Exploring the effect of UML modeling on software quality

Modeling ones design is generally considered good practice in the process of software development. Numerous payoffs are attributed to this practice, in-cluding increased software quality and easier software maintenance. However, empirical studies validating these payoffs are scarce. This validation should nevertheless be considered very important, since models do not represent any value by themselves. Therefore, only when payoffs have been shown to exist, should a company be willing to invest time and resources into creating these models. The de facto standard for communicating a system’s design is the Unified Modeling Language (UML). In this study we explore the relation between the level of detail of a system’s UML diagrams – specifically class, sequence and state diagrams – and the defect density and average defect repair time of the resulting implementation. We did this by performing two case studies, both in an industrial setting, applying different approaches for each of them. For both approaches definitions were formulated on how to record UML level of detail measures of the mentioned diagram types. While the first ap-proach used qualitative rankings, the second applied design metrics to quantify this detail level. Defect samples were manually inspected to try to relate each defect to parts of the UML models. During this process the defects were also typed, so that analyses could be performed using both the entire set of defects and specific defect types when required. To facilitate this defect typing task, defect taxonomies were compiled from the ones found in scientific literature and further tailored to the needs of this study. The results from our case studies show evidence supporting the suggested payoffs: the availability of UML models lowers defect density and average re-pair time. However, some questions regarding validity of this evidence remain.

Removal of turbidity from washing machine discharge using Strychnos potatorum seeds: Parameter optimization and mechanism prediction

AbstractIn this research an attempt has been made to utilize the Strychnos potatorum seed powder as an environmentally friendly coagulant for the removal of turbidity from washing machine discharge. The performance of this system was also compared with synthetic water. Experimental studies were conducted for the maximum removal of turbidity from washing machine discharge and synthetic turbid water which were varied from 50 to 145 NTU. The effect of operating parameters such as initial turbidity, S. potatorum dosage and pH of the solution was optimized for the maximum removal of turbidity. It was seen that the percentage removal of turbidity lay was between 68–89% and 65–84% for synthetic turbid water and washing machine discharge sample respectively, at an ideal pH of 6–7. The experimental values were compared with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models to understand the extent of influence of the sorption of the particles onto the S. potatorum seed powder. Better results with respect to concordance of experimental data were observed with Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a monolayer sorption of particles onto the S. potatorum seed powder. It was observed from the isotherm study that the sorption may also be influenced in the removal of turbidity to some extent from the washing machine discharge and synthetic water. The prepared material can be effectively utilized for the removal of turbidity from the water

Empirical analysis of the relation between level of detail in UML models and defect density

This paper investigates the relation between the level of detail (LoD) in UML models and defect density of the associated implementation. We propose LoD measures that are applicable to both class- and sequence diagrams. Based on empirical data from an industrial software project we have found that classes with higher LoD, calculated using sequence diagram LoD metrics, correlates with lower defect density. Overall, this paper discusses a novel and practical approach to measure LoD in UML models and describes its application to a significant industrial case study

Empirical analysis of the relation between level of detail in UML models and defect density

This paper investigates the relation between the level of detail (LoD) in UML models and defect density of the associated implementation. We propose LoD measures that are applicable to both class- and sequence diagrams. Based on empirical data from an industrial software project we have found that classes with higher LoD, calculated using sequence diagram LoD metrics, correlates with lower defect density. Overall, this paper discusses a novel and practical approach to measure LoD in UML models and describes its application to a significant industrial case study

Technology-based interprofessional collaboration in primary care for home rehabilitation of the older adults: A dutch exploratory study

Abstract Primary healthcare professionals face an increasing number of geriatrics patients, and patient care often involves different disciplines. eHealth offers opportunities to support interprofessional collaboration (IPC). This exploratory study aimed to gain insight in 1) IPC in community-based rehabilitation, 2) facilitators and barriers for technology-based IPC and 3) technological IPC solutions envisioned by the primary healthcare professionals An focus group with six primary healthcare professionals and a design thinking session with four participants were conducted. Data analysis was based upon an IPC model. Results indicate that facilitators and barriers for IPC can be clustered in three categories: human, organization and technology, and provide some requirements to develop suitable IPC technological solutions Primary healthcare professionals recognise the urgency of working collaboratively. Current barriers are understanding each other’s professional vocabulary, engaging the older adults, and using technology within the patient’s environment. Further research is needed to integrate IPC components in a technological solutio

Adult sibling experience, roles, relationshhips and future concerns - a review of the literature in learning disabilities

Aim: this paper provides a review of the literature related to adult siblings of learning disabled people. Background: siblings of learning disabled people are often looked upon as next of kin when older parents die however there is little research regarding sibling views and wishes. Design: a literature review of published peer reviewed empirical research was undertaken. Method: electronic databases and citation tracking were used to collate data using key terms such as adult siblings and learning disability. Relevant articles were analysed, compared and contrasted. Results: six key themes emerged suggesting a varied impact of learning disability upon sibling lives in areas that include life choices, relationships, identity and future plans. Some siblings report a positive impact upon life, others state their lives are comparable with other adults who do not have a learning disabled sibling and others still report a negative impact. Sibling roles and relationships are varied. Evidence suggests that sibling roles, relationships and experience are affected by life stage. Parents often have a primary care role for the disabled person whilst siblings perform a more distant role, however sibling involvement often rises when parents are no longer able to provide previous levels of support. Conclusion: many factors appear to affect the sibling experience and uptake of roles including gender, life stage and circumstances, level of disability, health status and relationships between family members. Siblings are concerned about the future, particularly when parents are no longer able to provide support and many appear to have expectations of future responsibilities regarding their disabled sibling. Relevance to practice: as siblings of people who have a learning disability are often expected by society to provide support, it is important that health and social care practitioners are aware of issues that may impact on this relationship