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RoboChart is a timed domain-specific language for robotics, distinctive in its support for automated verification by model checking and theorem proving. Since uncertainty is an essential part of robotic systems, we present here an extension to RoboChart to model uncertainty using probabilism. The extension enriches RoboChart state machines with probability through a new construct: probabilistic junctions as the source of transitions with a probability value. RoboChart has an accompanying tool, called RoboTool, for modelling and verification of functional and real-time behaviour. We present here also an automatic technique, implemented in RoboTool, to transform a RoboChart model into a PRISM model for verification. We have extended the property language of RoboTool so that probabilistic properties expressed in temporal logic can be written using controlled natural language.

This study draws on a detailed survey completed by 1,123 churchgoers attending churches within the West Midlands region of England in order to identify indicators of Christian growth and distinctive pathways to growth. Factor and reliability analyses distinguished between two indicators of Christian growth (depth of discipleship and strength of vocation) and four distinctive pathways to growth (growth through group activity, growth through Christian experience, growth through church worship, and growth through public engagement). Regression analyses, taking into account individual differences in sex, age, education, church support and challenges to faith, identified growth through Christian experience as the most important factor in helping Christians to grow, while public engagement added weight to depth of discipleship and group activities added weight to strength of vocation. The implications of these findings are discussed for future research and for Discipleship Learning programmes within the Church.

Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit. Biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction are associated with high mortality in many respiratory conditions. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the link between elevated biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction in ARDS and mortality. Methods A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases was performed. We included studies of adult intensive care patients with ARDS that reported the risk of death in relation to a measured biomarker of cardiac dysfunction. The primary outcome of interest was mortality up to 60 days. A random-effects model was used for pooled estimates. Funnel-plot inspection was done to evaluate publication bias; Cochrane chi-square tests and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. Results Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 18 in the meta-analysis. Biomarkers of cardiac stretch included NT-ProBNP (nine studies) and BNP (six studies). Biomarkers of cardiac injury included Troponin-T (two studies), Troponin-I (one study) and High-Sensitivity-Troponin-I (three studies). Three studies assessed multiple cardiac biomarkers. High levels of NT-proBNP and BNP were associated with a higher risk of death up to 60 days (unadjusted OR 8.98; CI 4.15-19.43; pp= 0.07). Conclusion Biomarkers of cardiac stretch are associated with increased mortality in ARDS.

We investigated whether adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predicts risky substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs), and its impact on the course of these problematic substance use patterns. Our sample included 4975 Swiss men (mean age 20 ± 1.2 years) who participated in the baseline and 15-month follow-up assessments of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. We examined: (1) the contribution of ADHD, as assessed at baseline, on the risky use of alcohol, nicotine and cannabis, and their corresponding use disorders (AUD, NUD, CUD) at follow-up; and (2) the association between ADHD and the course of outcomes (i.e., absence, initiation, maturing out, persistence) over 15 months. All analyses were adjusted for socio-demographics and co-morbidity. Men with ADHD were more likely to exhibit persistent risky alcohol and nicotine use, and to mature out of risky cannabis use. ADHD at baseline was positively linked to AUD and negatively to CUD at follow-up, but not to NUD. For all SUDs, ADHD had a positive association with use persistence and maturing out. Comparing these two trajectories revealed that early age of alcohol use initiation distinguished between persistence and maturing out of AUD, while the course of NUD and CUD was related to ADHD symptoms and SUD severity at baseline. Already in their early twenties, men with ADHD are especially likely to exhibit persistent problematic substance use patterns. Substance-specific prevention strategies, particularly implemented before early adulthood, may be crucial to reducing the development and persistence of pathological patterns in such individuals.

Regular algebra is the algebra of regular expressions as induced by regular language identity. We use Isabelle/HOL for a detailed systematic study of the regular algebra axioms given by Boffa, Conway, Kozen and Salomaa. We investigate the relationships between these systems, formalise a soundness proof for the smallest class (Salomaa's) and obtain completeness for the largest one (Boffa's) relative to a deep result by Krob. As a case study in formalised mathematics, our investigations also shed some light on the power of theorem proving technology for reasoning with algebras and their models, including proof automation and counterexample generation.

Eight wheat cultivars were grown in soil amended with arsenate (AsV) at a concentration of 15 mg As kg−1 soil, with or without a triple super phosphate amendment of 40 mg P kg−1 soil. All eight wheat cultivars accumulated higher As in stems/leaves (9–23 μg As g−1) and chaff (9–22 μg As g−1) compared with the grain (0.6–1.6 μg As g−1). The As present in stems/leaves, grain and chaff was found as inorganic As species—AsV or arsenite (AsIII). For most cultivars, increased P availability had minimal influence on As accumulation in chaff tissues. If this data is reflective of what occurs in situ, then As can accumulate in chaff at similar concentrations to stem and leaf tissues which are much higher than in grain. Further research is required to determine the risks of As accumulation in livestock products (meat and dairy) when fed with As-contaminated wheat chaff. Refereed/Peer-reviewed