A Family of Domain-Specific Languages for Integrated Modular Avionics

UID/CEC/04516/2019 TUBITAK/ 0008/2014 2018/2019(Proc. DAAD 441.00)In the domain of avionics, we can find intricate software product lines constrained by both aircraft’s hardware and conformance to strict standards. Existing general-purpose languages are complicated, as they do not hide unnecessary low level-details. This situation potentially leads to a lengthy process in the specification phase and the loss of control over the quality of the specification itself and possibly resulting in the generation of inconsistent products. In Software development for avionics systems, the pressure of time-to-market is high. Additionally, the long time taken for systems certification of this sort of critical system pushes for the development of solutions that support specifications correct by construction. With that kind of solutions, we can release the burden of the software developer by positively constraining the configuration of the products. In this paper, we put into practice an in-house solution that implements the concept of Product Lines of Domain Specific Languages (DSLs). The solution allows generating dedicated DSLs for each sub-family/configuration in Modular avionics departing from the model of a given aircraft.authorsversionpublishe

AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora

We introduce the AusTraits database - a compilation of values of plant traits for taxa in the Australian flora (hereafter AusTraits). AusTraits synthesises data on 448 traits across 28,640 taxa from field campaigns, published literature, taxonomic monographs, and individual taxon descriptions. Traits vary in scope from physiological measures of performance (e.g. photosynthetic gas exchange, water-use efficiency) to morphological attributes (e.g. leaf area, seed mass, plant height) which link to aspects of ecological variation. AusTraits contains curated and harmonised individual- and species-level measurements coupled to, where available, contextual information on site properties and experimental conditions. This article provides information on version 3.0.2 of AusTraits which contains data for 997,808 trait-by-taxon combinations. We envision AusTraits as an ongoing collaborative initiative for easily archiving and sharing trait data, which also provides a template for other national or regional initiatives globally to fill persistent gaps in trait knowledge

Global variability in leaf respiration in relation to climate, plant functional types and leaf traits

• Leaf dark respiration (Rdark) is an important yet poorly quantified component of the global carbon cycle. Given this, we analyzed a new global database of Rdark and associated leaf traits. • Data for 899 species were compiled from 100 sites (from the Arctic to the tropics). Several woody and nonwoody plant functional types (PFTs) were represented. Mixed-effects models were used to disentangle sources of variation in Rdark. • Area-based Rdark at the prevailing average daily growth temperature (T) of each site increased only twofold from the Arctic to the tropics, despite a 20°C increase in growing T (8–28°C). By contrast, Rdark at a standard T (25°C, Rdark25) was threefold higher in the Arctic than in the tropics, and twofold higher at arid than at mesic sites. Species and PFTs at cold sites exhibited higher Rdark25 at a given photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax25) or leaf nitrogen concentration ([N]) than species at warmer sites. Rdark25 values at any given Vcmax25 or [N] were higher in herbs than in woody plants. • The results highlight variation in Rdark among species and across global gradients in T and aridity. In addition to their ecological significance, the results provide a framework for improving representation of Rdark in terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) and associated land-surface components of Earth system models (ESMs)

Latitude, solar elevation angles and gap-regenerating rain forest pioneers

Tropical rain forests have more species-rich tree assemblages than forests at higher latitudes, but is this because they comprise a wider array of niches or functional types? We address this by considering one tree functional type - light-demanding canopy trees with fast foliage turnover and growth - that is common in the tropics and subtropics, but virtually absent from mid-latitude rain forests. Although often referred to as 'tall pioneers' or 'large pioneers', they are by no means confined to early-successional stages, also recruiting directly to the canopy in old-growth stands by rapid growth beneath tree-fall gaps. We also explored the influence of latitude on tree-fall gap light environments as a possible constraint on the geographic distribution of this functional type, using the YPLANT program to simulate light interception and potential carbon gain by seedlings of the Australian rain forest pioneer Polyscias murrayi beneath idealized gaps at tropical, subtropical and cool temperate sites (latitudes 17, 29 and 42°S, respectively). P. murrayi grows quickly to heights of 20-25m, has high photosynthetic capacity and respiration rates, and a leaf life span of 6-9months. Simulated light interception and potential carbon gain were strongly influenced by latitude, and by the interaction of latitude with position within an idealized tree-fall gap of 100m². Potential net daily carbon gain of P. murrayi was strongly positive beneath the gap centre at latitude 17, and beneath the poleward (i.e. southern) gap margin at latitude 29, but negative beneath both the gap centre and margin at latitude 42. Light interception and carbon gain were also influenced by geographic variation in sunshine hours, which were highest at latitude 29 and lowest at latitude 42. A larger gap of 300m² permitted positive net carbon gain at all latitudes, although rates were again predicted to be highest beneath the gap centre in the tropics. Synthesis. YPLANT simulations supported the hypothesis that sun angles could prevent trees with high metabolic rates from invading old-growth mid-latitude rain forests, where light environments suitable for their establishment will be scarce. Geographic variation in forest light environments is therefore likely to influence the range of viable functional types at different latitudes.12 page(s

Cleaning Staff’s Attitudes about Hand Hygiene in a Metropolitan Hospital in Australia: A Qualitative Study

Background: In 2009, the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) was implemented in hospitals across Australia with the aim of improving hand hygiene practices and reducing healthcare-associated infections. Audits conducted post-implementation showed the lowest rates of compliance with hand hygiene practices are among operational staff including hospital cleaners. There is limited information about hand hygiene issues in hospital cleaners to inform development of evidence-based interventions to improve hand hygiene compliance in this group. Aim: This qualitative study was undertaken to explore the attitudes of hospital cleaning staff regarding hand hygiene and the National Hand Hygiene Initiative. Methodology: Focus groups were conducted with 12 cleaning staff at a large Australian hospital implementing the National Hand Hygiene Initiative. Findings: Hospital cleaners recognise the importance of hand hygiene in preventing healthcare-associated infections. Cleaners cite peer support, leadership, and the recognition and reward of those excelling in hand hygiene as strong motivators. Barriers to optimal hand hygiene practice include the presence of multiple conflicting guidelines, hand hygiene “overload„ and a lack of contextualised education programs. This exploratory qualitative study reveals three themes about attitudes of hospital cleaning staff towards hand hygiene. These themes are: (1) “The culture of hand hygiene: It’s drummed into us„; (2) “Reminders and promotion for hand hygiene: We just need a big ‘Please wash your hands’ sign„; and (3) “The personal value of hand hygiene: Like he said, it’s second nature to us„. Conclusion: Hand-hygiene messages and training need to be more consistent and contextualised to achieve improvements in hand hygiene practices in hospital cleaning staff in Australia