Using global analysis, partial specifications, and an extensible assertion language for program validation and debugging

We discuss a framework for the application of abstract interpretation as an aid during program development, rather than in the more traditional application of program optimization. Program validation and detection of errors is first performed statically by comparing (partial) specifications written in terms of assertions against information obtained from (global) static analysis of the program. The results of this process are expressed in the user assertion language. Assertions (or parts of assertions) which cannot be checked statically are translated into run-time tests. The framework allows the use of assertions to be optional. It also allows using very general properties in assertions, beyond the predefined set understandable by the static analyzer and including properties defined by user programs. We also report briefly on an implementation of the framework. The resulting tool generates and checks assertions for Prolog, CLP(R), and CHIP/CLP(fd) programs, and integrates compile-time and run-time checking in a uniform way. The tool allows using properties such as types, modes, non-failure, determinacy, and computational cost, and can treat modules separately, performing incremental analysis

Changes in body weight (A), energy intake (B), food intake (C), water intake (D), fat mass (E) and lean mass (F) in control fed mice (■) and HFFD fed mice (▲).

<p>Data are means ± SEM for 36 mice per group at 1, 2 and 3 months, 24 mice per group at 6 months and 12 mice per group at 8 months. *P≤0.05, **P≤0.01, ***P≤0.001.</p

Macrophage infiltration (A) and collagen accumulation (B) in HFFD fed mice (■) compared to control fed mice (▲)

<p>Data are means ± SEM for 12 mice per group; *p=0.0217. Pictures for macrophage staining display representative areas of kidneys from control or HFFD fed mice. Magnification x20. Pictures for collagen staining display representative tubulointerstitium of kidneys from control or HFFD fed mice. Magnification x20.</p

Absence of mesangial matrix expansion in HFFD fed mice (■) compared to control fed mice (▲)

<p>Mesangial matrix expansion is evaluated by the ratio of the matrix surface to the total surface of the glomerulus after Periodic Acid Staining. Data are means ± SEM for 12 mice per group; <i>ns</i>. Pictures display representative glomeruli of kidneys from control or HFFD fed mice. Magnification x40.</p

Plasma level of triglycerides (A), cholesterol (B), HDL (C), LDL (D) and glucose (E) in control fed mice (■) and HFFD fed mice (▲)

<p>Data are means ± SEM for 12 mice per group. *P≤0.05, **P≤0.01, ***P≤0.001.</p

Glomerular hyperfiltration (A), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) (B) and arterial blood pressure (C) in HFFD fed mice (■) compared to control fed mice (▲)

<p>Data are means ± SEM for 9 mice per group; *p=0.0429; **p=0.004.</p

Is there a french philosophy of technology ? General introduction

International audienceThe existence of a French philosophy of technology is a matter of debate. Technology has long remained invisible in French philosophy, due to cultural circumstances and linguistic specificities. Even though a number of French philosophers have developed views and concepts about technology during the twentieth century, "philosophy of technology" has never been established as a legitimate branch of philosophy in the French academic landscape so far. This book, however, demonstrates that a community of philosophers dealing with various issues related to technology and built up on the legacy of the previous generations has emerged. In gathering scholars with quite diverse theoretical backgrounds and matters of concern, this volume outlines a coherent, albeit heterogeneous, philosophical trend. Five chief characteristics are identified in this introduction: i) a close connection between history and philosophy, with a focus on the temporalities of technology, ii) the prevalence of the anthropological approach to technology whether it be social anthropology or paleoanthropology, iii) a focus on technological objects that we characterize as a "thing turn" à la française, iv) the dignification of technoscience as a philosophical category, and v) a pervading concern with ethical issues based on the anthropological interpretation of technology and quite distinct from current trends in applied ethics