Metamodel-based model conformance and multiview consistency checking

Model-driven development, using languages such as UML and BON, often makes use of multiple diagrams (e.g., class and sequence diagrams) when modeling systems. These diagrams, presenting different views of a system of interest, may be inconsistent. A metamodel provides a unifying framework in which to ensure and check consistency, while at the same time providing the means to distinguish between valid and invalid models, that is, conformance. Two formal specifications of the metamodel for an object-oriented modeling language are presented, and it is shown how to use these specifications for model conformance and multiview consistency checking. Comparisons are made in terms of completeness and the level of automation each provide for checking multiview consistency and model conformance. The lessons learned from applying formal techniques to the problems of metamodeling, model conformance, and multiview consistency checking are summarized

Review of nutrient actions on age-related macular degeneration

The actions of nutrients and related compounds on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are explained in this review. The findings from 80 studies published since 2003 on the association between diet and supplements in AMD were reviewed. Antioxidants and other nutrients with an effect on AMD susceptibility include carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin, β-carotene), vitamins (vitamin A, E, C, D, B), mineral supplements (zinc, copper, selenium), dietary fatty acids [monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA both omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA), saturated fatty acids and cholesterol], and dietary carbohydrates. The literature revealed that many of these antioxidants and nutrients exert a protective role by functioning synergistically. Specifically, the use of dietary supplements with targeted actions can provide minimal benefits on the onset or progression of AMD; however, this does not appear to be particularly beneficial in healthy people. Furthermore, some supplements or nutrients have demonstrated discordant effects on AMD in some studies. Since intake of dietary supplements, as well as exposure to damaging environmental factors, is largely dependent on population habits (including dietary practices) and geographical localization, an overall healthy diet appears to be the best strategy in reducing the risk of developing AMD. As of now, the precise mechanism of action of certain nutrients in AMD prevention remains unclear. Thus, future studies are required to examine the effects that nutrients have on AMD and to determine which factors are most strongly correlated with reducing the risk of AMD or preventing its progression

Teaching Modeling—An Initial Classification of Related Issues

Modeling is an important skill needed in both science and engineering domains. In software engineering, in particular, models are ubiquitous artefacts. The development, manipulation and understanding of models is therefore an important learning objective. The paper presents the initial results of an attempt that has been carried out in order to classify issues related to the teaching and learning of modeling

Nordic Workshop on Model Driven Engineering

Modeling is an integral part of software engineering. Models are built to both specify details for construction of software systems and to document software designs. The models are constructed using various methods and tools, such as the popular Unified Modeling Language, or emerging Domain Specific Modeling Languages. Modeling is intended to shrink the gap between the problem domain and the solution space by raising the levels of abstraction in software development and increasing the degree of automation. These, consequently, require new ways of developing the software, influencing such activities as requirements engineering, designing, testing, or running projects. Nordic Workshop on Model Driven Engineering – NWMODE – aims to continue the traditions of the past series of Nordic workshops on UML (NWUML) held throughout the Nordic region. The intention of the workshop is to bring together researchers and practitioners working with modeling. The workshop topics include the emerging trends in modeling as well as empirical experiences of the existing methods. This year’s edition of the workshop contains a series of papers on the topics related to Software Product Lines, Domain Specific Modeling, model comparison techniques, or modeling of Service Oriented Architectures. It also contains two dedicated discussion sessions on the topics of quality in modeling and model comparison

Empirical extension of a classification framework for addressing consistency in model based development

Context: Consistency constitutes an important aspect in practical realization of modeling ideas in the process of software development and in the related research which is diverse. A classification framework has been developed, in order to aid the model based software construction by categorizing research problems related to consistency. However, the framework does not include information on the importance of classification elements. Objective: The aim was to extend the classification framework with information about the relative importance of the elements constituting the classification. The research question was how to express and obtain this information. Method: A survey was conducted on a sample of 24 stakeholders from academia and industry, with different roles, who answered a quantitative questionnaire. Specifically, the respondents prioritized perspectives and issues using an extended hierarchical voting scheme based on the hundred dollar test. The numerical data obtained were first weighted and normalized and then they were analyzed by descriptive statistics and bar charts. Results: The detailed analysis of the data revealed the relative importance of consistency perspectives and issues under different views, allowing for the desired extension of the classification framework with empirical information. The most highly valued issues come from the pragmatics perspective. These issues are the most important for tool builders and practitioners from industry, while for the responders from academia theory group some issues from the concepts perspective are equally important. Conclusion: The method of using empirical data from a hierarchical cumulative voting scheme for extending existing research classification framework is useful for including information regarding the importance of the classification elements

Kunskapsutvinning av domänstrukturer från DAML+OIL kodade ontologier

The report presents and elaborates on the details of knowledge acquisiton process from ontologies into domain models. It identifies the knowledge about the domain structure which already exist in form of ontologies, and it also gives the justification why is this knowledge important from domain models perspective. The general idea along with the detailed description and implementation of the process is presented. As the process is based on various XML based technologies, these are shown and described. A small example is introduced for depiction of the practical usage of the method.Denna rapport presenterar och går igenom detaljerna för processen av insamling kunskap från ontologier till domän modeller. Den identifierar kunskapen om en domänstrukturen som redan existerar i form av ontologier, och visar även varför denna kunskap är viktig ur ett domän-modells perspektiv. Den övergripande idén tillsammans med en detaljerad beskrivning och implementation av processen presenteras. Då processen är baserad på olika XML-tekniker så går vi även igenom dessa. A enkelt exempel används för att visa det praktiska användandet av metoden