Combining Diagrams to Enhance Understanding: Forging a Common Language for Different World Views

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has become the de facto standard in object oriented systems design. It has, however, been subject to considerable criticism by analysts due to its complexity and inability to communicate complex systems models. This paper introduces ‘Modular UML,’ a modified presentation and communication format of the UML to more effectively understand multiple UML diagrams as a conceptual model of a complex system. The challenges modular UML are designed to address, the process of developing a modular UML set of exhibits, and an example are discussed

MolabIS: A Labs Backbone for Storing, Managing and Evaluating Molecular Genetics Data

Using paper lab books and spreadsheets to store and manage growing datasets in a file system is inefficient, time consuming and error-prone. Therefore, the overall purpose of this study is to develop an integrated information system for small laboratories conducting Sanger sequencing and microsatellite genotyping projects. To address this, the thesis has investigated the following three issues. First, we proposed a uniform solution using the workflow approach to efficiently collect and store data items in different labs. The outcome is the design of the formalized data framework which is the basic to create a general data model for biodiversity studies. Second, we designed and implemented a web-based information system (MolabIS) allowing lab people to store all original data at each step of their workflow. MolabIS provides essential tools to import, store, organize, search, modify, report and export relevant data. Finally, we conducted a case study to evaluate the performance of MolabIS with typical operations in a production mode. Consequently, we can propose the use of virtual appliance as an efficient solution for the deployment of complex open-source information systems like MolabIS. The major result of this study, along with the publications, is the MolabIS software which is freely released under GPL license at http://www.molabis.org. With its general data model, easy installation process and additional tools for data migration, MolabIS can be used in a wide range of molecular genetics labs

Formal Object Interaction Language: Modeling and Verification of Sequential and Concurrent Object-Oriented Software

As software systems become larger and more complex, developers require the ability to model abstract concepts while ensuring consistency across the entire project. The internet has changed the nature of software by increasing the desire for software deployment across multiple distributed platforms. Finally, increased dependence on technology requires assurance that designed software will perform its intended function. This thesis introduces the Formal Object Interaction Language (FOIL). FOIL is a new object-oriented modeling language specifically designed to address the cumulative shortcomings of existing modeling techniques. FOIL graphically displays software structure, sequential and concurrent behavior, process, and interaction in a simple unified notation, and has an algebraic representation based on a derivative of the π-calculus. The thesis documents the technique in which FOIL software models can be mathematically verified to anticipate deadlocks, ensure consistency, and determine object state reachability. Scalability is offered through the concept of behavioral inheritance; and, FOIL’s inherent support for modeling concurrent behavior and all known workflow patterns is demonstrated. The concepts of process achievability, process complete achievability, and process determinism are introduced with an algorithm for simulating the execution of a FOIL object model using a FOIL process model. Finally, a technique for using a FOIL process model as a constraint on FOIL object system execution is offered as a method to ensure that object-oriented systems modeled in FOIL will complete their processes based activities. FOIL’s capabilities are compared and contrasted with an extensive array of current software modeling techniques. FOIL is ideally suited for data-aware, behavior based systems such as interactive or process management software

El diseño modular en la creación de productos para prosumer

La evolución de los hábitos de consumo es uno de los principales retos sociales que deben afrontar los diseñadores de producto. Actualmente, existe una tendencia a que los usuarios finales se involucren en las fases de diseño y fabricación de sus productos. Factores como la fabricación ágil o la democratización del proceso creativo han favorecido la presencia de los usuarios prosumer (productores y consumidores). En este contexto, el diseño modular ofrece una serie de ventajas relacionadas con las necesidades de los prosumers que apenas se han utilizado para beneficiarlos. Su evolución se ha orientado a aspectos del desarrollo de producto que quedan ocultos al consumidor. La presente tesis doctoral analiza la relación actual y futura entre el diseño modular y el ámbito prosumer para establecer una serie de pautas que faciliten la creación de nuevos métodos de diseño en esta área. Para ello, el trabajo se estructura en cuatro fases: definición del estado del arte del diseño modular; caracterización del diseño modular; estudio del prosumer en la era actual; y propuesta y aplicación del modelo metodológico. Los resultados principales de la investigación ofrecen una definición aplicable del diseño modular, un detallado estudio de campo que muestra la realidad del prosumer actual y una propuesta metodológica de diseño modular orientada al prosumer.<br /