Software evolution prediction using seasonal time analysis: a comparative study

Prediction models of software change requests are useful for supporting rational and timely resource allocation to the evolution process. In this paper we use a time series forecasting model to predict software maintenance and evolution requests in an open source software project (Eclipse), as an example of projects with seasonal release cycles. We build an ARIMA model based on data collected from Eclipse’s change request tracking system since the project’s start. A change request may refer to defects found in the software, but also to suggested improvements in the system under scrutiny. Our model includes the identification of seasonal patterns and tendencies, and is validated through the forecast of the change requests evolution for the next 12 months. The usage of seasonal information significantly improves the estimation ability of this model, when compared to other ARIMA models found in the literature, and does so for a much longer estimation period. Being able to accurately forecast the change requests’ evolution over a fairly long time period is an important ability for enabling adequate process control in maintenance activities, and facilitates effort estimation and timely resources allocation. The approach presented in this paper is suitable for projects with a relatively long history, as the model building process relies on historic data

Suplementação de iodo na gravidez: qual a importância?

ResumoPretende‐se aferir a importância do iodo e avaliar a pertinência da suplementação na gravidez. Fez‐se uma pesquisa na Medline e submeteram‐se os artigos encontrados aos critérios de seleção previamente definidos. Obtiveram‐se 294 artigos, aos quais se aplicaram os critérios de inclusão, resultando em 13 revisões e 19 artigos originais. Conclui‐se que quer o défice quer o excesso de iodo afetam negativamente a saúde do feto/recém‐nascido, sendo as consequências do défice mais graves. Recomenda‐se informar as mulheres, avaliar a sua ingestão alimentar e fazer um screening regular dos níveis de iodo. Mais estudos serão necessários relativamente ao timing de suplementação.AbstractWe intend to access the importance of iodine and to evaluate the relevance of supplementation in pregnancy. A search in Medline was performed and the obtained articles submitted to the selection criteria. Of the 294 studies we obtained, 13 reviews and 19 original studies were selected for further analysis. We concluded that both deficit and excess iodine negatively affect fetal/newborn health, being the consequences of the deficit the worst. We recommend to inform women, to evaluate their iodine ingestion and to regularly screen their iodine levels. Further research is necessary regarding the best timing for supplementation

A case study of rainfall-derived infiltration and inflow of a separate sanitary sewer system

Trabalho apresentado na 14th Computeing and Control for the Water Industry, 7-9 novembro de 2016, Amesterdão, HolandaRainfall-deriver infiltration and inflow (RDII) can interfere with the performance of domestic wastewater drainage systems. It is also a major cause for the deterioration of the functional performance of those drainage systems and for the occurrence of untreated discharges of domestic wastewater to the water environment. In most cases, the actual size and location of these inflows are unknown. To assess this subject of the RDII, it is required to hold a detailed knowledge of the network and to do the diagnosis of the main problems, namely, the type of inflows, the magnitude of its occurrence and the places where the impacts are most relevant. This paper presents the application of an estimation methodology of RDII to a Portuguese case study

MEREC - Guarda: An Energy and Resource Efficiency Process undermined by the early stages of a democratic setting.

This article focuses on the historical background which lead to the implementation of an EUA programme in a European country; a programme designed for developing countries. To that end, we seek to discern, how 1980's Managing Energy and Resource Efficient Cities (MEREC) methodology has perpetuated in urban planning and architecture practice as well as in the discourses of its stakeholders. Guarda is a medieval border town (1050m) in the hinterland of Portugal, far away from the impact of metropolitan areas, such as Lisbon or Porto. Guarda kept a balanced urban growth over the years, but demography and key sectors of the economy changed profoundly after the Portuguese democratic revolution (1974). Serving as an early experience towards city resilience and sustained development, MEREC was a programme developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Inspired by the work of Richard Meier (1974), MEREC answered to the growing concerns triggered by the 1970s energy crisis and its consequences. Amid a rapid urbanisation and population growth, increased energy costs and pressure on natural resources, MEREC targeted cities in developing countries which could adopt preventive approaches towards resource efficiency. However, instead of concentrating its efforts on metropolitan areas, MEREC aimed at the development of secondary cities, where most of the growth had yet to come.From 1983 to 1985, MEREC established a comprehensive planning process, involving Guarda Municipality, central and regional agencies and the know-how of Portuguese universities and private consultants. MEREC identified the city's problems in water supply, urban waste, urban management, changes in local building materials used and scattered urbanisation. Several of these problems had been overcome with the project's completion, the development of Guarda's master plan, research technology, and awareness campaigns.USAID-MEREC advisors considered the results achieved in Guarda as rewarding. Architect Maria Castro (1989) points out the clarity achieved in the decision-making processes for urban planning and management during the MEREC programme. However, as she notes, discourses and institutional support changed after MEREC. MEREC’s methodology was somehow thrown away, suggesting a lack of planning culture among local political powers, unwilling to redirect resources. MEREC happened ten years after Portugal's dictatorship had ended, when the country was committed to the world as a democratic country, facing political and economical instability until its accession to the European Economic Union (EEC), as well as, undergoing deep socio-cultural transformations and striving for development. From 1986 onwards, MEREC programme was hampered by a democratic setting that aimed for development in more immediate ways, regardless of the resource-efficiency strategy proposed

Influence of demolition waste fine particles on the properties of recycled aggregate masonry mortar

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40999-017-0280-xThis paper analyses the influence of the fine fraction of two types of construction and demolition waste (CDW1 and CDW2) on the properties of recycled aggregates (RA) and masonry mortars. The CDW1’s main component was ceramic while the CDW2 were concrete. Three different kinds of fine RA were produced from each source of CDW; the first type was produced by only using the fraction finer than 4.76 mm, the second one by employing only the coarser fraction than 4.76 mm, and the third type was a mix of both fractions of CDW. The masonry mortars were produced employing the 100% substitution of natural aggregates. The results show that all the recycled mortars achieved a higher water retentivity capacity than that of the conventional mortars. However, the sole use of the fine fraction of the CDW was found to have a deleterious effect over the hardened mortar properties, thus making it only adequate for the rendering or bonding of interior walls at or above ground level. In contrast a combination of both the fine fraction and coarse fraction of the CDW in the production of the RA achieved all the minimum requirements for rendering and bonding masonry mortar.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Analysis of the properties of masonry mortars made with recycled fine aggregates for use as a new building material in Cuba

This paper details the research work carried out on masonry mortars produced employing recycled aggregates in 100% substitution for natural sand aggregates. The main objective of the work being the validation of the resulting recycled aggregate mortar for use as a new construction material in Cuba. The recycled aggregates were acquired from the crushing of demolition material obtained from four different houses of distinct construction types. The work was carried out in two experimental stages. In stage 1, mortars with different percentages of recycled aggregates were produced and analysed. The analysis was carried out in order to achieve the optimal mix dosage, while employing the largest usable volume of recycled aggregates and in compliance with the functional requirements established by Cuban regulations. In stage 2, all mortars were produced employing the defined optimal mix proportion The fresh state properties (water retentivity) and hardened state (flexural, compression and bond strengths and capillary absorption capacity) were evaluated in the mortars produced with the other three mixed recycled aggregates of different compositions. It was concluded that the mortars produced with recycled aggregates needed less filler than that of the control mortar in order to obtain adequate properties in their fresh state. However, these recycled aggregate mortars obtained lower mechanical properties and higher capillary absorption that those of the control mortar. Nevertheless they were in compliance with the minimum requirements established in the Cuban regulation.Postprint (published version

Iodine supplementation in pregnancy: is it important?

RESUMO - Pretende-se aferir a importância do iodo e avaliar a pertinência da suplementação na gravidez. Fez-se uma pesquisa na Medline e submeteram-se os artigos encontrados aos critérios de seleção previamente definidos. Obtiveram-se 294 artigos, aos quais se aplicaram os critérios de inclusão, resultando em 13 revisões e 19 artigos originais. Conclui-se que quer o défice quer o excesso de iodo afetam negativamente a saúde do feto/recém-nascido, sendo as consequências do défice mais graves. Recomenda-se informar as mulheres, avaliar a sua ingestão alimentar e fazer um screening regular dos níveis de iodo. Mais estudos serão necessários relativamente ao timing de suplementação.ABSTRACT - We intend to access the importance of iodine and to evaluate the relevance of supplementation in pregnancy. A search in Medline was performed and the obtained articles submitted to the selection criteria. Of the 294 studies we obtained, 13 reviews and 19 original studies were selected for further analysis. We concluded that both deficit and excess iodine negatively affect fetal/newborn health, being the consequences of the deficit the worst. We recommend to inform women, to evaluate their iodine ingestion and to regularly screen their iodine levels. Further research is necessary regarding the best timing for supplementation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio