Mental and Emotional Issues in VDT Work

title: The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Stress Effects of VDT Work
abstract: Are their backs killing them? Do they growl when a supervisor walks by? Something can be done for folks who spend their days in front of VDTs.

title: Formal methods fact vs. fiction

title: Nonparametric regression using linear combinations of basis functions
abstract: This paper discusses a Bayesian approach to nonparametric regression initially proposed by Smith and Kohn (1996. ). In this approach the regression function is represented as a linear combination of basis terms. The basis terms can be univariate or multivariate functions and can include polynomials, natural splines and radial basis functions. A Bayesian hierarchical model is used such that the coefficient of each basis term can be zero with positive prior probability. The presence of basis terms in the model is determined by latent indicator variables. The posterior mean is estimated by Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation because it is computationally intractable to compute the posterior mean analytically unless a small number of basis terms is used. The present article updates the work of Smith and Kohn (1996. ) to take account of work by us and others over the last three years. A careful discussion is given to all aspects of the model specification, function estimation and the use of sampling schemes. In particular, new sampling schemes are introduced to carry out the variable selection methodology.

title: E-RACE, A Hardware-Assisted Approach to Lockset-Based Data Race Detection for Embedded Products
abstract: Limited research exists for identifying data races under the specific characteristics found in embedded systems. E-RACE is a new style of data-race identification tool which directly utilizes specialized hardware capabilities to monitor the flow of data and instructions. Compared to existing data race analysis approaches, the hardware-assisted E-RACE tool has advantages of recognizing data-race issues without requiring extensive software code instrumentation. The tool is integrated into an Embedded Unit Testing Driven Development Framework to encourage the construction of testable code and early identification of data-races.

title: Performance and Capacity Analysis of UWB Networks over 60GHz WPAN Channel
abstract: In this paper we evaluate the system performance and capacity of single carrier ultra-wideband (UWB) networks over 60GHz wireless personal area network (WPAN) channel. Symbol error rate is derived for both single user and multiple access scenario with a general system capacity and performance evaluation approach based on moment generation function. System outage probability and network throughput performance are also studied. Based on the current IEEE 802.15.3 WPAN standard work, different transmission scenarios have been explored and the performances with RAKE reception has been obtained. The channel model is also based on the recent work of IEEE 802.15 WPAN group. Numerical results are given to illustrate the system performance.

title: A Hardware-Assisted Tool for Fast, Full Code Coverage Analysis
abstract: Software reliability can be improved by using code coverage analysis to ensure that all statements are executed at least once during the testing process. When full code coverage information is obtained through software code instrumentation, high runtime performance overheads are incurred. Techniques that perform deferred or selective code instrumentation have shown success in reducing run-time overheads; however, the execution profile remains distorted. Techniques have been proposed that use internal processor hardware during the data gathering process, e.g. program counter logging. These approaches have been shown to reduce overheads; but currently trade swift execution for sparse code coverage. By combining the branch-vector hardware designed for debugging modern embedded processors with on-demand code coverage analysis, we have developed a new tool which provides full code coverage, while minimizing performance distortions. Experimental results show a performance impact of only 8 - 12%, while still providing 100% code coverage information.