title: The Use of Language Projection for Compositional Verification of Discrete Event Systems

authors: Ware, Simon

subjects: computer science

abstract: This paper proposes the use of abstraction by language projection to improve the performance of compositional verification to prove or disprove that a large system of composed finite-state machines satisfies a given safety property. Algorithms are presented for the automatic verification of language inclusion and controllability for discrete event systems, and are applied to a set realistic industrial examples. The experimental results suggest that the method can improve performance considerably, particularly in cases where previous methods of compositional verification fail because a large number of automata need to be considered.

text: The Use of Language Projection for Compositional Verification of Discrete Event Systems This paper proposes the use of abstraction by language projection to improve the performance of compositional verification to prove or disprove that a large system of composed finite-state machines satisfies a given safety property. Algorithms are presented for the automatic verification of language inclusion and controllability for discrete event systems, and are applied to a set realistic industrial examples. The experimental results suggest that the method can improve performance considerably, particularly in cases where previous methods of compositional verification fail because a large number of automata need to be considered.

year: 2008

title: Visual Perception of a Motion Aftereffect in Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus): A Behavioural Analytic Approach

authors: Wan, Jennifer

subjects: motion aftereffect

abstract: The motion aftereffect (MAE) is an illusory motion in the opposite direction after the sudden halt of a prolonged moving visual stimulus. The human experience of the motion aftereffect has been extensively researched utilising many different experimental approaches. The ability of the avian species to perceive this motion illusion has not been so well researched and such a phenomenon has never been investigated in domestic chickens. The aim of the experiment reported in this thesis was to test whether domestic chickens can perceive a motion aftereffect. Xiao and Gunturkun (2008) carried out a study to investigate whether pigeons could perceive the motion aftereffect. After initially failing to obtain evidence for the effect they modified their procedure and found results that were better but still not strongly suggestive of a robust motion aftereffect. Their methodology was further refined for this thesis to see if evidence for the motion aftereffect could be found in chickens. The chickens received initial discrimination training to differentiate between static, upward and downward moving grating patterns. Once they reached the criterion for this task reliably, each subject underwent test trials where they were exposed to a static pattern after prolonged presentation of a moving grating stimulus. Results from the choice behaviour of the chickens indicated they did not experience a motion aftereffect. This thesis and the previous study would suggest there is not a reliable motion aftereffect for birds. Whether this reflects limitations of the research design or the nature of the avian visual system is still to be determined.

text: Visual Perception of a Motion Aftereffect in Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus): A Behavioural Analytic Approach The motion aftereffect (MAE) is an illusory motion in the opposite direction after the sudden halt of a prolonged moving visual stimulus. The human experience of the motion aftereffect has been extensively researched utilising many different experimental approaches. The ability of the avian species to perceive this motion illusion has not been so well researched and such a phenomenon has never been investigated in domestic chickens. The aim of the experiment reported in this thesis was to test whether domestic chickens can perceive a motion aftereffect. Xiao and Gunturkun (2008) carried out a study to investigate whether pigeons could perceive the motion aftereffect. After initially failing to obtain evidence for the effect they modified their procedure and found results that were better but still not strongly suggestive of a robust motion aftereffect. Their methodology was further refined for this thesis to see if evidence for the motion aftereffect could be found in chickens. The chickens received initial discrimination training to differentiate between static, upward and downward moving grating patterns. Once they reached the criterion for this task reliably, each subject underwent test trials where they were exposed to a static pattern after prolonged presentation of a moving grating stimulus. Results from the choice behaviour of the chickens indicated they did not experience a motion aftereffect. This thesis and the previous study would suggest there is not a reliable motion aftereffect for birds. Whether this reflects limitations of the research design or the nature of the avian visual system is still to be determined.

year: 2016

title: Haumanu Hauora: refining public health institution policy to include Māori and climate change

authors: Masters-Awatere, Bridgette

abstract: The deepening climate crisis generates specific impacts that will exacerbate the already disproportionately negative health outcomes experienced by Indigenous people. Disparate health outcomes have not spontaneously emerged, but rather have been foreshadowed by existing inequities. This article summarizes a sample of the work from a two-year research project in Aotearoa New Zealand to understand existing policy processes and ascertain the extent to which health institutions give serious consideration to climate change impacts on Māori (Indigenous people) with health vulnerabilities. Speaking to tāngata whenua (Indigenous Māori), District Health Board (DHB) employees, and subject matter experts (SMEs), it was clear that policy processes were ad hoc and problematically silenced consistent Māori input. While research participants expressed their experiences of, and aspirations for, dealing with climate change, their voices were not evident in DHB policy development processes. The deficit within existing policy process reflects a lack of preparedness in the face of climate change. Despite clear resilience and adaptation strategies, structural change is needed to address identified disadvantages. Through a co-designed policy framework (“Haumanu Hauora”), we guide policy formation to mitigate climate change risk to Māori (and others). Central to the revised policy framework is the creation of space for both internal and external Māori voices to ensure consistent Māori input throughout the policy process. We also introduce a commissioning, refining, and monitoring stage (that includes evaluation). Haumanu Hauora considers whānau-centered healthcare knowledge, needs, resources, and aspirations, to contribute to a transformed and responsive health system. Above all, we believe that strengthening health institution responsiveness to Māori health needs is essential.

text: Haumanu Hauora: refining public health institution policy to include Māori and climate change The deepening climate crisis generates specific impacts that will exacerbate the already disproportionately negative health outcomes experienced by Indigenous people. Disparate health outcomes have not spontaneously emerged, but rather have been foreshadowed by existing inequities. This article summarizes a sample of the work from a two-year research project in Aotearoa New Zealand to understand existing policy processes and ascertain the extent to which health institutions give serious consideration to climate change impacts on Māori (Indigenous people) with health vulnerabilities. Speaking to tāngata whenua (Indigenous Māori), District Health Board (DHB) employees, and subject matter experts (SMEs), it was clear that policy processes were ad hoc and problematically silenced consistent Māori input. While research participants expressed their experiences of, and aspirations for, dealing with climate change, their voices were not evident in DHB policy development processes. The deficit within existing policy process reflects a lack of preparedness in the face of climate change. Despite clear resilience and adaptation strategies, structural change is needed to address identified disadvantages. Through a co-designed policy framework (“Haumanu Hauora”), we guide policy formation to mitigate climate change risk to Māori (and others). Central to the revised policy framework is the creation of space for both internal and external Māori voices to ensure consistent Māori input throughout the policy process. We also introduce a commissioning, refining, and monitoring stage (that includes evaluation). Haumanu Hauora considers whānau-centered healthcare knowledge, needs, resources, and aspirations, to contribute to a transformed and responsive health system. Above all, we believe that strengthening health institution responsiveness to Māori health needs is essential.

year: 2023-05-05