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Towards aspect-oriented functional--structural plant modelling
Mikolaj Cieslak1, Alla N Seleznyova, Przemyslaw Prusinkiewicz
1The University of Queensland, School of Mathematics and Physics, Qld 4072, Australia.
An aspect-oriented programming approach enhances functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) by enabling independent integration of diverse plant functions. This method improves the modularity and reusability of complex plant models.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Computational Biology
- Software Engineering
Background:
- Functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) are crucial for understanding plant behavior and developing decision support systems.
- Traditional programming methods hinder the integration and reuse of distinct plant functions within FSPMs.
- A need exists for improved methodologies to manage the complexity of FSPMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an aspect-oriented programming (AOP) approach for developing FSPMs.
- To demonstrate how AOP can overcome limitations in modularity and reusability of FSPM components.
- To facilitate the integration of diverse plant functions within a unified modelling framework.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the L-system-based plant modelling language L+C.
- Developed an aspect-oriented approach using multi-modules, where each module represents a functional aspect.
- Implemented aspect weaving via pseudo-L-systems for inter-aspect communication.
Main Results:
- Successfully integrated independent models of carbon dynamics, apical dominance, and biomechanics into a kiwifruit shoot FSPM.
- Demonstrated the ability to incorporate pre-existing code with minimal modifications.
- Validated the effectiveness of the aspect-oriented approach in managing complex, multi-faceted plant models.
Conclusions:
- The proposed aspect-oriented approach facilitates the creation of well-organized and comprehensive FSPMs.
- This methodology is highly suitable for studying complex plant phenomena by integrating various functional aspects.
- Future work may involve extending this approach into a dedicated aspect-oriented programming language for FSPMs.
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