Software Engineering Research Articles

Developing and sustaining a student-driven software solutions center—An experience report

Traditional approaches to software engineering education often limit students’ exposure and engagement to real-world projects; thereby, failing to fully harness their potential and creativity. Yet, the dynamic and rapidly-advancing digital landscape means that there is a continuous need to empower students to become active participants, problem solvers, and innovators in delivering high-quality software solutions. Therefore, it is not surprising that fresh graduates are often ill-equipped to handle industrial projects. Existing approaches to exposing students to industrial projects such as internships or capstone projects have not achieved the desired result because industries are often reluctant to assign important tasks to interns, and a capstone project is likely to be discontinued by the student after completing the course. Furthermore, all the team members in a capstone project are usually inexperienced engineers, and this may limit mentorship opportunities for the students. This paper presents an experience report on the establishment and sustenance of a student-driven software solutions center named Information Technology Solutions Center (ITSC), a unit within the School of Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati. A student-driven solution center empowers students to drive the design, development, execution, and maintenance of software solutions for industrial clients. This exposes the students to real-world projects and ensures that students are fully prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing industrial landscape. The ITSC was established over a decade ago, has trained over 100 students, and executes about 20 projects annually with several industrial partners including Fortune 500 companies, government institutions, and research agencies. This paper discusses the establishment and maintenance of the center with the goal of motivating and providing a clear blueprint for computing programs that want to establish a similar student-driven software solutions center.

Retraction Note: Studying efficacy of traditional software quality parameters in quantum software engineering

Retraction Note: Studying efficacy of traditional software quality parameters in quantum software engineering

Research on the design and image perception of cultural landscapes based on digital roaming technology

The preservation and advancement of cultural heritage continue to present significant challenges, arising from conflicting objectives, concepts, methodologies, and limited resources. Image perception not only serves as an observational tool for cultural heritage but also as a research method to uncover deeper meanings and implications. To explore the complex dynamics of cultural heritage and address the risks of its deterioration, this study employed virtual engine software (Unity 2019) to create digital landscapes for immersive exploration. An image perception evaluation framework was established through field surveys and behavioral synthesis experiments across five key areas, including ancient tree ecosystems and architectural sites. Our findings revealed that participants showed the greatest interest in the ancient tree ecological area, indicating a strong attachment to historical continuity and natural progression. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis further demonstrated that participants experienced positive emotional responses, suggesting that well-designed cultural landscapes can enhance mental well-being and uplift mood. Additionally, participants expressed a strong willingness to discuss the ancient tree eco-region, with image perception playing a crucial role in motivating information sharing and driving conservation efforts. This study introduces an innovative model—Design Practice, Immersive Experience, and Image Perception Evaluation—which offers a new perspective for the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage sites.

A New Multi-Axial Functional Stress Analysis Assessing the Longevity of a Ti-6Al-4V Dental Implant Abutment Screw.

This study investigates the impact of tightening torque (preload) and the friction coefficient on stress generation and fatigue resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V abutment screw with an internal hexagonal connection under dynamic multi-axial masticatory loads in high-cycle fatigue (HCF) conditions. A three-dimensional model of the implant-abutment assembly was simulated using ANSYS Workbench 16.2 computer aided engineering software with chewing forces ranging from 300 N to 1000 N, evaluated over 1.35 × 107 cycles, simulating 15 years of service. Results indicate that the healthy range of normal to maximal mastication forces (300-550 N) preserved the screw's structural integrity, while higher loads (≥800 N) exceeded the Ti-6Al-4V alloy's yield strength, indicating a risk of plastic deformation under extreme conditions. Stress peaked near the end of the occluding phase (206.5 ms), marking a critical temporal point for fatigue accumulation. Optimizing the friction coefficient (0.5 µ) and preload management improved stress distribution, minimized fatigue damage, and ensured joint stability. Masticatory forces up to 550 N were well within the abutment screw's capacity to sustain extended service life and maintain its elastic behavior.

A Systematic Literature Review on Automated Software Vulnerability Detection Using Machine Learning

In recent years, numerous Machine Learning (ML) models, including Deep Learning (DL) and classic ML models, have been developed to detect software vulnerabilities. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive and systematic surveys that summarize, classify, and analyze the applications of these ML models in software vulnerability detection. This absence may lead to critical research areas being overlooked or under-represented, resulting in a skewed understanding of the current state of the art in software vulnerability detection. To close this gap, we propose a comprehensive and systematic literature review that characterizes the different properties of ML-based software vulnerability detection systems using six major Research Questions (RQs). Using a custom web scraper, our systematic approach involves extracting a set of studies from four widely used online digital libraries: ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. We manually analyzed the extracted studies to filter out irrelevant work unrelated to software vulnerability detection, followed by creating taxonomies and addressing RQs. Our analysis indicates a significant upward trend in applying ML techniques for software vulnerability detection over the past few years, with many studies published in recent years. Prominent conference venues include the International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE), the International Symposium on Software Reliability Engineering (ISSRE), the Mining Software Repositories (MSR) conference, and the ACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering (FSE), whereas Information and Software Technology (IST), Computers & Security (C&S), and Journal of Systems and Software (JSS) are the leading journal venues. Our results reveal that 39.1% of the subject studies use hybrid sources, whereas 37.6% of the subject studies utilize benchmark data for software vulnerability detection. Code-based data are the most commonly used data type among subject studies, with source code being the predominant subtype. Graph-based and token-based input representations are the most popular techniques, accounting for 57.2% and 24.6% of the subject studies, respectively. Among the input embedding techniques, graph embedding and token vector embedding are the most frequently used techniques, accounting for 32.6% and 29.7% of the subject studies. Additionally, 88.4% of the subject studies use DL models, with recurrent neural networks and graph neural networks being the most popular subcategories, whereas only 7.2% use classic ML models. Among the vulnerability types covered by the subject studies, CWE-119, CWE-20, and CWE-190 are the most frequent ones. In terms of tools used for software vulnerability detection, Keras with TensorFlow backend and PyTorch libraries are the most frequently used model-building tools, accounting for 42 studies for each. In addition, Joern is the most popular tool used for code representation, accounting for 24 studies. Finally, we summarize the challenges and future directions in the context of software vulnerability detection, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field.

The Role of Spatial Ability in Academic Success: The Impact of the Integrated Hybrid Training Program in Architecture and Engineering Higher Education

Spatial ability (SA) is a critical cognitive skill across various disciplines, particularly in architecture and engineering. This research, comprising two main studies, investigates the relationship between SA and academic performance among first-year students. The first study examines the impact of the targeted Integrated Hybrid Training (IHT) SA intervention on the achievements of two main groups: engineering (electrical, software, and chemical) students and architecture students. The results indicate that, while the intervention significantly improved SA, the impact on academic performance varied. Architecture students, whose curriculum relies heavily on spatial reasoning, showed significant gains in courses such as studio design, with higher SA scores correlating with improved grades. Engineering students exhibited SA improvement without corresponding gains in the first-year core courses like calculus and physics. The second study focuses on architecture students who did not receive the intervention, revealing a strong positive correlation between inherent SA and success in architecture-specific courses. Correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.46 to 0.67, with adjusted p-values between 0.007 and 0.024, underscoring SA’s importance in architecture. These findings suggest that integrating SA training into architectural education can enhance academic performance, while disciplines might benefit from specialized SA training introduced or expanded in later years. This research contributes to educational theory by demonstrating SA’s impact across disciplines and supports the development of customized SA training programs. Future studies should explore long-term benefits, advanced SA training technologies, and individual differences in response to spatial interventions, providing insights for curriculum development in spatially demanding fields.

Time Efficient & Cost Effective Online teaching tool with iConcepts in Orthodontics for DDS students @ UoM

Background Traditional teaching methods in Orthodontics include plaster models and photos which have been used for decades, however due to the nature of being static still images its difficult for 3-Dimensional (3D) changes in Orthodontics teaching, which has posed immense challenges as the learner is unable to clear concepts on the different planes that affect the final tooth positions not to mention the protracted treatment time ranges from 12 months (simple cases) to 36 months (complex cases). In 2024 with variety of platforms such as videos, 3D animations, interactive changes in face and teeth can be added to teaching tools for Orthodontics. Furthermore, orthodontic movements can pose difficulty in understanding the changes particularly in growing children adding to the 4th dimension. At UQ (Naser-ud-Din, 2015) and internationally (Bridges, 2015) provided experience with creating online teaching modules highlighting its strengths of flexibility, ease of access on demand and global presence. UQ developed SBLi -Scenario Based Learning interactive for Postgraduate Orthodontic students who found it highly engaging, with self-reflective and self-assessment elements useful. (Khoo et al., 2023; Naser-ud-Din, 2016). Generally simulations can be expensive to create (Kröger et al., 2017) and it’s essential to explore cost effective simulation teaching tools with industry partners for authentic learning experience. Aims There is a gap in the dental education sector, particularly with emerging CADCAM (Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacture), which can be used to enhance the learning of core concepts in biomechanics with the aid of 3D simulated online learning. This is reflected particularly for the university students in undergraduate courses who need to feel confident and clinically ready on graduation as Dentists. Thus, greater expectations to be aligned with current technological processes in dentistry. Over the past 5 years, in particular, there has been exponential improvements by the industry providing 3D simulations for treatment planning and patient communication, commonly referred to as the GPS for smile transformations. The aim of this presentation is to highlight the time efficiency and cost effectiveness of the learning tool in sync with contemporary demands in Orthodontics to provide authentic learning platform that prepares the clinician for real patients. Material & Methods Currently the CAD CAM technology provide 3D simulations as open access to general public and doctors portal which can be utilized for teaching core concepts related to biomechanics foundations for student learning, engagement and self-assessment. This project envisages to create a novel forum encompassing education revolution as massive changes in delivery will occur with speed and efficiency internationally with onlinelearning demands. Hence, robust online presence with an interactive textbook such as iConcepts in Orthodontics under the banner of UoM to assist students in Doctor of Dental Surgery at MDS shall pave the way to learning needs for the future. Results The purpose of iConcepts a digital interactive online textbook is to create lifelong learning opportunities in safe space for visual, auditory and kinesthetic with quizzes for interactive learning of concepts without pressure in class learning and feeling judged by peers. Interactive 3D Orthodontic learning directly translates into clinical applications for various orthodontic cases. In the past decade CAD CAM has become clinically relevant particularly with Clear Aligner Therapy adding to higher precision and patient satisfaction. Moreover, it is imperative to have Long Term Retention (LTR) (Irvine, 2020) of learning new tasks. It is essential that students in dentistry are aware of the digital workflows and have clinical preparedness on graduation as it’s the future and certainly here to stay. Both qualitative and quantitative data on student experience shall be collected and analysed to seek out the best practices and processes for instruction of delivery in Orthodontics for DDS cohort in particular and lifelong learning for all ages in general encompassing time efficiency and cost effectiveness. Conclusion The current iConcepts is developed by the author with Apple Education and prototype is being assessed with MSc Data Science cohort at UoM. Furthermore, it is refined by Master of Science Software Engineering students at UoM. Future Recommendations Novel teaching tools shall be marketed to developing universities internationally assisting the dissemination of information a flagship for UoM and revenue generation for department of Education at UoM. In future there will be more and more demand towards interactive concepts clarification (Poblete et al., 2020) and self-assessments hence iConcepts provides that ideal platform. Such technologies will become more prevalent in the future particularly with AI and translated into different languages/ sectors of education. Various faculties that showcase start to finish particularly lengthy/complex outcomes can benefit with timelapse videos and 3D CADCAM for clarity and comprehension for the entire process such as patient journey throughout treatment in Orthodontics.

Possible Productivity Effects On Software Engineers by Advanced Artificial Intelligence

Within the past few years, starting from the greater public use of AI from the recent “AI Boom,” ChatGPT or AI-Language Model equivalents have been making their way into software and other computer science-related work environments for developers and software engineers to use without significant financial cost. In this paper, we often mention the word “productivity,” so it is important to know how we measure this: we measure productivity in lines of code (LOC) to gauge the raw amount of coding done, bug resolutions done by developers to measure the reviewing of code, and customer satisfaction to measure the quality of the code, then combine all of these into “overall productivity.” In this paper, we will examine the effects on productivity that these Large Language Models (LLMs) have had on software engineering or other similar jobs.

A Multimodal conceptual framework to achieve automated software evolution for context-rich intelligent applications

AbstractWhile AI is extensively transforming Software Engineering (SE) fields, SE is still in need of a framework to consider overall all phases to facilitate Automated Software Evolution (ASEv), particularly for intelligent applications that are context-rich instead of conquering each division independently. Its complexity comes from the intricacy of the intelligent applications, the heterogeneity of the data sources, and the constant changes in the context. This study proposes a conceptual framework for achieving automated software evolution, emphasizing the importance of multimodality learning. A Selective Sequential Scope Model (3 S) model is developed based on the conceptual framework, and it can be used to categorize existing and future research when it covers different SE phases and multimodal learning tasks. This research is a preliminary step toward the blueprint of a higher-level ASEv. The proposed conceptual framework can act as a practical guideline for practitioners to prepare themselves for diving into this area. Although the study is about intelligent applications, the framework and analysis methods may be adapted for other types of software as AI brings more intelligence into their life cycles.

Enhancing Automated Peer Code Reviews in Software Engineering Education with Context-Aware Generative AI

This study investigates the enhancement of peer code reviews in software engineering education through the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) with contextual awareness. Previous implementations of GenAI, such as ChatGPT, lacked detailed context about the educational content and assessment goals, limiting their effectiveness. Our work-in-progress research addresses this gap by providing GenAI with additional static and dynamic contextual information, including project overviews, pull-request descriptions, and comments. In a controlled study involving 26 students from a 12-week software engineering course, we compared the efficacy of the original GenAI system with a context-enhanced version. Results demonstrated that the context-aware GenAI provided more accurate and useful feedback, as perceived by the students. These findings suggest that incorporating contextual information improves the quality of automated peer reviews, offering a promising tool for educators to enhance student learning and engagement in code review activities.

Advancing Neuro-diagnostics through Virtual Reality (VR) Development of Immersive Tools for the Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative and Cognitive Disorders

This research aims to transform neurodiagnostic methodologies by employing Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool for the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The approach leverages VR-based, patient-centric simulations designed to assess cognitive and motor functions within realistic, immersive environments. By integrating machine learning algorithms, these simulations capture detailed motor and cognitive biomarkers, allowing for nuanced analysis and early identification of subtle neurodegenerative indicators. In clinical settings, the VR framework has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool, offering enhanced engagement and precision over traditional methods. Key advancements include VR-based cognitive testing frameworks that simulate real-life tasks, significantly aiding in assessing memory, spatial orientation, and executive functions, and VR tools for motor function evaluation that incorporate tasks like gait analysis to detect early motor impairment linked to Parkinson's disease. Through interdisciplinary collaborations with neurologists, software engineers, and AI experts, we have clinically validated these VR tools and demonstrated their efficacy in various clinical trials against standard neuropsychological assessments. Ultimately, this research underscores the potential of VR and AI to contribute to a paradigm shift in the early diagnosis and intervention of neurodegenerative disorders.

An Operational Quality Model of Embedded Software Aligned with ISO 25000

Embedded systems omnipresent in everyday life and industry are mainly composed of hardware and software that must comply with a number of standards and regulations. However, there is no consensus on the quality characteristics and subcharacteristics of embedded software. This article presents the steps for modeling an operational quality model for embedded software aligned with the ISO 25000 series of quality models for traditional computer systems. From a literature review composed of 40 studies on quality modeling for embedded systems and software, 85 of the most frequent quality characteristics and subcharacteristics were first identified, including a subset of 16 referenced or cited in at least 25% of the literature. Next, the design of a quality model for embedded software aligned with the ISO 25000 series was proposed with 13 characteristics and 27 subcharacteristics. The operational aspect of this quality model for embedded software is addressed next through a set of measures and measurement functions from ISO 25000 to aggregate the results of the quantification of the characteristics and subcharacteristics. A survey involving 25 embedded software specialists is presented next to gauge, using Fleiss's Kappa criteria, their agreement with the proposed quality model. Furthermore, the computed importance weights derived from the survey participants’ individual opinions were compared with those derived from an analysis of 40 embedded software studies, bolstering the credibility of the model. The results of this study suggest that the proposed quality model can serve as a framework for evaluating and understanding the quality characteristics across diverse expertise levels. Furthermore, the convergence between the survey and the literature strengthens the model's credibility by anchoring it in both established literature and practitioners’ agreements.

EcoSound-web: an open-source, online platform for ecoacoustics.

Passive acoustic monitoring of soundscapes and biodiversity produces vast amounts of audio recordings, but the management and analyses of these raw data present technical challenges. A multitude of software solutions exist, but none can fulfil all purposes required for the management, processing, navigation, and analysis of acoustic data. The field of ecoacoustics needs a software tool that is free, evolving, and accessible. We take a step in that direction and present ecoSound-web: an open-source, online platform for ecoacoustics designed and built by ecologists and software engineers. ecoSound-web can be used for storing, re-sampling, organising, analysing, and sharing soundscape recording or metadata projects. Specifically, it allows manual annotation of soniferous animals and soundscape components, automatic annotation with deep-learning models for all birds and for UK bat species, peer-reviewing annotations, analysing audio in time and frequency dimensions, computing alpha acoustic indices, and providing reference sound libraries for different taxa. We present ecoSound-web's structure and features, and describe its operation for typical use cases such as sampling bird and bat communities, using a primate call library, and the analysis of soundscape components and acoustic indices. ecoSound-web is available from: https://github.com/ecomontec/ecoSound-web.

Empowering student entrepreneurship skills: A software engineering course for innovation and real-world impact

Empowering student entrepreneurship skills: A software engineering course for innovation and real-world impact

The Pervasive Impact of Software Engineering and Architecture: A Multi-Industry Analysis

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the ubiquitous role of software engineering and architecture across diverse industries in the modern digital landscape. Through a combination of literature review, industry case studies, and expert interviews, we examine how core software engineering principles—such as scalability, security, user experience, and data management—are applied and adapted in sectors ranging from e-commerce and fintech to healthcare, transportation, media, manufacturing, and government services. Our findings reveal both common challenges and industry-specific innovations in areas such as blockchain technology, telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, and industrial IoT. We also explore emerging trends, including the integration of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and quantum computing, and their potential impact on future software architectures. Furthermore, this article addresses critical ethical considerations and societal implications, including data privacy, job displacement, and the digital divide. By synthesizing these multifaceted perspectives, we provide valuable insights for both industry practitioners and academic researchers, highlighting the transformative power of software engineering in shaping the technological foundations of contemporary society and identifying key areas for future research and development.

Penerapan Model Incremental Delivery pada Pengembangan Aplikasi Sistem Informasi Hotel Cipta Jakarta

Along with the development of the times, we see many hotels experiencing changes. A change that is rarely reviewed as a news topic is the software overhaul that occurs in hotels from offline to online systems. Lay people only see changes in hotels from a visible perspective, without having to know whether the hotel's system and system applications have changed. One of the factors in system development at Hotel Cipta is the need for hotel management to prioritize the development of system applications from offline to online systems, even web-based. It is not easy to overhaul an existing system application compared to creating a new system application. There are several software engineering methods and models that are commonly used to analyze system needs and design systems in the software development process. One of them is the incremental delivery model. This makes it interesting to try to apply the incremental delivery model to the development of the Hotel Cipta information system application by taking place at the Hotel Cipta on KH. Wachid Hasyim Street, Central Jakarta. In this study, the object of research is the Front Office department.

Integrating AI into Agile Workflows: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract: Over the past few years, Agile development approaches have become an increasingly popular methodology for software engineering, focused on iterative progress, continuous feedback, and teamwork cooperation. However, the raising difficulties of projects and more demand for faster and more efficient workflows have challenged the situation further. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence into the Agile processes paves the way to optimize decision-making, automate routine tasks, and boost team productivity. This review summarizes the innovations and challenges created by the integration of AI into Agile development practices. Using AI technologies like machine learning, predictive analysis, and natural language processing, Agile teams can enhance sprint planning, resource coordination, and risk management. Also, it presents some risks such as data privacy, workforce skills need, and possible over-dependence of AI. The paper emphasizes on providing a full overview of the innovations and challenges to the application of AI in Agile workflows, providing thoughts for future research and practices.

An optimized and efficient multiuser data sharing using the selection scheme design secure approach and federated learning in cloud environment

An optimized and efficient multiuser data sharing using the selection scheme design secure approach and federated learning in cloud environment

Corporate Technology for the Implementation of an Automated System: Functional, Technological and Methodological Aspects

The purpose of the study is to form a methodological justification for the pedagogical model of the individual trajectory of professional development of bachelors and masters for the implementation of the stages of creating an automated system based on the principles of continuity and experimental verification of its application in the educational process of the university in accordance with the requirements of IT departments, vendors and employers. It is shown that there is a gap between the socio-economic order for the training of IT specialists with high professional competence in the field of information systems and the insufficient level of targeted formation of their readiness to implement the stages of creating automated systems. In addition, the lack of methods and practical recommendations for the implementation of such systems in the context of maximum preservation of corporate standards and taking into account the requirements of Russian legislation, as well as specialists competent in these matters, determined the feasibility of conducting the study in two aspects - functional-technological and pedagogical.Methods and materials. The key methods are structural-functional and process modeling, interactive methods of organizing the educational process (project method, etc.). The research materials include a functional model for developing a corporate technology for implementing an automated system in the form of a function tree.Results. The results present a model of causes and factors determining the success of the projects for the implementation of the automatization systems. The role of the factor “qualification of the performing team” and the possibilities of the educational environment of the university to influence this factor are considered. The pedagogical aspect of the research problem is determined by the methodological justification for conducting students’ project work within a number of disciplines for training bachelors and masters in the field of “Applied Informatics”. The description of the structure and requirements for students’ projects gives an idea of the level of formed competencies, their consistency with the work functions of specialists in the field of information systems.Conclusion. At this stage of work on the research problem, its dual nature was determined. On the one hand, modern IT projects require their own technologies and management methodologies, which should change from project to project, so it is important to have practical recommendations for the development of corporate technology for the implementation of an automated system. On the other hand, one of the success factors of the project for the implementation of an automated system is the “Project Implementation Team”, its level of qualification. This factor is successfully determined and influenced by educational institutions responsible for training specialists in this field. In this direction, the project method plays a key role. It ensures the development of communication skills, the ability to independently pose a problem and develop a way to solve it together. Methodological aspects and practical results, generalizing the pedagogical model for training bachelors in the field of creating automated systems presented in the paper, as well as the development of corporate technology for the implementation of information systems, were reflected in three electronic multimedia educational publications: “Portfolio of Software Engineering Projects”, “Theory and Practice of IS Implementation”, “Theory and Practice of IS Maintenance”.

Knowledge and Awareness about Stress Level Perceived by Software Engineers and its Correlation with Gingival Status

Objectives : The objective of this study is to Analyze Stress level perceived and its correlation with gingival status in Information Technology workers and to create an awareness and spread knowledge on the stress level perceived by software engineers and its correlation with Oral Hygiene in general.Methodology : 500 IT professionals were provided with health questionnaires and Gingival index was clinically evaluated and recorded. Statistical analysis done with SPSS Software for log and assessing the data collected.Results : Sample set contained 59.2% male and 40.8% female. The results of the study indicated a mean negative gingival status of 2.51 with a standard deviation of 2.51 compared to the perceived stress level of 1.97 with a standard deviation of 0.507. Conclusion : Age and gingival status could be an important but not the only explanatory factors for perceived stress among the Information technology workers. Perceived stress levels could be high amongst the productive age group of 26 to 45 years which also faces a lot of social expectations and societal obligations.