247 research outputs found

    Formalizing Cyber--Physical System Model Transformation via Abstract Interpretation

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    Model transformation tools assist system designers by reducing the labor--intensive task of creating and updating models of various aspects of systems, ensuring that modeling assumptions remain consistent across every model of a system, and identifying constraints on system design imposed by these modeling assumptions. We have proposed a model transformation approach based on abstract interpretation, a static program analysis technique. Abstract interpretation allows us to define transformations that are provably correct and specific. This work develops the foundations of this approach to model transformation. We define model transformation in terms of abstract interpretation and prove the soundness of our approach. Furthermore, we develop formalisms useful for encoding model properties. This work provides a methodology for relating models of different aspects of a system and for applying modeling techniques from one system domain, such as smart power grids, to other domains, such as water distribution networks.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures; to appear in HASE 2019 proceeding

    Examining the Usefulness of Amerinet\u27s Valusource 3.0 Software

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    The main focus of this research is to provide AmeriNet, Inc., a group purchasing organization of medical and healthcare supplies, with a statistical and realistic perspective regarding user training requirements and effectiveness of their latest software release, ValuSource 3.0. This electronic catalog was developed for AmeriNet members to provide contract pricing information. The software release took over a year to design and implemented most of the functionality required/requested by AmeriNet shareholders and members. The purpose of the software is to give members access to up-to-date contract information such as pricing, contract terms, commitment levels, etc. ValuSource 3.0 is capable of providing the user with a large volume of information in many different formats, including the capability to export data to other software packages. Because of its functionality, however, the software could be perceived as somewhat confusing to use or not exactly user-friendly. Based on this assumption, the main purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of ValuSource 3.0 to the average computer user. It is felt that users experiencing difficulty with the software would probably fail to utilize it to its fullest or not at aJl. The software was intended to replace current paper and microfiche catalog information. If users are unable to effectively utilize the electronic version, then they would not have access to vital contract and pricing data for purchasing needs. If members fail to purchase effectively from AmeriNet contracted vendors, then the business itself could fail. It is vitally important that members access and utilize AmeriNet contracts effectively. There were 38 respondents, or about 35% of the initial sample that returned the ValuSource 3.0 Survey. The survey was mailed out to healthcare personnel from AmeriNet facilities currently utilizing the software. After studying the mean responses of these users, it became statistically clear that the majority of AmeriNet members are capable of utilizing the software with ease. Additional training availability could be provided to those members having difficulty, but the need is not clearly visible

    "And BAM. You Have a Connection”: Blind/Partially Blind Students and the Belonging in Academia Model

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    Belonging has significant impacts on success in postsecondary. Blind people are underrepresented in postsecondary and lack equitable opportunities to develop a sense of belonging. To build a better understanding of this underrepresented experience, this study shares narratives of 28 Blind students from across Turtle Island (and what is colonially called Canada) using Teng et al.’s (2020) Belonging in Academia Model (BAM) as a conceptual framework. Thematically analyzed findings suggest that blind students’ perspectives offer nuance to the BAM’s conceptualization of how belonging develops. For blind students, external factors such as class size are especially important in determining affiliation with an institution. Blind students elucidated the importance of familiarity with different ways of being in the world, including blindness. Third, acceptance involved having their blind embraced in postsecondary contexts. Forth, interdependence was key to building trusting connections for blind students. Fifth, blind participants discussed equity at length related to access, the added work of trying to obtain access, and the emotional work involved. This study helps fill a gap regarding the experiences of these traditionally underrepresented postsecondary students in Canada. The BAM may raise the consciousness of stakeholders in considering the unique factors impacting belonging for blind people. By attending to these perspectives, stakeholders can become more responsive to the experiences of people from equity-deserving groups. Understanding facilitators and barriers to belonging could result in culturally safer practices and inclusive pedagogical practices and system policies. Only when we create a space where everyone can belong will higher education be truly inclusive

    Reflection on Professionalism: Retrospective Review of Health Professional Student Reflections

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    Professionalism is one of the core competencies for occupational and physical therapists. However, difficulty in providing clear definitions of core professional values and behaviours makes professionalism a complex concept to teach. Most proposed frameworks for defining the concept are theoretical or have focused on the academics’ and clinicians’ perspectives; evidence from students’ experiences is lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework to define the concept of professionalism from occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) students’ perspectives through analysis of their reflections. The study was a retrospective content analysis of OT and PT students’ reflections completed during clinical placements from 2014-2015 academic years. Sixty students (30 PT and 30 OT) were randomly sampled and one anonymized reflection of each of these students was selected. The qualitative content analysis was initiated by applying a deductive approach using previously presented frameworks to define professionalism. Four themes emerged which resulted in a new framework to define professionalism from students’ perspectives. The emergent themes included the effect of context, the relational dimension, personal dimension, and societal dimension. Students considered context an overarching factor influencing all dimensions of professionalism. Although their perceptions of professionalism were comparable to other presented frameworks, they primarily focused on the relational and personal dimensions of professionalism. The results of this study indicate that OT and PT students consider professionalism as a multi-dimensional and context-specific concept. Despite understanding contextual barriers, at this stage of their professional identity development, students tried to adhere to ethics, and professional values and responsibilities.&nbsp

    Energy - and Heat-aware HPC Benchmarks

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    International audienceTo evaluate data centers is tough. Several metrics are available to provide insight into their behaviour, but usually they are tested using simple benchmarks like LINPACK for HPC oriented data centers. A good choice of benchmarks is necessary to evaluate all the impact of applications on those data centers. One point that is often overlooked is their energy- and thermal-quality. To evaluate these qualities, adequate benchmarks are required from several points of view: from the nodes to the whole building. Classical benchmarks selection mainly focuses on time and raw performance. This article aims at shifting the focus towards an energy- and power-point of view. To this end, we select benchmarks able to evaluate data centers not only from this performance perspective, but also from the energy and thermal standpoint. We also provide insight into several classical benchmarks and method to select an adequate and small number of benchmarks in order to provide a sensible and minimum set of energy- and thermal-aware benchmarks for HPC systems

    Self-Determination Through Circus Arts: Exploring Youth Development in a Novel Activity Context

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    Youth development takes place in many contexts, with different resulting participant outcomes. Broadening the scope of research to include non-traditional contexts such as youth circus arts programs, which are both similar to and different from other out-of-school-time contexts, may promote better understanding of the ways in which these programs impact youth development. The present study examined the prevalence of support for basic psychological needs and positive developmental outcomes among youth circus program participants. Single time-point quantitative surveys were completed by 111 youth members of the American Youth Circus Organization (62% female), ranging in age from 10 to 21. Results indicated psychological need support predicted positive developmental outcomes. Relatedness was the strongest predictor of intrinsic motivation, affect, and positive youth development. This study illustrates a novel way in which physical activity and youth development can be integrated in youth programs. It contributes to the understanding of youths’ self-determined motivation in physical activities and points to the importance of examining under-studied youth activity contexts such as circus arts
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