Model-based tool for Tactical Data Links

Ajit, S., Holmes, C., Johnson, J., Kolovos, D. S. and Paige, R. F. (2017) Model-based tool support for Tactical Data Links: an experience report from the defence domain. Software & Systems Modeling. 16(2), pp. 559-586. 1619-1366

DOI: 10.1007/s10270-015-0480-2

Abstract
The Tactical Data Link (TDL) allows the exchange of information between cooperating platforms as part of an integrated command and control (C2) system. Information exchange is facilitated by adherence to a complex, message-based protocol defined by document-centric standards. In this paper, we report on a recent body of work investigating migration from a document-centric to a model-centric approach within the context of the TDL domain, motivated by a desire to achieve a positive return on investment. The model-centric approach makes use of the Epsilon technology stack and provides a significant improvement to both the level of abstraction and rigour of the network design. It is checkable by a machine and, by virtue of an MDA-like approach to the separation of domains and model transformation between domains, is open to integration with other models to support more complex workflows, such as by providing the results of interoperability analyses in human-readable domain-specific reports conforming to an accepted standard.

More information can be found at: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/7750/

All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Academic teaching-based research 2017 part 1

The recent 13th China Europe Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE) held in Athens, Greece 24-25th May 2017 provided the Computing Academic team an opportunity to present some their work in teaching computing. In the picture above going left to right Thomas Butler, Liz Coulter-Smith, Suraj Ajit, Scott Turner and Ryan Edwards.



Details of three of the six papers presented can be found below.


1.Changing minds: multitasking during lectures.
Coulter-Smith, L. (2017) 

Abstract: Multitasking students is a common topic amongst academics. Many studies focus on how students multitask while this study investigates why students multitask in formal lectures. A questionnaire was used to discover student perceptions around multitasking amongst computing students. The results indicate most students are adequately motivated to improve their multitasking behaviour if it influences their grades. Results show that most students claimed boredom as a significant reason for multitasking in class. This study suggests we inform students about the effects of multitasking as it relates to their academic achievement.

To find out more click here. 


2. The answers not on the screen
Hill, G., Turner, S. J. and Childs, K. (2017) 

Abstract: Reflection from two areas on the issues of getting students in Higher Education (HE) to become better problem-solvers earlier. Asks some questions about should HE increase the use of unplugged activities? If so, is there any evidence that it will help? What lessons can HE learn from what is happening in Primary Schools? What can schools learn from what is and has happened in HE teaching of programming and problem-solving?

To find out more click here.



3. Experience of using spreadsheets as a bridge in the understanding of AI techniques.
Turner, S. J. (2017) 

Abstract: Spreadsheets have and are being used as valuable tools in a variety of subjects including Engineering. Providing a tool for simulating and exploring models. In this paper, their role in allowing students to explore two AI approaches, basic neuron, and a simple genetic algorithm, is considered.

To find out more click here.


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Blockchain, we have someone for that

There has been a growing interest in the idea of electronic-based cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and the underlying technology of Blockchain.  This Blockchain technology is based around the use of a distributed database for a growing list of records, called blocks, so a chain of blocks. The distributed nature and that the blocks are in a chain, where a change in one block early in effects ripples down the chain, improves the security from tampering and revision. The video below is, in my view, a good introduction to the idea. 


The Computing team has a teamed up with CCEG Blockchain UN Lab to look explore a number of Blockchain projects and ideas.



1. AI Wallet - Dr Suraj Ajit
An  Artificial Intelligence Wallet, based around Bot technology ideas,  that would help someone make personalised informed business decisions and transactions within the Seratio blockchain. The AI Bot inspired digital wallet would recommend products, processes, suppliers to individuals and organisations based on personal preferences.
To read more about this project go to AI Wallet.

2. Blockchain as a Solution for Connected Health Services - Dr Ali Al-Sherbaz

Blockchain solution is to strengthen cooperation between health providers and technical companies by enabling the exchange of health data to enable more efficient and adaptive health care delivery. 

To read more about this project go to Blockchain as a Solution for Connected Health Services.

3. Transparent Public Engagement – Could Blockchain help? - Dr Scott Turner

 Could Blockchain be used to increase the transparency of records of public engagement by Universities? By making the records more transparent and open impact can more easily be verified.
To read more about this idea go to Transparent Public Engagement – Could Blockchain help?

Also one of the Computing has team contributed to Blockchain Educational Passport paper on the use of Blockchain for educational use. To read more on this paper go to Blockchain Educational Passport: Decentralised Learning Ledger (DLL).




All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Student perceptions of different assessment modes in computer programming courses

Student perceptions of different assessment modes in computer programming courses

Suraj Ajit

Assessment in HE Conference, Birmingham, UK, 23-24 June 2015

Abstract

Assessment is a process of measuring the extent to which students have fulfilled the expected learning outcomes for a course/module. There are many assessment strategies adopted by universities across the world for computer programming. They include written examination (closed book, open book), lab examination, multiple-choice/short-answer exams (paper or computer based), course work (or assignments) and oral examination. Again, the format, level and types of questions asked vary across universities. Assessment can take many forms, and it can be argued that the greater the diversity in the methods of assessment, the fairer, assessment is to students (Race 2007). The most effective form of assessment is one that appropriately examines the learning outcomes of the module. Assessment methods are also known to play an important role in how students learn (Brown 2004). The traditional assessment approach, in which one single written examination counts towards a student's total score, no longer meets new demands of programming language education (Wang, Li et al. 2012). Because computer programming is problem-solving oriented and very practical, the assessment of programming learning performance is challenging. The conventional assessment is not easy to be adapted to various new developments in computer programming education. This paper reports on the experience of adopting several assessment methods across programming modules for computing courses at the University of Northampton. In order to evaluate the assessment strategies from the students' perspective, a survey questionnaire was developed and distributed among a selected sample of final year computing course students. The paper discusses the results obtained from this survey. In particular, the paper compares the obtained results with that of other research performed in the same discipline as well as other disciplines. The key research questions the paper attempts to address are as follows:

1. What is the most effective assessment method for programming modules from a students' point of view?

2. How do student perceptions of computing (programming) assessments compare with that of other disciplines? Is programming any different?

3. How do the student performances relate to their perceptions of the assessment methods?

Citation:

Ajit, S. (2015) Student perceptions of different assessment modes in computer programming courses. Other presented to:Assessment in HE Conference, Birmingham, UK, 24-25 June 2015.


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Some recent publications - Computing - University of Northampton

A selection of publications from 2015

1. Ajah, S., Al-Sherbaz, A., Turner, S. J. and Picton, P. (2015) Machine–to–machine communications energy efficiencies: the implications of different M2M communications specifications. International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing (IJWMC).8(1), pp. 15-26. 1741-1084.
2. Ajit, S. (2015) Student perceptions of different assessment modes in computer programming courses. Other presented to:Assessment in HE Conference, Birmingham, UK, 24-25 June 2015.
3. Ajit, S., Holmes, C., Johnson, J., Kolovos, D. S. and Paige, R. F. (2015) Model-based tool support for Tactical Data Links: an experience report from the defence domain. Software & Systems Modeling. 1619-1366. (In Press)
4. Ajit, S., Olajubu, O., Thomson, S. and Edwards, M. (2015) Model transformation of high-level requirements in a domain specific language into a formal specification language. Paper presented to: 15th International Workshop on Automated Verification of Critical Systems (AVOCS 2015), Edinburgh, 01-04 September 2015.
5. Al-Khalil, A. B., Turner, S. J. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2015) A predefined channel coefficients library for vehicle-to-vehicle communications. In: Rak, J., Mas Machuca, C., Oki, E., Papadimitriou, D., Vinel, A. and Walkowiak, K. (eds.) Proceedings of 2015 7th International Workshop on Reliable Networks Design and Modeling (RNDM). Munich, Germany: IEEE. 9781467380508. pp. 335-340.
6. Al-Khalil, A. B., Turner, S. J. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2015) Utilising SCM – MIMO channel model based on V-BLAST channel coding in V2V communication. In: Kassab, M., Berbineau, M., Vinel, A., Jonsson, M., Garcia, F. and Soler, J. (eds.) Communication Technologies for Vehicles: 8th International Workshop, Nets4Cars/Nets4Trains/Nets4Aircraft 2015, Sousse, Tunisia, May 6-8, 2015. Proceedings. Sousse, Tunisia: Springer International Publishing. 9783319177649. pp. 3-11.
7. Al-Sadi, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Xue, J. and Turner, S. J. (2015) The management of the future internet. Workshop presented to: 8th Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Postgraduate Research Conference 2015: Innovation, Manchester Metropolitan University, 05 November 2015.
8. Baalsrud-Hauge, J. M., Stanescu, I. A., Arnab, S., Ger, P. M., Lim, T., Serrano-Laguna, A., Lameras, P., Hendrix, M., Kiili, K.,Ninaus, M., de Freitas, S., Mazzetti, A., Dahlbom, A. and Degano, C. (2015) Learning through analytics architecture to scaffold learning experience through technology-based methods. International Journal of Serious Games. 2(1), pp. 29-44. 2384-8766.
9. Dravid, R., Bates, J. and Sinclair, J. M. (2015) Capturing student voice: developing a peer-to-peer forum for student engagement on transnational programmes. Paper presented to: 5th Quacquarelli Symonds Middle East and North Africa Professional Leaders in Education (QS-MAPLE) Conference and Exhibition, Doha, Qatar, 05-07 May 2015.
10. Olajubu, O., Ajit, S., Johnson, M., Turner, S. J., Thomson, S. and Edwards, M. (2015) Automated test case generation from domain specific models of high-level requirements. In: Proceedings of the 2015 Conference on Research in Adaptive and Convergent Systems. New York, NY, USA: ACM. 9781450337380. pp. 505-508.
11. Sadkhan, S., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Mohammed, R. (2015) Chaos based cryptography for voice encryption in wireless communication. In: International Conference on Electrical, Communication, Computer, Power, and Control Engineering (ICECCPCE). Iraq: IEEE. pp. 191-197.
12. Sidoumou, M. R., Turner, S. J., Picton, P., Bechkoum, K. and Benatchba, K. (2015) Multitasking in Emotion Modelling Attention Control. In: Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction (ACII). Xi'an, china: IEEE. 978-1-4799-9953-8/15.
13. Turner, S. J. (2015) Enhancing computing student employability skills through partnership working in STEM outreach. Paper presented to: 11th China - Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE 2015), Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ), Germany, 29-30 April 2015.

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Model-Based Tool Support for Tactical Data Links: An Experience Report from the Defence Domain

(2015) Ajit, S, Holmes, C, Johnson, J, Kolovos, D, Paige, R: Model-Based Tool Support for Tactical Data Links: An Experience Report from the Defence Domain. Software and Systems Modeling, DOI 10.1007/s10270-015-0480-2, ISSN: 1619-1366, Springer Berlin Heidelberg. 

Abstract:
The Tactical Data Link (TDL) allows the exchange of information between cooperating platforms as part of an integrated command and control (C2) system. Information exchange is facilitated by adherence to a complex, message-based protocol defined by document-centric standards. In this paper, we report on a recent body of work investigating migration from a document-centric to a model-centric approach within the context of the TDL domain, motivated by a desire to achieve a positive return on investment. The model-centric approach makes use of the Epsilon technology stack and provides a significant improvement to both the level of abstraction and rigour of the network design. It is checkable by a machine and, by virtue of an MDA-like approach to the separation of domains and model transformation between domains, is open to integration with other models to support more complex workflows, such as by providing the results of interoperability analyses in human-readable domain-specific reports conforming to an accepted standard.

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10270-015-0480-2

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Dr Suraj Ajit: Recent Publications

ConEditor: Tool to Input and Maintain ConstraintsSuraj Ajit, Derek Sleeman, David W Fowler, David KnottDOI:Ajit, S., Sleeman, D., Fowler, D. W. and Knott, D. (2004) ConEditor: Tool to Input and Maintain Constraints. In: EKAW 2004. pp. 466-468.Source: OAIABSTRACT We present a tool which helps domain experts capture and maintain constraints. The tool displays parts of an ontology (as classes, sub-classes and properties) in the form of a tree. A number of keywords and operators from a constraint language are also listed. The tool helps a user to create a constraint expression. Additionally, the tool has a facility which allows the user to input tabular data. The expressed constraints can be converted into a standard format, making them portable. It is planned to integrate this tool, ConEditor, with Designers’ Workbench, a system that supports human designers.



Acquisition and Maintenance of Constraints in Engineering Design. InSuraj Ajit, Derek Sleeman, David W Fowler, David Knott, Kit HuiDOI:Ajit, S., Sleeman, D., Fowler, D. W., Knott, D. and Hui, K. (2005) Acquisition and Maintenance of Constraints in Engineering Design. In. In: KCAP-05. pp. 173-174.Source: OAIABSTRACT The Designers' Workbench is a system, developed by the Advanced Knowledge Technologies (AKT) consortium to support designers in large organizations, such as Rolls- Royce, by making sure that a design is consistent with the specification for the particular design as well as with the company’s design rule book(s). Currently, to capture the constraint information, a domain expert (design engineer) has to work with a knowledge engineer to identify the constraints, and it is then the task of the knowledge engineer to encode these into the Workbench's knowledge base (KB). This is an error prone and time consuming task. It is highly desirable to relieve the knowledge engineer of this task, and so we have developed a tool, ConEditor, that enables domain experts themselves to capture and maintain these constraints. The tool allows the user to combine selected entities from the domain ontology with keywords and operators of a constraint language to form a constraint expression. We hypothesize that to apply constraints appropriately, it is necessary to understand the context in which each constraint is applicable. We refer to this as "application conditions". We plan to make these application conditions machine interpretable and investigate how they, together with a domain ontology, can be used to support the verification and maintenance of constraints.



Capture and Maintenance of Engineering Design ConstraintsSuraj Ajit, Derek Sleeman, David W Fowler, David Knott, Kit HuiDOI:Ajit, S., Sleeman, D., Fowler, D. W., Knott, D. and Hui, K. (2005) Capture and Maintenance of Engineering Design Constraints. In: Research and Development in Intelligent Systems, Springer.Source: OAI


The role of ontologies in creating and maintaining corporate knowledge: a case study from the aero industryDerek Sleeman, Suraj Ajit, David W Fowler, David KnottDOI:Sleeman, D., Ajit, S., Fowler, D. W. and Knott, D. (2006) The role of ontologies in creating and maintaining corporate knowledge: a case study from the aero industry. In: FOMI-06 Workshop.Source: OAIABSTRACT The Designers’ Workbench is a system, developed to support designers in large organizations, such as Rolls-Royce, by making sure that the design is consistent with the specification for the particular design as well as with the company’s design rule book(s). The evolving design is described against a jet engine ontology. Currently, to capture the constraint information, a domain expert (design engineer) has to work with a knowledge engineer to identify the constraints, and it is then the task of the knowledge engineer to encode these into the Workbench’s knowledge base (KB). This is an error prone and time consuming task. It is highly desirable to relieve the knowledge engineer of this task, and so we have developed a tool, ConEditor+ that enables domain experts themselves to capture and maintain these constraints. The tool allows the user to combine selected entities from the domain ontology with keywords and operators of a constraint language to form a constraint expression. Further, we hypothesize that to apply constraints appropriately, it is necessary to understand the context in which each constraint is applicable. We refer to this as “application conditions”. We show that an explicit representation of application conditions, in a machine interpretable format, along with the constraints and the domain ontology can be used to support the verification and maintenance of constraints.



ConEditor+: Capture and Maintenance of Constraints in Engineering DesignSuraj Ajit, Derek Sleeman, David W Fowler, David Knott, Kit HuiDOI:Ajit, S., Sleeman, D., Fowler, D. W., Knott, D. and Hui, K. (2007) ConEditor+: Capture and Maintenance of Constraints in Engineering Design. In: IJCAI-07 Workshop on Knowledge Management and Organizational Memories. pp. 6-11.Source: OAIABSTRACT The Designers' Workbench is a system, developed to support designers in large organizations, such as Rolls-Royce, by making sure that the design is consistent with the specification for the particular design as well as with the company’s design rule book(s). Currently, to capture the constraint information, a domain expert (design engineer) has to work with a knowledge engineer to identify the constraints, and it is then the task of the knowledge engineer to encode these into the Workbench's knowledge base (KB). This is an error prone and time consuming task. It is highly desirable to relieve the knowledge engineer of this task, and so we have developed a tool, ConEditor+ that enables domain experts themselves to capture and maintain these constraints. The tool allows the user to combine selected entities from the domain ontology with keywords and operators of a constraint language to form a constraint expression. Further, we hypothesize that to apply constraints appropriately, it is necessary to understand the context in which each constraint is applicable. We refer to this as "application conditions". We show that an explicit representation of application conditions, in a machine interpretable format, along with the constraints and the domain ontology can be used to support the verification and maintenance of constraints.



Constraint capture and maintenance in engineering designSuraj Ajit, Derek Sleeman, David W Fowler, David KnottDOI:Ajit, S., Sleeman, D., Fowler, D. W. and Knott, D. (2008) Constraint capture and maintenance in engineering design. AI for Engineering Design, Analysis & Manufacturing, 22 . pp. 325-343.Source: OAIABSTRACT The Designers' Workbench is a system, developed by the Advanced Knowledge Technologies (AKT) consortium to support designers in large organizations, such as Rolls-Royce, to ensure that the design is consistent with the specification for the particular design as well as with the company's design rule book(s). In the principal application discussed here, the evolving design is described against a jet engine ontology. Design rules are expressed as constraints over the domain ontology. Currently, to capture the constraint information, a domain expert (design engineer) has to work with a knowledge engineer to identify the constraints, and it is then the task of the knowledge engineer to encode these into the Workbench's knowledge base (KB). This is an error prone and time consuming task. It is highly desirable to relieve the knowledge engineer of this task, and so we have developed a system, ConEditor+ that enables domain experts themselves to capture and maintain these constraints. Further we hypothesize that in order to appropriately apply, maintain and reuse constraints, it is necessary to understand the underlying assumptions and context in which each constraint is applicable. We refer to them as “application conditions” and these form a part of the rationale associated with the constraint. We propose a methodology to capture the application conditions associated with a constraint and demonstrate that an explicit representation (machine interpretable format) of application conditions (rationales) together with the corresponding constraints and the domain ontology can be used by a machine to support maintenance of constraints. Support for the maintenance of constraints includes detecting inconsistencies, subsumption, redundancy, fusion between constraints and suggesting appropriate refinements. The proposed methodology provides immediate benefits to the designers and hence should encourage them to input the application conditions (rationales).

Related

• Dr Ali Al-Sherbaz: Mobile
• Dr Scott Turner- robots, genetic algorithms and pr...
• Dr James Xue: distributed and cloud computing
• Dr Yinghui Zhang: haptics and virtual reality
• Gary Hill: solving problems
• Dr Suraj Ajit: Recent Publication