Software Complexity Prediction by Using Basic Attributes

Software complexity is one of the important quality attribute that affect the success of software. Predicting such attribute is a difficult task for software engineers. Current used measures for computing complexity are not sufficient. Data mining can be applied to software data to explore useful interesting patterns. In this paper we present a simple data mining based prediction model to predict software complexity based on some basic attributes. The article starts by considering the correlation between different features that describes software code structure then selecting some of these features to be used for complexity prediction. Results reveal the ability to use branching count feature as strong predictor of complexity

Activation of MAPK signalling results in resistance to saracatinib (AZD0530) in ovarian cancer

SRC tyrosine kinase is frequently overexpressed and activated in late-stage, poor prognosis ovarian tumours, and preclinical studies have supported the use of targeted SRC inhibitors in the treatment of this disease. The SAPPROC trial investigated the addition of the SRC inhibitor saracatinib (AZD0530) to weekly paclitaxel for the treatment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer; however, this drug combination did not provide any benefit to progression free survival (PFS) of women with platinum resistant disease. In this study we aimed to identify mechanisms of resistance to SRC inhibitors in ovarian cancer cells. Using two complementary strategies; a targeted tumour suppressor gene siRNA screen, and a phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase array, we demonstrate that activation of MAPK signalling, via a reduction in NF1 (neurofibromin) expression or overexpression of HER2 and the insulin receptor, can drive resistance to AZD0530. Knockdown of NF1 in two ovarian cancer cell lines resulted in resistance to AZD0530, and was accompanied with activated MEK and ERK signalling. We also show that silencing of HER2 and the insulin receptor can partially resensitize AZD0530 resistant cells, which was associated with decreased phosphorylation of MEK and ERK. Furthermore, we demonstrate a synergistic effect of combining SRC and MEK inhibitors in both AZD0530 sensitive and resistant cells, and that MEK inhibition is sufficient to completely resensitize AZD0530 resistant cells. This work provides a preclinical rationale for the combination of SRC and MEK inhibitors in the treatment of ovarian cancer, and also highlights the need for biomarker driven patient selection for clinical trials

Multidimensional Systolic Arrays of LMS AlgorithmAdaptive (FIR) Digital Filters

A multidimensional systolic arrays realization of LMS algorithm by a method of mapping regular algorithm onto processor array, are designed. They are based on appropriately selected 1-D systolic array filter that depends on the inner product sum systolic implementation. Various arrays may be derived that exhibit a regular arrangement of the cells (processors) and local interconnection pattern, which are important for VLSI implementation. It reduces latency time and increases the throughput rate in comparison to classical 1-D systolic arrays. The 3-D multilayered array consists of 2-D layers, which are connected with each other only by edges. Such arrays for LMS-based adaptive (FIR) filter may be opposed the fundamental requirements of fast convergence rate in most adaptive filter applications

Film-ovojnica smjese pektina, kitozana i Eudragita® RS za bimodalno oslobađanje lijeka iz peleta s teofilinom: Priprava i evaluacija

Pellets containing theophylline as a model drug and microcrystalline cellulose, in a ratio of 6:4, were prepared by extrusion-spheronization method. The pellets were coated with Eudragit® RS aqueous dispersions, containing various amounts of pectin-chitosan complex and different coating mass gains, using a fluidized-bed apparatus. Twelve formulations were developed, which differed in two factors: coating mass gain (10, 15 and 20%, m/m) and amount of pectin-chitosan complex (5, 10, 15 and 20%, m/m). Drug release studies were conducted using the USP apparatus Ι (basket) in dissolution media, mimicking the conditions pertaining in the stomach, small intestine and colon, respectively. Studies have shown that drug release rate and pattern were dependent on both two mentioned factors. Some formulations showed bimodal and burst drug release, being triggered in the colonic medium by the action of pectinolytic enzymes. In formulations with 15 or 20% (m/m) of coating mass gain and 5 or 10% (m/m) of pectin-chitosan amount, the burst drug release was eliminated and replaced by lag phase of drug release. In viewpoint of burst drug release in the colonic medium, formulations with 20% (m/m) of coating mass gain and 15 or 20% (m/m) of pectin-chitosan amount were found to be better than the other formulations. Studies on the surface SEMs of uncoated and coated pellets show that after coating, coated pellets became smoother and exposure to pectinolytic enzymes in the colonic medium may result in surface erosion.Pelete s teofilinom kao modelnim lijekom i mikrokristaliničnom celulozom u omjeru 6:4 pripravljeni su metodom ekstruzije i sferonizacije. Pelete su presvučene vodenom disperzijom Eudragita® RS koja sadrži različite količine kompleksa pektina i kitozana i različite mase ovojnice, koristeći uređaj za fluidizaciju. Pripravljeno je 12 peleta koji se razlikuju po masi ovojnice (10, 15 i 20%, m/m) i udjelu kompleksa pektina i kitozana (5, 10, 15 i 20%, m/m). Oslobađanje ljekovite tvari proučavano je u USP aparaturi Ι (s košaricama) u medijima koji odgovaraju pH probavnog sustava. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da brzina i način oslobađanja lijeka ovisi o oba spomenuta parametra. Iz nekih pripravaka oslobađanje je bimodalno, a posljedica je djelovanja pektinolitičkih enzima iz kolona. U pripravcima u kojima je udio ovojnice 15 ili 20% (m/m), a udio pektin-kitozana 5 ili 10% (m/m) oslobađanje je bilo polagano. Najbolji pripravci za naglo oslobađanje u pH mediju područja kolona sadržavali su 20% (m/m) ovojnice i 15 ili 20% (m/m) pektin-kitozana. Proučavanje obloženih i neobloženih peleta SEM metodom pokazuje da obložene pelete imaju glatkiju površinu, koja erodira djelovanjem pektinolitičkih enzima

Panel threshold regression model analysis of real effective exchange rate impact on the Arab Maghreb Union economic growth

The purpose of this article was to explain the asymmetry of real effective exchange rate (REER) impact on economic growth for the Arab Maghreb Union during the period 1980-2019. This work sought to measure the adjustment rate of the exchange rate policy towards its equilibrium levels, justifying the use of nonlinear modelling. The complexity of the exchange rate dynamics has led to the application of the Panel Threshold Regression Model to test the hypothesis testifying for its effect on domestic economic growth. The empirical results reveal that the REER shows opposite effects below and over the estimated threshold. This highlights the asymmetrical effect of unforeseen shocks on its volatility. JEL Classification: C33; F31; F43; O55; O5

Fostering volunteerism among students with learning disabilities: The role of primary schools and challenges

The significance of the study lies in its focus on promoting volunteerism among Students with Learning Disabilities (SLD). The study aimed to provide recommendations that help overcome the challenges faced by primary school role in promoting volunteering among SLD. The study used a mixed-method approach. Personal interviews were conducted with 20 parents of SLD, and a questionnaire was administered to 98 teachers of Learning Disabilities in primary schools in Al-Ahsa Governorate, Saudi Arabia. The study results are that the teacher's role held the highest importance in fostering volunteering among SLD in primary school, followed by the school administration role, and subsequently, the school curriculum, according to parents' Perceptions. There are significant challenges facing the role of elementary schools in promoting volunteer work among SLD, with the most important of these being personal, organizational, and then academic challenges, according to teachers' perspectives. The study does not identify significant differences in these challenges based on the teachers' perspectives, considering gender and years of experience