title: Divergent stutter bisimulation abstraction for controller synthesis with linear temporal logic specifications

authors: Mohajerani, Sahar

subjects: computer science

abstract: This paper proposes a method to synthesise controllers for systems with possibly infinite number of states that satisfy a specification given as an LTL\◦ formula. A common approach to handle this problem is to first compute a finite-state abstraction of the original state space and then synthesise a controller for the abstraction. This paper proposes to use an abstraction method called divergent stutter bisimulation to abstract the state space of the system. As divergent stutter bisimulation factors out stuttering steps, it typically results in a coarser and therefore smaller abstraction, at the expense of not preserving the temporal ‘‘next’’ operator. The paper leverages results about divergent stutter bisimulation from model checking and shows that divergent stutter bisimulation is a sound and complete abstraction method when synthesising controllers subject to specifications in LTL\◦.

text: Divergent stutter bisimulation abstraction for controller synthesis with linear temporal logic specifications This paper proposes a method to synthesise controllers for systems with possibly infinite number of states that satisfy a specification given as an LTL\◦ formula. A common approach to handle this problem is to first compute a finite-state abstraction of the original state space and then synthesise a controller for the abstraction. This paper proposes to use an abstraction method called divergent stutter bisimulation to abstract the state space of the system. As divergent stutter bisimulation factors out stuttering steps, it typically results in a coarser and therefore smaller abstraction, at the expense of not preserving the temporal ‘‘next’’ operator. The paper leverages results about divergent stutter bisimulation from model checking and shows that divergent stutter bisimulation is a sound and complete abstraction method when synthesising controllers subject to specifications in LTL\◦.

year: 2021

title: Uncovering precariosity using a circle conversation with counselling practitioners: The institutions are training the people but where is the work for them?

authors: Kecskemeti, Maria

subjects: precariosity

abstract: Ethics approval was obtained to audio-record an adapted form of circle conversation involving a group of counselling practitioners who attended a professional development workshop in 2015. The goal of the study was to examine what emerges when participants open themselves, through structured conversations, to affecting and being affected by others. The participants chose to focus on their working conditions, and what emerged in these discussions became the focus of this paper. The participants’ stories provide rich insight into how a group of practitioners have become caught up in precarious circumstances in their professional lives. This article includes four narrative accounts that derive from this guided conversation. Through the process, new lines of thought for consideration and new ways of analysing what action might make a difference to their current situations emerged. These are briefly summarised in two further narratives. The article ends with a call to all professionals to provide a critique of the implications of precariosity in their own work, and to begin to explore possibilities for developing new ways of being and doing within the constraints of an uncertain labour market.

text: Uncovering precariosity using a circle conversation with counselling practitioners: The institutions are training the people but where is the work for them? Ethics approval was obtained to audio-record an adapted form of circle conversation involving a group of counselling practitioners who attended a professional development workshop in 2015. The goal of the study was to examine what emerges when participants open themselves, through structured conversations, to affecting and being affected by others. The participants chose to focus on their working conditions, and what emerged in these discussions became the focus of this paper. The participants’ stories provide rich insight into how a group of practitioners have become caught up in precarious circumstances in their professional lives. This article includes four narrative accounts that derive from this guided conversation. Through the process, new lines of thought for consideration and new ways of analysing what action might make a difference to their current situations emerged. These are briefly summarised in two further narratives. The article ends with a call to all professionals to provide a critique of the implications of precariosity in their own work, and to begin to explore possibilities for developing new ways of being and doing within the constraints of an uncertain labour market.

year: 2015

title: Violation of te whare tangata - the maternal body: Young women's journeys through pregnancy and partner terrorism

authors: Marsh, Tuihana M.

subjects: Partner Terrorism

abstract: Partner terrorism is a leading social issue in Aotearoa. It occurs with such frequency and ferocity that it is often considered an epidemic. This has placed us in the shameful position of being the highest ranked nation in the western world for the prevalence of intimate partner violence. This research explored young women’s experiences of intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Eleven women aged 14 - 17 years when pregnant were interviewed. A mana wāhine theoretical perspective was employed, guided by a kaupapa Māori research methodology. Pūrākau was used as a method to present and validate the women’s voices.
The key findings identified that these relationships began with the potential of any other relationship. However, they typically followed a pattern of co-habituation and entrapment through pregnancy and financial dependence. It was evident the partner terrorism was brought into these relationships by the terrorist partners, and was the first experience of this violence for many of the women. The terrorism continued to escalate. Separating from their terrorist partners did not result in the women being any safer, with some continuing to experience life-threatening acts of terrorism post separation. Pregnancy did not serve as a protective factor: the violation of te whare tangata generally occurred before, during and after pregnancy. Often, the acts of terrorism escalated following the birth of their pēpī, with their partner’s terrorism being a direct assault on ūkaipō, disrupting bonding and mothering practices. Many of the women were able to recognise the terrorism to which they were subjected only in hindsight. Despite this, they showed ingenuity and resilience in the ways they resisted the terrorism in efforts to keep themselves and their pēpī safe. Breaking free of these relationships demanded intervention and support from outsiders. The women remain strongly committed to the welfare of their pēpī.

text: Violation of te whare tangata - the maternal body: Young women's journeys through pregnancy and partner terrorism Partner terrorism is a leading social issue in Aotearoa. It occurs with such frequency and ferocity that it is often considered an epidemic. This has placed us in the shameful position of being the highest ranked nation in the western world for the prevalence of intimate partner violence. This research explored young women’s experiences of intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Eleven women aged 14 - 17 years when pregnant were interviewed. A mana wāhine theoretical perspective was employed, guided by a kaupapa Māori research methodology. Pūrākau was used as a method to present and validate the women’s voices.
The key findings identified that these relationships began with the potential of any other relationship. However, they typically followed a pattern of co-habituation and entrapment through pregnancy and financial dependence. It was evident the partner terrorism was brought into these relationships by the terrorist partners, and was the first experience of this violence for many of the women. The terrorism continued to escalate. Separating from their terrorist partners did not result in the women being any safer, with some continuing to experience life-threatening acts of terrorism post separation. Pregnancy did not serve as a protective factor: the violation of te whare tangata generally occurred before, during and after pregnancy. Often, the acts of terrorism escalated following the birth of their pēpī, with their partner’s terrorism being a direct assault on ūkaipō, disrupting bonding and mothering practices. Many of the women were able to recognise the terrorism to which they were subjected only in hindsight. Despite this, they showed ingenuity and resilience in the ways they resisted the terrorism in efforts to keep themselves and their pēpī safe. Breaking free of these relationships demanded intervention and support from outsiders. The women remain strongly committed to the welfare of their pēpī.

year: 2019