Embedding programming languages: Prolog in Haskell

This thesis focuses on combining the two most important and wide spread declarative programming paradigms, functional and logic programming. The proposed approach aims at adding logic programming features which are native to Prolog onto Haskell. We develop extensions which replicate the target language by utilizing advanced features of the host language for an efficient implementation. The thesis aims to provide insights into merging two declarative languages namely, Haskell and Prolog by embedding the latter into the former and analyzing the results of doing so as the two languages have conflicting characteristics. The finished products will be something similar to a haskellised Prolog which has logic programming-like capabilities. --Leaf ii.The original print copy of this thesis may be available here: http://wizard.unbc.ca/record=b214135

Unifying Theories of Logics with Undefinedness

A relational approach to the question of how different logics relate formally is described. We consider three three-valued logics, as well as classical and semi-classical logic. A fundamental representation of three-valued predicates is developed in the Unifying Theories of Programming (UTP) framework of Hoare and He. On this foundation, the five logics are encoded semantically as UTP theories. Several fundamental relationships are revealed using theory linking mechanisms, which corroborate results found in the literature, and which have direct applicability to the sound mixing of logics in order to prove facts. The initial development of the fundamental three-valued predicate model, on which the theories are based, is then applied to the novel systems-of-systems specification language CML, in order to reveal proof obligations which bridge a gap that exists between the semantics of CML and the existing semantics of one of its sub-languages, VDM. Finally, a detailed account is given of an envisioned model theory for our proposed structuring, which aims to lift the sentences of the five logics encoded to the second order, allowing them to range over elements of existing UTP theories of computation, such as designs and CSP processes. We explain how this would form a complete treatment of logic interplay that is expressed entirely inside UTP

Crafting a case-finder of traumatic brain injury for patients and staff in community drug and alcohol treatment

Purpose: To develop a user interface with embedded clinical decision support software for detecting self or proxy reports of lifetime exposure to TBI with patients receiving community drug and alcohol treatment. Method: Human centred design standard was adopted in the adaptation of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method. A prototype head injury survey user interface was developed following usability design guidelines with stakeholder involvement. The initial instrument design underwent formative usability evaluation using cognitive walkthrough with a concurrent embedded mixed methods design. Four patients and four staff from a community drug and alcohol treatment service were purposively recruited for usability testing. Results: A thematic analysis was conducted and three themes were identified; user interface problems and improvements, living with TBI, and high tech or low tech healthcare. The theme user interface problems and improvements was quantified using problem discovery analysis to prioritise the five pre-defined user interface categories; navigation, content, page layout, terminology, data entry and technology for redesign (Rubin, 1996). Patients’ highest redesign priority was navigation and for staff it was data entry and technology. Design recommendations: The prototype head injury survey application had ten user interface design recommendations. The next design iteration will be sensitive to neurological deficits, limited IT skills and low reading ability. Several implications for practice in conducting TBI screening were identified. Staff should retain control over the administration of the head injury survey application as the recollection of past traumatic events was distressing for patients. Family and friends should be involved in TBI screening to help differentiate any changes in neurological functioning post head injury. Administration of the instrument should be restricted. Preferred delivery method was clinical interview using mobile computer technology. Electronic healthcare records could provide prompts to conduct TBI screening if associated clinical markers for head trauma have been detected