1957-2007: 50 Years of Higher Order Programming Languages

Fifty years ago one of the greatest breakthroughs in computer programming and in the history of computers happened – the appearance of FORTRAN, the first higher-order programming language. From that time until now hundreds of programming languages were invented, different programming paradigms were defined, all with the main goal to make computer programming easier and closer to as many people as possible. Many battles were fought among scientists as well as among developers around concepts of programming, programming languages and paradigms. It can be said that programming paradigms and programming languages were very often a trigger for many changes and improvements in computer science as well as in computer industry. Definitely, computer programming is one of the cornerstones of computer science. Today there are many tools that give a help in the process of programming, but there is still a programming tasks that can be solved only manually. Therefore, programming is still one of the most creative parts of interaction with computers. Programmers should chose programming language in accordance to task they have to solve, but very often, they chose it in accordance to their personal preferences, their beliefs and many other subjective reasons. Nevertheless, the market of programming languages can be merciless to languages as history was merciless to some people, even whole nations. Programming languages and developers get born, live and die leaving more or less tracks and successors, and not always the best survives. The history of programming languages is closely connected to the history of computers and computer science itself. Every single thing from one of them has its reflexions onto the other. This paper gives a short overview of last fifty years of computer programming and computer programming languages, but also gives many ideas that influenced other aspects of computer science. Particularly, programming paradigms are described, their intentions and goals, as well as the most of the significant languages of all paradigms

Factors and Predictors of Online Security and Privacy Behavior

Assumptions and habits regarding computer and Internet use are among the major factors which influence online privacy and security of Internet users. In our study a survey was performed on 312 subjects (college students who are Internet users with IT skills) that investigated how assumptions and habits of Internet users are related to their online security and privacy. The following four factors of online security and privacy related behaviors were revealed in factor analysis: F1 – conscientiousness in the maintenance of the operating system, upgrading of the Internet browser and use of antivirus and antispyware programs; F2 –engagement in risky and careless online activities with lack of concern for personal online privacy; F3 – disbelief that privacy violations and security threats represent possible problems; F4 – lack of fear regarding potential privacy and security threats with no need for change in personal online behavior. Statistically significant correlations were found between some of the discovered factors on the one side, and criteria variables occurrence of malicious code (C1) and data loss on the home computer (C2) on the other. In addition, a regression analysis was performed which revealed that the potentially risky online behaviors of Internet users were associated with the two criteria variables. To properly interpret the results of correlation and regression analyses a conceptual model was developed of the potential causal relationships between the behavior of Internet users and their experiences with online security threats. An additional study was also performed which partly confirmed the conceptual model, as well as the factors of online security and privacy related behaviors

System for aiding visually impaired in graphical interfaces programming

Otkad su računala ušla u masovnu uporabu, postojala su nastojanja da se osobe oštećena vida uvedu u svijet programiranja. Međutim, ubrzani razvoj grafičkih sučelja u ovom području doveo je programere oštećena vida do točke u kojoj se više nisu mogli nositi s vizualnim aspektima novih programskih koncepata. Analizirajući trenutno stanje, može se doći do zaključka da je upravo oblikovanje grafičkih sučelja jedan od dominantnih problema programera oštećena vida koji traži adekvatno rješenje. U okviru ovog doktorskog rada provedeno je istraživanje o potrebi i ključnim karakteristikama koncepta i sustava koji bi doveli do rješenja problema programera oštećena vida u području oblikovanja grafičkih sučelja u domeni klasičnog stolnog programiranja. Temeljem provedenog istraživanja izrađen je konceptualni model sustava za pomoć osobama oštećena vida u razvoju grafičkih sučelja. Uz konceptualni model, razvijen je i funkcionalni sustav s novim deskriptivnim jezikom GUIDL (Graphical User Interface Description Language) kao centralnim dijelom koji omogućava programerima oštećena vida jednostavan i prilagođen način opisa grafičkih sučelja tekstualnim putem. Opisana sučelja je moguće u okviru razvijenog sustava prevesti u neku od aktualnih programskih tehnologija što u konačnici omogućava programerima oštećena vida da se uključe sa svojim idejama i radom u aktualne projekte. Nad razvijenim sustavom je provedeno testiranje koje je pokazalo da razvijeni konceptualni model i sustav predstavljaju uporabljivo rješenje za problem razvoja grafičkih sučelja za potrebe osoba oštećena vida.Since computers have entered into mass usage, there have been efforts to introduce visually impaired into the world of programming. These efforts have been successful and computers have brought a number of advantages for visually impaired, such as easier access to information, books and articles, easier communication, etc. Along with other advantages, computer usage has created new jobs for visually impaired. One of these jobs was programming and software design. Visually impaired programmers have been able to perform their jobs for years since all graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were based on text and developed assistive technology in the form of text to speech converters was sufficient for enabling visually impaired to produce computer code and develop programs. However, the rapid development of GUI in this area, has led the visually impaired programmers to the point where they could no longer cope with the visual aspects of new programming concepts. This transition did not come overnight, but is has soon become clear that existing assistive technology will not be able to cope with all of new graphical concepts. Analyzing current situation, it can be concluded that a visual programming and GUI design are the dominant problems for visually impaired programmers that need an adequate solution. In this doctoral thesis, several different approaches for solution of the problems mentioned are stated along with the discussion about the most effective solution that is proposed as the general solution. Existing efforts in solving the problems mentioned are also stated and described. The research about the need for this kind of solution and about its desired characteristics is also presented. Considering a review of existing efforts to solve this problem a new model is proposed, whose central part consists of a new description language GUIDL (Graphical User Interface Description Language) that enables visually impaired to create visual interfaces in a suitable and simple way using pure textual form. A graphic interface described in GUIDL language is translatable into a form supported by newer software development environments and programming languages in the field of classic desktop programming. In this way proposed solution enables visually impaired to be involved in the design part of the overall software design process

System for aiding visually impaired in graphical interfaces programming

Otkad su računala ušla u masovnu uporabu, postojala su nastojanja da se osobe oštećena vida uvedu u svijet programiranja. Međutim, ubrzani razvoj grafičkih sučelja u ovom području doveo je programere oštećena vida do točke u kojoj se više nisu mogli nositi s vizualnim aspektima novih programskih koncepata. Analizirajući trenutno stanje, može se doći do zaključka da je upravo oblikovanje grafičkih sučelja jedan od dominantnih problema programera oštećena vida koji traži adekvatno rješenje. U okviru ovog doktorskog rada provedeno je istraživanje o potrebi i ključnim karakteristikama koncepta i sustava koji bi doveli do rješenja problema programera oštećena vida u području oblikovanja grafičkih sučelja u domeni klasičnog stolnog programiranja. Temeljem provedenog istraživanja izrađen je konceptualni model sustava za pomoć osobama oštećena vida u razvoju grafičkih sučelja. Uz konceptualni model, razvijen je i funkcionalni sustav s novim deskriptivnim jezikom GUIDL (Graphical User Interface Description Language) kao centralnim dijelom koji omogućava programerima oštećena vida jednostavan i prilagođen način opisa grafičkih sučelja tekstualnim putem. Opisana sučelja je moguće u okviru razvijenog sustava prevesti u neku od aktualnih programskih tehnologija što u konačnici omogućava programerima oštećena vida da se uključe sa svojim idejama i radom u aktualne projekte. Nad razvijenim sustavom je provedeno testiranje koje je pokazalo da razvijeni konceptualni model i sustav predstavljaju uporabljivo rješenje za problem razvoja grafičkih sučelja za potrebe osoba oštećena vida.Since computers have entered into mass usage, there have been efforts to introduce visually impaired into the world of programming. These efforts have been successful and computers have brought a number of advantages for visually impaired, such as easier access to information, books and articles, easier communication, etc. Along with other advantages, computer usage has created new jobs for visually impaired. One of these jobs was programming and software design. Visually impaired programmers have been able to perform their jobs for years since all graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were based on text and developed assistive technology in the form of text to speech converters was sufficient for enabling visually impaired to produce computer code and develop programs. However, the rapid development of GUI in this area, has led the visually impaired programmers to the point where they could no longer cope with the visual aspects of new programming concepts. This transition did not come overnight, but is has soon become clear that existing assistive technology will not be able to cope with all of new graphical concepts. Analyzing current situation, it can be concluded that a visual programming and GUI design are the dominant problems for visually impaired programmers that need an adequate solution. In this doctoral thesis, several different approaches for solution of the problems mentioned are stated along with the discussion about the most effective solution that is proposed as the general solution. Existing efforts in solving the problems mentioned are also stated and described. The research about the need for this kind of solution and about its desired characteristics is also presented. Considering a review of existing efforts to solve this problem a new model is proposed, whose central part consists of a new description language GUIDL (Graphical User Interface Description Language) that enables visually impaired to create visual interfaces in a suitable and simple way using pure textual form. A graphic interface described in GUIDL language is translatable into a form supported by newer software development environments and programming languages in the field of classic desktop programming. In this way proposed solution enables visually impaired to be involved in the design part of the overall software design process

System for aiding visually impaired in graphical interfaces programming

Otkad su računala ušla u masovnu uporabu, postojala su nastojanja da se osobe oštećena vida uvedu u svijet programiranja. Međutim, ubrzani razvoj grafičkih sučelja u ovom području doveo je programere oštećena vida do točke u kojoj se više nisu mogli nositi s vizualnim aspektima novih programskih koncepata. Analizirajući trenutno stanje, može se doći do zaključka da je upravo oblikovanje grafičkih sučelja jedan od dominantnih problema programera oštećena vida koji traži adekvatno rješenje. U okviru ovog doktorskog rada provedeno je istraživanje o potrebi i ključnim karakteristikama koncepta i sustava koji bi doveli do rješenja problema programera oštećena vida u području oblikovanja grafičkih sučelja u domeni klasičnog stolnog programiranja. Temeljem provedenog istraživanja izrađen je konceptualni model sustava za pomoć osobama oštećena vida u razvoju grafičkih sučelja. Uz konceptualni model, razvijen je i funkcionalni sustav s novim deskriptivnim jezikom GUIDL (Graphical User Interface Description Language) kao centralnim dijelom koji omogućava programerima oštećena vida jednostavan i prilagođen način opisa grafičkih sučelja tekstualnim putem. Opisana sučelja je moguće u okviru razvijenog sustava prevesti u neku od aktualnih programskih tehnologija što u konačnici omogućava programerima oštećena vida da se uključe sa svojim idejama i radom u aktualne projekte. Nad razvijenim sustavom je provedeno testiranje koje je pokazalo da razvijeni konceptualni model i sustav predstavljaju uporabljivo rješenje za problem razvoja grafičkih sučelja za potrebe osoba oštećena vida.Since computers have entered into mass usage, there have been efforts to introduce visually impaired into the world of programming. These efforts have been successful and computers have brought a number of advantages for visually impaired, such as easier access to information, books and articles, easier communication, etc. Along with other advantages, computer usage has created new jobs for visually impaired. One of these jobs was programming and software design. Visually impaired programmers have been able to perform their jobs for years since all graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were based on text and developed assistive technology in the form of text to speech converters was sufficient for enabling visually impaired to produce computer code and develop programs. However, the rapid development of GUI in this area, has led the visually impaired programmers to the point where they could no longer cope with the visual aspects of new programming concepts. This transition did not come overnight, but is has soon become clear that existing assistive technology will not be able to cope with all of new graphical concepts. Analyzing current situation, it can be concluded that a visual programming and GUI design are the dominant problems for visually impaired programmers that need an adequate solution. In this doctoral thesis, several different approaches for solution of the problems mentioned are stated along with the discussion about the most effective solution that is proposed as the general solution. Existing efforts in solving the problems mentioned are also stated and described. The research about the need for this kind of solution and about its desired characteristics is also presented. Considering a review of existing efforts to solve this problem a new model is proposed, whose central part consists of a new description language GUIDL (Graphical User Interface Description Language) that enables visually impaired to create visual interfaces in a suitable and simple way using pure textual form. A graphic interface described in GUIDL language is translatable into a form supported by newer software development environments and programming languages in the field of classic desktop programming. In this way proposed solution enables visually impaired to be involved in the design part of the overall software design process

Learning about Business Intelligence - Challenges of the Visually Impaired

Modern business systems, especially those of middle and large size, generate a large amount of different data.This data is important for proper analysis, prediction of future trends or in other words for making various business decisions. The large amount of data that can be found in many different formats and in different technology can be stored on multiple locations that all refer to the same business system. Education about technology, such as various business organizations’business intelligence systems and data warehouses is important part of many higher education curriculums. However, since many business intelligence tools rely on various graphical representations of data they are not suitable for visually impaired students. In this paper a discussion about challenges that visually impaired students encounter when trying to learn about business intelligence is given along with directions for future research

Learning about Business Intelligence - Challenges of the Visually Impaired

Modern business systems, especially those of middle and large size, generate a large amount of different data.This data is important for proper analysis, prediction of future trends or in other words for making various business decisions. The large amount of data that can be found in many different formats and in different technology can be stored on multiple locations that all refer to the same business system. Education about technology, such as various business organizations’business intelligence systems and data warehouses is important part of many higher education curriculums. However, since many business intelligence tools rely on various graphical representations of data they are not suitable for visually impaired students. In this paper a discussion about challenges that visually impaired students encounter when trying to learn about business intelligence is given along with directions for future research

A Real-World Implementation of IoT Automobiles

Modern automobiles have many built-in sensors and electronic control units responsible for increasing safety, optimizing performance and improving occupant comfort. Along with this well-established uses of computing devices inside automobiles, there are two main research directions in further computerization of automobiles. One direction is aimed at creating vehicles that communicate with road infrastructure and other vehicles in ad hoc manner forming vehicular ad hoc network (VANET). The other research direction is expected to produce self-driving automobiles that can drive safely on the safe road together with regular automobiles. The research presented in this paper is focused on making regular automobiles connected to the Internet and thus becoming a part of the Internet of Things (IoT), with some motivating applications under consideration. In this paper a developed general architecture that enables automobiles to communicate with user applications by the help of an axillary computational infrastructure is presented and elaborated. A prototype based on the proposed architecture has been developed by putting embedded system inside an automobile. The developed system is supported by a suitable software and infrastructure that have also been developed as a part of the research. Driving tests with the prototype on real roads confirmed that proposed approach is feasible

Factors and Predictors of Online Security and Privacy Behavior

Assumptions and habits regarding computer and Internet use are among the major factors which influence online privacy and security of Internet users. In our study a survey was performed on 312 subjects (college students who are Internet users with IT skills) that investigated how assumptions and habits of Internet users are related to their online security and privacy. The following four factors of online security and privacy related behaviors were revealed in factor analysis: F1 – conscientiousness in the maintenance of the operating system, upgrading of the Internet browser and use of antivirus and antispyware programs; F2 –engagement in risky and careless online activities with lack of concern for personal online privacy; F3 – disbelief that privacy violations and security threats represent possible problems; F4 – lack of fear regarding potential privacy and security threats with no need for change in personal online behavior. Statistically significant correlations were found between some of the discovered factors on the one side, and criteria variables occurrence of malicious code (C1) and data loss on the home computer (C2) on the other. In addition, a regression analysis was performed which revealed that the potentially risky online behaviors of Internet users were associated with the two criteria variables. To properly interpret the results of correlation and regression analyses a conceptual model was developed of the potential causal relationships between the behavior of Internet users and their experiences with online security threats. An additional study was also performed which partly confirmed the conceptual model, as well as the factors of online security and privacy related behaviors

Java Applications Development Based on Component and Metacomponent Approach

Component based modeling offers new and improved approach to design, construction, implementation and evolution of software applications development. This kind of software applications development is usually represented by appropriate component model/diagram. UML, for example, offers component diagram for representation of this kind of model. On the other hand, metacomponents usage offers some new features which hardly could be achieved by using generic components. Firstly, implementation of program properties which are dispersed on different classes and other program units, i.e. aspects, is offered. This implies using automated process of assembling components and their interconnection for building applications, according to appropriate model offered in this paper, which also offers generic components usage. Benefits of this hybrid process are higher flexibility achieved by automated connection process, optimization through selective features inclusion and easier application maintenance and development. In this paper we offer an approach of application development based on hybrid component/metacomponent model. The component model is given by UML diagrams, while the metacomponent model is given by generator scripting model. We explain that hybrid approach on an example of Java Web application development