Survey on Machine Learning Algorithms Enhancing the Functional Verification Process

The continuing increase in functional requirements of modern hardware designs means the traditional functional verification process becomes inefficient in meeting the time-to-market goal with sufficient level of confidence in the design. Therefore, the need for enhancing the process is evident. Machine learning (ML) models proved to be valuable for automating major parts of the process, which have typically occupied the bandwidth of engineers; diverting them from adding new coverage metrics to make the designs more robust. Current research of deploying different (ML) models prove to be promising in areas such as stimulus constraining, test generation, coverage collection and bug detection and localization. An example of deploying artificial neural network (ANN) in test generation shows 24.5× speed up in functionally verifying a dual-core RISC processor specification. Another study demonstrates how k-means clustering can reduce redundancy of simulation trace dump of an AHB-to-WHISHBONE bridge by 21%, thus reducing the debugging effort by not having to inspect unnecessary waveforms. The surveyed work demonstrates a comprehensive overview of current (ML) models enhancing the functional verification process from which an insight of promising future research areas is inferred

Modification of water application uniformity among closed circuit trickle irrigation systems

The aim of this research was determine the ma- ximum application uniformity of closed circuit trickle irrigation systems designs. Laboratory tests carried out for Two types of closed circuits: a) One manifold for lateral lines or Closed cir-cuits with One Manifold of Trikle Irrigation Sys-tem (COMTIS); b) Closed circuits with Two Manifolds of Trikle Irrigation System (CTMTIS), and c) Traditional Trikle Irrigation System (TTIS) as a control. Three lengths of lateral lines were used, 40, 60, and 80 meters. PE tubes lateral lines: 16 mm diameter; 30 cm emitters distance, and GR built-in emitters 4 lph when operating pressure 1 bar. Experiments were conducted at the Agric. Eng. Res. Inst., ARC, MALR, Egypt. With COMTIS the emitter flow rate was 4.07, 3.51, and 3.59 lph compared to 4.18, 3.72, and 3.71 lph with CTMTIS and 3.21, 2.6, and 2.16 lph with TTIS (lateral lengths 40, 60, and 80 meters respec-tively). Uniformity varied widely within individual lateral lengths and between circuit types. Under CTMTIS uniformity values were 97.74, 95.14, and 92.03 %; with COMTIS they were 95.73, 89.45, and 83.25 %; and with TTIS they were 88.27, 84.73, and 80.53 % (for lateral lengths 40, 60, 80 meters respectively). The greatest uniformity was observed under CTMTIS and COMTIS when using the shortest lateral length 40 meters, then lateral length 60 meters, while the lowest value was observed when using lateral length 80 me-ters this result depends on the physical and hy-draulic characteristics of the emitter and lateral line. CTMTIS was more uniform than either COMTIS or TTIS. Friction losses were decreased with CTMTIS in the emitter laterals at lengths 40 meters compared to TTIS and COMTIS. There-fore, differences may be related to increased friction losses when using TDIS and COMDIS

High resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Alveolar and airway injury represent one of the most common features of rheumatological diseases and is believed to have a significant impact on the course of these diseases. Objective: This work aimed at evaluating airway and alveolar involvement in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods: Thirty four children (21 with SLE and 13 with JRA) were assessed by pulmonary function tests (PFTs) namely spirometry and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) in comparison to 10 healthy controls, as well as by plain roentgenography and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest. Results: The studied patients had significantly lower mean PFT values as compared to controls. A restrictive pattern of PFTs was more common as it was detected in 62% of patients with SLE and 23% of those with JRA whereas an obstructive pattern was detected in 14% and 8% respectively. Significantly lower FEF 25-75% values were detected in symptomatic patients. Low values of DLCO (less than 80% of predicted) were recorded in 60% of the studied patients. Chest HRCT was abnormal in 68% of studied patients. In SLE, ground glass appearance and pleural irregularity were the most common findings whereas in JRA, bronchial wall thickening, mosaic appearance and air trapping were prominent. Abnormal findings were detected in 5/9 of asymptomatic patients. Conclusion: airway and alveolar abnormalities are frequently encountered in children with SLE (95%) and JRA (85%) even if they are asymptomatic. HRCT and pulmonary function tests including diffusion studies are recommended as useful tools for the diagnosis and early detection of pulmonary involvement in these patients.Keywords: JRA, SLE, HRCT, PFTs, DLCOEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2004; 2(1): 8-1