Evaluation of graphical control flow management approaches for Event-B modelling

Integrating graphical representations with formal methods can help bridge the gap between requirements and formal modelling. In this paper, we compare and evaluate two graphical approaches aiming at describing control flows and refinement in Event-B, and we use a fire dispatch system case study to perform this evaluation. The fire dispatch system case study provides a good example of a complex workflow through which we try to identify a process that facilitates defining the structural and the behavioural parts of the Event-B model. In our case study, we focus on building the dynamic part of the model to evaluate the two diagrammatic notations: UML Activity Diagrams and Atomicity Decomposition Diagrams. Based on our evaluation, we try to identify the advantages and limitations of both approaches. Finally, we try to compare how both graphical notations can affect the Event-B formal modelling of our case study

Language and tool support for event refinement structures in Event-B

Event-B is a formal method for modelling and verifying the consistency of chains of model refinements. The event refinement structure (ERS) approach augments Event-B with a graphical notation which is capable of explicit representation of control flows and refinement relationships. In previous work, the ERS approach has been evaluated manually in the development of two large case studies, a multimedia protocol and a spacecraft sub-system. The evaluation results helped us to extend the ERS constructors, to develop a systematic definition of ERS, and to develop a tool supporting ERS. We propose the ERS language which systematically defines the semantics of the ERS graphical notation including the constructors. The ERS tool supports automatic construction of the Event-B models in terms of control flows and refinement relationships. In this paper we outline the systematic definition of ERS including the presentation of constructors, the tool that supports it and evaluate the contribution that ERS and its tool make. Also we present how the systematic definition of ERS and the corresponding tool can ensure a consistent encoding of the ERS diagrams in the Event-B models

Applying Atomicity and Model Decomposition to a Space Craft System in Event-B

Event-B is a formal method for modeling and verifying consistency of systems. In formal methods such as Event-B, refinement is the process of enriching or modifying an abstract model in a step-wise manner in order to manage the development of complex and large systems. To further alleviate the complexity of developing large systems, Event-B refinement can be augmented with two techniques, namely atomicity decomposition and model decomposition. Our main objective in this paper is to investigate and evaluate the application of these techniques when used in a refinement based development. These techniques have been applied to the formal development of a space craft system. The outcomes of this experimental work are presented as assessment results. The experience and assessment can form the basis for some guidelines in applying these techniques in future cases

Sexual Dimorphism in Horizontal Length and Gonial Angle of the Mandible: A Radiographic Study

Background: Forensic anthropology is one of the most important sub-fields of physical anthropology in which anthropometric indicators are used to examine the biological characteristics of corpses. In the meantime, the mandible bone is regarded as a significant bone following the pelvic bone due to its high resistance and dimorphism characteristics. Thus, this study aims to investigate the two parameters of the body's horizontal length and the mandible's gonial angle using radiographic images. Materials and Methods: In this study, 120 orthopantomography images were used to examine the parameters of the horizontal length of the body and the gonial angle. The parameters were quantitatively checked using EASY-DENT software. Then, the statistical data were analyzed using Prism software version 9.0 and T-test. Results: In this study, the mean horizontal length of the mandible body in women and men was 97.16 and 83.97 mm, respectively, and the data analysis showed a significant difference between the two sexes. Also, the gonial angle in men was measured as 173.1 and 166.9 degrees on average on the right and left sides, respectively, and on average as 144.6 and 142.1 degrees on the right and left sides in women. The data analysis indicated a significant difference between the two sexes, while the gonial angle was greater in men than women. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the two parameters of the horizontal length of the body and the gonial angle of the mandible can be significant indicators in forensic anthropology and other related studies

The current sustainability reporting practices in Finnish real estate companies

The aim of this research is to investigate the content and quality of the sustainability reports published by Finnish real estate companies. To achieve this aim, the researcher has developed an integrated multiple qualitative research method, including content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Content analysis applied to the 2013 annual reports, 2014 Q2 interim reports, website contents and building presentations of eight sampled companies from which three are investment and five are construction organisations. The coding system of content analysis is defined based on CRESS GRI G4 guidelines in which each code is required to be reported in three types of information: 1. aims and values, 2. actions to achieve the defined aims, and 3. performance data. The results revealed that the level of content and quality of sustainability reports is relatively moderate. Key challenges for companies are as follows: providing quantitative performance data, engaging stakeholders in the reporting process and considering the impacts of a company during supply chain. This study suggests the series of actions to overcome some shortcoming of the reports. With regard to the problem engaging stakeholders in the process of reporting, the following initiatives help, including conducting pervasive surveys; providing updated sustainability information on the company's website; as well as creating forums to increase the interaction between the stakeholders. To overcome the lack of coverage of the supply chain process in sustainability reporting, companies should define the criteria for sustainable supply chain, communicate it with their partners, and monitor their actions to identify any failures and report the results publicly. To smooth the process, companies can benchmark the best practices from across the sector. The semi-structured interviews have been conducted with four members from three investment companies in order to gain deep insight into the phenomenon. Interviews revealed the motivations that encourage the real estate companies to publish sustainability reports, such as an increased credibility and popularity, economic opportunities and competitive advantage. In addition, it enables companies to revise their performance annually and improve their strategy if needed. The findings of this research complement those of prior studies, however, show further improvements in the quality of sustainability reporting by the Finnish real estate companies. The present research outcomes have several implications for further improvements in the quality and content of the sustainability reports. At minimum, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue regarding the systematic sustainability reports published by real estate companies in Finland

Application of Time Series, ANN, and SVM Models in Forecasting the Gorgan Dam Inflow Rate

In water resources management, there is a critical need to the prediction of the amount of inflow into the water supply system in order to be aware of future conditions and planning for optimal allocation of water resources to different sectors such as drinking, agriculture and. The aim of this study is to forecasting the monthly inflow to the Gorgan dam for future. To this aim, the data of the Qazaghli station with a 47-years history period and three Time series, neural network and Support vector machine models used for prediction. According to the obtained results, the ARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, 1) was found to be the premier parsimonious time series model based on the Akaike and Schwarz criteria. Moreover, The ANN model with 2 input and 10 neurons tuning and the SVM model with one input were the best performing models. Finally, according to the obtained results and evaluation criteria, the SVM model has the best efficacy in comparison with two other methods. The RMSE and AARE was 5.31 and 1.07 for SVM model, respectively; 9.88 and 2.78 for neural network, respectively and 8.84 and 1.07 has been obtained for Time Series model, respectively. Based on the results of this research, the best model to predict the monthly discharge input to the Gorgan dam was SVM