First order model checking of w-Automata using multiway decision graphs

As the complexity of hardware digital systems increases, their correctness becomes a major concern. Traditional verification by simulation is infeasible to exhaustively test and guarantee correctness. More than a decade ago, however, formal verification has been introduced as complement technique to simulation. Formal methods establish that a design implementation satisfies its specification by mathematical reasoning. Among several techniques, model checking is one of the most successful technology, which is based on the exploration of the design state space. In this thesis, we propose a new model checking method based on the theory of }-automata and multiway decision graphs (MDGs). Unlike reduced ordered binary decision diagrams (ROBDDs), MDGs allow system models to be described using abstract state machines (ASMs) through abstract data sorts and uninterpreted function symbols, hence enabling the verification of larger designs independent of the datapath width. Given an ASM and a first-order linear time temporal logic property, the model checking problem proposed in this thesis is reduced to a language emptiness checking of an }-automaton that accepts all }-words produced by the system violating the property formula. The checking method comprises four steps: (1) transforming the first-order property into a propositional formula by constructing ASMs for the atomic formulas of the property; (2) generating an }-automaton from the negation of the transformed propositional formula; (3) computing the product of the generated automaton, the system model ASM and the constructed ASMs; and (4) applying a language emptiness checking algorithm on the product automaton. Three different checking algorithms have been developed, implemented, and proved correct in this thesis. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model checking method and implemented tool, we conducted several experimentations and case studies. We also compared the efficiency of our tool with an existing MDG regular model checking application, as well as with popular ROBDD-based automata model checking tools such as VIS. Our model checker was found to be outperforming the above tools

Moldova's left behind children: Weighing the impact of parental emigration

Stuck between its Soviet past, while still navigating its relative independence, Moldova is still struggling today – it remains under the burden of a weak development and socio-economic crisis. Emigration has become normalized in the culture and many have labelled the country’s present situation as a “social tragedy". This mass emigration has increased the number of the Left Behind Children (LBCH). With this study, we propose to analyze the impact that parental emigration has on the LBCH in Moldova. We consider that both the literature and the clinical settings have been overlooking the damage that parental emigration causes on the family and on the LBCH. Generally, most studies focus on the benefits that emigration brings to the families, mainly through the remittances that are sent home by the emigrants. However, considering everything, the LBCH pay a much higher price for it. Further research is needed in order to find a fixed answer for the emigration equation. Nonetheless, we know that emigration remains an uncertain journey, both for the families, as well as for the country itself.Presa entre o seu passado soviético, enquanto ainda navega a sua relativa independência, a Moldávia ainda hoje luta – permanece sob o peso de uma crise socioeconómica e desenvolvimento débil. A emigração tornou-se normalizada na cultura e muitos nomearam a atual situação do país como uma “tragédia social”. A emigração em massa da Moldávia tem aumentado o número de Crianças Deixadas Para Trás. Com este estudo, propomos analisar o impacto que a emigração dos pais tem sobre as Crianças Deixadas para Trás na Moldávia. Consideramos que tanto a literatura quanto os cenários clínicos têm negligenciado o dano que a emigração dos pais causa na família e nas Crianças Deixadas Para Trás. Geralmente, a maioria dos estudos foca-se nos benefícios que a emigração traz às famílias, principalmente através das remessas enviadas para casa pelos emigrantes. Todavia, considerando as consequências, as crianças pagam um preço muito maior. Para encontrar uma resposta fixa para a equação da emigração no país, mais estudos serão necessários. No entanto, sabemos que a emigração continua a ser uma jornada incerta, tanto para a instituição da família, como para o próprio país

The (in)visible woman: A performative autoethnographic exploration of queer femme-ininity and queer isolation

This thesis is a performative autoethnographic exploration of my experiences existing betwixt-and-between the intersection of queer femme-ininity and isolation. Through a creative, affective rendition of my experiences, I detail and connect the nuances of queerness, femme-ininity, and queer isolation to provide a closer look at understanding queer identity with an absence of connection to the queer community. First, I provide an overview of the main theoretical and methodological approaches, and main concepts I utilize throughout my project. I then provide the intricacies of queer theory, queer intersectionality, and affect theory to provide theoretical explanations of my approach to queer isolation. After I explain the process of queer performative autoethnography, I weave my vignettes and narratives within existing research and scholarship regarding queer femme-ininity and social exclusion and isolation to create connections between embodied knowledge and scholarly literature. This project was ultimately a means through which I was able to creatively reflect on my experiences with queer isolation while also beginning the effect to bridge the gaps in knowledge that exist between concepts such as social isolation, communication, and queer femme identities

2015 GREAT Day Program

SUNY Geneseo’s Ninth Annual GREAT Day.https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/program-2007/1009/thumbnail.jp

Social Sciences and Cultural Studies

This is a unique and groundbreaking collection of questions and answers coming from higher education institutions on diverse fields and across a wide spectrum of countries and cultures. It creates routes for further innovation, collaboration amidst the Sciences (both Natural and Social) and the Humanities and the private and the public sectors of society. The chapters speak across socio-cultural concerns, education, welfare and artistic sectors under the common desire for direct responses in more effective ways by means of interaction across societal structures