A portable compiler-integrated approach to permanent checking

Program checking is now a mature technology, but is not yet used on a large scale. We identify one cause of this gap in the decoupling of checking tools from the everyday development tools. To radically change the situation, we explore the integration of simple user-defined checks into the core of every development process: the compiler. The checks we implement express constrained reachability queries in the control flow graph taking the form “from x to y avoiding z”, where x, y, and z are native code patterns containing a blend of syntactic, semantic and dataflow information. Compiler integration enables continuous checking throughout development, but also a pervasive propagation of checking technology. This integration poses some interesting challenges, including tight bounds on the acceptable overhead, but in turn opens up new perspectives. Factorizing analyses between checking and compiling improves both the efficiency and the expressiveness of the checks.     

Theory and practice of unparsed patterns for metacompilation

Several software development tools support the matching of concrete syntax user-supplied patterns against the application source code, allowing the detection of invalid, risky, inefficient or forbidden constructs. When applied to compilers, this approach is called metacompilation. These patterns are traditionally parsed into tree patterns, i.e., fragments of abstract-syntax trees with metavariables, which are then matched against the abstract-syntax tree corresponding to the parsing of the source code. Parsing the patterns requires extending the grammar of the application programming language with metavariables, which can be difficult, especially in the case of legacy tools. Instead, we propose a novel matching algorithm which is independent of the programming language because the patterns are not parsed and, as such, are called unparsed patterns. It is as efficient as the classic pattern matching while being easier to implement. By giving up the possibility of static checks that parsed patterns usually enable, it can be integrated within any existing utility based on abstract-syntax trees at a low cost. We present an in-depth coverage of the practical and theoretical aspects of this new technique by describing a working minimal patch for the GNU C compiler, together with a small standalone prototype punned Matchbox, and by lying out a complete formalisation, including mathematical proofs of key algorithmic properties, like correctness and equivalence to the classic matching.     

Modeling and Simulation of Industrial PVC Drying in Fluidized Beds with Internal Heat Source

An engineering application case study on a two‐fluid flow model for the control of industrial drying operations is reported. The mathematical model of this process was numerically solved by a computer code developed in FORTRAN language and was validated through data taken from PVC drying performed in an industrial continuous fluidized‐bed dryer. The predicted steady‐state outlet temperature and PVC moisture content values agree with the real data observed on the industrial plant. This model was also used to predict the temperature and concentration profiles inside the dryer as a function of time as a response to the disturbances and variations on the PVC water content at the dryer inlet.     

Blockade of the serotonin 5-ht2a receptor suppresses cue-evoked reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in a rat self-administration model.

The serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) may play a role in reinstatement of drug-seeking. This study investigated the ability of a selective 5-HT2AR antagonist to suppress reinstatement evoked by exposure to cues conditioned to cocaine self-administration. Cocaine self-administration (0.75 mg/kg/0.1 mL/6 s infusion; FR 4) was trained in na?ve, free-fed rats to allow interpretation of results independent from changes related to food deprivation stress. Pretreatment with the selective 5-HT2AR antagonist M100907 (volinanserin) failed to reduce rates of operant responding for cocaine infusions. On the other hand, M100907 (0.001–0.8 mg/kg ip) significantly suppressed the cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior following extinction; effective M100907 doses did not alter operant responding for cues previously associated with sucrose self-administration. Importantly, a greater magnitude of active lever presses on the initial extinction session (high extinction responders) predicted the maximal susceptibility to M100907-induced suppression of cue-evoked reinstatement. The findings indicate that blockade of the 5-HT2AR attenuates the incentive-motivational effects of cocaine-paired cues, particularly in high extinction responders, and suggests that M100907 may afford a therapeutic advance in suppression of cue-evoked craving and/or relapse. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of policy support on the development of organic farming in the European Union

The paper explores the influence of policy support on the development of the organic sector. Policies include the agri‐environment programme (EU Regulation 2078/92), the EU regulation 2092/91 defining organic crop‐production in statutory terms and policies to support market and regional development and the information provision of organic farming. Policy makers have been interested in organic farming for its environmental and health benefits and the potential to contribute to the goals of regional development programmes. The evaluation suggests that the variation in support policies alone cannot explain the different rates of conversion to organic farming in the EU.     

The Gold Mine: A Ludic Architecture

As an educator and architect, Nic Clear is renowned for his passion for film and science fiction; he teaches a unit in film and animation at the University of Greenwich, London, where he is Head of the Department of Architecture and Landscape. Here, in a recent speculative project, the Gold Mine, he weaves together a science fiction-like narrative that is heightened by its attention to visual and narrative detail.     

Processing of a Top Fermented Beer Brewed from 100% Buckwheat Malt with Sensory and Analytical Characterisation

A top fermented beer was brewed from 100% buckwheat malt and sensory and analytical characterisation was carried out. Difficulties with lautering and filtration were encountered during the brewing process, which resulted in problems during fermentation and beer filtration. The beer was evaluated in the fresh and forced aged state for the following attributes: odour, purity of taste, mouthfeel, tingling, and bitterness. Analytical results indicated that the buckwheat beer compared quite closely to a typical wheat beer with regard to pH, FAN, fermentability and total alcohol. However, the extract of the buckwheat wort was lower, resulting in a final extract yield of 54.5%. GC analysis of the resultant beer revealed commonly encountered levels of the esters that give beer a fruity character. A low level of fusel alcohols, in comparison to a typical wheat beer, was detected. A high level of ethyl caprinate (coconut flavour) and lauric acid (fatty odour) was detected. Sensory analysis indicated that the buckwheat beer was acceptable with regard to odour, purity of taste, mouthfeel, tingling and bitterness. In conclusion, results of this study prove buckwheat's qualification as a gluten‐free brewing material and with process optimisation, its readiness for marketing.