Stuart Anderson

Requirements Evolution from Process to Product Oriented Management

Requirements Evolution represents one of the major problems in developing computer-based systems. Current practice in Requirement Engineering relies on process-oriented methodologies, which lack of product features. The resulting scenario then is a collection of general methodologies, which do not take into account product features that may enhance our ability in monitoring and controlling Requirements Evolution. This paper shows empirical investigations of two industrial case studies. The results point out evolutionary product features and identify an Empirical Framework to analysing Requirements Evolution. This work represents a shift from process to product-oriented management of Requirements Evolution.

Secure Synthesis of Code: A Process Improvement Experiment

Arguments for and against the deployment of formal methods in system design are rarely supported by evidence derived from experiments that compare a particular formal approach with conventional methods [2]. We illustrate an approach to the use of formal methods for secure code synthesis in safety-critical Avionics applications. The technique makes use of code components and uses sound introduction rules for the components to ensure constraints on their use are enforced. The approach we describe is the subject of a controlled experiment where it is running in parallel with the conventional approach. We describe the experiment and report some preliminary findings.

Genomic structure and localisation within a linkage hotspot of Disrupted In Schizophrenia 1 , a gene disrupted by a translocation segregating with schizophrenia

Two overlapping and antiparallel genes on chromosome 1, Disrupted In Schizophrenia 1 and 2 (DISC1 and DISC2), are disrupted by a (1;11)(q42.1;q14.3) translocation which segregates with schizophrenia through at least four generations of a large Scottish family. Consequently, these genes are worthy of further investigation as candidate genes potentially involved in the aetiology of major psychiatric illness. We have constructed a contiguous clone map of PACs and cosmids extending across at least 400 kb of the chromosome 1 translocation breakpoint region and this has provided the basis for examination of the genomic structure of DISC1. The gene consists of thirteen exons, estimated to extend across at least 300 kb of DNA. The antisense gene DISC2 overlaps with exon 9. Exon 11 contains an alternative splice site that removes 66 nucleotides from the open reading frame. The final intron of DISC1 belongs to the rare AT-AC class of introns. We have also mapped marker DIS251 in close proximity to DISC1, localising the gene within a critical region identified by several independent studies. Information regarding the structure of the DISC1 gene will facilitate assessment of its involvement in the aetiology of major mental illness in psychotic individuals unrelated to carriers of the translocation.

A Framework for Modelling Trojans and Computer Virus Infection

It is not possible to view a computer operating in the real world, including the possibility of Trojan horse programs and computer viruses, as simply a finite realisation of a Turing machine. We consider the actions of Trojan horses and viruses in real computer systems and suggest a minimal framework for an adequate formal understanding of the phenomena. Some conventional approaches, including biological metaphors, are shown to be inadequate; some suggestions are made towards constructing virally-resistant systems.

Reflexive CSCW: supporting long-term personal work

Abstract CSCW (computer-supported cooperative work) is an active research area with many promising applications and benefits. We argue that the plight of the individual user can also be viewed as a CSCW problem, for the individual frequently acts as multiple persona: performing many independent tasks, perhaps in several places. We propose reflexive CSCW to address such issues. Solutions in the reflexive case will of course be of benefit to users even if they are working in a conventional multi-user CSCW context; proposed solutions in CSCW can be re-presented for individual users.

Convergence of linkage, association and GWAS findings for a candidate region for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia on chromosome 4p

Convergence of linkage, association and GWAS findings for a candidate region for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia on chromosome 4p

Controlling Requirements Evolution: An Avionics Case Study

This paper presents an empirical investigation of the control of requirements evolution in an avionics safety-critical system. Metrics can be used to manage (e.g., control and predict) requirements evolution. The results point out issues in the use of metrics for controlling requirements evolution in the case study. Moreover, they provide new evidence, which suggests a product line oriented management method for requirements. The empirical analysis supports a number of remarks that are described through the paper.

Making autonomic computing systems accountable: the problem of human computer interaction

The vision of autonomic computing raises fundamental questions about how we interact with computer systems. In this paper, we outline these questions and propose some strategies for addressing them. In particular, we examine the problem of how we may make autonomic computing systems accountable in interaction for their behaviour. We conclude that there is no technological solution to this problem. Rather, it calls for designers of autonomic computing systems to engage with users so as to understand at first hand the challenges of being a user.

RemoteFusion: real time depth camera fusion for remote collaboration on physical tasks

Remote guidance systems allow humans to collaborate on physical tasks across large distances and have applications in fields such as medicine, maintenance and working with hazardous substances. Existing systems typically provide two dimensional video streams to remote participants, and these are restricted to viewpoint locations based on the placement of physical cameras. Recent systems have incorporated the ability of a remote expert to annotate their 2D view and for these annotations to be displayed in the physical workspace to the local worker. We present a prototype remote guidance system, called RemoteFusion, which is based on the volumetric fusion of commodity depth cameras. The system incorporates real-time 3D fusion with color, the ability to distinguish and render dynamic elements of a scene whether human or non-human, a multi-touch driven free 3D viewpoint, and a Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) light annotation mechanism. We provide a physical overview of the system, including hardware and software configuration, and detail the implementation of each of the key features.

Learning by game-building: a novel approach to theoretical computer science education

This paper describes an innovative method for teaching modelling skills in theoretical computer science (e.g. finite state automata, Turing machines). Students acquire a new modelling skill by completing a game-building assignment in which there is a direct and transparent mapping between the game that the student is building and the model in the framework they are trying to master. Through this constructionist approach, the student not only learns by doing, which potentially contributes to understanding, but there is also a significant element of personalization and choice present, which has the potential to increase both motivation and performance.