are often excluded from existing IAQ simulation programs despite their improved performance over statistical models. In addition to performing conventional IAQ simulation, which generates time–concentration profiles, STKi can estimate the adequate ventilation rate when certain air quality criteria are given, a unique feature useful for product stewardship and risk management. STKi will be developed in a cumulative manner. More special-purpose simulation programs will be added to the package. Key numerical methods used in STKi are discussed. Ways to convert the STKi programs into language-independent simulation modules that can be used by multi-pathway exposure models are also being explored.     

Investigating ARIMA models of software system quality

In this paper, we investigate how to incorporate program complexity measures with a software quality model. We collect software complexity metrics and fault counts from each build during the testing phase of a large commercial software system. Though the data are limited in quantity, we are able to predict the number of faults in the next build. The technique we used is called times series analysis and forecasting. The methodology assumes that future predictions are based on the history of past observations. We will show that the combined complexity quality model is an improvement over the simpler quality only model. Finally, we explore how the testing process used in this development may be improved by using these predictions and suggest areas for future research.     

Accuracy of software quality models over multiple releases

Many evolving mission‐critical systems must have high software reliability. However, it is often difficult to identify fault‐prone modules early enough in a development cycle to guide software enhancement efforts effectively and efficiently. Software quality models can yield timely predictions of membership in the fault‐prone class on a module‐by‐module basis, enabling one to target enhancement techniques. However, it is an open empirical question, “Can a software quality model remain useful over several releases?” Most prior software quality studies have examined only one release of a system, evaluating the model with modules from the same release. We conducted a case study of a large legacy telecommunications system where measurements on one software release were used to build models, and three subsequent releases of the same system were used to evaluate model accuracy. This is a realistic assessment of model accuracy, closely simulating actual use of a software quality model. A module was considered fault‐prone if any of its faults were discovered by customers. These faults are extremely expensive due to consequent loss of service and emergency repair efforts. We found that the model maintained useful accuracy over several releases. These findings are initial empirical evidence that software quality models can remain useful as a system is maintained by a stable software development process.     

Accuracy of software quality models over multiple releases

Many evolving mission‐critical systems must have high software reliability. However, it is often difficult to identify fault‐prone modules early enough in a development cycle to guide software enhancement efforts effectively and efficiently. Software quality models can yield timely predictions of membership in the fault‐prone class on a module‐by‐module basis, enabling one to target enhancement techniques. However, it is an open empirical question, “Can a software quality model remain useful over several releases?” Most prior software quality studies have examined only one release of a system, evaluating the model with modules from the same release. We conducted a case study of a large legacy telecommunications system where measurements on one software release were used to build models, and three subsequent releases of the same system were used to evaluate model accuracy. This is a realistic assessment of model accuracy, closely simulating actual use of a software quality model. A module was considered fault‐prone if any of its faults were discovered by customers. These faults are extremely expensive due to consequent loss of service and emergency repair efforts. We found that the model maintained useful accuracy over several releases. These findings are initial empirical evidence that software quality models can remain useful as a system is maintained by a stable software development process. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Using process history to predict software quality

Many software quality models use only software product metrics to predict module reliability. For evolving systems, however, software process measures are also important. In this case study, the authors use module history data to predict module reliability in a subsystem of JStars, a real time military system     

An Interactive Data Language software package to calculate ionospheric conductivity by using numerical models

The Inter-university Upper atmosphere Global Observation NETwork (IUGONET) project focuses on handling ground-based observational data of the upper atmosphere. To this end, the project members have been developing a data analysis software package which is based on Interactive Data Language (IDL). Filling the spatial gaps in observational data requires the use of numerical models. In this paper, we discuss an IDL software package for global ionospheric conductivity by integration of 3rd party numerical models. The model can be used to create further derived models.     

Hyperscore [graphics software package]

Hyperscore software was developed by Mary Farbood and Egon Pasztor. Hyperscore is a research prototype and is still in progress. There are two versions of Hyperscore: one that needs a display with a resolution of at least 1024/spl times/768, and one that works with displays that are only 800/spl times/600. Hyperscore needs DirectX to run. This paper reviews the Hyperscore software.     

Real-time programs communication in the POTOK software package

Communication scheme is considered for the programs running synchronously on several computers within the local network during the experiment in wind tunnel. All the operating programs and network nodes (used to launch them) having been described in the experiment database, one may implement the process (and the corresponding technological subprocesses) in real-time via communication of the programs only subject to the control, input and output data. In this case, operation of any program turns out independent on what nodes or other programs have generated (alternatively, received) the required data. The stated effect is ensured through adding two utility programs in the software package; the first one supports both the local and network data exchange, while the second one manages the messages transmitted among the programs.     

多国语言PDF软件包的设计--Java技术在电子商务领域的应用

用Ｊａｖａ语言进行ＰＤＦ软件包的设计框架及实现此软件包中的关键技术，并对此软件在电子商务领域的应用前景做了分析     

Empirical study of open source software selection for adoption,based on software quality characteristics

Currently, open source software (OSS) products have started to become popular in the market as an alternative to traditional proprietary or closed source software. Governments and organizations are beginning to adopt OSS on a large scale and several governmental initiatives have encouraged the use of OSS in the private sector. One major issue for the government and private sector is the selection of appropriate OSS. This paper uses new internal quality characteristics for selecting OSS that can be added to the dimensions of DeLone and McLean information systems’ model. Through this study, the quality characteristics are organized in a two level hierarchy, which list characteristics and sub-characteristics that are interconnected with three main dimensions: system quality, information quality and service quality. These characteristic dimensions are tailored to the criteria having been built from literature study and standard for software quality and guidelines. This paper presents case study results of applying the proposed quality characteristic on eight different open source software that are divided between open source network tools and learning management systems.     

MaZda--a software package for image texture analysis

MaZda, a software package for 2D and 3D image texture analysis is presented. It provides a complete path for quantitative analysis of image textures, including computation of texture features, procedures for feature selection and extraction, algorithms for data classification, various data visualization and image segmentation tools. Initially, MaZda was aimed at analysis of magnetic resonance image textures. However, it revealed its effectiveness in analysis of other types of textured images, including X-ray and camera images. The software was utilized by numerous researchers in diverse applications. It was proven to be an efficient and reliable tool for quantitative image analysis, even in more accurate and objective medical diagnosis. MaZda was also successfully used in food industry to assess food product quality. MaZda can be downloaded for public use from the Institute of Electronics, Technical University of Lodz webpage.     

A method of activity-based software maintenance cost estimation for package software

The Journal of Supercomputing - This paper defines software maintenance activities and develops a model for maintenance cost estimation of package software. First, we classified software...     

Design of a multifunctional communications software package

Data communications and computer networks have undergone phenomenal growth, resulting in the proliferation of hardware, software, and communications protocols. However, as needs change and new technologies are developed existing software frequently becomes incapable of handling the new configurations and therefore obsolete. The design and implementation of a new data communications software package, Commpac, designed to address these problems, is described. The package is modular and multifunctional, and supports the hierarchy of point-to-point communications protocols. In addition, it has been designed to adapt to system changes and to provide the software resources necessary for the development of new modules to cope with these changes.     

A software package for computer managed instruction

A software package is described which is used by six universities in the Netherlands for Computer Managed Instruction. Special attention is given to the structuring and implementation of courses and blocks in a course. The facilities provided for guiding students through a course and for evaluation will also be discussed.     

MVTU software package in scientific research and applied developments

The features and basic functionality of the MVTU software package are considered. The software is intended for the research and design of a wide range of systems described by differential, algebraic, and difference equations. Examples of the solutions of the research and applied problems are given.