XML-based framework for web-based neurocardiovascular simularion

Abstract

Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of neurocardiovascular control system has played an important role in better understanding of its function and diagnosis of neurological disorders. Current simulations of neurocardiovascular models are carried out using desktop applications, which lack remote access and information sharing facilities. Although, web-technology has penetrated into all areas of research and professional life during the past two decades, opportunities provided by the web technology has not been fully exploited in this area. Moving from desktop to web, utilizing web technology, promises global access, platform independence, information sharing and easy maintainability features. Considering these features, the demand on a framework that enables webbased simulation of neurocardiovascular system models becomes more obvious. In this thesis, we have proposed and implemented an XML-based framework that enables web-based simulation of neurocardivascular models. In this context, we implemented an XML-based description language for structured description of neurocardiovascular models, a Java-based simulaton package and supportive software to form a web-based architecture. XML is becoming the universal standard for exchange of structured data over the web. Therefore, we make use of XML to propose the generic description language NeuroCardioVascular Markup Language (NCVML), such that it supports description of a wide range of model set. We expect neurocardiovascular model descriptions to be encoded in NCVML form and to be carried over the web in this format. The java-based simulation package, NCVJSim, contains a built-in library with peculiar components and a simulator part. The library could be extended in time such that the library evolves in time. Additionally, making use of Java Dynamic Class Loading & Java Reflection Mechanisms, we implemented the feature of incorporating user implemented Java classes during run-time. Finally, to achieve web-based access and computing, Java Servlet Technology and HTML are utilized. Our proposed framework is developed to serve all types of models, thus, it is not restricted to a particular mathematical neurocardiovascular model.