title: Optimal Task Scheduling in a Flexible Manufacturing System using Model Checking

authors: Malik, Robi

subjects: Applications

abstract: This paper demonstrates the use of model checking to solve the problem of optimal task scheduling in a flexible manufacturing system. The system is modelled as a discrete event system, for which the least restrictive safe behaviour is synthesised according to supervisory control theory. Then timing constraints are added to the model in the form of extended finite-state machines, and time-optimal schedules are computed using the discrete event systems and model checking tool Supremica. In the case study considered in this paper, which previously was only solved heuristically, the method successfully produces optimal schedules to manufacture up to 30 products of two different types. The method is furthermore used to find an optimal cycle, solving the scheduling problem of the case study for an arbitrary number of products in optimal or asymptotically close to optimal time.

text: Optimal Task Scheduling in a Flexible Manufacturing System using Model Checking This paper demonstrates the use of model checking to solve the problem of optimal task scheduling in a flexible manufacturing system. The system is modelled as a discrete event system, for which the least restrictive safe behaviour is synthesised according to supervisory control theory. Then timing constraints are added to the model in the form of extended finite-state machines, and time-optimal schedules are computed using the discrete event systems and model checking tool Supremica. In the case study considered in this paper, which previously was only solved heuristically, the method successfully produces optimal schedules to manufacture up to 30 products of two different types. The method is furthermore used to find an optimal cycle, solving the scheduling problem of the case study for an arbitrary number of products in optimal or asymptotically close to optimal time.

year: 2018

title: A Qualitative Study of Incest Offender Implicit Theories With The Help Of A Modified Assessment Tool

authors: Jamisetty, Vijetha

subjects: Cognitive Distortions

abstract: This study intends to provide some insight into the various Implicit Theories (ITs) harboured by child sex offenders. ITs (Ward & Keenan, 1999) are the distorted beliefs which enable sex offenders to justify their actions and avoid taking responsibility for their offenses. The present study will examine the ITs of various types of incest offenders as these have not been studied in isolation from those of other types of child molesters. Besides facilitating offending, such ITs may act as responsivity barriers in the treatment of incest offenders. The primary aim of this study is to determine the nature of these distorted beliefs through the use of a modified assessment tool, then, do a qualitative analysis of a selected group from the initial sample to determine what these ITs look like in individual or exemplar cases, and finally discuss how such beliefs may hamper treatment success. By enhancing the understanding of these ITs, the study hopes to emphasize on the importance of  strategies to avoid the obstacles in the treatment process caused by such distorted beliefs and help therapists achieve improved treatment results with incest offenders. 
ITs are currently considered extremely important in understanding the offending behaviour of sex offenders, as well as their attitude towards their offenses and their victims (Brown, Gray, Snowden, 2009). For example, child molesters believe that children incite sexual involvement from them through their actions (for example, sitting in the lap of the offender, hugging or kissing the offender). Such beliefs enable sex offenders to validate their forced sexual intimacy with children and also allow such offenders to justify their continued offenses against their victims (Rice & Harris, 2002). Ward (2002) argued that ITs determine how the offenders interpret their experience with their victims. Offenders are thought to reinterpret, reject, or reconstruct a sexual offence against a child in the face of an inconsistency between their ITs and the evidence (e.g., the child whom an offender may believe is interested in sex may scream or cry when assaulted rather than appear to be a willing participant), but rarely are the ITs modified (Ward & Keenan, 1999). Some studies have suggested that it takes rather compelling evidence on the contrary for the offenders to consider modifying their ITs (Rice & Harris, 2002). Hence, this study was intended to observe these ITs specifically among incest offenders to determine how they look in exemplar cases. The findings of the study strongly indicate the existence of ITs and that offenders do utilize them in order to justify their offense to themselves and the world around them. The current study also hopes to also shed some light on the importance of taking ITs into consideration in strategizing effective treatment strategies for incest offenders.

text: A Qualitative Study of Incest Offender Implicit Theories With The Help Of A Modified Assessment Tool This study intends to provide some insight into the various Implicit Theories (ITs) harboured by child sex offenders. ITs (Ward & Keenan, 1999) are the distorted beliefs which enable sex offenders to justify their actions and avoid taking responsibility for their offenses. The present study will examine the ITs of various types of incest offenders as these have not been studied in isolation from those of other types of child molesters. Besides facilitating offending, such ITs may act as responsivity barriers in the treatment of incest offenders. The primary aim of this study is to determine the nature of these distorted beliefs through the use of a modified assessment tool, then, do a qualitative analysis of a selected group from the initial sample to determine what these ITs look like in individual or exemplar cases, and finally discuss how such beliefs may hamper treatment success. By enhancing the understanding of these ITs, the study hopes to emphasize on the importance of  strategies to avoid the obstacles in the treatment process caused by such distorted beliefs and help therapists achieve improved treatment results with incest offenders. 
ITs are currently considered extremely important in understanding the offending behaviour of sex offenders, as well as their attitude towards their offenses and their victims (Brown, Gray, Snowden, 2009). For example, child molesters believe that children incite sexual involvement from them through their actions (for example, sitting in the lap of the offender, hugging or kissing the offender). Such beliefs enable sex offenders to validate their forced sexual intimacy with children and also allow such offenders to justify their continued offenses against their victims (Rice & Harris, 2002). Ward (2002) argued that ITs determine how the offenders interpret their experience with their victims. Offenders are thought to reinterpret, reject, or reconstruct a sexual offence against a child in the face of an inconsistency between their ITs and the evidence (e.g., the child whom an offender may believe is interested in sex may scream or cry when assaulted rather than appear to be a willing participant), but rarely are the ITs modified (Ward & Keenan, 1999). Some studies have suggested that it takes rather compelling evidence on the contrary for the offenders to consider modifying their ITs (Rice & Harris, 2002). Hence, this study was intended to observe these ITs specifically among incest offenders to determine how they look in exemplar cases. The findings of the study strongly indicate the existence of ITs and that offenders do utilize them in order to justify their offense to themselves and the world around them. The current study also hopes to also shed some light on the importance of taking ITs into consideration in strategizing effective treatment strategies for incest offenders.

year: 2012

title: Is there a lack of science resources and specialists for kaiako at Kura reo o Waikato?

authors: Hopkins, Aareka

subjects: Kura kaupapa

abstract: The New Zealand debates on culture and science education for Maaori are grounded in the concern for the under-achievement of tauira in science. In 1995, a lack of subject experts, specialists and resources to implement the Ministry of Education’s science curriculum was identified. I investigated the concept of a mobile science laboratory to provide subject experts, specialists and resources to Kura Reo o Tainui as a way of improving and enhancing tauira literacy and engagement in puutaiao. This study used a semi-structured survey to elicit the whakaaro and perceptions of kaiako puutaiao from four Wharekura, three Kura Kaupapa Maaori, and three Rumaki Total Immersion classes in Waikato-Tainui, using registered participants in the inaugural Kura Reo o Tainui Waananga in 2008 to select survey participants.

text: Is there a lack of science resources and specialists for kaiako at Kura reo o Waikato? The New Zealand debates on culture and science education for Maaori are grounded in the concern for the under-achievement of tauira in science. In 1995, a lack of subject experts, specialists and resources to implement the Ministry of Education’s science curriculum was identified. I investigated the concept of a mobile science laboratory to provide subject experts, specialists and resources to Kura Reo o Tainui as a way of improving and enhancing tauira literacy and engagement in puutaiao. This study used a semi-structured survey to elicit the whakaaro and perceptions of kaiako puutaiao from four Wharekura, three Kura Kaupapa Maaori, and three Rumaki Total Immersion classes in Waikato-Tainui, using registered participants in the inaugural Kura Reo o Tainui Waananga in 2008 to select survey participants.

year: 2010-08