Object-Oriented design and development dominates both commercial and open source software projects. One of the principal goals of object-oriented design is to aid reuse, and hence, reduce future maintenance efforts of software systems. However, the on-going maintenance of large-scale software systems (both changes and faults) continues to be a significant proportion of the lifecycle of the system and the total investment cost. Understanding and thus being able to predict - or even reduce - the impact of the contributing factors of future maintenance efforts of a software system is thus highly beneficial to software practitioners. In this Thesis we empirically study a large, commercial software system with the principal aim to determine the contributing factors to the change and fault propensity over a three-year period. We consider the object-oriented design context of the software, specifically its inheritance characteristics, coupling and cohesion properties, object-oriented design pattern participation, and size. We also explore the effect of refactoring and test classes in the software. Our results show that several aspects of the design context of a class have an impact to the change and fault-proneness of the software. Specifically, we show that classes with high afferent or efferent coupling are more change and fault-prone; we also identify a number of design patterns whose participants tend to have a higher change and fault propensity than non-participants and we identify a range of inheritance characteristics (in terms of depth of inheritance and number of children) that result in an increase to change and fault-proneness. Furthermore we show that refactoring is a commonly occurring maintenance activity, although it is largely limited to simpler types of refactorings. Finally, we provide some insight into the co-evolution of production and test code during refactoring.

Student Number : 9201775F - MSc dissertation - School of Chemistry - Faculty of Science / The base/light-induced cyclisation (condensation) reaction between alkyl and carbonyl substituents on biaryl compounds discovered in the University of the Witwatersrand laboratories was used to synthesise benzo[c]carbazoles. Specifically, 5,7-dimethyl-7H-benzo[c]carbazole was synthesised from 2-methyl-1H-indole in 79 % yield over four steps. The reaction sequence involved bromination of 2-methyl-1H-indole at C-3 to give 3-bromo-2-methyl-1H-indole. The subsequent methylation of the amino group to give 3-bromo-1,2-dimethyl-1H-indole was followed by Suzuki coupling with acetophenone-2-boronic acid under non-aqueous reaction conditions to give 1-[2-(1,2-dimethyl-1H-indol-3-yl)phenyl]. Lastly, tBuOK/hν–induced cyclisation of the product yielded the desired benzo[c]carbazole. 10-Methoxy-5,7-dimethyl-7H-benzo[c]carbazole was synthesized analogously in 75% yield from 5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole.

Thesis advisor: James P. Morken / The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction is a common strategy for the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond in organic synthesis. However, intramolecular coupling of allylboron ester and aryl electrophiles has never been reported. Herein, Pd-catalyzed intramolecular cross-coupling of allylboronic pinacol ester and vinyl or aryl bromides is presented. Pt-catalyzed 1,2-diboration of 1,3-dienes give α-chiral bis-allylboronic esters, which can undergo diastereoselective additions to carbonyl electrophiles tethered to vinyl or aryl halides to generate a new allylboronic ester moiety. Under Suzuki coupling conditions, the allylboronic esters moiety and the vinyl bromides in the allylation products can cross-couple in an intramolecular fashion to afford highly substituted four-, five-, and six-membered rings with excellent yields and moderate diastereoselectivity. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Thesis advisor: Kian L. Tan / Thesis advisor: James P. Morken / Described herein are four different research projects spanning over two different research groups. The first two projects describe the development and application of scaffolding catalysts for the (1) site-selective silylation of ribonucleosides and (2) the distal and diastereoselective hydroformylation of homoallylic alcohols. These projects emphasize the effectiveness of scaffolding catalysts to bind a hydroxyl-containing substrate and control the site- or regioselectivity of a reaction using said substrate. The third project describes a hydroxyl-directed diboration of homoallylic and bis-homoallylic alcohols. The hydroxyl-containing 1,2-bis(boronates) are valuable intermediates for further synthetic manipulations. One such manipulation, a hydroxyl-directed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, is the focus of the final project. This directed cross-coupling reaction forges carbon-carbon bonds in a stereoselective manner, highlighted in the total synthesis of the naturally occurring compound, debromohamigeran E. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Thesis advisor: James P. Morken / This dissertation details recent developments in palladium catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation reactions with two areas of focus: the palladium catalyzed branched and enantioselective allyl-allyl cross-coupling, and the palladium catalyzed carbonylative conjugate addition. Allyl-allyl cross-coupling presents an opportunity to synthesize 1,5-dienes, a scaffold that resembles subunits of terpenes, a critical building block in nature. Chapter I provides an overview of the developments in the allyl-allyl cross-coupling area. Chapter II, III, and IV detail strategies to construct complex substituted asymmetric 1,5-dienes through branched selective and enantioselective allyl-allyl cross-coupling. In chapter V, the palladium catalyzed carbonylative conjugate addition is discussed. This method enables the synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds in an atom economical and environmentally friendly fashion, and provides a direct access to five membered heterocycles, a valuable class of chemicals in medicine. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Thesis advisor: James P. Morken / This dissertation details the development of several enantioselective or stereospecific transformations involving organoboronic esters. Chapter one will introduce electrophile-induced boronate rearrangements which underpins much of the reactivity that will be discussed in subsequent chapters. In chapter two the conjunctive cross-coupling reaction is presented. Its development and application to the synthesis of non-racemic boronic esters, along with its application to the synthesis of enantioenriched allylic boronic esters, will be discussed. In chapter three the cross-coupling of geminal bis(boronic) esters is introduced and the development of a method to employ them in cross-coupling with alkenyl bromides, affording enantioenriched substituted allylic boronic esters is outlined. In chapter four we highlight the utility of allylic boronic esters, and detail the development of a cross-coupling reaction that involves the use of these substrates and halide electrophiles to furnish enantiomerically enriched products containing all carbon quaternary stereocenters. Finally, in chapter five we describe the development of a metalfree amination reaction of organoboron compounds, which is able to deliver otherwise difficult-to-access enantiomerically enriched α-tertiary amines. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2018. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

by Wing-keung Mak. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-53). / by Wing-keung Mak. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Table of Content --- p.iii / Chapter Chapter One --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Theory / Chapter 2.1 --- Theory of Two-wave Coupling --- p.3 / Chapter 2.2 --- Theory of Fanning --- p.8 / Chapter 2.3 --- Theory of Time Dependent Absorption Coefficients of Photorefractive Crystals --- p.10 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Photorefractive Fabry-Perot Etalon / Chapter 3.1 --- Theory and Numerical Computation --- p.12 / Chapter 3.2 --- Summary of Crystal Parameters --- p.15 / Chapter 3.3 --- Experimental Studies of Interference Patterns --- p.16 / Chapter 3.4 --- Intensity Dependence of Fabry-Perot Etalon Interference Patterns --- p.25 / Chapter 3.5 --- Fanning --- p.29 / Chapter 3.6 --- Bright Spots on Interference Patterns --- p.31 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Time Dependent Absorption Coefficients of Photorefractive Crystals / Chapter 4.1 --- Experiments Using Laser Light --- p.34 / Chapter 4.2 --- Experiments Using White Light --- p.44 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Conclusion and Future Outlook --- p.49 / References --- p.51

Neste trabalho apresentamos a determinação autoconsistente da constante de interação spin-órbita em heteroestruturas com duas sub-bandas. Como recentemente proposto, ao obter o hamiltoneano de um sistema com duas sub-bandas na aproximação de massa efetiva, constata-se a presença de um acoplamento inter-subbanda que não se anula mesmo em heteroestruturas simétricas. Apresentamos aqui as deduções teóricas que levaram à proposição desse novo acoplamento e mostramos o cálculo autoconsistente da intensidade do acoplamento e a comparamos com a intensidade do acoplamento Rashba, já amplamente estudado. Discutimos o método k.p e a Aproximação da Função Envelope e mostramos a obtenção do modelo de Kane 8x8 para semicondutores com estrutura zincblende. Aplicamos o método do \"folding down\'\' ao hamiltoneano de Kane isolando o setor correspondente à banda de condução. Escrevemos dessa forma um hamiltoneano efetivo para a banda de condução no contexto de um poço quântico com uma barreira. Através da projeção desse hamiltoneano nos dois primeiros estados da parte orbital verifica-se o surgimento de um acoplamento inter-subbanda. Finalmente escrevemos o hamiltoneano efetivo 4x4 que descreve as duas primeiras subbandas de um poço quântico e obtivemos seus autoestados e autoenergias. Finalmente fizemos o cálculo autoconsistente das funções de onda e energias de um gás de elétrons em poços quânticos simples e duplos através da aproximação de Hartree e a partir desses resultados determinamos o valor da constante de acoplamento Rashba e da nova constante inter-subbanda. Entre os resultados obtidos destacam-se o controle elétrico da constante de acoplamento inter-subbanda através de um eletrodo externo e um efeito de renormalização da massa efetiva que pode chegar até 5% em algumas estruturas. / In this work we present the self-consistent determination of the spin-orbit coupling constant in heterostructure with two subbands.As recently proposed, the effective hamiltonian for the conduction band in the effective mass approximation contains an inter-subband spin-orbit coupling which is non-zero even for symmetric heterostructures. We present the theoretical derivation which leads to this proposal and show a selfconsistent determination of the coupling constant. We also compare the magnitude of the new coupling constant with the usual Rashba coupling. Starting with a discussion of the k.p method and the Envelope Function Approximation (EFA) we show the derivation of the 8x8 Kane model for semiconductors with zincblende structure. We then apply the \"folding down\'\' method, isolating the conduction band sector of the EFA hamiltonian. By projecting this hamiltonian in the first two states of the orbital part, we find an effective 4x4 hamiltonian that contains an inter-subband spin orbit coupling. The eingenvalues and eigenvectors of this hamiltonian are shown and, specializing the model for single and double quantum wells, we self-consistently determine the inter-subband and Rashba coupling constants in the Hartree approximation. The results indicate the possibility of electrical control of the coupling constant and show an effective mass renormalization effect that can be up to 5% in some cases.

Mutual Coupling (MC) is the exchange of energy between multiple antennas when placed on the same PCB, it being one of the critical parameters and a significant issue to be considered when designing MIMO antennas. It appears significantly where multiple antennas are placed very close to each other, with a high coupling affecting the performance of the array, in terms radiation patterns, the reflection coefficient, and influencing the input impedance. Moreover; it degrades the designed efficiency and gain since part of the power that could have been radiated becomes absorbed by other adjacent antennas' elements. The coupling mechanism between multiple antenna elements is identified as being mainly through three different paths or channels: surface wave propagation, space (direct) radiation and reactive near-field coupling. In this thesis, various coupling reduction approaches that are commonly employed in the literature are categorised based on these mechanisms. Furthermore, a new comparative study involving four different array types (PIFA, patch, monopole, and slot), is explained in detail. This thesis primarily focuses on three interconnected research topics for mutual coupling reduction based on new isolation approaches for different wireless applications (i.e. Narrowband, Ultra-wide-band and Multi-band). First, a new Fractal based Electromagnetic Band Gap (FEBG) decoupling structure between PIFAs is proposed and investigated for a narrowband application. Excellent isolation of more than 27 dB (Z-X plane) and 40 dB (Z-Y plane) is obtained without much degradation of the radiation characteristics. It is found that the fractal structures can provide a band-stop effect, because of their self-similarity features for a particular frequency band. Second, new UWB-MIMO antennas are presented with high isolation characteristics. Wideband isolation (≥ 31 dB) is achieved through the entire UWB band (3.1-10.6 GHz) by etching a novel compact planar decoupling structure inserted between these multiple UWB antennas. Finally, new planar MIMO antennas are presented for multi-band (quad bands) applications. A significant isolation improvement over the reference (≥ 17 dB) is achieved in each band by etching a hybrid solution. All the designs reported in this thesis have been fabricated and measured, with the simulated and measured results agreeing well in most cases.

Deviations from normal foot structure are thought to result in hyper or hypo mobility preventing the foot from providing sufficient stability or mobility at appropriate times during the stance phase of gait. Such deviations in foot structure are often suggested as a risk factor for the development of common foot and ankle injuries. Though foot structure is believed to influence function its effect on foot motion and mechanisms thought to allow stability during the end of stance phase remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which arch height affects foot kinematics during gait using a four segment foot model. Subjects included 17 healthy individuals with a wide range of arch heights and no past history of foot pathology. A three-dimensional motion tracking system was used to determine kinematics of the hallux, first metatarsal, forefoot, calcaneus and tibia during gait while subjects ambulated at a predetermined walking velocity of 0.78 statures/s. AP and lateral radiographs were used to determine coordinate system orientation for the first metatarsal, forefoot and calcaneus. The sagittal plane angle between the first metatarsal and calcaneus was used to represent foot structure. No association was observed between foot structure, as represented by arch height, and foot kinematics as represented by excursion or coupling during the stance phase of gait. This surprising result provides no evidence to support the assertion that foot structure influences mobility during gait in individuals without foot pathology. The kinematic patterns observed were highly consistent between individuals and provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying the formation of a rigid lever for pushoff at the end of stance phase. Supination, consisting of forefoot and first metatarsal adduction and plantarflexion along with hindfoot inversion, was found to occur at approximately 76 percent stance. Kinematic coupling associated with activation of the windlass mechanism is consistent with the concept of supination and occurs shortly after forward rotation of the first metatarsal and hallux dorsiflexion. In conclusion, deviation from normal foot structure appears to have little or no influence on foot mobility or intersegmental coupling due to activation of the windlass mechanism.