Quantitative exploration of biological pathway networks must begin with a qualitative understanding of them. Often researchers aggregate and disseminate experimental data using regulatory diagrams with ad hoc notations leading to ambiguous interpretations of presented results. This thesis has two main aims. First, it develops software to allow researchers to aggregate pathway data diagrammatically using the Molecular Interaction Map (MIM) notation in order to gain a better qualitative understanding of biological systems. Secondly, it develops a quantitative biological model to study the effect of DNA damage on circadian rhythms. The second aim benefits from the first by making use of visual representations to identify potential system boundaries for the quantitative model. I focus first on software for the MIM notation - a notation to concisely visualize bioregulatory complexity and to reduce ambiguity for readers. The thesis provides a formalized MIM specification for software implementation along with a base layer of software components for the inclusion of the MIM notation in other software packages. It also provides an implementation of the specification as a user-friendly tool, PathVisio-MIM, for creating and editing MIM diagrams along with software to validate and overlay external data onto the diagrams. I focus secondly on the application of the MIM software to the quantitative exploration of the poorly understood role of SIRT1 and PARP1, two NAD+-dependent enzymes, in the regulation of circadian rhythms during DNA damage response. SIRT1 and PARP1 participate in the regulation of several key DNA damage-repair proteins and are the subjects of study as potential cancer therapeutic targets. In this part of the thesis, I present an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model that simulates the core circadian clock and the involvement of SIRT1 in both the positive and negative arms of circadian regulation. I then use this model is then used to predict a potential role for the competition for NAD+ supplies by SIRT1 and PARP1 leading to the observed behavior of primarily phase advancement of circadian oscillations during DNA damage response. The model further predicts a potential mechanism by which multiple forms of post-transcriptional modification may cooperate to produce a primarily phase advancement.

Computer programming is a difficult subject to master. Introductory programming courses often have low retention and high failure rates. Part of the problem is identifying if students understand the lecture material. In a traditional classroom, a professor can gauge a class's understanding on questions asked during lecture. However, many struggling students are unlikely to speak up in class. To address this problem, recent research has focused on gathering compiler data from programming exercises to identify at-risk students in these courses. These data allow professors to intervene with individual students who are at risk and, after analyzing the data for a given time period, a professor can also re-evaluate how certain topics are taught to improve understanding. However, current implementations do not provide information in real time. They may improve a professor's teaching long term, but they do not provide insight into how an individual student is understanding a specific topic during the lecture in time for the professor to make adjustments.This research explores a system that combines compiler data analytics with in-class exercises. The system incorporates the in-class exercise into a web-based text editor with data analytics. While the students are programming in their own browsers, the website analyzes their compiler errors and console output to determine where the students are struggling. A real-time summary is presented to the professor during the lecture. This system allows a professor to receive immediate feedback on student understanding, which enables him/her to clarify areas of confusion immediately. As a result, this dynamic learning environment allows course material to better evolve to meet the needs of the students.Results show that students in a simulated programming course performed slightly better on quizzes when the instructor had access to real-time feedback during a programming exercise. Instructors were able to determine what students were struggling with from the real-time feedback. Overall, both the student and instructor test subjects found the experimental website useful.Case studies performed in an actual programming lecture allowed the professor to address errors that are not considered in the curriculum of the course. Many students appreciated the fact that the professor was able to immediately answer questions based on the feedback. Students primarily had issues with the bugs present in the alpha version of the software.

This study explores the effect of ornamentation on the emotional response and perception of motion graphics. A series of motion graphics were created, eye tracked, and tested for changes in emotional responses and perceptions based on the amount of ornamentation in the design. This study collected both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a better understanding of the viewer's overall emotional responses and perceptions of each video. Eye tracking data was studied to validate focal points and areas of interest. The quantitative data was analyzed by looking for correlations and trends. The qualitative data was analyzed for trends and reoccurring ideas. This study found that the amount of ornamentation in logo animations has a direct effect on the viewer's emotional responses and perceptions. More ornamentation led to overall positive changes in the emotional responses and perceptions of the brand or message, however there can be a turning point where the ornamentation can cause a negative response from the viewer. / Master of Fine Arts

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / Real-time monitoring of temperature is a critical factor in ensuring the integrity of food during the cold chain. In this work, we compare techniques related to real-time data visualization to contribute to more efficient monitoring of the cold chain. Three real-time data display attributes were evaluated, and we constructed a dataset based on the Frisbee database (CDD). In this paper, we proposed graphics containing different line and area techniques to be evaluated for a specialist. The proposed graphs contained the line and area techniques that, when performing the experiment, obtained a higher success rate compared to the auto-charting technique. However, it was evidenced that elements such as color facilitate the detection of anomalies and trends in temperature change due to its high percentage of effectiveness in the results. / Revisión por pares

This thesis addresses the design of a productivity dashboard for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and highlight the requirements for SME’s undergoing the initial implementation of business intelligence (BI). The objective is to develop an easy-to-use web application prototype that incorporates a dashboard with data source selection, while considering research framework requirements and limitations. Further, the prototype aims to fulfil the conceptual requirements of the tool used for decision support systems, including remote access, scalability, customization, and intuitive data presentation.   The thesis successfully developed a prototype web application that allows remote access through a browser. The interface of the application received positive feedback from respondents and demonstrates high usability. As a result, the prototype's scalability is confirmed through the gradual integration of new functionality, depicted in a hierarchical diagram to guide future enhancements. However, limitations arise from the technology choices, making the integration of new data sources more challenging due to specific data structure and attribute requirements. The study provides clear guidelines and inspiration for SMEs and web developers in integrating BI tools during the initial phase of adopting decision support systems. The research offers a well-documented development and evaluation process, empowering SMEs to make informed decisions when implementing BI solutions. / Det här examensarbetet behandlar utformningen av en produktivitetsdashboard för små och medelstora företag (SMEs) för att spåra nyckeltal för prestanda och lyfta fram kraven för SMEs som genomgår den initiala implementeringen av business intelligence (BI). Målet är att utveckla en lättanvänd webbapplikations prototyp som tillhandahåller en dashboard med möjlighet att välja datakälla samtidigt som forskningens krav och begränsningar beaktas. Vidare syftar prototypen till att uppfylla de konceptuella kraven för verktyg som används i system för beslutstöd, vilket inkluderar fjärråtkomst, skalbarhet, anpassning och intuitiv presentation av data.    Studien utvecklade framgångsrikt en prototyp för en webbapplikation som möjliggör fjärråtkomst via en webbläsare. Gränssnittet för applikationen fick positiv återkoppling från respondenter och visade hög användbarhet. Prototypens skalbarhet bekräftas genom gradvis integration av ny funktionalitet. Begränsningar uppstår dock på grund av valda teknologier, vilket gör integrationen av nya datakällor mer utmanande på grund av specifika krav på datastruktur och attribut. Studien ger tydliga riktlinjer och inspiration för små- och medelstora företag samt webbutvecklare för att integrera BI-verktyg under den inledande implementering av system för beslutstöd. Forskningen erbjuder en väldokumenterad process för utveckling och utvärdering, vilket ger små- och medelstora företag möjlighet att fatta välinformerade beslut vid implementering av BI-lösningar.

This thesis evaluates the viability of a data cube as a basis for visualization of unbounded data. A cube designed for use with visualization of static data was adapted to allow for point-by-point insertions. The new cube was evaluated by measuring the time it took to insert different numbers of data points. The results indicate that the cube can keep up with data streams with a velocity of up to approximately 100 000 data points per second. The conclusion is that the cube is useful if the velocity of the data stream is within this bound, and if the granularity of the represented dimensions is sufficiently low. / Det här exjobbet utvärderar dugligheten av en datakub som bas för visualisering av obegränsad data. En kub designad för användning till visualisering av statisk data anpassades till att medge insättning punkt för punkt. Den nya kuben evaluerades genom att mäta tiden det tog att sätta in olika antal datapunkter. Resultaten indikerade att kuben kan hantera dataströmmar med en hastighet på upp till 100 000 punkter per sekund. Slutsatsen är att kuben är användbar om hastigheten av dataströmmen är inom denna gräns, och om grovheten av de representerade dimensionerna är tillräckligt hög.

No / This book provides a review of the state of the art in computer graphics, visualization, and visual analytics by researchers and developers who are closely involved in pioneering the latest advances in the field. It is a unique presentation of multi-disciplinary aspects in visualization and visual analytics, architecture and displays, augmented reality, the use of color, user interfaces and cognitive aspects, and technology transfer. It provides readers with insights into the latest developments in areas such as new displays and new display processors, new collaboration technologies, the role of visual, multimedia, and multimodal user interfaces, visual analysis at extreme scale, and adaptive visualization.

<p dir="ltr">Invasive species wreak havoc on global ecosystems, with negative ecological and economic consequences. Human activities, primarily stemming from globalization, trade, and increased travel, have played a significant role in accelerating species invasions. To manage and possibly mitigate these challenges, humans can harness data analysis to predict and control species invasions. Addressing this issue requires an understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of invasions. This research developed an innovative visualization tool designed to illustrate complex spatiotemporal data pertaining to species invasion routes. By analyzing pest invasion records spanning from 1905 to 2020, the tool presents the invasion trajectories of four non-native species in the eastern United States. Implementing spatial tools such as road networks and terrain, the visualization clarifies the spatiotemporal progression of these invasions, allowing users to intuitively determine invasion epicenters, and identify propagation pathways. Additional features enable the examination of correlations between highway systems, terrain, and invasion dynamics. Following a comprehensive training and exploration phase with domain experts, the efficacy of the tool was proven. The findings underline the proposed solution’s potential to enhance users’ comprehension of invasion dynamics, highlight intrusion centers, and indicate the influence of external factors on species expansion. This study not only validates the visualization tool’s capability but also serves as a foundation for future spatiotemporal research endeavors.</p>

Wearable technologies are creating new ways for people to discover and record personal data. While these devices are raising awareness about biometric information, there is a larger quantified self movement encompassing any type of personal data collected by any means and recorded and shared in a variety of ways. Participants in this movement are experimenting with new ways to view and interact with their generated digital information. On a societal level, as we collect more data (personal or otherwise) we are questioning who should have access to different types of data and how collected data should be used. Visual Imprints documents an exploration into how location data is collected, visualized, and understood by people with varying degrees of data literacy. Through the design and development of the Android application Data Atlas, this exploration utilizes aspects of information architecture to illustrate how we as a society might come to better understand what technologies and applications record personal data and how collected information can be seen and used. The exploration also illustrates how creative technologists can contribute to societal questions on data literacy and user privacy as well as create work as a part of the quantified self movement. / Master of Fine Arts

Briteback Explore is a service provided by the company Briteback. The service provides a survey tool to its users that allows access to results through the downloading of a comma-separated values (CSV) -file. What was built was a visualization model that provides the survey tool’s users with a graphical representation of the data directly through the service. Providing an overview of the survey results that lessens the amount of information overload perceived by the user while giving the data a structure. A survey based off of the System Usability Scale (SUS) evaluation method was then performed to display to what degree users found the new feature usable. Results showed a satisfactory high score on the SUS adjective rating scale.