672 research outputs found
How bilingual experience and executive control influence development in language control among bilingual children
Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Materials Determined Through Molecular Modeling Techniques
The potential for gains in material properties over conventional materials has motivated an effort to develop novel nanostructured materials for aerospace applications. These novel materials typically consist of a polymer matrix reinforced with particles on the nanometer length scale. In this study, molecular modeling is used to construct fully atomistic models of a carbon nanotube embedded in an epoxy polymer matrix. Functionalization of the nanotube which consists of the introduction of direct chemical bonding between the polymer matrix and the nanotube, hence providing a load transfer mechanism, is systematically varied. The relative effectiveness of functionalization in a nanostructured material may depend on a variety of factors related to the details of the chemical bonding and the polymer structure at the nanotube-polymer interface. The objective of this modeling is to determine what influence the details of functionalization of the carbon nanotube with the polymer matrix has on the resulting mechanical properties. By considering a range of degree of functionalization, the structure-property relationships of these materials is examined and mechanical properties of these models are calculated using standard techniques
Static and dynamic analysis for robustness under slowdown
Robustness of embedded systems to potential
changes in their environment, which may result in the inputs
being affected, is crucial for reliable behaviour. One typical
possible change is that the system’s inputs are slowed down,
altering its temporal behaviour. Algorithmic analysis of systems
to be able to deduce their robustness under such environmental
interference is desirable. In this paper, we present a framework
for the analysis of synchronous systems to analyse their behaviour
when the inputs slow down through stuttering. We identify
different types of slowdown robustness constraints and present
static and dynamic analysis techniques for determining whether
systems written in Lustre satisfy these robustness properties.peer-reviewe
A profile-driven sketching interface for pen-and-paper sketches
This research is funded by the University of Malta under the research grant R30 31330 and is part of the project Innovative ‘Early Design’ Product Prototyping (InPro).Sketching interface tools are developed to allow designers to benefit from the powerful computational tools avail- able in computer aided design systems. However, despite the number of sketching tools such as PDAs and Tablet PCs available on market, designers typically create a number of initial conceptual ideas using paper-based sketches and scribbles such that these tools remain inaccessible to designers in the early design stages. In this paper we describe a profile-driven, paper-based sketching interface which infers the 3D geometry of objects drawn by designers using the traditional pen and paper sketching. We show that by making full use of the shape information present in the scribbled drawing, it is possible to obtain a paper-based sketching interface that retains the simplicity of the early- stage design drawings while allowing for the modeling of a variety of object shapes.peer-reviewe
An LTL proof system for runtime verification
We propose a local proof system for LTL formalising deductions within the constraints of Runtime Verification (RV), and show how such a system can be used as a basis for the construction of online runtime monitors. Novel soundness and completeness results are proven for this system. We also prove decidability and incrementality properties for a monitoring algorithm constructed from it. Finally, we relate its expressivity to existing symbolic analysis techniques used in RV.peer-reviewe
Runtime verification using Larva
Larva, which has been in use and continuous development for almost a decade, has been extended in several ways and used in a wide range of scenarios, from industrial deployment to educational ones. In this paper we give an overview of Larva and give an overview of its extensions and uses.peer-reviewe
malERA: An updated research agenda for diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and vector control in malaria elimination and eradication
Since the turn of the century, a remarkable expansion has been
achieved in the range and effectiveness of products and
strategies available to prevent, treat, and control malaria,
including advances in diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and vector
control. These advances have once again put malaria elimination
on the agenda. However, it is clear that even with the means
available today, malaria control and elimination pose a
formidable challenge in many settings. Thus, currently available
resources must be used more effectively, and new products and
approaches likely to achieve these goals must be developed. This
paper considers tools (both those available and others that may
be required) to achieve and maintain malaria elimination. New
diagnostics are needed to direct treatment and detect
transmission potential; new drugs and vaccines to overcome
existing resistance and protect against clinical and severe
disease, as well as block transmission and prevent relapses; and
new vector control measures to overcome insecticide resistance
and more powerfully interrupt transmission. It is also essential
that strategies for combining new and existing approaches are
developed for different settings to maximise their longevity and
effectiveness in areas with continuing transmission and
receptivity. For areas where local elimination has been recently
achieved, understanding which measures are needed to maintain
elimination is necessary to prevent rebound and the
reestablishment of transmission. This becomes increasingly
important as more countries move towards elimination
Runtime verification using Valour
In this paper we give an overview of Valour, a runtime verification tool which has been developed in the context of a project to act as a backend verification tool for financial transaction software. A Valour script is written by the user and is then compiled into a verification system. Although, developed as part of a project, the tool has been designed as a stand-alone general-purpose verification engine with a particular emphasis on event consumption. The strong points of Valour when compared to other runtime verification tools is its focus on scalability and robustness.peer-reviewe
Can the Prechtl method for the qualitative assessment of general movements be used to predict neurodevelopmental outcome, at eighteen months to three years, of infants born preterm?
Background: Preterm infants are more at risk of atypical neurodevelopment and diagnosis of impairment often occurs later in life. The Prechtl method for the qualitative assessment of general movements has been found to predict neurodevelopmental outcome in full term infants. Despite this, it is not clear whether the Prechtl assessment is predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome when used for preterm infants. Objectives: To review the literature regarding the use of the Prechtl method for the qualitative assessment of general movements in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome, at eighteen months to three years, of infants born preterm. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Citation Index, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Scopus, Social Sciences Index, Education Source, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, SciELO and SocINDEX was conducted in November 2015. The methodological quality of the included studies was critically appraised using a modified version of the Downs and Black quality index. Results: Five articles met the inclusion criteria. The Prechtl method of assessment was found to be predictive of both neuromotor and cognitive impairments at eighteen months to three years. The writhing period was found to have higher sensitivity but lower specificity and correlation to neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to the fidgety period. Combining both periods of assessment led to higher predictive power. The assessment was also found to be more predictive of severe impairment as opposed to minor impairment. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review suggest that Prechtl method of assessment can be used to predict neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants
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