Probabilistic Timing Analysis (PTA) in general and its measurement-based variant called MBPTA in particular have been shown to facilitate the estimation of the worst-case execution time (WCET). MBPTA relies on specific hardware and software support to randomise and/or upper bound a number of sources of execution time variation to drastically reduce the need for user-provided information, thus replacing uncertainty by probabilities. MBPTA has been proven effective for specific single-core processor designs. However, particular hardware features and multicores in general challenge MBPTA application in industrial-quality developments. While solutions to those challenges have been proven on benchmarks, they have not been proven yet on real-world applications, whose timing analysis is far more challenging than that of simple benchmarks. This paper discusses the application of MBPTA to a real avionics system in the context of (1) software-only single-core solutions and (2) hardware-only multicore solutions with an ARINC 653 operating system

In response to concerns regarding the rise in female juvenile violent crime and the dearth of gender-specific research, this study aimed to identify predictors of violent offending in female offenders. Data were extracted from risk assessments of 586 male and female juvenile offenders (aged 11-17 years) conducted between 2005 and 2009 by the Youth Offending Service in Gloucestershire, an English county. Information regarding the young people's living arrangements, family and personal relationships, education, emotional/mental health, thinking and behavior, and attitudes to offending was recorded. Comparisons were made between the violent male offenders (N = 185), the violent female offenders (N = 113), the non-violent male offenders (N = 150), and the non-violent female offenders (N = 138) for these variables. These were followed by a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The findings indicated that engaging in self-harm was the best predictor of being a female violent offender, with the predictors of giving into pressure from others and attempted suicide nearing significance. Furthermore, non-violent females were significantly less likely to lose control of their temper and more likely to give in to pressure from others than their violent counterparts. Non-violent males were significantly less likely to lose control of their temper and more likely to self-harm and give in to pressure from others than violent males. Although many similarities existed between sexes for predictors of violent offending, the findings of this study indicate that more attention needs to be paid to the mental health of female offenders.

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Many studies identify the risk factors for joining street gangs, but few explore disengagement. This article provides a systematic review of the factors which contribute to disengagement from gangs. Understanding this area is of paramount importance to developing policy and guiding practitioners working with this population, given the impact this lifestyle has on gang members and society as a whole. Seven academic databases, reference lists of relevant publications, an online search engine and a government database were used to identify relevant studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment methods were employed. Data were then extracted and synthesised. Of 2515 citations, seven were found to have methodological rigour. The findings suggest there is not one definitive reason for gang exit but rather that multiple factors contribute. Variability was found in the quality scores. The limitations of this review are discussed, along with clinical implications and suggestions for future research.

Aims: To explore the different experiences of a MultiDisciplinary Team working with offenders diagnosed with Personality Disorder (PD) and produce a substantive model of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway strategy from a staff perspective. Method: Fourteen participants were recruited from 'Unit A' located within a high security prison. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and the data collected were analysed using constructivist grounded theory. Results: A model was constructed depicting the experiences of those working with offenders with PD. Main themes identified were: prison environment; synergy of the workforce; understanding of the client; individual perceptions; support; and personal change. Although there was enough similarity within the participants' responses to consider them to be a homogenous population, there were some noticeable differences in trends of responses evident between the two subgroups of health service based clinical staff and prison staff as expressed in the model.