Meta Model Research Articles

The Pragmatic Metamodel of Communication: A cultural approach to interaction

This essay proposes a Pragmatic Metamodel of Communication (PMC) for expanding the practical role of metatheory (a theory of theories), conceived here as a useful tool for directly analyzing interpersonal interactions. Traditionally, metatheory has been used in an epistemological way (e.g., for the organization of knowledge) rather than in a practical way. However, starting from the traditions of thought proposed by Craig in his article Communication theory as a field, this essay argues and illustrates that metatheory can also be useful for making direct analysis of communication and enriching, at the same time, our understanding of communicative conflicts. This challenge is answered by the PMC, a (meta)model articulated on three levels: culture (shared values), dialectical tensions (contradictions that are primary forces in relationships) and metacommunication (talk about communication).

Feature Modeling and Variability Modeling Syntactic Notation Comparison and Mapping

Feature Model (FM) became an important role in Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) field. Many approaches have been introduced since the original FM came up with Feature Oriented Domain Analysis (FODA) introduced by Kang in 1990. The main purpose of FM is used for commonality and variability analysis in domain engineering, to optimize the reusable aspect of software features or components. Cardinality-based Feature Model (CBFM) is one extension of original FM, which integrates several notations of other extensions. In CBFM, feature model defined as hierarchy of feature, with each of feature has a cardinality. The other notation to express variability within SPLE is Orthogonal Variability Model (OVM). At the other hand, OMG as standard organization makes an effort to build standard generic language to express the commonality and variability in SPL field, by initiate Common Variability Language (CVL). This paper reports the comparison and mapping of FODA, CBFM and OVM to CVL where need to be explored first to define meta model mapping of these several approaches. Furthermore, the comparison and mapping of those approaches are discussed in term of R3ST (read as “REST”) software feature model as the case study.

Применение информационных технологий (генетические алгоритмы, нейронные сети, параллельные вычисления) в анализе безопасности АЭС

This paper investigates important issues in three types of safety assessment methodologies commonly applied for Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). These methodologies are i) dynamic probabilistic safety assessment (DPSA) where application of genetic algorithm (GA) is shown to improve the efficiency of the analysis, ii) deterministic safety assessment (DSA) with meta model representation of the system using pre-performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and iii) vulnerability search (e.g. identification of accident scenarios in an NPP) with application of neural network (NN). The use of advanced computational tools and methods such as genetic algorithms, neural networks and parallel computations improve the efficiency of safety analysis. To achieve the best effect, these advanced technologies are to be integrated with existing classical methods of safety analysis of the NPP.

Combining a SysML-based Modeling Approach and Semantic Technologies for Analyzing Change Influences in Manufacturing Plant Models

During the lifecycle of mechatronic manufacturing systems, repeatedly exchanges of different system elements have to be conducted. These system elements can be either single discipline-specific components, or modules composed of components or further modules. In order to ensure the elements’ compatibility and the system's functionality, which must comply with the specification after the exchange, a model-based analysis of the change influences is presented in this paper. A SysML-based modeling approach is combined with the formal representation of the model in an OWL ontology to conduct the required compatibility check. By that, the disciplines involved in the engineering process, e.g. mechanics, electrics/electronics and software, can be modeled and taken into account for the analysis of change influences. Thus, this paper contributes to the domain of manufacturing systems by providing a meta model for the interdisciplinary modeling of manufacturing systems on the one hand and by defining a corresponding formal representation intended to ensure system elements’ compatibility on the other hand.

Parameter optimization for the oxidative coupling of methane in a fixed bed reactor by combination of response surface methodology and computational fluid dynamics

A resource and time saving method is introduced for optimizing fixed bed reactors by the combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and CFD simulation. This is demonstrated for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) based on the reaction kinetics by Stansch et al. (1997). Firstly, a parameter screening is performed to identify the power factors modified reaction time, heating temperature and CH4 to O2 ratio. Secondly, utilizing Central Composite Design, meta models for the most interesting responses are developed, i.e. C2 selectivity and yield as well as CH4 conversion. The statistical models describe the characteristics of the responses over a wide range. Thirdly, an optimization of C2 yield is carried out using RSM. The maximum is detected to be approx. 14% and validated by three dimensional CFD simulations. In the investigated parameter space the optimized parameter conditions are found for a feed composition of 20% nitrogen, 26.7% oxygen, 53.3% methane (CH4 to O2 ratio of 2), a modified reaction time of 61kgs/m3 and a heating temperature of 801.5°C.

데이터흐름도(DFD)의 SysML 다이어그램으로의 변환에 관한 연구

과학기술의 발전으로 인해서 현대의 시스템은 과거에 비해 대형화되고 복잡화되었다. 복잡한 시스템 개발에서 복잡도를 줄이기 위한 방법으로 모델기반 시스템엔지니어링(MBSE)이 다양한 분야에서 적용되고 있다. 하지만 다양한 언어를 통하여 모델링이 이루어지고 있으므로, 개발 프로세스에 따른 산출물의 일관성 및 이해관계자간의 의사소통에 문제가 발생하고 각 MBSE 도구의 지원 다이어그램의 차이에 따라 산출물의 표현이 제한되기 때문에 그 효과성이 부족하다. 본 논문에서는 전통적 다이어그램의 하나인 데이터흐름도(DFD)를 SysML의 다이어그램으로 변환하는 법칙을 연구함으로써 이미 구축된 모델들을 재사용하여 SysML로 구축될 수 있도록 한다. 특히, 각 다이어그램의 메타모델(Meta Model)을 분석하고, 이분그래프를 통해 각 구성요소의 연결 관계를 확인하여 변환의 근거를 마련하고 무결성을 확인하며 보다 효과적인 변환 법칙을 제시하고 있다. 또한 위 내용을 함정전투체계설계에 적용해 봄으로써 그 효과성을 확인한다. 본 연구의 결과를 기반으로 향후 추가연구를 수행하면, 이미 구축된 시스템 개발과정에서 산출된 모델들을 SysML 을 이용하여 일관성 있게 표현할 수 있을 것 이다. 그리하여 산출물의 일관성을 높이고 이해관계자간의 의사소통을 원활하게 함으로써, SysML을 이용한 효과적인 모델기반시스템엔지니어링(MBSE)에 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다. Due to science and technology evolutions, modern systems are becoming larger and more complex. In developing complex systems, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), which is approach to reduce complexity, is being introduced and applied to various system domains. However, because of the modeling being made through a variety of languages, there is a problem with communication within the stakeholders and a lack of consistency in the models. In this paper, by investigating the rule explaining the transformation of one of the only traditional diagrams, DFD, to SysML and reusing the formerly built models, we attempt to implement by SysML. Analyzing each diagram's Metamodel and validating the connection of each component through bipartite graph especially suggest an effective transformation rule. Also, by applying to naval-combat system, we confirm efficiency of this study. Establishing the results of this study as basis for conducting further study, we will be able to transform other previous models gained from formerly built system to SysML. In this way, the stakeholder's communication can be improved and we anticipate that the application of SysML will be beneficial to the much efficient MBSE.

Definition of the service in the local government in CR that uses process management

The article discusses a definition of service in the local government in CR that uses process management as part of the EA meta model.. This definition is a follow up of the analysis regarding effective local government in CR that is based on process management usage together with the enterprise architecture elements. Service definition in this article is regarding the logic of creation of business service in the proposed EA meta model, definition of business service against the definition of ICT service and putting local government service in the wider context of service catalog for public administration.

Modeling Concern Spaces Using Multi Dimensional Separation of Concerns

For software products, the specifications, the requirements even the variables, the code or the software modules are subject to be labelled with key-terms, or described using attributes or specific values. The purpose of these notations is linked to the semantic of the object labelled, and is used as an indexing form for that specific category. A separation of concerns meta model is proposed here to provide the support of using a unitary type of notation in labelling various kind of resources used in the process of developing software, from requirements and specifications all the way to variables, code or software modules. The use of a standard, unitary notation can have multiple benefits, covering areas like code reusability, reverse engineering, assigning technologies for development, aspect-oriented software development (AOSD), requirements engineering (engineering web applications, grouping requirements by categories, such as: technology, importance, actor, volatility, functionality).

Seasonal effects on the stiffness properties of a ballasted railway bridge

In this article it is shown empirically that ballasted bridges in cold climates can exhibit a step-like variation of their natural frequencies as the yearly season changes. The bridge under study was observed to have significantly higher natural frequencies (as much as 35%) during the winter months compared to the summer. This variation was rather discrete in nature and not proportional to temperature. Furthermore the increase in natural frequencies took place only after the temperatures had dropped below 0°C for a number of days. It was thus hypothesized that this change in natural frequencies was due to changes in the stiffness parameters of some materials with the onset of frost. In low temperature conditions not only the mean value of the measured frequencies increased, but also their variance increased considerably. Given the large spread of the measured natural frequencies, the stiffness parameters were assumed to be stochastic variables with an unknown multivariate distribution, rather than fixed values. A Bayesian updating scheme was implemented to determine this distribution from measurements. Data gathered during one annum of monitoring was used in conjunction with a finite element model and a meta model, resulting in an estimation of the relevant stiffness parameters for both the cold and the warm condition.

Model transformation verification using similarity and graph comparison algorithm

Regarding the software development, MDA (Model Driven Architecture) of OMG can be regarded as the concept of making an independently-designed model according to the development environment and language and reusing it according to the desired development environment and language by expanding the reusable unit into the software model when developing software. The problem with these traditional research methods, but the first model, design model for checking the information with the model by defining a formal representation in the form of an abstract syntax tree, as you've shown how to perform validation of UML design model. Additional steps need to define more complex due to a software problem that is not the way to the model suitable for model transformation verification. In this paper, as defined in the verification based meta model for input and target model. And we also suggest how to perform model transformation verification using property matching based transformation similarity and graph comparison algorithm. This paper proposes model transformation verification using verification meta information and transformation similarity by property matching. In addition, in order to support verification of the target model generated from the source model, we define verification meta model for UML model, RDBMS model and RT-UML model. Recent researches from model-based architecture did partial tests focusing on phrase-correctness about the re-use in the perspective of converted software model. To overcome such limitations, this study suggests the ways to define transformation profiles using property information of system structure models as the test-based meta-model and transformation rules, improve graph comparison algorithm, and even supports the correctness of meanings. There were problems in existing methods of model transformation verification such as graph comparison or the one considering only syntax-correctness through pattern-matching. To remedy such problems, this study suggests a new verification method by defining the meta-model which has additional structural attributes and property information and the transformation profile, and using graph comparison algorithm which checks whether the information acquired from transformation is correct.

Material Data Integration Model Based on Context-Aware within Manufacturing Enterprises

Materials data integration is one of core competence concerning with the development of mass data application in manufacture enterprises. In this paper, a context-aware materials data integration meta model is presented which is incorporating an advanced materials demand mapping and decomposition mechanism to support fine-grained materials data in the right time for the provision of materials services, based on the analysis of the application context involving the key points and relationships in their manufacturing processes. In this model, materials data integration is controlled by the demand state transitions at different levels including workflow levels, control levels and data levels, which incorporates dynamic context information by checking the context constraint associated with each application task at the time of the specific request submission. Finally, a case is given which is implemented in a complex equipments enterprise.

Identification of Composite Delamination Using the Krawtchouk Moment Descriptor

Damage assessment of composite materials is crucial for health monitoring of engineering structures. It is particularly important to detect damage invisible to the human eye caused by low speed impact. Optical non-contact sensing techniques enable full-field measurements from structural responses. However, damage is generally associated with its local effect on deformation and strain patterns while full-field measured data is highly information redundant. It is possible to apply image processing techniques [1, 2] to extract succinct and efficient features, or attributes, from full-field data. Iterative reanalysis of large and detailed numerical models is generally very expensive and may not be feasible. Meta modeling is one of the practical ways to overcome the problem of high computational cost. In this paper, a case study of composite delamination assessment based on simulation is discussed. The damage mode in the composite plate is assumed to be a delamination of elliptical shape. Surface strain of a specimen under tensile loading is considered to be the measured structural output. The Krawtchouk moment descriptor is applied to extract a small number of features from the strain map. A meta model in the form of a Kriging predictor [3] is constructed to map the damage parameters to Krawtchouk shape features of the strain distribution. The delamination region is quantified using an inverse procedure based on the trained Meta model. Furthermore, a biomimicry algorithm, particle swarm optimisation, is applied to detect the location of the delamination.

Formal verification of QVT transformations for code generation

We present a formal calculus for operational QVT. The calculus is implemented in the interactive theorem prover KIV and allows to prove properties of QVT transformations for arbitrary meta models. Additionally, we present a framework for provably correct Java code generation. The framework uses a meta model for a Java abstract syntax tree as the target of QVT transformations. This meta model is mapped to a formal Java semantics in KIV. This makes it possible to formally prove (interactively) with the QVT calculus that a transformation always generates a Java model (i.e. a program) that is type correct and has certain semantical properties. The Java model can be used to generate source code by a model-to-text transformation or byte code directly.

KMUT – Project Management Toolbox

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly dealing with international projects and distributed (sometimes even virtual) teams. Consequently, they are looking for project management (PM) tools which fit their respective needs regarding communication and collaboration. Unfortunately, the majority of the PM software available in the market seems to be oversized for this purpose. Instead most project managers are requesting smart solutions that allow quick implementation without any significant organisational or technical change.
 Within the research project InterComp SME 2.0 we combine theoretical research and real business to develop hands-on solutions for SMEs. This paper describes an effective approach for a â??PM Toolboxâ? that allows finding the right project tool for a specific project need. The toolbox has been developed in due consideration of user stories gained from business practice, a more detailed SME business survey, a theoretical PM meta model and a market of PM tools.
 Since the business survey revealed that the readiness to use and test a â??toolboxâ? is highly dependent on the type of user and his or her technical background, we designed the system based on use cases and user typology. As a result, we suggest a framework of open, freely available, easy-to-install, single and multi purpose PM software tools which can be selected solely on a need basis. With this free platform we want to guide practitioners through the tool jungle with the potential to grow into a lively community.

Identifying knowledge management problems using a process‐based method (a case study of process 137)

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop, test and improve a method that draws upon business process improvement literature and combines it with knowledge management approaches for modeling and analyzing knowledge‐intensive business processes.Design/methodology/approachAnalyzing and integrating previous meta models served in knowledge oriented business process researches, a preliminary meta model was developed for modeling knowledge‐intensive business processes. Then an initial version of Proper Arrangement of Knowledge Management Processes (PAKMP) framework was developed according to the knowledge management processes approaches. Third round of interviews with process 137 members were conducted in order to test applicability and completeness of both preliminary meta model and initial version of PAKMP framework in order to improve them. In addition, a five‐steps analysis method achieved through case study which is based on the application of both final Meta model and PAKMP framework. In fact this five‐steps method was applied in Tehran's Municipality which redounded to improve preliminary meta model and initial version of PAKMP framework and endorsed the applicability of the proposed method in real world.FindingsThis paper has a contribution in enriching the literature related to integrating KM efforts and BPM efforts by presenting a five‐steps analysis method and testing it in a real case. This method considers both KM and business process management points of view.Research limitations/implicationsThe general applicability of the method due to the weak generalization of the single case study is a limitation.Originality/valueThis paper combines the advantages of the business process improvement and knowledge management approaches and suggests a practical method for modeling and analyzing the knowledge management status in knowledge‐intensive business processes. After analysis, managers should put emphasis on improving the arrangement of KM processes for critical knowledge objects which led to improve the performance of knowledge‐intensive business process trough removing KM problems. The paper concludes by suggesting some topics for future research.

On the ontological expressiveness of conceptual modeling grammars for service productivity management

Conceptualizing, analyzing, and optimizing service productivity is imperative to build up and to sustain competitive advantage in today's global service economy. However, service productivity is yet to be thoroughly conceptualized and supported by IT artifacts so as to design, compute, and interpret meaningful productivity models. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ontological expressiveness of conceptual modeling grammars for service productivity management. Due to a lack of a complete ontology for service productivity management, we compile evaluation criteria by reviewing authoritative theory. Against these criteria, a selection of conceptual modeling grammars is analyzed by reviewing the grammars' meta models for completeness. The analysis contributes two major insights. First, theory in productivity management appears equivocal and is too unspecific to guide the design of IT artifacts. Second, conceptual modeling grammars are subject to various ontological deficiencies with respect to service productivity management. Two core implications are identified. First, service productivity theories need to be refined as design theories in order to comprehensively inform the design of IT artifacts. Second, conceptual modeling grammars must be extended and aligned with each other.

Automatic generation of field control strategies for supporting (re-)engineering of manufacturing systems

Motivated by the huge effort for adapting discrete field level automation software in case of (even minor) modifications of the technical system, this paper presents an approach to support the engineering and re-engineering of open-loop control software. In contrast to implement what a plant has to do, we suggest a novel modelling approach which enables describing what a plant is able to do. Based on an extension of the Unified Modelling Language meta model, an object-oriented approach for describing a manufacturing system's state space in a consolidated way is proposed. The strict, declarative semantics of ontologies is utilized to automatically reason about this model for determining the manufacturing system's state space and deriving an optimal operation sequence to be implemented.

플래핑 운동을 적용한 자율무인잠수정(AUV)의 날개형상 및 운동 최적설계

The motion of living organisms such as birds, fishes, and insects, has been analyzed for the purpose of the design of MAV(Micro Air Vehicle) and NAV(Nano Air Vehicle). In this research, natural motion was considered to be applied to the determination of the geometry and motion of AUV(Autonomous Underwater Vehicle). The flapping motion of a number of hydrofoil shapes in AUV was studied, and at the same time, the optimization of the hydrofoil shape and flapping motion was executed that allow the highest thrust and efficiency. The harmonic motion of plunging and pitching of NACA 4 digit series models, was used for the numerical analysis. The meta model was made by using the kriging method in Optimization method and the experimental points of 49 were extracted for the OA(Orthogonal array) in DOE(Design of experiments). Parametric study using this experimental points was conducted and the results were applied to MGA(Micro Genetic Algorithm). The flow simulation model was validated to be an appropriate tool by comparing with experimental data and the optimized shape and motion of AUV was turned out to produce highest thrust and efficiency.

DPF Workbench: a multi-level language workbench for MDE

This paper presents the DPF Workbench, a language workbench for (meta)modelling and code generation. The DPF Workbench includes a graphical specification editor for the Diagram Predicate Framework (DPF), which provides a graph-based formalization of (meta)modelling and model transformation. The tool offers functionality for fully diagrammatic specifications of domain-specific modelling languages. Moreover, the DPF Workbench supports the development of metamodelling hierarchies with an arbitrary number of metalevels; i.e. each model at a metalevel can be used as a metamodel for the metalevel below. The DPF Workbench facilitates the generation of domain-specific diagrammatic editors out of these metamodels. The conformance relations between adjacent metalevels are checked using typing morphisms and validation of diagrammatic constraints. In addition, the DPF Workbench provides a signature editor for the definition of software constraints and their corresponding validators. The code generator is a newly added component that facilitates the generation of software from models defined in the DPF Workbench. The features of the DPF Workbench are illustrated by a running example presenting a metamodelling hierarchy for business process modelling and sketching how these models can be transformed to programs by the code generation facility.

Issues de traitement des cas de tuberculose pulmonaire au centre de santé de référence de la commune IV du district de Bamako, Mali

Facilitating production process planning for product families, process platform planning (P3) has been well recognized as an effective means of achieving production efficiency. To support decision making in P3 automation, this study adopts graph rewriting systems to 1) organize large volumes of product and process data and 2) model production process planning reasoning. The model developed represents the structural and behavioral aspects of process platforms as family graphs and related graph transformations, respectively. In view of its modeling advantage, the system is formally defined using PROGRES. It includes meta, generic, and instance models at three different levels of abstraction. Meta models are defined for family graphs to generalize the patterns common to planning production processes for different product families; generic models are defined to describe entities pertaining to production processes of specific product families; instance models represent production processes producing product variants in a family. The graph rewriting system-based P3 model is applied to textile spindles' production process planning. The results obtained have demonstrated its potential and feasibility to support decision making in P3 automation.