Towards a Formal Verification Methodology for Collective Robotic Systems

We introduce a UML-based notation for graphically modeling systems’ security aspects in a simple and intuitive way and a model-driven process that transforms graphical specifications of access control policies in XACML. These XACML policies are then translated in FACPL, a policy language with a formal semantics, and the resulting policies are evaluated by means of a Java-based software tool

Component-Based Real-Time Operating System for Embedded Applications

Acceptance rate: 37%, Rank (CORE): AInternational audienceAs embedded systems must constantly integrate new functionalities, their developement cycles must be based on high-level abstractions, making the software design more flexible. CBSE provides an approach to these new requirements. However, low-level services provided by operating systems are an integral part of embedded applications, furthermore deployed on resource-limited devices. Therefore, the expected benefits of CBSE must not impact on the constraints imposed by the targetted domain, such as memory footprint, energy consumption, and execution time. In this paper, we present the componentization of a legacy industry-established Real-Time Operating System, and how component-based applications are built on top of it. We use the Think framework that allows to produce flexible systems while paying for flexibility only where desired. Performed experimentions show that the induced overhead is negligeable

Active front-end rectifier modelling using dynamic phasors for more-electric aircraft applications

The More-Electric Aircraft (MEA) has become a dominant trend for next-generation aircraft. The Electrical Power System (EPS) on-board may take many forms: AC, DC, hybrid, frequency-wild, variable voltage, together with the possibility of novel connectivity topologies. To address the stability, availability and capability issues as well as to assess the performance of the power quality and transient behaviour, extensive simulation work is required to develop the EPS architectures. The paper develops a fast-simulation model of active front-end rectifiers based on the dynamic phasor concept. The model is suitable for accelerated simulation studies of EPS under normal, unbalanced and line fault conditions. The performance and effectiveness of the developed model have been demonstrated by comparison against time-domain models in three-phase and synchronous space-vector representations. The experimental verification of the dynamic phasor model is also reported. The prime purpose of the model is for the simulation studies of MEA power architectures at system level; however it can be directly applied for simulation study of any other EPS interfacing with active front-end rectifiers

Update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis

The aim was to update the 2009 European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), with attention to new therapeutic questions. Update of the previous treatment recommendations was performed according to EULAR standard operating procedures. The task force consisted of 32 SSc clinical experts from Europe and the USA, 2 patients nominated by the pan-European patient association for SSc (Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA)), a clinical epidemiologist and 2 research fellows. All centres from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group were invited to submit and select clinical questions concerning SSc treatment using a Delphi approach. Accordingly, 46 clinical questions addressing 26 different interventions were selected for systematic literature review. The new recommendations were based on the available evidence and developed in a consensus meeting with clinical experts and patients. The procedure resulted in 16 recommendations being developed (instead of 14 in 2009) that address treatment of several SSc-related organ complications: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), digital ulcers (DUs), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), skin and lung disease, scleroderma renal crisis and gastrointestinal involvement. Compared with the 2009 recommendations, the 2016 recommendations include phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors for the treatment of SSc-related RP and DUs, riociguat, new aspects for endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogues and PDE-5 inhibitors for SSc-related PAH. New recommendations regarding the use of fluoxetine for SSc-related RP and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for selected patients with rapidly progressive SSc were also added. In addition, several comments regarding other treatments addressed in clinical questions and suggestions for the SSc research agenda were formulated. These updated data-derived and consensus-derived recommendations will help rheumatologists to manage patients with SSc in an evidence-based way. These recommendations also give directions for future clinical research in SSc