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In the past decades, software-based self-testing (SBST) which is testing of a processing core using its native instructions has attracted much attention. However, efficient SBST of a processing core which is deeply embedded in a multicore architecture is still an open issue. In this study, inspiring from built-in self-test methods, the authors place several number of hardware test components next to the processing cores in order to overcome existing SBST challenges. These test components facilitate quick testing of embedded cores by providing several mechanisms such as virtual fetch, virtual jump, fake load & store, and segmented test application. In order to enable segmented test application, they propose the concept of test snippet and a test snippet generation approach. The result is the capability of testing embedded cores in short idle times leading to efficient online testing of the cores with zero performance overhead. The authors’ results show that their test snippet generation approach not only leads to the production of test snippets which are properly fitted the proposed test architecture but also its final fault coverage is comparable and even a little better than the fault coverage of the best existing methods.

Segmented regression is widely used in many disciplines, especially when dealing with environmental data. This paper deals with the problem of selecting the correct number of changepoints in segmented regression models. A review of the usual selection criteria, namely information criteria and hypothesis testing, is provided. We enhance the latter method by proposing a novel sequential hypothesis testing procedure to address this problem. Our sequential procedure’s performance is compared to methods based on information-based criteria through simulation studies. The results show that our proposal performs similarly to its competitors for the Gaussian, Binomial, and Poisson cases. Finally, we present two applications to environmental datasets of crime data in Valencia and global temperature land data.

The goal was to evaluate the hysteretic performance of buckling‐resistant braces with low yield point steel LYP160, the monotonic tensile and cyclic loading tests of LYP160 test specimens were conducted and the cyclic constitutive relationship was obtained. According to the load–displacement curves of the specimens, the low‐yield point steel was characterized by good ductility and energy absorption ability. With consideration of the Chaboche model for the materials, the cyclic hardening parameters of low‐yield point steel were obtained. On this basis, the hysteretic properties of buckling‐resistant braces under cyclic loads were simulated and analyzed. After the analysis and comparison of buckling‐resistant braces specimens with isotropic core plate and segmented variable section core plate, it can be found that: when the conventional buckling‐resistant braces with an isotropic core plate were loaded to L/100, the lateral deformation of the buckling‐resistant brace (BRB) would reach 17 mm. Additionally, serious squeezing could be observed on the lateral restraining members. The conventional BRB would become ineffective due to the accumulation of deformation at both ends of the BRB. When the segmented buckling‐resistant brace was applied, the core plate with variable section would buckle first in the middle area, other parts could continue to consume energy thanks to the action of the limit plate. It would avoid the situation that other areas would be unable to consume energy after the core plate yields at one area first. Under the action of cyclic loads, no stiffness degradation was noted in the segmented buckling‐resistant brace. Segmented buckling‐resistant braces demonstrated superior ductility and energy dissipation capacity. The monotonic tensile and cyclic loading tests of low‐yield point steel LYP160 test specimens were carried out. On this basis, the hysteretic properties of the conventional BRB and the segmented BRB with LYP160 were simulated and analyzed.

This paper presents a power-aware Reconfigurable Parameterizable Pseudorandom Pattern Generator (RP-PRPG) for a number of applications, including built in self-testing (BIST) and cryptography. Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSRs) are broadly utilized in pattern generation due to their efficiency and simplicity. However, the diversity of generated patterns, as well as their power consumption, improves through circuit modifications. This work explores enhancements to LFSR structures to achieve broader range of patterns with reduced power consumption for BIST-based applications. The proposed circuit constructed on the LFSR platform can be programmed to generate patterns with varying degrees of different LFSR configurations. Diverse set of patterns of any circuit arrangement can be created using any characteristic polynomial and by utilizing the reseeding capacity of the circuit. The circuit combines a double-tier linear feedback circuit with zero forcing methods, resulting in more than 70% transition reduction, thus significantly lowering power dissipation. The behaviour of the proposed circuit is assessed for characteristic polynomials with degrees ranging from 4 to 128 using various Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) topologies. For reconfigurable HDL and ASIC synthesis, the power-aware RP-PRPG can be used to generate an efficient set of stream ciphers as well as applications involving the scan-for-test protocol.

This paper considers issues related to estimation, inference, and computation with multiple structural changes that occur at unknown dates in a system of equations. Changes can occur in the regression coefficients and/or the covariance matrix of the errors. We also allow arbitrary restrictions on these parameters, which permits the analysis of partial structural change models, common breaks that occur in all equations, breaks that occur in a subset of equations, and so forth. The method of estimation is quasi-maximum likelihood based on Normal errors. The limiting distributions are obtained under more general assumptions than previous studies. For testing, we propose likelihood ratio type statistics to test the null hypothesis of no structural change and to select the number of changes. Structural change tests with restrictions on the parameters can be constructed to achieve higher power when prior information is present. For computation, an algorithm for an efficient procedure is proposed to construct the estimates and test statistics. We also introduce a novel locally ordered breaks model, which allows the breaks in different equations to be related yet not occurring at the same dates.

A novel prefabricated segmental guardrail is proposed to facilitate connections between guardrails and between guardrails and bridge decks by casting ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) joints in situ. Through finite element crash simulation analysis of three types of vehicles and crash tests of real vehicles, the prefabricated segmental guardrail with a UHPC connection was systematically evaluated in terms of its energy-absorbing capacity, vehicular acceleration, post-impact trajectory of the impacting vehicle, and behaviour of the guardrail upon impact. During the evaluation process, performance comparisons of the prefabricated segmental guardrails are made with the monolithic concrete guardrails. The results indicate that the performance of the prefabricated segmental guardrail with a UHPC connection was superior to that of the conventional concrete monolithic guardrails: it exhibited a higher level of crash performance, the occupants of the impacting vehicle were better protected, and the impacting vehicle exhibited better post-collision stability. Finally, the convenience of the prefabricated segmental guardrails with UHPC connections was proven in practical engineering applications.