Current Issues in Software Re-Usability: A Critical Review of the Methodological &Legal Issues

The main objective of this research is to discuss the current legal and methodological issues in the field of software Re-Usability. Though there are enormous online forums discussing such issues via Q&A but this paper is an attempt to raise the awareness about the legal issues, which a software engineer may trap into. The paper discussed the current issues with software reusability within the legal and methodological context. This paper applied an extensive literature review to critically appraise the past studies to come to a collective conclusion. Prior to discussing the issues, the benefits of reuse were mentioned, including the saving of time and cost for users. But legally the reuse of software assets creates complexities for the user in relation to meeting all the licensing requirements and dealing with the liability in case of a breach. Methodologically, there are major barriers to reused software when it comes to technical competence and managerial issues such as a lack of resources. Even when reusing software to save time, and leverage off the specialization of other authors, the end-user must also have the technical expertise to search, adapt and merge these reusable assets into the larger software infrastructure. The review ultimately shows the high barriers still remain to software reuse which could mean that smaller developers and businesses will still be reluctant to fully utilize open-source components to the best advantage.

Model-based testing with UML applied to a roaming algorithm for Bluetooth devices

In late 2001, the Object Management Group issued a Request for Proposal to develop a testing profile for UML 2.0. In June 2003, the work on the UML 2.0 Testing Profile was finally adopted by the OMG. Since March 2004, it has become an official standard of the OMG. The UML 2.0 Testing Profile provides support for UML based model-driven testing. This paper introduces a methodology on how to use the testing profile in order to modify and extend an existing UML design model for test issues. The application of the methodology will be explained by applying it to an existing UML Model for a Bluetooth device.

Gasification of plastic waste as waste-to-energy or waste-to-syngas recovery route

The disposal of plastic solid waste (PSW) has become a major worldwide environmental problem. New sustainable processes have emerged, i.e. either advanced mechanical recycling of PSW as virgin or second grade plastic feedstock, or thermal treatments to recycle the waste as virgin monomer, as synthetic fuel gas, or as heat source (incineration with energy recovery). These processes avoid land filling, where the non-biodegradable plastics remain a lasting environmental burden. Within the thermal treatments, gasification and pyrolysis gain increased interest. Gasification has been widely studied and applied for biomass and coal, with results reported and published in literature. The application to the treatment of PSW is less documented. Gasification is commonly operated at high temperatures (> 600℃ to 800℃) in an air-lean environment (or oxygen-deficient in some applications): the air factor is generally between 20% and 40% of the amount of air needed for the combustion of the PSW. Gasification produces mostly a gas phase and a solid residue (char and ashes). The use of air introduces N2 in the product gases, thus considerably reducing the calorific value of the syngas, because of the dilution. The paper will review the existing literature data on PSW gasification, both as the result of laboratory and pilot-scale research. Processes developed in the past will be illustrated. Recently, the use of a sequential gasification and combustion system (at very high temperatures) has been applied to various plastic-containing wastes, with atmospheric emissions shown to be invariably below the legal limits. Operating results and conditions will be reviewed in the paper, and completed with recent own lab-scale experimental results. These results demonstrate that gasification of PSW can be considered as a first order reaction, with values of the activation energy in the order of 187 to 289 kJ/mol as a function of the PSW nature.

Modelling and Hazard Analysis for Contaminated Sediments Using STAMP Model and STPA Tool

The goal of this article is dual： first, introducing a new model of accident named STAMP （systems-theoretic accident modeling and processes）; then applying the model to an innovative process for the treatment of contaminated substances and the re-use of treated substances. This article is a demonstration for a need of a new tool to take into account hazards and safety within socio-technical systems.

Zeolite Synthesis under Insertion of Silica Rich Filtration Residues from Industrial Wastewater Reconditioning

Zeolite synthesis was studied using two silica rich filtration residues (FR 1 and FR 2) as Si-source and sodium aluminate in a direct synthesis at 60°C at strong alkaline conditions (8 M - 16 M NaOH). In addition to these one-pot syntheses, a two-step process was investigated. Here, an alkaline digestion of FR at 60°C was followed by gel precipitation with sodium aluminate and gel crystallization under usual conditions of 80°C - 90°C. The results show that the substitution of chemical reagent sodium silicate by a waste material like FR as Si-source is possible but requires fine tuning of the reaction conditions as zeolite crystallization is a process under kinetic control. The solubility behaviour and impurities of the inserted filtration residues strongly influenced the course of reaction. Thus zeolites like hydrosodalite or intermediate zeolite between cancrinite and sodalite, or zeolite NaA or Z-21 in cocrystallization with hydrosodalite could be observed in the one pot syntheses already in a short time interval between 1 - 4 h depending on the alkalinity. The two step process yield to zeolites NaA and NaX in very good quality. The reaction process of FR in both reaction methods was characterized by chemical analyses, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Surface area and water content of selected products were further characterized by the BET-method and by thermogravimetry. Summing up the results, we can show that zeolite formation from filtration residues is possible by several reaction procedures as model cases for a re-use of industrial waste materials. Beside the importance for environmental protection, the reactions are of interest for zeolite chemistry as the re-use of FR is possible under economically conditions of low energy consumption at 60°C and short reaction periods.

Clean Coal &High Carbon Efficiency Energy Engineering

Today we live in a world of Hydrocarbon Energy Carriers, where Carbon is always used as a Carrier for Hydrogen 1) Biomass (CH1.44O0.66 or C6H12O6);2) Natural Gas [NG] (CH4);3) Water Gas [C+H2O];4) Gasoline (C6H12, C7H18, C8H18, etc.);5) Kerosene (C17H36, C18H38, C19H40, C20H42, C21H44, C22H46, etc.) and;6) Crude Oil. The Carbon aggregates are all storable and have worthwhile, logistically manageable energy densities. But whenever recovering Energy from the Carbon molarities, CO2 gets emitted into the atmosphere, while separate use of Hydrogen Energy contents carried by the Carbon moieties would just generate water vapor. Hydrogen is also the most important intermediary in Refineries, hydrogenating lower grade Hydrocarbons into higher potencies, or for removing Sulfur by the formation of Hydrogen Sulfur, that can be dissociated after its segregation from the Hydrocarbon products. But most of the internal Hydrogen yields in Refineries today is used for onsite production of Ammonia as a basis for Energy fertilizers in high performance agriculture. Because Hydrogen is awkward to store and transport, most of it is currently used captive within large size centralized plants as a reactant for producing Hydrocarbon energy carriers, using the Carbon as a carrier for the Hydrogen moieties, to then be distributed over big enough areas for consumption of the such large scale plants’ volumes. With recently proven achievements of Hydrogen production from excess Wind & Solar Power by electrolysis, Hydrogen could become available in abundant quantities, to be distributed locally within the coverage area of the transmission grid such Wind & Solar installations are feeding into. In combination with Carbon as a reactant such abundant Hydrogen could also be synthesized into Hydrocarbon Energy Carriers and substitute fossil commodities.

Combination of Sorbents and Modification of Its Constituents to Enhance the Mopping Ability of Chemically Modified and Unmodified Biological Wastes on Crude Oil and Its Lower Fractions

Protein wastes (feathers, goat hair) and cellulosic wastes (corn cob, coconut husks) were collected, washed with detergent solution, thoroughly rinsed and sun dried for 2 days before drying in an oven and then ground, half of ground material was carbonized at a maximum temperature of 500?C after mixing with H2SO4.The carbonized parts were pulverized;both carbonized and uncarbonized sorbents were sieved into two particle sizes of 325 μm and 625 μm using mechanical sieve.1.5 g protein wastes and cellulosic wastes were each used to mop up spilled crude oil, diesel, kerosene and petrol (separately before combining) by encasing them in a sac like boom of 2cm x 2cm x 1cm dimension so as to determine the efficacy of waste sorbents in cleaning hydrocarbon spills. Results of Tables 1(a)-4(a), 1(b)-4(b) and 5-8 shows that the sorbents mopped, desorbed and retained an average of more than 500%, 350% and 300% of their weight of the hydrocarbon sorbates within average of 90 mins contact time, the volume of sorbates mopped up increased significantly when equal weight of activated and unactivated sorbents were combined, the results of equal combination of activated and unactivated sorbents at each particle size and contact time were compared with that of calculated values, high percentage retention observed were a function of mechanism of absorption/adsorption. Each sorbent have a distinct feature that enhances its mopping ability. Large volumes of the hydrocarbon liquids were recovered by mere pressing, the sorbates were mopped up in the order;crude oil > diesel > kerosene > petrol. Protein sorbents with oleophilic and aqua phobic properties absorbed more of all the hydrocarbon liquids than cellulosic sorbents at any particle size and contact, the later tend to be more abundant and therefore cost effective;it was observed that both carbonized and uncarbonized sorbents are good hydrocarbon mops and therefore good alternative to synthetic polyurethane foam already in use. Combination, particle size, activation of sorbents, contact time, viscosity and chain length of hydrocarbon determined the amount of sorbates absorbed/adsorbed, recovered or retained. The residual leachable oil (kerosene) in the sorbents were below 5% and does not constitute serious environmental menace when left in an open dump to decay being biodegradable waste, but a brighter application is that the waste sorbent can be used in making logs as alternative to fire wood or in making particle board for furniture.

Aircraft wing box rapid modeling based on skeleton model

In the process of traditional aircraft structure design, repetitive manual modeling of aircraft wing box parts is time consuming. Meanwhile, it＇s difficult to update associated models when product design changes. Aiming at solving these problems, a method for rapid modeling and updating associated models was put forward. Based on skeleton model, combining with the technology of template re-use, it makes aircraft wing box rapid modeling and correct updating possible. The detailed implementation process of the method was given, and a certain aircraft wing box was taken as an instance to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of this method.

In situ formation of bimetallic FeNi nanoparticles on sand through green technology:Application for tetracycline removal

In this study,FeNi nanoparticles were green synthesized using Punica granatum(pomegranate)peel extract,and these nanoparticles were also formed in situ over quartz sand(GS-FeNi)for removal of tetracycline(TC).Under the optimized operating conditions,(GS-FeNi concentration:1.5%w/v;concentration of TC:20 mg/L;interaction period:180 min),99±0.2%TC removal was achieved in the batch reactor The removaT capacity was 181±1 mg/g.A detailed characterization of the sorbent and the solution before and after the interaction revealed that the removal mechanism(s)involved both the sorption and degradation of TC.The reusability of reactant was assessed for four cycles of operation,and 77±4%of TC removal was obtained in the cycle.To judge the environmental sustainability of the process,residual toxicity assay of the interacted TC solution was performed with indicator bacteria(Bacillus and Pseudomonas)and algae(Chlorella sp.),which confirmed a substantial decrease in the toxicity.The continuous column studies were undertaken in the packed bed reactors using GS-FeNi.Employing the optimized conditions,quite high removal efficiency(978±5 mg/g)was obtained in the columns.The application of GS-FeNi for antibiotic removal was further evaluated in lake water,tap water,and ground water spiked with TC,and the removal capacity achieved was found to be 781±5,712±5,and 687±3 mg/g,respectively.This work can pave the way for treatment of antibiotics and other pollutants in the reactors using novel green composites prepared from fruit wastes.

Striking elements-A lifebelt or a fad?Searching for an effective way of adapting abandoned churches

Are avant-garde elements added to historical objects as a temporary fashion to fulfill the aspirations of designers or an attempt to draw attention to themselves?It may be the exact opposite,and this type of controversial project is the best lifebelt for such monuments.This article explores issues related to external avant-garde elements added to adapted churches and their influence on the efficiency of such adaptation projects.Gothic churches located in the north of Europe that have changed their religious function,entirely or in part,were considered.This work examined former churches in Maastricht,namely,the Minorite Church,the Church of the Kruisheren Monastery,the Dominican Church,as well as Polish churches located in Gdansk,including St.John’s Church and St.Catherine’s Church.This article attempted to identify the factors that contribute to the successful adaptation of former churches and the benefits and drawbacks of adopting avant-garde design solutions.Results of this study might provide valuable inspiration for other churches that are losing worshippers.This study was conducted on the basis of a wide range of literature,statistical data,logical reasoning,and comparative methods.Observations from selected edifices were checked for their correlation over time.This study also included in situ investigations.

Foraging site recursion by forest elephants Elephas maximus borneensis

Recursion by herbivores is the repeated use of the same site or plants. Recursion by wild animals is rarely investigated but may be ubiquitous. Optimal foraging theory predicts site recursion as a function of the quality of the site, extent of its last use, and time since its last use because these influence site resource status and recovery. We used GPS collars, behaviour and site sampling to investigate recursion to foraging sites for two elephant Elephas maximus borneensis herds in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Borneo, over a 12 month period. Recursion occurred to 48 out of 87 foraging sites and was most common within 48 hours or between 151-250 days, indicating two different types ofrecursion. Recursion was more likely to occur if the site had previously been occupied for longer. Moreover, the time spent at a site at recursion was the same as the time spent at the site on the first occasion. The number of days that had passed between the first visit and recursion was also positively correlated with how much time was spent at the site at recursion. Habitat type also influenced the intensity of site-use, with more time spent at recursion within riverine/open grass areas along forest margins compared to other habitat types. Recursion is a common behaviour used by the elephants and its pattern suggests it may be a foraging strategy for revisiting areas of greater value. The qualities of recursion sites might usefully be incorporated into landscape management strategies for elephant conservation in the area [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 551-559, 2014].