title: A calculator for supporting derivation in constructive type-theory: PICTCalc

authors: Reeves, Steve

subjects: proof assistant

abstract: PICTCalc is an interactive program written in LPA Prolog which has encoded within it the rules of Martin-Löf's constructive type theory (CTT), a formal system based on the constructive or intuitionistic mathematics of Brouwer, Heyting and others. It allows us to specify and express any total, computable function, so from a computer science point of view we can write both specifications and programs, along with the derivations which lead from one to the other, in a single language. PICTCalc is a more recent version of MacPICT which is itself a reconstruction of PICT [Ham92] and is intended as a test-bed for providing formal support for work within CTT. Many of the developments and improvements were suggested by students since they used the system to work on substantial courseworks. As we shall see, PICTCalc can be used to assist in the development of derivations in CTT and so it is called a derivation assistant (DA). In this paper I show how PICTCalc can be used for supporting derivations in CTT and consider what current experience suggests for future improvement. The examples in this paper will not require any knowledge of CTT since the meaning will either be clear to anyone with experience of logic and programming notations in general or will be explained as necessary.

text: A calculator for supporting derivation in constructive type-theory: PICTCalc PICTCalc is an interactive program written in LPA Prolog which has encoded within it the rules of Martin-Löf's constructive type theory (CTT), a formal system based on the constructive or intuitionistic mathematics of Brouwer, Heyting and others. It allows us to specify and express any total, computable function, so from a computer science point of view we can write both specifications and programs, along with the derivations which lead from one to the other, in a single language. PICTCalc is a more recent version of MacPICT which is itself a reconstruction of PICT [Ham92] and is intended as a test-bed for providing formal support for work within CTT. Many of the developments and improvements were suggested by students since they used the system to work on substantial courseworks. As we shall see, PICTCalc can be used to assist in the development of derivations in CTT and so it is called a derivation assistant (DA). In this paper I show how PICTCalc can be used for supporting derivations in CTT and consider what current experience suggests for future improvement. The examples in this paper will not require any knowledge of CTT since the meaning will either be clear to anyone with experience of logic and programming notations in general or will be explained as necessary.

year: 1994-06

title: The Dark Knight’s many stories: Arkham Video Games as transmedia pathway

authors: Barrett, Kyle

subjects: Transmedia

abstract: This article examines the Batman Arkhamvideo game series (Rocksteady/WB Montreal, 2009-2015) as part of a wider transmedia franchise that encompasses comic books, films, merchandise and multiple animated and live-action television series. It will be posited that the video game series is a successful entry point for non-fans into this ever-expanding transmedia universe. Batman: Arkham Asylum(2009), the first of the series, was critically acclaimed and established the gameplay, mechanics, and rules for the sequels Arkham City(2011), Arkham Origins(2013) and Arkham Knight(2015). Gameplay mechanics are linkedto ‘player agency,’ i.e.how the user controls the avatar within the game environment. Player agency is somewhat restricted in the series;however, this will be argued to bea benefit for audiences. There are somewhat ludic conditions that can either be beneficial or detrimental for the player, to ensure they learn from failure. This essay will further argue that players accumulate a wider understanding of the Batman universe by collecting artefacts as they deviate from the central narrative. The player unearths character biographies and interview tapes that are based on the character’s extensive history and, thus, provide a gateway into the transmedia world of Batman.

text: The Dark Knight’s many stories: Arkham Video Games as transmedia pathway This article examines the Batman Arkhamvideo game series (Rocksteady/WB Montreal, 2009-2015) as part of a wider transmedia franchise that encompasses comic books, films, merchandise and multiple animated and live-action television series. It will be posited that the video game series is a successful entry point for non-fans into this ever-expanding transmedia universe. Batman: Arkham Asylum(2009), the first of the series, was critically acclaimed and established the gameplay, mechanics, and rules for the sequels Arkham City(2011), Arkham Origins(2013) and Arkham Knight(2015). Gameplay mechanics are linkedto ‘player agency,’ i.e.how the user controls the avatar within the game environment. Player agency is somewhat restricted in the series;however, this will be argued to bea benefit for audiences. There are somewhat ludic conditions that can either be beneficial or detrimental for the player, to ensure they learn from failure. This essay will further argue that players accumulate a wider understanding of the Batman universe by collecting artefacts as they deviate from the central narrative. The player unearths character biographies and interview tapes that are based on the character’s extensive history and, thus, provide a gateway into the transmedia world of Batman.

year: 2020-12-18

title: A Maori and Psychology Research Unit

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

subjects: Maori

abstract: Little psychological information and few applications have been informed by Maori centred research. The psychological research base available to support prevention or change strategies aimed at Maori is almost non-existent. Most information and applications are imported from outside of Aotearoa/New Zealand and are seldom subjected to vetting procedures to ensure adequacy and appropriateness. Even though numbers have changed slightly in the last 10 years, there are still too few Maori in the professional ranks of psychology, both as practitioners, teachers and researchers. More of everything is needed, and it was needed yesterday. At the University of Waikato, staff of the Psychology Department have recognised the need to support positive changes to rectify that situation described above.

This paper describes the fledgling development of a Maori and Psychology Research Unit and how it is intended to promote Maori centred-research, Maori-partnership research, and the scholarly development of Maori professionals. The first section deals with issues and challenges the MPRU expects to face in its development and is written by the first author. The second section describes the nature of learning and support that the MPRU will afford to a new generation of Maori researchers and scholars within the discipline of psychology. This section is written by the second author.

text: A Maori and Psychology Research Unit Little psychological information and few applications have been informed by Maori centred research. The psychological research base available to support prevention or change strategies aimed at Maori is almost non-existent. Most information and applications are imported from outside of Aotearoa/New Zealand and are seldom subjected to vetting procedures to ensure adequacy and appropriateness. Even though numbers have changed slightly in the last 10 years, there are still too few Maori in the professional ranks of psychology, both as practitioners, teachers and researchers. More of everything is needed, and it was needed yesterday. At the University of Waikato, staff of the Psychology Department have recognised the need to support positive changes to rectify that situation described above.

This paper describes the fledgling development of a Maori and Psychology Research Unit and how it is intended to promote Maori centred-research, Maori-partnership research, and the scholarly development of Maori professionals. The first section deals with issues and challenges the MPRU expects to face in its development and is written by the first author. The second section describes the nature of learning and support that the MPRU will afford to a new generation of Maori researchers and scholars within the discipline of psychology. This section is written by the second author.

year: 1998-07-01