Distributed systems : architecture-driven specification using extended LOTOS

The thesis uses the LOTOS language (ISO International Standard ISO 8807) as a basis for the formal specification of distributed systems. Contributions are made to two key research areas: architecture-driven specification and LOTOS language extensions. The notion of architecture-driven specification is to guide the specification process by providing a reference-base of pre-defined domain-specific components. The thesis builds an infra-structure of architectural elements, and provides Extended LOTOS (XL) definitions of these elements. The thesis develops Extended LOTOS (XI.) for the specification of distributed systems. XL- is LOTOS enhanced with features for the formal specification of quantitative timing. probabilistic and priority requirements. For distributed systems, the specification of these ‘performance’ requirements, ran be as important as the specification of the associated functional requirements. To support quantitative timing features, the XL semantics define a global, discrete clock which can be used both to force events to occur at specific times, and to measure Intervals between event occurrences. XL introduces time policy operators ASAP (as soon as possible’ corresponding to “maximal progress semantics") and ALAP (late as possible'). Special internal transitions are introduced in XL semantics for the specification of probability, Conformance relations based on a notion of probabilization, together with a testing framework, are defined to support reasoning about probabilistic XL specifications. Priority within the XL semantics ensures that permitted events with the highest priority weighting of their class are allowed first. Both functional and performance specification play important roles in CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) systems. The thesis uses a CIM system known as the CIM- OSA lntegrating Infrastructure as a case study of architecture-driven specification using XL. The thesis thus constitutes a step in the evolution of distributed system specification methods that have both an architectural basis and a formal basis

Performance management and the voluntary sector: A fine romance?

This research project considers the contribution that Performance Management principles and techniques have made to the voluntary sector’s growing requirement to provide services to the Public Service and in particular to how specialist palliative care providers have responded to the commissioning agenda in the new health care economy. The methodology adopted in this research uses a critical literature review and a small selection of semi-structured interviews to consider the introduction, implementation and effect of performance management and appraisal systems in the voluntary sector and the hospice movement. The main findings of this project suggest that there is more research needed to establish the effective contribution that the renewed interest in human resource management has made within the voluntary sector

Western Mercury (Sandwich)

Title Variations Western Mercury and Great South-western Railway Advocate Great South-western Railway Advocate Former Title British Canadian: the Western Mercury may be a continuation of the British Canadian. The two newspapers shared a business office. On page 2 of the Feb. 25, 1858 issue, the editor writes “All parties indebted to this office for the 1st vol., British Canadian or for printing, or advertising, are requested to make immediate payment.” The newspapers also share the same motto: Our country’s welfare first, and then, we stand by honest party men. Furthermore, the numbering of the Western Mercury seems to continue the numbering of the British Canadian. However, the two newspapers have different editors, different political perspectives (based on content in existing issues), and were published on different days. Publication Dates 1857: Nov.? (Vol. 2: no. 1) – 1859? This assumes a continuation in the numbering from the British Canadian. Frequency Weekly Online Holdings 1858: Feb. 18 (Vol. 2 : no. 14) 4p.1858: Feb. 25 (Vol. 2 : no. 15) 4p.1858: Mar. 25 (Vol. 2 : no. 19) 4p.1858: Apr. 15 (Vol. 2 : no. 22) 4p.https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/essexcountyontarionewspapers/1016/thumbnail.jp

Visual animation of LOTOS using SOLVE (extended version)

SOLVE (Specification using an Object-based, LOTOS-defined, Visual language) is designed to allow formal requirements capture, particularly for interactive systems. The SOLVE language is object-based, and formally defined using LOTOS (Language Of Temporal Ordering Specification). SOLVE is also a set of software tools that allow direct visual animation of systems specified in this language. Communicating objects control onscreen icons that can be manipulated directly by the user. Animation is supported by translating a SOLVE specification automatically into a LOTOS specification, and then simulating this using standard LOTOS tools. A VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) clock controller is used to illustrate the SOLVE approach. A further application is embodied in the XDILL tool that supports requirements specification and animation of digital logic circuits. The architecture of the SOLVE toolset is described

Specification and Animation of Reactive Systems

SOLVE (Specification using an Object-based, LOTOS-defined, Visual language) is designed to allow formal requirements capture, particularly for reactive systems. The SOLVE language is object-based, and formally defined using LOTOS (Language Of Temporal Ordering Specification). SOLVE is supported by tools that allow direct visual animation of systems specified in this language. Animation is supported by translating a SOLVE specification automatically into a LOTOS specification, and then graphically simulating this. A further application is embodied in the XDILL tool that supports requirements specification and visual animation of digital logic circuits. Several illustrative SOLVE examples are given