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This paper investigates a novel approach to derive self-adaptive software by automatically modifying the model of the application using a control-theoretical approach. Self adaptation is achieved at the model level to assure that the model-which lives alongside the application at run-time- continues to satisfy its reliability requirements, despite changes in the environment that might lead to a vi

Self-adaptive applications are capable of changing their behavior thousands of times per second to autonomically find a way to accomplish given goals despite working in an unpredictable environment whose conditions can vary continuously. In this work we propose an evolvable system that runs self-adaptive applications on top of a heterogeneous system consisting of a general purpose processor and a

Although virtually any installed PID controller encompasses a derivative filter, and very frequently takes the standard ISA form, many tuning rules refer to the ideal controller structure, which is subsequently made realizable by introducing the so-called derivative filter a posteriori. Doing so can sometimes lead to undesired results. This paper investigates the matter and discusses two very simp

Autonomic computing systems adapt themselves thousands of times a second, to accomplish their goal despite changing environmental conditions and demands. The literature reports many decision mechanisms, but in most realizations a single one is applied. This paper compares some state-of-the-art decision making approaches, applied to a self-optimizing autonomic system that allocates resources to a s

Tuning an ideal PID and then using its parameters in a real one, can yield undesired results. Nonetheless, many rules conceived for the ideal PID are successfully used in practice, owing to their greater flexibility. A systematic method would thus be useful to extend ideal PID tuning rules to the real PID, so as to preserve said flexibility while synthesising a realistic controller. This manuscrip

This manuscript addresses the problem of process scheduling in a multitasking computing environment. The mainstream feedback-based approach to that problem preserves the existing scheduler, and adapts some of its parameters by means of convenient loops. On the contrary, in this research, the scheduler is entirely replaced by suitable control structures, synthesised and analysed in the discrete-tim

Feedback controllers are typically applied to computing systems by acting on some quantities ("tunable parameters" in the computer science lexicon, think e.g. of a packet drop rate) in order to attain some goal (e.g., a required bandwidth allocation). In other words, control loops are closed around the computing system, that exposes tunable parameters as control actuators, and allows to measure so

Many model-based tuning methods for PI(D) controllers, especially - but not exclusively - in the process control domain, employ models with delay. Doing so has advantages, basically in terms of tuning rules' simplicity, but also potential drawbacks, especially from the standpoint of performance (and sometimes robustness). This manuscript aims at initiating and fostering a critical discussion on th

A formalism was recently introduced to instrument, monitor and control computer applications based on the rate of heartbeats they emit, thereby quantitatively signaling their progress toward goals. To date, the idea was however used essentially in an heuristic manner. This work first shows that a very simple dynamic heartbeat rate model can be devised, an that said model allows to address the corr

Recent reports state that firearm-related violence is increasing in Sweden. In order to understand the trend of firearm-related violence in Sweden with regard to rate, modus operandi (MO) and homicide typology, and for which injuries and causes of death firearm-related violence is responsible, a systematic literature review was conducted. After a thorough search in different databases, a total of

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a global public health issue often assumed to be associated with gender inequality. The so-called Nordic Paradox, the apparently contradictory co-existence of high levels of IPVAW and of gender equality in Nordic countries, has not been adequately explained. This study explores discussions about how this apparent paradox can be understood among 30

The genus Eois Hübner (Geometridae: Larentiinae) comprises 254 valid species. Being a hyperdiverse genus, Eois potentially includes many undescribed cryptic species and embodies a problematic taxonomic scenario. The actual diversity of Eois is greatly underestimated and the Neotropical fauna needs to be well known since it figures as one of the most threatened terrestrial ecosystem. In the present

Objective: To investigate how genetics influence the risk of smoking-related systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifestations. Methods: Patients with SLE (ndiscovery cohort=776, nreplication cohort=836) were genotyped using the 200K Immunochip single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) Array (Illumina) and a custom array. Sixty SNPs with SLE association (p<5.0×10-8) were analysed. Signal transducer an

Existing criteria for inclusion in the European baseline series are summarized. Additional criteria are developed to aid decision making where the current criteria do not yield an unequivocal result. These include a consideration of whether an allergen (hapten) is better placed in a special series and the frequency with which an allergen cross-reacts with existing markers in the baseline series.

In 2009, consistent with its objective to support and develop a European research infrastructure, the European Union (EU) created a neworganizational form for research collaborations: the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). Since then, 21 different ERICs havebeen established in the EU Member States; the largest being the European Spallation Source (ESS).The financing of this ERIC i

Objective: Decreased kidney function increases cardiovascular risk and predicts poor survival. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by creatinine may theoretically be less accurate in the critically ill. This observational study compares long-term cardiovascular mortality risk by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine equation; Caucasian, Asian, paediatri

The enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (ENR) is a key enzyme within the bacterial fatty-acid synthesis pathway. It has been demonstrated that small-molecule inhibitors carrying the diphenylether (DPE) scaffold bear a great potential for the development of highly specific and effective drugs against this enzyme class. Interestingly, different substitution patterns of the DPE scaffold have b