Defining correctness conditions for concurrent objects in multicore architectures

Correctness of concurrent objects is defined in terms of conditions that determine allowable relationships between histories of a concurrent object and those of the corresponding sequential object. Numerous correctness conditions have been proposed over the years, and more have been proposed recently as the algorithms implementing concurrent objects have been adapted to cope with multicore processors with relaxed memory architectures. We present a formal framework for defining correctness conditions for multicore architectures, covering both standard conditions for totally ordered memory and newer conditions for relaxed memory, which allows them to be expressed in uniform manner, simplifying comparison. Our framework distinguishes between order and commitment properties, which in turn enables a hierarchy of correctness conditions to be established. We consider the Total Store Order (TSO) memory model in detail, formalise known conditions for TSO using our framework, and develop sequentially consistent variations of these. We present a work-stealing deque for TSO memory that is not linearizable, but is correct with respect to these new conditions. Using our framework, we identify a new non-blocking compositional condition, fence consistency, which lies between known conditions for TSO, and aims to capture the intention of a programmer-specified fence

Vocational education and training in the military context

University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Arts and social Sciences.The fundamental intention of this research study was to investigate the vocational education experiences of learners undertaking military vocational training to ultimately draw an understanding of those learning experiences of military personnel, and therefore inform future practice. This research study aimed to address the following research question: How is vocational education and training, delivered in the military context, adequate in preparing military personnel for civilian work? This research question was designed to focus on the transferability of military attained vocational education skills and knowledge to the civilian workplace, and whether a military staff member making the move to the civilian workplace employed in an equivalent job would have adequate training. The researcher has strived to highlight the perception of military trainees about the transferability of their military acquired vocational education and training skills and qualifications to the civilian workplace. In achieving this various trainees and trainers were invited to participate in this study to complete questionnaires and interviews concerning aspects of military vocational training and the transferability of these skills to the civilian workplace. The vocational fields of interest and analysed within the study include hospitality, clerical administration and aviation. Case studies were developed and created from the data collected presenting and illustrating the learning experiences of military trainees who have undertaken military vocational training. These case studies examine and investigate the learners perceived quality of training, the support provided to the trainees, and their view on transition to the civilian workplace. The findings of the case studies are discussed and analysed in depth through a thematic analysis presenting the perceptions of both trainees and trainers of the transfer of military acquired vocational skills and qualifications to a civilian workplace. Of major concern to this study was the situated nature of military delivered vocational training and whether these skills and knowledge can be transferred to a civilian workplace and whether military acquired vocational training can be used to gain civilian employment once transfer from the military is sought. Through the development of the case studies and then with analysis of major topics and issues raised , various transition factors that may hinder and impede a successful transition to civilian work are highlighted. What will be required of military personnel once seeking transition is also raised as well as an awareness highlighted by the participants that transfer is to an extent more significant than skills. Transition from the military to civilian work is a personal transition requiring the ex-military member to adapt to a new environment and organisation, learn new ways of work and to develop new working relationships

Toward a unified PNT, Part 1: Complexity and context: Key challenges of multisensor positioning

The next generation of navigation and positioning systems must provide greater accuracy and reliability in a range of challenging environments to meet the needs of a variety of mission-critical applications. No single navigation technology is robust enough to meet these requirements on its own, so a multisensor solution is required. Known environmental features, such as signs, buildings, terrain height variation, and magnetic anomalies, may or may not be available for positioning. The system could be stationary, carried by a pedestrian, or on any type of land, sea, or air vehicle. Furthermore, for many applications, the environment and host behavior are subject to change. A multi-sensor solution is thus required. The expert knowledge problem is compounded by the fact that different modules in an integrated navigation system are often supplied by different organizations, who may be reluctant to share necessary design information if this is considered to be intellectual property that must be protected

An Interview with Bonnie Parkhouse

This article investigates the societal manifestation of change in the sport industry. Bonnie Parkhouse, an Associate Professor at California State University-Fullerton and president of SMARTS is among the most innovative educators in the field

Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder on Educational Placement and Service Delivery

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder face many changes within the school environment. Teachers strive to help these students meet those changes by providing for special learning and behavior needs. This study obtained teacher responses to examine demographic data, disability categories, placement, and educational treatment of children clinically diagnosed and/or suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders . Of the 76 teacher surveys returned, 107 students were reported to have or were suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder . Forty-five were identified as learning disabled, seven were considered behavior disordered, seven were receiving speech services, seven others were health impaired, three were diagnosed as educable mentally handicapped, one was diagnosed as trainable mentally handicapped, and nineteen had no disability category. This survey indicated the most common placement for students diagnosed or suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder\u27\u27 is the regular education classroom. Results indicated over 80% of the students clinically diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder were taking Ritalin as medication for Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms. The most frequently implemented behavior interventions utilized with students suspected or diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder included time-out, one-to-one instruction, behavior modification, special seating arrangement, and modified assignment

Interview with Ted Miller

Ted Miller is Vice President/General Manager of Silver Dollar, Tennessee. This article presents an overview of theme and water parks from the perspective· of small operations. It also emphasizes the importance of innovation to the future of the business and cites risks as a prime example to move to a new frontier in the industry

Clinical work with adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse from a Christian perspective

Includes bibliographical references

Interview with Mark Schubart

Mark Schubart is Director of the Lincoln Center Institute and one of the prime developers of the Arts Unlimited program. In his interview, he provides a view of program development at the national level. The prime focus of the article is upon the initial development of programs