Prototyping the Semantics of a DSL using ASF+SDF: Link to Formal Verification of DSL Models

A formal definition of the semantics of a domain-specific language (DSL) is a key prerequisite for the verification of the correctness of models specified using such a DSL and of transformations applied to these models. For this reason, we implemented a prototype of the semantics of a DSL for the specification of systems consisting of concurrent, communicating objects. Using this prototype, models specified in the DSL can be transformed to labeled transition systems (LTS). This approach of transforming models to LTSs allows us to apply existing tools for visualization and verification to models with little or no further effort. The prototype is implemented using the ASF+SDF Meta-Environment, an IDE for the algebraic specification language ASF+SDF, which offers efficient execution of the transformation as well as the ability to read models and produce LTSs without any additional pre or post processing.Comment: In Proceedings AMMSE 2011, arXiv:1106.596

Block-based syntax from context-free grammars

Block-based programming systems employ a jigsaw metaphor to write programs. They are popular in the domain of programming education (e.g., Scratch), but also used as a programming interface for end-users in other disciplines, such as arts, robotics, and configuration management. In particular, block-based environments promise a convenient interface for Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) for domain experts who might lack a traditional programming education. However, building a block-based environment for a DSL from scratch requires significant effort. This paper presents an approach to engineer block-based language interfaces by reusing existing language artifacts. We present Kogi, a tool for deriving block-based environments from context-free grammars. We identify and define the abstract structure for describing block-based environments. Kogi transforms a context-free grammar into this structure, which then generates a block-based environment based on Google Blockly. The approach is illustrated with four case studies, a DSL for state machines, Sonification Blocks (a DSL for sound synthesis), Pico (a simple programming language), and QL (a DSL for questionnaires). The results show that usable block-based environments can be derived from context-free grammars, and with an order of magnitude reduction in effort

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Refactoring with Domain-Driven Design in an Industrial Context: An Action Research Report

Context Software developers need to constantly work on evolving the structure and the stability of the code due to changing business needs of the product. There are various refactoring approaches in industry which promise improvements over source code composition and maintainability. Objective In our research, we want to improve the maintainability of an existing system through refactoring using Domain-Driven Design (DDD) as a software design approach. We also aim for providing empirical evidence on its effect on maintainability and the challenges as perceived by developers. Method In this study, we applied the action research methodology, which facilitates close academia-industry collaboration and regular presence in the studied product. We utilized focus groups to discover problems of the existing system with a qualitative approach. We reviewed the subject codebase to construct our own expert opinion as well and identified problems in the codebase and matched them with the ones raised by engineers in the team. We refactored the existing software system according to DDD principles. To measure the effects of our actions, we utilized Technology Acceptance Model (mTAM) questionnaire, and also semi-structured interviews with the development team for data collection, and card sorting methodology for qualitative analysis. For minimizing bias that might affect our results with the existing software engineers in the team, we extended our measurement with three new joiner software engineers in the team through the think aloud protocol. Results We have identified that engineers mostly gave positive answers to our interview questions, which are mapped to software maintainability metrics defined by ISO/IEC 25010. Our DDD refactoring scored 85 in PU and 83 in PEU, leading to an overall mTAM score of 84. This means acceptable on the acceptability scale, B on the grade scale, and good on the adjective rating scale. Conclusion Our research led us to conclude that a powerful design approach, like DDD, is an effective tool for restructuring and resolving software issues in this situation. It offers standardization to the software and the refactoring efforts. We realized that DDD entails a certain degree of complexity and cognitive load, which is a barrier for software engineers, but they are aware of its benefits

A Systematic Literature Review of Cross-Domain Model Consistency Checking by Model Management Tools

Objective The goal of this study is to identify gaps and challenges related to cross-domain model management focusing on consistency checking. Method We conducted a systematic literature review. We used the keyword-based search on Google Scholar, and we identified 618 potentially relevant studies; after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 96 papers were selected for further analysis. Results The main findings/contributions are: (i) a list of available tools used to support model management; (ii) 40% of the tools can provide consistency checking on models of different domains and 25% on models of the same domain, and 35% do not provide any consistency checking; (iii) available strategies to keep the consistency between models of different domains are not mature enough; (iv) most of the tools that provide consistency checking on models of different domains can only capture up to two inconsistency types; (v) the main challenges associated with tools that manage models on different domains are related to interoperability between tools and the consistency maintenance. Conclusion The results presented in this study can be used to guide new research on maintaining the consistency between models of different domains. Example of further research is to investigate how to capture the Behavioral and Refinement inconsistency types. This study also indicates that the tools should be improved in order to address, for example, more kinds of consistency check

Cross-Language Plagiarism Detection: Methods, Tools, and Challenges: A Systematic Review

Plagiarism is one of the most serious academic offenses. However, people have adopted different approaches to avoid plagiarism, such as transcribing excerpts from one language. Thus, it is challenging to realize this plagiarism form unless someone fully understands another language. Researchers have developed approaches for detecting plagiarism in a variety of different languages. However, most methods created in the past have proved effective for detecting plagiarism in papers published in a single language, most notably English. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a systematic literature review of cross-language plagiarism detection methods (CLPD) in a natural language context. The approach used to perform this study consisted of an extensive search for relevant literature through an SLR and Snowballing. Therefore, we present an overview of (i) cross-language plagiarism detection techniques; (ii)the artifacts and the aspects that were considered in the evaluation phase; and(iii) the lack of guidelines and tools for its implementation. Its contribution lies in its ability to highlight emerging cross-language plagiarism detection techniques trends. Further, we identify any of these techniques in other domains, for instance, software engineering