title: Partial Order Reduction with Compositional Verification

authors: Shaw, Adrian Mark

subjects: Partial order reduction

abstract: This thesis expands the usage of partial order reduction methods in reducing the state space of large models in model checking. The work done can be divided into two parts. In the first part we introduce two new ample conditions that utilise strongly connected components in place of two existing ample conditions that use cycles. We use these new conditions to optimise existing partial order reduction verifiers and extend them to verify nonblocking properties. We also introduce two selection strategies for choosing ample event sets and an improved ample algorithm in order to improve the efficiency of ample set computation, and investigate how the various combinations of these suggested algorithmic improvements effect several models of varying size. The second part of the thesis introduces the concept of using partial order reduction techniques in combination with compositional verification techniques. We introduce a modified version of the silent continuation rule that makes use of the independence relationship from partial order reduction methods and include algorithms by which they may be implemented in a model verifier. All of the original concepts developed in this thesis are also proven correct.

text: Partial Order Reduction with Compositional Verification This thesis expands the usage of partial order reduction methods in reducing the state space of large models in model checking. The work done can be divided into two parts. In the first part we introduce two new ample conditions that utilise strongly connected components in place of two existing ample conditions that use cycles. We use these new conditions to optimise existing partial order reduction verifiers and extend them to verify nonblocking properties. We also introduce two selection strategies for choosing ample event sets and an improved ample algorithm in order to improve the efficiency of ample set computation, and investigate how the various combinations of these suggested algorithmic improvements effect several models of varying size. The second part of the thesis introduces the concept of using partial order reduction techniques in combination with compositional verification techniques. We introduce a modified version of the silent continuation rule that makes use of the independence relationship from partial order reduction methods and include algorithms by which they may be implemented in a model verifier. All of the original concepts developed in this thesis are also proven correct.

year: 2014

title: Educational research and the philosophy of context

authors: Peters, Michael A.

abstract: Editorial. Wittgenstein, the Austrian counter-Enlightenment philosopher who developed two distinctive philosophies and influenced the turn towards language (‘the linguistic turn’) was perhaps the preeminent philosopher of context. The work know as the Philosophical Investigations (Wittgenstein, 1953), published posthumously, asserted a doctrine of ‘meaning as use’ and helps to supply a pragmatic account of meaning that simultaneously took on both cultural and historic aspects leading to a radical semantic, cultural and epistemological contextualism.

text: Educational research and the philosophy of context Editorial. Wittgenstein, the Austrian counter-Enlightenment philosopher who developed two distinctive philosophies and influenced the turn towards language (‘the linguistic turn’) was perhaps the preeminent philosopher of context. The work know as the Philosophical Investigations (Wittgenstein, 1953), published posthumously, asserted a doctrine of ‘meaning as use’ and helps to supply a pragmatic account of meaning that simultaneously took on both cultural and historic aspects leading to a radical semantic, cultural and epistemological contextualism.

year: 2012

title: Te Whakaruruhau Transition and Wellbeing programme: An implementation evaluation

authors: Robins, Kathryn

subjects: Maori

abstract: Based on the recognition that many women who come into refuge have few options
but to return to the sort of environment in which they have been abused, the
Transition and Wellbeing programme aims to provide medium to long term housing
for families as they re‐establish themselves in the community.
Data for the evaluation of the programme was collected from two main sources; the
women on the programme and key informants at Te Whakaruruhau. Five women,
two of whom are housed in transitional accommodation were interviewed
individually, while focus groups were conducted with middle and senior management
teams.
The completion of the interviews enabled the development of a programme logic,
which describes the ‘theory’ of the programme. The model details the activities or
what the programme does. These activities include linking women to programmes
and resources, providing practical support, addressing specific cultural needs and the
availability of quality advocates. These activities are built on foundational values, such
as, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. The programme is only made
possible with internal and external inputs. Of the external inputs, funding
contributions are considered vital to the functioning of the programme.
The women’s perspectives identified varying outcomes from their participation in the
programme. The logic model details the intended outcomes in the short, medium and
long‐term, reflecting personal, relational and community wellbeing. Short term
outcomes include improved communication, improved self‐esteem, improved
confidence and personal growth. Medium outcomes saw (re)engagement in training,
education and for some, (re)entry into the workforce. Long term outcomes related to
the establishment of a sustainable life style free from violence.
The participants did not see a need to modify the programme in any significant way.
Some did think that it could be usefully extended by adding to the existing activities a
hands on, artistic approach. Programme developers may consider more creative ways
in which to assess and measure the impact of the programme. Finally, it is suggested
that the programme could benefit from a more systemic assessment process to
determine whether women are “ready” to enter it.

text: Te Whakaruruhau Transition and Wellbeing programme: An implementation evaluation Based on the recognition that many women who come into refuge have few options
but to return to the sort of environment in which they have been abused, the
Transition and Wellbeing programme aims to provide medium to long term housing
for families as they re‐establish themselves in the community.
Data for the evaluation of the programme was collected from two main sources; the
women on the programme and key informants at Te Whakaruruhau. Five women,
two of whom are housed in transitional accommodation were interviewed
individually, while focus groups were conducted with middle and senior management
teams.
The completion of the interviews enabled the development of a programme logic,
which describes the ‘theory’ of the programme. The model details the activities or
what the programme does. These activities include linking women to programmes
and resources, providing practical support, addressing specific cultural needs and the
availability of quality advocates. These activities are built on foundational values, such
as, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. The programme is only made
possible with internal and external inputs. Of the external inputs, funding
contributions are considered vital to the functioning of the programme.
The women’s perspectives identified varying outcomes from their participation in the
programme. The logic model details the intended outcomes in the short, medium and
long‐term, reflecting personal, relational and community wellbeing. Short term
outcomes include improved communication, improved self‐esteem, improved
confidence and personal growth. Medium outcomes saw (re)engagement in training,
education and for some, (re)entry into the workforce. Long term outcomes related to
the establishment of a sustainable life style free from violence.
The participants did not see a need to modify the programme in any significant way.
Some did think that it could be usefully extended by adding to the existing activities a
hands on, artistic approach. Programme developers may consider more creative ways
in which to assess and measure the impact of the programme. Finally, it is suggested
that the programme could benefit from a more systemic assessment process to
determine whether women are “ready” to enter it.

year: 2008-06-26