A comparative study of formalisms for programming language definition : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University

This study looks at a number of methods for defining the full syntax and semantics of computer programming languages. The syntax, especially the nature of context-dependent conditions in it, is first examined, then some extensions of context-free grammars are compared to see to what extent they can encompass the full context-conditions of typical programming languages. It is found that several syntax extensions are inadequate in this regard, and that the ability to calculate complicated functions and conditions, and to eventually delete the values of such functions, is needed. This ability may be obtained either by allowing unrestricted rules and meta-variables in the phrase-structure, or by associating mathematical functions either with individual production rules or with the whole context-free structure, to transform it into an 'abstract syntax'. Since the form of a definition of a programming language semantics depends critically on how one conceives "meaning", five main types of semantics are considered: these are called 'natural', 'prepositional', 'functional', and 'structural' semantics, as well as a semantics based on string rewriting rules. The five types are compared for their success in defining the semantics of computing languages, of the example Algol-like language ALEX in particular. Among other conclusions, it is found that the semantics of structures and computations on structures is the only type sufficiently comprehensive, precise, and readable

Land Grant Application- Thompson, Joseph (York)

Land grant application submitted to the Maine Land Office for Joseph Thompson for service in the Revolutionary War.https://digitalmaine.com/revolutionary_war_me_land_office/1896/thumbnail.jp

“Taliessin in the Rose-Garden”: A Symbolic Analysis

In this analysis of a poem from Charles Williams’s Taliessin cycle, Taliessin in the Rose-Garden, I sought to demonstrate that our reading of the poem could be helped with the use of certain traditional categories of symbolism. In particular I focussed on how Williams adapts the classical model of hylomorphism to offer his own take on the relationship between spirit and matter. That he was able to accomplish this through the medium of poetry is a considerable testament to his skill and the scope of his vision. I also tried to show where hermetic ideas encroach upon his Christian storytelling, potentially posing problems for an orthodox reading of his poetic cycle as a whole

Who is Merlin? A Closer Look at the Character in Charles Williams’ \u3ci\u3eTaliessin\u3c/i\u3e Poetry

By understanding how Merlin and Brisen manifest the influence of archaic ideas concerning time and the esoteric teachings of the Zohar in Williams’s Taliessin cycle, we are able to account for their roles in the story, and to understand more clearly Williams’s eschatological vision of unity to which all events in the cycle are either directed or opposed. This vision incorporates both Platonic (or Neoplatonic) and Kabbalistic elements in harmony with one another, adapted through the filter of Williams’s own esoteric ideas and Christian beliefs

The Free Press Vol 37, Issue 13, 01-30-2006

Southern Maine Review seeks new funding -- Noam Chomsky speaks at UNE -- Bossie on current student issueshttps://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/free_press/1017/thumbnail.jp

The Free Press Vol 37, Issue 6, 10-24-2005

Stopping the Student Aid Raid with Minutes Pre-Paid -- Bus locators: innovative or imprudent? -- Justice, genocide and the draft: an interview with Bjelichttps://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/free_press/1010/thumbnail.jp

Densification and thermal properties of zirconium diboride based ceramics

The research presented in this dissertation focuses on the processing and thermomechanical properties of ZrB₂ based ceramics. The overall goal was to improve the understanding of thermal and mechanical properties based on processing conditions and additives to ZrB₂. To achieve this, the relationships between the thermal and mechanical properties were analyzed for ZrB₂ ceramics that were densified by different methods, varying amounts of carbon, B₄C, or TiB₂ additions. Four main areas were investigated in this dissertation. The first showed that decreased processing times, regardless of densification method, improved mechanical strength to \u3e500 MPa. This study also revealed that lower oxygen impurity contents led to less grain coarsening. The second study showed that higher heating rates narrowed the grain size distribution, which resulted in strengths above 600 MPa. However, the decreased processing times led to retention of ZrO₂, which decreased the thermal conductivity. The third study revealed that carbon additions interacted with ZrO₂ and WC impurities introduced during powder processing to form (Zr,W)C, which led to higher thermal conductivity than ZrB₂ with no carbon added. The last area examined the effect of solid solution additions on the electron and phonon contributions to thermal conductivity. The formation of solid solutions decreased thermal conductivity to \u3c60 W/mʺK compared to 93 W/mʺK for nominally pure ZrB₂ at 25⁰C. Taken as a whole, this research adds insight into the fundamental aspects of microstructure and composition that control the thermal and mechanical properties of ZrB₂. These changes impact thermal and mechanical properties, which control the performance of ZrB₂ based ceramics --Abstract, page iv