Transforming SDL Diagrams into a Complete Visual Representation

We investigate a translation of SDL diagrams into the complete visual representation of Pictorial Janus (PJ) programs in order to analyze the specification by visual debugging and animation. We additionally introduce timing concepts to PJ (Timed PJ) for a mapping of the SDL timing statements. The concepts transforming SDL interaction and process diagrams into Timed PJ are outlined by an example sketching the transformation of an Ethernet CSMA/CD protocol specification

Integrating a Constraint Solver into a Real-Time Animation Environment

This article investigates the integration of an interactive constraint solver into an existing 2-D real-time animation environment in order to achieve a better observability, traceability, and stability of the individual graphical objects. We present two approaches for assigning constraints to the objects. The first approach assigns constraints to the objects when they are created keeping them stable during their entire life-time. The second approach dynamically changes constraints before the computation of each frame. The investigation is based on our practical experience with the complete visual programming language Pictorial Janus and the parallel constraint solver Parcon

Visual Modeling and 3D-Representation with a Complete Visual Programming Language --- A Case Study in Manufacturing

epresentation. Both are essential requirements since end users need other visualization techniques than experienced designers due to their different knowledge and interests. Considering complex systems in general and our example in particular we can identify the following requirements for modeling system prototypes: Complex systems require structuring concepts like modularity and hierarchy. System elements are usually characterized by dynamic behavior requiring adequate control structures for concurrency. Rapid prototyping additional requires declarative very high-level languages. Design aspects which are currently not in the designer's scope are to be hidden. Different parts of the system should be viewed at different abstraction levels, e.g., visual and textual notation. Expressive representations for all persons involved (designer, end user) should be provided.

Swimming speed alteration of larvae of Balanus amphitrite as a behavioural end-point for laboratory toxicological bioassays

n this study, we investigate the feasibility of developing a new behavioural toxicity bioassay (Swimming Speed Alteration test-SSA test) with larvae of Balanus amphitrite (Crustacea Cirripedia). This organism was chosen as a model for different reasons: it is present all over the world, simple to be reared, easily available, and also because barnacles play an important role in the coastal ecosystem. In addition, all the operations related to the rearing and test execution are comparatively cheap. This bioassay was performed with several classes of chemical pollutants (antifouling biocides, neurotoxic pesticides, and heavy metals) and with environmental samples (sediment elutriates). The measurement of swimming speed, by means of video-graphic techniques, proved to be a valid instrument in highlighting the sub-lethal levels of toxicity caused by the different tested samples. In conclusion, the SSA test is able to provide in a biomonitoring program a good behavioural integrated output, which is also repeatable, sensitive, easily interpretable, and truly representative of a broad range of toxic compounds and environmental toxic matrices which are, generally, very complex and difficult to analyse. For all of these reasons, it could be proposed as a non-specific behavioural end-point