Transformations of Check Constraint PIM Specifications

Platform independent modeling of information systems and generation of their prototypes play an important role in software development process. However, not all tasks in this process have been covered yet, i.e. not all pieces of an information system can be designed using platform independent artifacts that are later transformable into the executable code. One of the examples is modeling of database check constraints, for which there is a lack of appropriate mechanisms to formally specify them on a platform independent level. In order to provide formal specification of check constraints at platform independent level, we developed a domain specific language and embedded it into a tool for platform independent design and automated prototyping of information systems, named Integrated Information Systems CASE (IIS*Case). In this paper, we present algorithms for transformation of check constraints specified at the platform independent level into the relational data model, and further transformation into the executable SQL/DDL code for several standard and commercial platforms: ANSI SQL-2003, Oracle 9i and 10g, and MS SQL Server 2000 and 2008. We have also implemented these algorithms in IIS*Case as a part of the process of generation of relational database schema

A DSL for PIM specifications: design and attribute grammar based implementation

IIS*Case is a model driven software tool that provides information system modeling and prototype generation. It comprises visual and repository based tools for creating various platform independent model (PIM) specifications that are latter transformed into the other, platform specific specifications, and finally to executable programs. Apart from having PIMs stored as repository definitions, we need to have their equivalent representation in the form of a domain specific language. One of the main reasons for this is to allow for checking the formal correctness of PIMs being created. In the paper, we present such a meta-language, named IIS*CDesLang. IIS*CDesLang is specified by an attribute grammar (AG), created under a visual programming environment for AG specifications, named VisualLIS

An attribute grammar specification of IIS*Case PIM concepts

IIS*Case is a model driven software tool that provides information system modeling and prototypes generation. It comprises visual and repository based tools for creating various platform independent model (PIM) specifications that are latter transformed into the other, platform specific specifications, and finally to executable programs. Apart from having PIMs stored as repository definitions, we need to have their equivalent representation in the form of a domain specific language. One of the main reasons for this is to allow for checking the formal correctness of PIMs being created. In the paper, we present such a meta-language, named IIS*CDesLang. IIS*CDesLang is specified by an attribute grammar (AG), created under a visual programming environment for AG specifications, named VisualLISA

A comparison of introductory programming courses between Portugal and Serbia

The goal of the study was to learn more about differences in academic performance, teaching, and assessment between introductory programming courses in Portugal and Serbia. Data about a selection of higher education courses were compiled and a comparison of student performance and methods employed in the classroom was performed. The obtained results are expected to serve as a basis for subsequent research on how to improve the current teaching practice in the two countries.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

C Tutor usage in relation to student achievement and progress: a study of introductory programming courses in Portugal and Serbia

Previous research studies on introductory programming courses in engineering education in Portugal and Serbia have indicated that although high motivation and high expectations seem to be reported by students, many students may fail the course. This prompted a further inquiry into student attitudes, behavior, and achievement, and it also led to the introduction of C Tutor, a widely known program visualization tool, into courses in both countries. As a result, in the present study, self‐reported student achievement (grades), self‐reported student progress (knowledge improvement and confidence), and self‐reported usage and helpfulness of C Tutor were investigated. Anonymous data about students and their experience in the course, which also included the usage of C Tutor, were collected in a survey in Portugal and Serbia. Quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics, clustering, statistical testing of independence, and partial correlation analysis, were applied in analyses of survey data. The distribution of grades differed between the two countries, but overall attitudes were similar. Various uncovered patterns involving student attitudes and usage of C Tutor may serve as a starting point for new research studies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

LED-based Vis-NIR spectrally tunable light source - the optimization algorithm

© 2016, The Author(s). Background: A novel numerical method for calculating the contributions of individual diodes in a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), aimed at simulating a blackbody radiation source, is examined. The intended purpose of the light source is to enable calibration of various types of optical sensors, particularly optical radiation pyrometers in the spectral range from 700 nm to 1070 nm. Results: This numerical method is used to determine and optimize the intensity coefficients of individual LEDs that contribute to the overall spectral distribution. The method was proven for known spectral distributions: “flat” spectrum, International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standard daylight illuminant D65 spectrum, Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide (HMI) High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp, and finally blackbody radiation spectra at various temperatures. Conclusions: The method enables achieving a broad range of continuous spectral distributions and compares favorably with other methods proposed in the literature

UDC 004.43 A Generator of SQL Schema Specifications

Abstract. IIS·Case is an integrated CASE tool that supports the automation and intelligent support of complex and highly formalized design and programming tasks in the development of an information system. IIS·Case, as a tool from the class of domain oriented design environments, generates relational database schemas in 3'd normal form with all relevant data constraints. SQl Generator is an IIS·Case tool that generates the implementation specification of a database schema according to ANSI SQl:2003 standard. The generator may also produce a database schema specification for Microsoft SQl Server or Orade DBMSs. The paper describes SQl Generator's traits, considers aspects of its application, and shows its use in the implementation of a complex database constraint using procedural mechanisms of a particular relational DBMS. SQl Generator is implemented in Java and Oracle JDeveloper environment. 1