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

Workshop proceedings of the 1st workshop on quality in modeling

Quality assessment and assurance constitute an important part of software engineering. The issues of software quality management are widely researched and approached from multiple perspectives and viewpoints. The introduction of a new paradigm in software development – namely Model Driven Development (MDD) and its variations (e.g., MDA [Model Driven Architecture], MDE [Model Driven Engineering], MBD [Model Based Development], MIC [Model Integrated Computing]) – raises new challenges in software quality management, and as such should be given a special attention. In particular, the issues of early quality assessment, based on models at a high abstraction level, and building (or customizing the existing) prediction models for software quality based on model metrics are of central importance for the software engineering community. The workshop is continuation of a series of workshops on consistency that have taken place during the subsequent annual UML conferences and recently MDA-FA. The idea behind this workshop is to extend the scope of interests and address a wide spectrum of problems related to MDD. It is also in line with the overall initiative of the shift from UML to MoDELS. The goal of this workshop is to gather researchers and practitioners interested in the emerging issues of quality in the context of MDD. The workshop is intended to provide a premier forum for discussions related to software quality and MDD. And the aims of the workshop are: - Presenting ongoing research related to quality in modeling in the context of MDD, - Defining and organizing issues related to quality in the MDD. The format of the workshop consists of two parts: presentation and discussion. The presentation part is aimed at reporting research results related to quality aspects in modeling. Seven papers were selected for the presentation out of 16 submissions; the selected papers are included in these proceedings. The discussion part is intended to be a forum for exchange of ideas related to understanding of quality and approaching it in a systematic way

Risk factors for cataract subtypes waterclefts and retrodots: two case-control studies.

UNLABELLED: Waterclefts and retrodots are independently associated with visual impairment, yet a review identified no data on risk factors. PURPOSE: To investigate risk factors for these two human lens cataract subtypes. METHOD: Two nested case-control studies: The host study comprised 1078 subjects (55 years) attending the Somerset and Avon Eye Study (SAES). In total, 197 watercleft cases (Oxford grade 0.2 in either eye) and 199 retrodot cases (Oxford grade 1.0 in either eye) were individually age/gender matched to controls. Detailed ophthalmic and potential risk factor data were collected, including body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, analgesics, vitamin supplementation, nutrition, sunlight exposure, dehydration, hormonal (women), blood lipids, glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and vitamin levels. RESULTS: For waterclefts, univariable analysis identified BMI, alcohol intake, vitamin status, sunlight, urea, creatinine, and uric acid as possible risk factors. Multivariable analysis identified two independent associations. Total number of 'any' analgesics in the previous year: adjusted P<0.01 (U-shaped risk profile, unadjusted high vs medium use (=reference) OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.35-4.26 with medium use vs none (=reference) OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26-0.72); total sunlight: adjusted P=0.03 (unadjusted highest exposure vs lowest (=reference) OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.11-9.50). For retrodots, univariable analysis identified alcohol, HRT, and lipids. Multivariable analysis identified two independent associations. Mean number of alcohol units consumed per month, adjusted P=0.02 and HDL cholesterol levels, adjusted P=0.02 (unadjusted ORs NS both). CONCLUSION: This is the first available published information on risk factors for the human cataractous lens features waterclefts and retrodots

Homocysteine, folates, and the eye.

Plasma homocysteine has been identified as a risk factor for arterial disease, retinal artery and vein occlusions, and other common eye diseases. The value of treating an elevated plasma homocysteine with folic acid for preventing further vascular disease has not been proven. Although secondary prevention of coronary artery disease using this approach has been unsuccessful, trials on primary prevention of stroke and loss of cognitive function with folic acid supplementation appear to be successful. Further trial data are awaited. In patients with premature retinovascular disease, the measurement of plasma homocysteine is suggested and reduction of elevated homocysteine with folic acid for secondary prevention of retinal arterial and venous occlusion. Meanwhile, the debate on fortification of flour for primary prevention of neural tube defects, which has already taken place in North America, continues in European countries. Such fortification could have an impact on primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease