title: Investigating Strategies to Support Reverse-Engineering of Interactive Systems

authors: Alsharif, Aman

subjects: Reverse-Engineering

abstract: Most software applications today provide a graphical user interface (GUI), which facilitates the use of the software by offering graphical and visual elements to the users. The correctness of the user interface is fundamental to the correct implementation of the overall software. Using reverse engineering tools and methods is one of the most efficient ways to understand a system, and to assess its functionality and usability. However, traditional reverse engineering methods are not well suited to interactive elements of a system. This research examines and analyzes reverse engineering techniques of interactive systems written in the Java programming language, with the aim of creating a set of models of the entire system namely, Presentation Models (PModels) and Presentation Interaction Models (PIMs), which are very effective in describing structural and functional behavioral features of the interactive system. This study will also highlight some of the problems that exist in this domain and investigate several possibilities for improving the process.

text: Investigating Strategies to Support Reverse-Engineering of Interactive Systems Most software applications today provide a graphical user interface (GUI), which facilitates the use of the software by offering graphical and visual elements to the users. The correctness of the user interface is fundamental to the correct implementation of the overall software. Using reverse engineering tools and methods is one of the most efficient ways to understand a system, and to assess its functionality and usability. However, traditional reverse engineering methods are not well suited to interactive elements of a system. This research examines and analyzes reverse engineering techniques of interactive systems written in the Java programming language, with the aim of creating a set of models of the entire system namely, Presentation Models (PModels) and Presentation Interaction Models (PIMs), which are very effective in describing structural and functional behavioral features of the interactive system. This study will also highlight some of the problems that exist in this domain and investigate several possibilities for improving the process.

year: 2013

title: Self-healing concrete: a novel nanobiotechnological approach to heal the concrete cracks

authors: Seifan, Mostafa

subjects: Concrete

abstract: Concrete is one of the world’s most versatile and widely used construction materials due to its unique properties, including high compressive strength, versatility, availability, affordability, simple preparation, fire resistance, excellent thermal mass, compatibility with steel reinforcement bar and the possibility of casting in desired shapes. Despite these advantages, crack formation is the main issue associated with the concrete structures. Low tensile strength, coupled with internal and external stresses, are recognized as the key causes of crack formation in a structure. Although the embedment of reinforcement bars limits the rate of crack growth, it cannot prevent crack initiation in concrete. The initiated cracks accelerate the structure degradation by allowing aggressive fluids and gasses to seep into the matrix. This phenomenon brings about a reduction in concrete service life, increases maintenance costs and, in severe cases, leads to structural failure.
   With the help of biotechnological pathway, concrete can be designed to have self-healing characteristics to address the above mentioned problems. In this novel approach, a bio-concrete is made by the addition of microorganisms and nutrients into the matrix during the concrete preparation. Once a crack occurs in the concrete structure, the healing agent is activated and the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) fills the initiated crack. The resulted CaCO₃ is recognized as the most compatible material with the concrete composition which has efficient bonding capacity with the crack surface. The main goal of this research was, therefore, to design a new generation of viable self-healing mechanism for application in bio self-healing concrete structures. 
   Initially, an investigation was performed to screen the most effective factors, including bacteria, nutrients and operating conditions, on CaCO₃ precipitation and to maximize the production of CaCO₃. Considering the different mechanical and physical properties of CaCO₃ polymorph (calcite, vaterite and aragonite), a morphological qualification based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted.
   Since the concrete has a high pH (~12), the capability of microorganisms to produce CaCO₃ in such a condition was investigated. To evaluate the ability of the preliminarily designed bio-agent to induce CaCO₃ in high pH, the concrete environment was simulated using a laboratory fermentor. The results indicate that the proposed bio-agent is able to withstand high pH while decreasing the microbial viability. It was also found that the proposed CaCO₃ production mechanism significantly depends on the presence of air and its effectiveness enhances at a higher level of aeration. This observation shows that the efficiency of the bio self-healing mechanism decreases in the oxygen-limiting areas such as deeper cracks and interior parts of the matrix. To address this issue, possible use of oxygen releasing compounds (ORCs) was investigated. The effects of different ORCs on the concentration and morphology of CaCO₃ were screened, and an optimization study using response surface methodology was performed to further enhance the efficiency of the designed bio-self-healing mechanism in oxygen-limiting conditions. The results demonstrate that the presence of key ORCs at their optimum level can increase CaCO₃ production.
   Considering the pore size of the concrete matrix, there is a high risk for microorganisms to squeeze and damage upon cement hydration. Furthermore, the exerted shear stress on the bio-agent during the concrete preparation and drying shrinkage as well as the concrete pH can adversely affect the performance of the bio-concrete. Therefore the topic was further explored to minimize the negative effects of direct incorporation of bio-agent into the concrete matrix. It has been proven that the addition of proper nano scale-size metallic particles can improve the properties of the concrete. Considering the unique characteristics of nanoparticles, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) were proposed as a protective vehicle for the bio-agent. Naked and amine-modified IONs were successfully synthesized and characterized by different techniques, including XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that the presence of naked IONs has a positive contribution to the production of CaCO₃ and can serve as the carrier for the bio-agent.
   In the final part of this work, the performance of the designed bio self-healing concrete was investigated using various laboratory tests, including compressive strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage and crack healing observation. The results show that the presence of proposed bio-agents in concrete not only contributes to improving the compressive strength but also results in decreasing the water absorption. To evaluate the self-healing behavior of this technology, several cracks were created in the concrete specimens. The microscopic observation revealed that the bio-concrete possesses a superior crack healing characteristic. The bio-concrete could effectively sense the concrete cracks and the resulted CaCO₃ sealed the damages.
   This study uncovered several limitations of using bio self-healing mechanism in concrete. Most importantly, it elucidated the potential of applying this novel technology to enhance the concrete durability and mechanical properties by addressing the uncovered issues.

text: Self-healing concrete: a novel nanobiotechnological approach to heal the concrete cracks Concrete is one of the world’s most versatile and widely used construction materials due to its unique properties, including high compressive strength, versatility, availability, affordability, simple preparation, fire resistance, excellent thermal mass, compatibility with steel reinforcement bar and the possibility of casting in desired shapes. Despite these advantages, crack formation is the main issue associated with the concrete structures. Low tensile strength, coupled with internal and external stresses, are recognized as the key causes of crack formation in a structure. Although the embedment of reinforcement bars limits the rate of crack growth, it cannot prevent crack initiation in concrete. The initiated cracks accelerate the structure degradation by allowing aggressive fluids and gasses to seep into the matrix. This phenomenon brings about a reduction in concrete service life, increases maintenance costs and, in severe cases, leads to structural failure.
   With the help of biotechnological pathway, concrete can be designed to have self-healing characteristics to address the above mentioned problems. In this novel approach, a bio-concrete is made by the addition of microorganisms and nutrients into the matrix during the concrete preparation. Once a crack occurs in the concrete structure, the healing agent is activated and the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) fills the initiated crack. The resulted CaCO₃ is recognized as the most compatible material with the concrete composition which has efficient bonding capacity with the crack surface. The main goal of this research was, therefore, to design a new generation of viable self-healing mechanism for application in bio self-healing concrete structures. 
   Initially, an investigation was performed to screen the most effective factors, including bacteria, nutrients and operating conditions, on CaCO₃ precipitation and to maximize the production of CaCO₃. Considering the different mechanical and physical properties of CaCO₃ polymorph (calcite, vaterite and aragonite), a morphological qualification based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted.
   Since the concrete has a high pH (~12), the capability of microorganisms to produce CaCO₃ in such a condition was investigated. To evaluate the ability of the preliminarily designed bio-agent to induce CaCO₃ in high pH, the concrete environment was simulated using a laboratory fermentor. The results indicate that the proposed bio-agent is able to withstand high pH while decreasing the microbial viability. It was also found that the proposed CaCO₃ production mechanism significantly depends on the presence of air and its effectiveness enhances at a higher level of aeration. This observation shows that the efficiency of the bio self-healing mechanism decreases in the oxygen-limiting areas such as deeper cracks and interior parts of the matrix. To address this issue, possible use of oxygen releasing compounds (ORCs) was investigated. The effects of different ORCs on the concentration and morphology of CaCO₃ were screened, and an optimization study using response surface methodology was performed to further enhance the efficiency of the designed bio-self-healing mechanism in oxygen-limiting conditions. The results demonstrate that the presence of key ORCs at their optimum level can increase CaCO₃ production.
   Considering the pore size of the concrete matrix, there is a high risk for microorganisms to squeeze and damage upon cement hydration. Furthermore, the exerted shear stress on the bio-agent during the concrete preparation and drying shrinkage as well as the concrete pH can adversely affect the performance of the bio-concrete. Therefore the topic was further explored to minimize the negative effects of direct incorporation of bio-agent into the concrete matrix. It has been proven that the addition of proper nano scale-size metallic particles can improve the properties of the concrete. Considering the unique characteristics of nanoparticles, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) were proposed as a protective vehicle for the bio-agent. Naked and amine-modified IONs were successfully synthesized and characterized by different techniques, including XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that the presence of naked IONs has a positive contribution to the production of CaCO₃ and can serve as the carrier for the bio-agent.
   In the final part of this work, the performance of the designed bio self-healing concrete was investigated using various laboratory tests, including compressive strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage and crack healing observation. The results show that the presence of proposed bio-agents in concrete not only contributes to improving the compressive strength but also results in decreasing the water absorption. To evaluate the self-healing behavior of this technology, several cracks were created in the concrete specimens. The microscopic observation revealed that the bio-concrete possesses a superior crack healing characteristic. The bio-concrete could effectively sense the concrete cracks and the resulted CaCO₃ sealed the damages.
   This study uncovered several limitations of using bio self-healing mechanism in concrete. Most importantly, it elucidated the potential of applying this novel technology to enhance the concrete durability and mechanical properties by addressing the uncovered issues.

year: 2018

title: Ko te Pakiwaituhi Ko Au, Ko Au Ko te Pakiwaituhi: He Wewetenga o te Pakiwaituhi Tōra Mātātoa, He Whakapuakanga Pakiwaituhi Māori

authors: Ross, Kristin Cherie

subjects: Pakiwaituhi Māori

abstract: ARIĀ

Mai i ngā tau o te whitu tekau te pakanga a ētahi rōpū Māori kia rangona te Māori, kia kitea te Māori ki runga pouaka whakaata.  I kura takahi puni te whiua o rātou mā ki te Karauna kia whakamanahia tāna i oati ai i te Tiriti o Waitangi.  Otirā, ka tohua te Karauna ki te tiaki i ngā kura kāmehameha a te Māori, arā, ko te reo me ōna tikanga.  I kitea e rātou mā tētahi patanga oranga o tō tātou reo, o ā tātou tikanga mā te ao pāpāho.  E mara e, kua tuangahuru ngā tau e whakapāoho atu ana a Whakaata Māori mai i tōna whakarewanga i te tau 2004.  Nā aua kikopuku reo, nā aua mumu tikanga, nā aua matā mana motuhake i whai wāhi mai ai te Māori i te ao pāpāho, otirā, i te ao o te pouaka whakaata. 

Ka mutu, ko te ngako ia o tēnei tuhinga, he whakamahuki, he tirotiro, he ketuketu i te pakiwaituhi kōhungahunga, i a Dora the Explorer.  I whakamāorihia e Whakaata Māori ki a Tōra Mātātoa.  Mō te pakiwaituhi rongonui, kāhore he painga i a Tōra Mātātoa.  Kei te mātakitakihia e ngā iwi huhua ki ngā tōpito katoa o te ao.  Ko te pātai ia nā, he aha oti ngā ehunga Māori ka kitea, ka rangona rā roto mai i te pakiwaituhi kōhungahunga, i a Tōra Mātātoa?  Mā tēnei rangahau tonu e whakautu.  

Ko ngā pakiwaituhi katoa o Whakaata Māori mā te kōhungahunga he mea hanga e iwi kē atu i te Māori.  Ka mutu ka whakaarohia e tēnei rangahau ētahi huarahi e taea ai e tātou te whakaputa pakiwaituhi Māori mā te kōhungahunga.  Otirā, ka whakapua mai ai i tētahi pakiwaituhi Māori nāku tonu.  Ko tāku e whakapae nei, me kite ā tātou tamariki i a rātou anō rā roto mai i ngā pakiwaituhi.  Ko tāku e manako nei, kia kaha te iwi Māori ki te kimi huarahi e whakaputa ai i ā tātou ake pakiwaituhi nā te Māori, mā te Māori, mō te Māori. 

ABSTRACT

Since the 1970s select Māori groups have fought to be seen and heard in the broadcasting industry and particular television.  United and banded they challenged the Crown to honour what was promised to them in the Treaty of Waitangi.  They demanded that the Government maintain the Māori language and its customs.  They saw television as a means to retain and transmit our language and culture.  2014 marked the tenth year of broadcasting for Māori Television.  This prestigious achievement in Māori broadcasting was due to the efforts of our leaders who fought tirelessly to ensure our language and customs were and are maintained throughout broadcasting. 

The basis of this thesis is the analysis of the preschool animation, Dora the Explorer, which was broadcast and translated by Māori Television as Tōra Mātātoa.  Dora the Explorer is arguably the most famous preschool animation.  The show is watched by the masses all over the world. This thesis investigates the question; what representations of Māori are seen and heard in the preschool animation Tōra Mātātoa? 

All of the preschool animations shown on Māori Television have been created by non-Māori.  Therefore, the purpose of this research is to create new ways of thinking that will initiate the production of locally made preschool animation.  This thesis looks at a Māori animation example that I have created based on the findings of this research.  It is imperative that our children see themselves on the television screen.  I hope Māori actively seek avenues to ensure the production of preschool animation by Māori, for Māori and about Māori.

text: Ko te Pakiwaituhi Ko Au, Ko Au Ko te Pakiwaituhi: He Wewetenga o te Pakiwaituhi Tōra Mātātoa, He Whakapuakanga Pakiwaituhi Māori ARIĀ

Mai i ngā tau o te whitu tekau te pakanga a ētahi rōpū Māori kia rangona te Māori, kia kitea te Māori ki runga pouaka whakaata.  I kura takahi puni te whiua o rātou mā ki te Karauna kia whakamanahia tāna i oati ai i te Tiriti o Waitangi.  Otirā, ka tohua te Karauna ki te tiaki i ngā kura kāmehameha a te Māori, arā, ko te reo me ōna tikanga.  I kitea e rātou mā tētahi patanga oranga o tō tātou reo, o ā tātou tikanga mā te ao pāpāho.  E mara e, kua tuangahuru ngā tau e whakapāoho atu ana a Whakaata Māori mai i tōna whakarewanga i te tau 2004.  Nā aua kikopuku reo, nā aua mumu tikanga, nā aua matā mana motuhake i whai wāhi mai ai te Māori i te ao pāpāho, otirā, i te ao o te pouaka whakaata. 

Ka mutu, ko te ngako ia o tēnei tuhinga, he whakamahuki, he tirotiro, he ketuketu i te pakiwaituhi kōhungahunga, i a Dora the Explorer.  I whakamāorihia e Whakaata Māori ki a Tōra Mātātoa.  Mō te pakiwaituhi rongonui, kāhore he painga i a Tōra Mātātoa.  Kei te mātakitakihia e ngā iwi huhua ki ngā tōpito katoa o te ao.  Ko te pātai ia nā, he aha oti ngā ehunga Māori ka kitea, ka rangona rā roto mai i te pakiwaituhi kōhungahunga, i a Tōra Mātātoa?  Mā tēnei rangahau tonu e whakautu.  

Ko ngā pakiwaituhi katoa o Whakaata Māori mā te kōhungahunga he mea hanga e iwi kē atu i te Māori.  Ka mutu ka whakaarohia e tēnei rangahau ētahi huarahi e taea ai e tātou te whakaputa pakiwaituhi Māori mā te kōhungahunga.  Otirā, ka whakapua mai ai i tētahi pakiwaituhi Māori nāku tonu.  Ko tāku e whakapae nei, me kite ā tātou tamariki i a rātou anō rā roto mai i ngā pakiwaituhi.  Ko tāku e manako nei, kia kaha te iwi Māori ki te kimi huarahi e whakaputa ai i ā tātou ake pakiwaituhi nā te Māori, mā te Māori, mō te Māori. 

ABSTRACT

Since the 1970s select Māori groups have fought to be seen and heard in the broadcasting industry and particular television.  United and banded they challenged the Crown to honour what was promised to them in the Treaty of Waitangi.  They demanded that the Government maintain the Māori language and its customs.  They saw television as a means to retain and transmit our language and culture.  2014 marked the tenth year of broadcasting for Māori Television.  This prestigious achievement in Māori broadcasting was due to the efforts of our leaders who fought tirelessly to ensure our language and customs were and are maintained throughout broadcasting. 

The basis of this thesis is the analysis of the preschool animation, Dora the Explorer, which was broadcast and translated by Māori Television as Tōra Mātātoa.  Dora the Explorer is arguably the most famous preschool animation.  The show is watched by the masses all over the world. This thesis investigates the question; what representations of Māori are seen and heard in the preschool animation Tōra Mātātoa? 

All of the preschool animations shown on Māori Television have been created by non-Māori.  Therefore, the purpose of this research is to create new ways of thinking that will initiate the production of locally made preschool animation.  This thesis looks at a Māori animation example that I have created based on the findings of this research.  It is imperative that our children see themselves on the television screen.  I hope Māori actively seek avenues to ensure the production of preschool animation by Māori, for Māori and about Māori.

year: 2015