Methods and tools for ontology-based software development

Wiederverwendung wird in der Software-Technik eingesetzt, um sowohl Effizienz als auch die Qualität eines Produkts konstruktiv zu beeinflussen. Während einem Software-Projekt in den späten Phasen ausgereifte Techniken und Werkzeuge zur Verfügung stehen, fehlt weitgehend eine entsprechende Unterstützung bei der Untersuchung des Gegenstandsbereichs und der zugehörigen konzeptuellen Modellierung der Anforderungen. Dabei haben diese Aktivitäten einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf spätere Entwicklung und erfolgreiche Durchführung eines Software-Projekts. Um die Wiederverwendung auf der konzeptuellen Ebene zu ermöglichen, wird in dieser Arbeit zunächst eine Infrastruktur entwickelt, die mit Hilfe einer Domänen-Ontologie einen Wissens-Austausch zwischen den beteiligten Projekten erlaubt. Anschließend wird ein auf dieser Infrastruktur aufbauender Prozess zur Ontologie-Entwicklung definiert und seine Anbindung an die klassische oder agile Vorgehensmodelle beschrieben. Ergänzend dazu wird ein Werkzeug zur Prozessunterstützung vorgestellt.Re-use is employed in software engineering to influence efficiency constructively and the overall quality of a product. While well-established tools and technologies are available in the advanced phases of software projects, support is missing to a large extent for analysis of the universe of discourse and the corresponding conceptual modelling of the requirements. At the same time these activities have a decisive influence on later development and successful implementation of software projects. To enable re-use at the conceptual level, this thesis describes first of all, how to develop an infrastructure, which allows an exchange of knowledge between participating projects with the help of domain ontology. Subsequently, a process of an ontology development will be defined, which is based on this infrastructure; its connection to the classical or agile process models will also be described. In addition, a tool to support the process will be introduced

Improved detection of microbial ureteral stent colonisation by sonication

Purpose: The diagnosis of microbial ureteral stent colonisation (MUSC) is difficult, since routine diagnostic techniques do not accurately detect microorganisms embedded in biofilms. New methods may improve diagnostic yield and understanding the pathophysiology of MUSC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of sonication in the detection of MUSC and to identify risk factors for device colonisation. Methods: Four hundred and eight polyurethane ureteral stents of 300 consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated. Conventional urine culture (CUC) was obtained prior to stent placement and device removal. Sonication was performed to dislodge adherent microorganisms. Data of patient sex and age, indwelling time and indication for stent placement were recorded. Results: Sonicate-fluid culture detected MUSC in 36%. Ureteral stents inserted during urinary tract infection (UTI) were more frequently colonised (59%) compared to those placed in sterile urine (26%; P<0.001). Female sex (P<0.001) and continuous stenting (P<0.005) were significant risk factors for MUSC; a similar trend was observed in patients older than 50years (P=0.16). MUSC and indwelling time were positively correlated (P<0.005). MUSC was accompanied by positive CUC in 36%. Most commonly isolated microorganisms were Coagulase-negative staphylococci (18.3%), Enterococci (17.9%) and Enterobacteriaceae (16.9%). Conclusions: Sonication is a promising approach in the diagnosis of MUSC. Significant risk factors for MUSC are UTI at the time of stent insertion, female sex, continuous stenting and indwelling time. CUC is a poor predictor of MUSC. The clinical relevance of MUSC needs further evaluation to classify isolated microorganism properly as contaminants or pathogen

Improved detection of microbial ureteral stent colonisation by sonication

Purpose: The diagnosis of microbial ureteral stent colonisation (MUSC) is difficult, since routine diagnostic techniques do not accurately detect microorganisms embedded in biofilms. New methods may improve diagnostic yield and understanding the pathophysiology of MUSC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of sonication in the detection of MUSC and to identify risk factors for device colonisation. Methods: Four hundred and eight polyurethane ureteral stents of 300 consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated. Conventional urine culture (CUC) was obtained prior to stent placement and device removal. Sonication was performed to dislodge adherent microorganisms. Data of patient sex and age, indwelling time and indication for stent placement were recorded. Results: Sonicate-fluid culture detected MUSC in 36%. Ureteral stents inserted during urinary tract infection (UTI) were more frequently colonised (59%) compared to those placed in sterile urine (26%; P<0.001). Female sex (P<0.001) and continuous stenting (P<0.005) were significant risk factors for MUSC; a similar trend was observed in patients older than 50years (P=0.16). MUSC and indwelling time were positively correlated (P<0.005). MUSC was accompanied by positive CUC in 36%. Most commonly isolated microorganisms were Coagulase-negative staphylococci (18.3%), Enterococci (17.9%) and Enterobacteriaceae (16.9%). Conclusions: Sonication is a promising approach in the diagnosis of MUSC. Significant risk factors for MUSC are UTI at the time of stent insertion, female sex, continuous stenting and indwelling time. CUC is a poor predictor of MUSC. The clinical relevance of MUSC needs further evaluation to classify isolated microorganism properly as contaminants or pathogen

How to perform Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)

"How to perform contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)" provides general advice on the use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) for clinical decision-making and reviews technical parameters for optimal CEUS performance. CEUS techniques vary between centers, therefore, experts from EFSUMB, WFUMB and from the CEUS LI-RADS working group created a discussion forum to standardize the CEUS examination technique according to published evidence and best personal experience. The goal is to standardise the use and administration of UCAs to facilitate correct diagnoses and ultimately to improve the management and outcomes of patients

Methoden- und Werkzeugunterstützung für Ontologie-basierte Software-Entwicklung

Wiederverwendung wird in der Software-Technik eingesetzt, um sowohl Effizienz als auch die Qualität eines Produkts konstruktiv zu beeinflussen. Während einem Software-Projekt in den späten Phasen ausgereifte Techniken und Werkzeuge zur Verfügung stehen, fehlt weitgehend eine entsprechende Unterstützung bei der Untersuchung des Gegenstandsbereichs und der zugehörigen konzeptuellen Modellierung der Anforderungen. Dabei haben diese Aktivitäten einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf spätere Entwicklung und erfolgreiche Durchführung eines Software-Projekts. Um die Wiederverwendung auf der konzeptuellen Ebene zu ermöglichen, wird in dieser Arbeit zunächst eine Infrastruktur entwickelt, die mit Hilfe einer Domänen-Ontologie einen Wissens-Austausch zwischen den beteiligten Projekten erlaubt. Anschließend wird ein auf dieser Infrastruktur aufbauender Prozess zur Ontologie-Entwicklung definiert und seine Anbindung an die klassische oder agile Vorgehensmodelle beschrieben. Ergänzend dazu wird ein Werkzeug zur Prozessunterstützung vorgestellt

How to perform Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS).

"How to perform contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)" provides general advice on the use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) for clinical decision-making and reviews technical parameters for optimal CEUS performance. CEUS techniques vary between centers, therefore, experts from EFSUMB, WFUMB and from the CEUS LI-RADS working group created a discussion forum to standardize the CEUS examination technique according to published evidence and best personal experience. The goal is to standardise the use and administration of UCAs to facilitate correct diagnoses and ultimately to improve the management and outcomes of patients