On shuffle products, acyclic automata and piecewise-testable languages

We show that the shuffle L \unicode{x29E2} F of a piecewise-testable language $L$ and a finite language $F$ is piecewise-testable. The proof relies on a classic but little-used automata-theoretic characterization of piecewise-testable languages. We also discuss some mild generalizations of the main result, and provide bounds on the piecewise complexity of L \unicode{x29E2} F

Measuring the Quality of Developmental Services for Young Children: A New Approach

Outlines performance measures for Medicaid and other agencies' assessment of developmental services, including screening and referring children with or at risk for developmental disabilities; interventions; and guidance for parents. Explores barriers

Democracy must evolve with the times if it is to retain the trust of the UK public

The Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy recently produced a report which advocated a number of reforms to the democratic process, including the introduction of online voting. One of the commission’s members, Robert Halfon MP, argues that the report is an important milestone in our democracy, and argues for the introduction of the policies the commission recommended

Quality of Preventive Health Care for Young Children: Strategies for Improvement

Looks at early childhood developmental services, including assessment, education, intervention, and coordination of care. Recommendations include national standards for preventive care, and improvements in health provider training