Abstraction and Learning for Infinite-State Compositional Verification

Despite many advances that enable the application of model checking techniques to the verification of large systems, the state-explosion problem remains the main challenge for scalability. Compositional verification addresses this challenge by decomposing the verification of a large system into the verification of its components. Recent techniques use learning-based approaches to automate compositional verification based on the assume-guarantee style reasoning. However, these techniques are only applicable to finite-state systems. In this work, we propose a new framework that interleaves abstraction and learning to perform automated compositional verification of infinite-state systems. We also discuss the role of learning and abstraction in the related context of interface generation for infinite-state components.Comment: In Proceedings Festschrift for Dave Schmidt, arXiv:1309.455

Work-in-progress Assume-guarantee reasoning with ioco

This paper presents a combination between the assume-guarantee paradigm and the testing relation ioco. The assume-guarantee paradigm is a ”divide and conquer” technique that decomposes the verification of a system into smaller tasks that involve the verification of its components. The principal aspect of assume-guarantee reasoning is to consider each component separately, while taking into account assumptions about the context of the component. The testing relation ioco is a formal conformance relation for model-based testing that works on labeled transition systems. Our main result shows that, with certain restrictions, assume-guarantee reasoning can be applied in the context of ioco. This enables testing ioco-conformance of a system by testing its components separately

Language and literacies in the early English language classroom

The purpose of this paper is to link theory and practice regarding the English for Young Learners (EYL) curriculum in the early grades of the Greek primary school, and provide a synthesis of findings from existing studies carried out mainly by teachers, who have the potential, as inside participants, to look into the educational experiences in ways that are not always apparent to those who look from the outside. The first part of the paper focuses on PEAP[1], the EYL programme for grades 1 and 2, and how it enhances language development and whole child development. The second part presents Magic Books, the textbooks for grade 3, which were developed within the context of the PEAP project to ensure continuity between the first two grades and the third one. The paper focuses on how children embark upon becoming literate in a new language and expands the area of focus from traditional literacy (the ability to read and write) to multiliteracies and more specifically social and cultural literacies.[1] The Greek acronym for the “English for Young Learners” programme.

Special Issue from the 1st Greek Student Conference on Research and Science

The first issue of the Open Schools Journal for Open Science created an interest in the education community in Greece and other European countries. The organisers of the 1st Student Conference on Research and Science that took place in Greece in March 2017 contacted the Journal editorial committee expressing their interest to present the conference findings to the wider journal community. This issue presents 44 articles written by students from across Greece in collaboration with their teachers/mentors. Below you will find a welcome note from the programme committee of the conference. All articles in this special issue are written in Greek