ITNG 2022 19th International Conference on Information Technology-New Generations

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Software Engineering

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 1. Cross-Platform Blended Modelling with JetBrains MPS and Eclipse Modeling Framework

      Malvina Latifaj, Hilal Taha, Federico Ciccozzi, Antonio Cicchetti

      Abstract

      Modelling tools traditionally focus on one specific editing notation (such as text, diagrams, tables or forms), providing additional visualisation-only notations. For software-intensive systems with heterogeneous components and entailing different domain-specific aspects and different stakeholders, one editing notation is too little and voids many modelling benefits. Seamless blended modelling, which allows stakeholders to freely choose and switch between graphical and textual notations, can greatly contribute to increase productivity as well as decrease costs and time to market. In this paper we describe our work in bridging two powerful (meta) modelling platforms: Eclipse Modeling Framework, for the definition of tree-based and graphical DSMLs and models conforming to them, and JetBrains MPS, for the description of textual DSMLs and the projectional manipulation of textual models via multiple views. The possibility to visualise and edit the same information in these two platforms, otherwise disjoint, can greatly boost communication between stakeholders, who can freely select their preferred notation or switch from one to the other at any time.

   3. Chapter 2. A Conceptual Framework for Software Modeling of Automation Systems

      Mohammad Ashjaei, Alessio Bucaioni, Saad Mubeen

      Abstract

      In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework to facilitate the design and development of an automation system in which time-sensitive networking (TSN) is utilized for the backbone network and OPC UA is used for modeling of data exchange over TSN. As the configuration of OPC UA over TSN in a large automation setup can be a challenging task and requires specific expertise, we propose to add an abstract modeling layer that adopts the concepts of model-based development and component-based software engineering to facilitate the development of these systems. The proposed conceptual model can be automatically translated to the OPC UA modeling format. Such a modeling view will significantly reduce the complexity of OPC UA configurations, specially in large automation systems. Another benefit of the proposed framework is that the engineers, who do not have high levels of expertise in OPC UA, will be able to easily configure the OPC UA nodes in the automation system that utilize TSN for backbone communication.

   4. Chapter 3. Virtual Reality Multiplayer Interaction and Medical Patient Handoff Training and Assessment

      Christopher Lewis, Daniel Enriquez, Lucas Calabrese, Yifan Zhang, Steven J. Anbro, Ramona A. Houmanfar, Laura H. Crosswell, Michelle J. Rebaleati, Luka A. Starmer, Frederick C. Harris.Jr

      Abstract

      Virtual worlds have the potential to mirror many aspects of real life. Immersive virtual worlds constructed through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) are useful in simulating the technology, equipment, and practices of many different fields. In the medical field, VR can be heavily relied upon to circumvent a wide variety of tools, human resources, and other objects that may be limited or difficult to procure at any given time. As a result, the goal of this research was to develop a low-stakes virtual environment (VE) in which medical students could practice developing skills necessary to their profession. As such, this environment needed to mirror, as closely as possible, an environment the medical students would see frequently during their practice. The result of this work is an application for use in patient handoffs, a situation where patient care is transferred from one medical professional to another. In order to achieve this, this work created a multiplayer VR environment with an immersive virtual world simulating standardized patient rooms and standard mediums of communication and interaction between users. While doing so, a framework was developed as the need for VR multiplayer, VR with voice communication, and a VR interaction system was seen to be needed for future VR multiplayer applications. This framework can be used to construct more applications for communication fueled environments, like the patient handoff.

   5. Chapter 4. A Tool for Syntactic Dependency Analysis on the Web Stack

      Manit Singh Kalsi, Kevin A. Gary, Vasu Gupta, Suddhasvatta Das

      Abstract

      One of the most common errors developers make is to provide incorrect string identifiers across the HTML5-JavaScript-CSS3 stack. The existing literature shows that a significant percentage of defects observed in real-world codebases belong to this category. Existing work focuses on semantic static analysis, while this paper attempts to tackle challenges that can be solved using syntactic static analysis. While semantic state analysis is more powerful, it creates a greater computational burden on tool processing while simple static analysis may be computed faster, allowing for better integration in inline syntax-highlighting marker in a user interface or a quick pass through large codebases. This paper proposes a tool for quickly identifying defects at the time of injection due to dependencies between HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3, specifically in syntactic errors in string identifiers. The proposed solution reduces the delta (time) between defect injection and discovery with the use of a dedicated just-in-time syntactic string identifier resolution tool. The solution focuses on modeling the nature of syntactic dependencies across the stack, and providing a tool that helps developers discover such dependencies. This tool was validated against a set of real-world codebases to analyze the significance of these defects.

   6. Chapter 5. Using Software for Computational Fluid Dynamics and Molecular Dynamics

      Jeena Shetti, Stefan Pickl, Doina Bein, Marian Sorin Nistor

      Abstract

      The paper surveys the current state-of-the-art at promising US companies dedicated to drug discovery using computational methods. Computational fluid dynamics and molecular dynamics are only two methods that can be adapted to drug discovery using computational methods. Drug discovery is promising with the improvements in computer power and algorithms and is likely to play a more critical role.

   7. Chapter 6. Blended Modeling Applied to the Portable Test and Stimulus Standard

      Muhammad Waseem Anwar, Malvina Latifaj, Federico Ciccozzi

      Abstract

      Blended modeling is an emerging trend in Model-Driven Engineering for complex systems. It enables the modeling of diverse system-related aspects through multiple editing notations seamlessly, interchangeably, and collaboratively. Blended modeling is expected to significantly improve productivity and user-experience for multiple stakeholders. Case-specific solutions providing blended modeling, to a certain extent, for domain specific languages have been provided in the last few years. Nevertheless, a generic and language-agnostic full-fledged blended modeling framework has not been proposed yet.

      In this paper, we propose a comprehensive and generic blended modeling framework prototype that provides automated mechanism to generate graphical and textual notations from a given domain-specific modeling language. Moreover, it offers a flexible editor to get expert’s feedback on the mapping between graphical and textual notations. The proposed prototype is validated through a proof-of-concept on the Portable test and Stimulus Standard use-case. Our initial results indicate that the proposed framework is capable of being applied in different application scenarios and dealing with multiple domain-specific modeling standards.

   8. Chapter 7. An Evaluation Framework for Modeling Languages Supporting Predictable Vehicular Software Systems

      Enxhi Ferko, Igli Jasharllari, Alessio Bucaioni, Mohammad Ashjaei, Saad Mubeen

      Abstract

      Handling the software complexity of modern vehicular systems has become very challenging due to their non-centralized nature and real-time requirements that they impose. Among many software development paradigms for these systems, model-based development excels for several reasons including its ability to verify timing predictability of software architectures of these systems using pre-runtime timing analysis techniques. In this work, we propose a comprehensive framework that captures the timing related information needed for the modeling languages to facilitate these timing analyses. We validate the applicability of the framework by comparing two modeling languages and their respective tool-chains, Rubus-ICE and APP4MC, that are used for software development in the vehicle industry. Based on our results, both modeling languages support the design and analysis of vehicle software, but with different. Both modeling languages support time-, event- and data-driven activation of software components and modeling of single- and multi-rate transactions. Amalthea targets applications on single nodes with multi-core architectures while RCM focuses on single-core single-node and distributed embedded systems with ongoing work for supporting single-node multi-core architectures. In comparison to Amalthea, RCM provides a generic message model which can easily be re-modeled according to protocol-specific properties.

   9. Chapter 8. A Model-Based Approach for Quality Assessment of Insulin Infusion Pump Systems

      Tássio Fernandes Costa, Álvaro Sobrinho, Lenardo Chaves e Silva, Leandro Dias da Silva, Angelo Perkusich

      Abstract

      Insulin infusion pumps are safety-critical systems that require the approval of regulatory agencies before commercialization to prevent hazard situations. Nowadays, many recalls are reported for insulin infusion pump systems, motivating the usage of a formal model-based approach to improve quality. However, the usage of such approaches increases costs and development time. Thus, this study aims to assist the quality assessment of such systems cost-effectively and time-efficient. We defined a coloured Petri nets model-based approach and conducted a case study on the ACCU-CHEK Spirit system to verify and validate a reference model, describing quality assessment scenarios. We also conducted an empirical evaluation of the approach with 12 modelers to verify productivity and reusability. Using the approach, 66.7% of the modelers stated no effort, while 8.3%, stated low effort, 16.7% medium effort, and 8.3% considerable effort. Given such results, we developed a web-based application to assist modelers in re-using the proposed approach. The usage of the approach can decrease development time and thus costs, increasing confidence in quality attributes such as safety and effectiveness.

   10. Chapter 9. Narrowing the Gap Between Software Engineering Teaching and Corporate Environment

       Marcelo A. M. da Conceicao, Oswaldo S. C. Neto, Andre B. Baccarin, Luan H. S. Dantas, Joao P. S. Mendes, Vinicius P. Lippi, Gildarcio S. Gonçalves, Adilson M. Da Cunha, Luiz A. Vieira Dias, Johnny C. Marques, Paulo M. Tasinaffo

       Abstract

       Currently, there is a gap between university education in the area of software engineering and the corporate and industrial environment. In this way, it is necessary to explore new learning models to transmit complex knowledge more quickly and interconnect these different environments. For that, the STEPES-BD was developed on the first half of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this project, the students have put into practice some concepts from three different undergrad and graduate courses of Computer and Electronic Engineering in the Area of Informatics of the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica – ITA) in Brazil. To approach these different worlds, it was used the Interdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning (IPBL), the Scrum Framework (SF), and also several emerging Information Technologies of public domain. This article aims to present the main results obtained by students in just one semester of 17 weeks, in a collaborative and cooperative manner, allowing them to implement a computer system prototype to help solve a real-world problem of managing health information for the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this article, it is described how the IPBL, the SF, its ceremonies, roles, and artifacts were adapted. The assessment of students experience in the STEPES-BD Project was carried out using the Tuckman Model, extracting quantitative and qualitative results, comparing the results achieved with related works, and acquiring students’ perceptions through project-end questionnaires.

   11. Chapter 10. API-First Design: A Survey of the State of Academia and Industry

       Nicole Beaulieu, Sergiu M. Dascalu, Emily Hand

       Abstract

       The evolution of distributed and cloud-based systems has led the computing community to converge on Microservice Architecture (MSA) as a preferred solution to distributed software design. Established design methodologies applied to MSA (e.g., Data-, Model-, and Domain-Driven Design) assist in decision-making about business capacity and functionality encapsulated by the microservice. An expected result of microservice design is a well-defined Application Programming Interface (API) that facilitates the access of microservice and system capabilities. However, even with the extensive documentation and defined frameworks guiding practitioners in their execution of MSA, challenges exist in defining and exposing clean APIs. Further, the industry’s current focus on maximizing business capacities exposed by distributed systems emphasizes the importance of improving API design and implementation. To this end, API-First Design is emerging as a viable approach to MSA and API design. API-First principles suggest that all capabilities of an organization and its systems are exposed via an API and that the foundation of system design is the definition of clear and well-defined APIs. A significant challenge associated with API-First Design lies in the infancy of the topic and the necessity for peer-reviewed research defining guidelines for adoption and a baseline for future research. This paper seeks to move the state of the API-First Design methodology forward by exploring publications of the academic community and grey literature available on the topic. The paper concludes with a discussion about future research opportunities that may advance the understanding and adoption of API-First Design.

3. Data Science & Engineering

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 11. A Quality Dimension Analysis of Open Government Data in Undergraduate Public Funding in Brazil

      Marcelo Moreira West, Glauco de Figueiredo Carneiro

      Abstract

      This paper describes the conduction of a tutorial to characterize the experience with dealing with nonconformities of open government data. The goal was to analyze data quality to identify limitations and errors relative to the use of open government data from the viewpoint of researchers and users in the context of Brazilian Student Financing (FIES). We planned the tutorial in seven steps to analyze the FIES data quality dimensions and present the results of difficulties and challenges faced by the participants.

   3. Chapter 12. A Survey of Real-Time ETL Process Applied to Data Warehousing Environments

      Flávio de Assis Vilela, Ricardo Rodrigues Ciferri

      Abstract

      ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load) is an essential process required to perform data extraction from data sources, transforming the extracted data into an integrated format and loading the integrated data into a data warehouse. Moreover, the ETL process can be performed in a real-time way. This paper presents a survey of real-time ETL process applied to data warehousing environments. The related studies were collected by means of a systematic review conducted by a methodological protocol. Moreover, we grouped the studies by categories, which had not been made before in the literature. The results showed that we have a wide range of opening opportunities of original research, as there are a lot of initial ideas and in turn they have not yet been tested, validated, and compared to related work.

   4. Chapter 13. Participatory Modeling: A New Approach to Model Graph-Oriented Databases

      Luis A. Neumann, Enzo Seraphim, Otávio A. O. Carpinteiro, Edmilson M. Moreira

      Abstract

      This article presents a new method for modeling graph databases using the entity-relationship model. We analyze four modeling techniques available in the literature, identify the strengths and weaknesses of each one, and propose a method that minimizes the query path while maintaining the clustering base. We performed practical tests on graph bases resulting from these models. The innovation of the new proposal is the participation of the database designer who, through their knowledge of the application’s business rules, interferes in the most appropriate type of mapping in the final model.

   5. Chapter 14. Graph-Based Hierarchical Record Clustering for Unsupervised Entity Resolution

      Islam Akef Ebeid, John R. Talburt, Md Abdus Salam Siddique

      Abstract

      Here we study the problem of matched record clustering in unsupervised entity resolution. We build upon a state-of-the-art probabilistic framework named the Data Washing Machine (DWM). We introduce a graph-based hierarchical 2-step record clustering method (GDWM) that first identifies large, connected components or, as we call them, soft clusters in the matched record pairs using a graph-based transitive closure. That is followed by breaking down the discovered soft clusters into more precise entity profiles in a hierarchical manner using an adapted graph-based modularity optimization method. Our approach provides several advantages over the original implementation of the DWM, mainly a significant speed-up, increased precision, and overall increased F1 scores. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach using experiments on multiple synthetic datasets. Our results also provide some evidence of the utility of graph theory-based algorithms despite their sparsity in the literature on unsupervised entity resolution.

   6. Chapter 15. Semantic-MDBScan: An Approach to Assign a Semantic Interpretation to Behavior Changes Detected in Data Stream Scenarios

      Eldane Vieira Júnior, Rita Maria Silva Julia, Elaine Ribeiro Faria

      Abstract

      A great variety of real-world problems can be satisfactorily solved by automatic agents that use adaptive learning techniques conceived to deal with data stream scenarios. The success of such agents depends on their ability to detect changes and on using such information to conveniently adapt their decision-making modules. Several detecting change methods have been proposed, with emphasis on the M-DBScan algorithm, which is the basis of this proposal. However, none of these methods is able to capture the meaning of the identified changes. Thus, the main contribution of this work is to propose an extended version of M-DBScan, called Semantic-MDBScan, with such ability. The proposed approach was validated through artificial datasets representing distinct scenarios. The experiments show that Semantic-MDBScan in fact achieves the intended goal.

   7. Chapter 16. A Study on Usability Assessment of Educational Systems

      Heber Miranda Floriano, Mario Jino, Ferrucio de Franco Rosa

      Abstract

      With the massive use of e-learning and Learning Management Systems (LMS) in the education domain, the development of methods and techniques for evaluating the usability of systems is required. This is a critical and important task, as different user profiles interact with educational systems. For example, teachers and students of different ages and limitations (cognitive or physical) demand user-friendly systems. We present a systematic literature review, describing and comparing works that address the usability and accessibility assessment of e-learning and m-learning systems. The study provides a current view of the available methodological resources, in addition to pointing out gaps in the literature. This review is aimed at researchers seeking to improve the interface of educational systems.