Towards policy-based self-configuration of embedded systems

This paper describes work towards the deployment of flexible self-management into real-time embedded systems. A challenging project which focuses specifically on the development of a dynamic, adaptive automotive middleware is described, and the specific self-management requirements of this project are discussed. These requirements have been identified through the refinement of a wide-ranging set of use cases requiring context-sensitive behaviours. A sample of these use-cases is presented to illustrate the extent of the demands for self-management. The strategy that has been adopted to achieve self-management, based on the use of policies is presented. The embedded and real-time nature of the target system brings the constraints that dynamic adaptation capabilities must not require changes to the run-time code (except during hot update of complete binary modules), adaptation decisions must have low latency, and because the target platforms are resource-constrained the self-management mechanism have low resource requirements (especially in terms of processing and memory). Policy-based computing is thus and ideal candidate for achieving the self-management because the policy itself is loaded at run-time and can be replaced or changed in the future in the same way that a data file is loaded. Policies represent a relatively low complexity and low risk means of achieving self-management, with low run-time costs. Policies can be stored internally in ROM (such as default policies) as well as externally to the system. The architecture of a designed-for-purpose powerful yet lightweight policy library is described. A suitable evaluation platform, supporting the whole life-cycle of feasibility analysis, concept evaluation, development, rigorous testing and behavioural validation has been devised and is described.

Multi-physics modelling for the fabrication, packaging and reliability of micro-systems components

The latest advances in multi-physics modelling both using high fidelity techniques and reduced order and behavioural models will be discussed. Particular focus will be given to the application and validation of these techniques for modelling the fabrication, packaging and subsequent reliability of micro-systems based components. The paper will discuss results from a number of research projects with particular emphasis on the techniques being developed in a major UK Goverment funded project - 3D-MINTEGRATION (www.3d-mintegration.com).

Duty of care and slippery floors

Reflects on the scope of a shop owner's duty of care under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 to keep floors clear of spillages. Reviews the principles formulated by the Court of Appeal in Ward v Tesco Stores Ltd, including the evidential burden to show the discharge of the duty, and the approach adopted in subsequent cases. Discusses the High Court ruling in Piccolo v Larkstock Ltd (t/a Chiltern Flowers) on whether a small florist on Marylebone Station concourse was obliged to keep the floor dry and petal-free at all times and notes the importance of a proper system to safeguard customers.

What are the local impacts of energy systems on marine ecosystem services: a systematic map protocol

Background: Increasing concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG) and its impact on the climate has resulted in many international governments committing to reduce their GHG emissions. The UK, for example, has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Suggested ways of reaching such a target are to increase dependency on offshore wind, offshore gas and nuclear. It is not clear, however, how the construction, operation and decommissioning of these energy systems will impact marine ecosystem services, i.e. the services obtained by people from the natural environment such as food provisioning, climate regulation and cultural inspiration. Research on ecosystem service impacts associated with offshore energy technologies is still in its infancy. The objective of this review is to bolster the evidence base by firstly, recording and describing the impacts of energy technologies at the marine ecosystems and human level in a consistent and transparent way; secondly, to translate these ecosystem and human impacts into ecosystem service impacts by using a framework to ensure consistency and comparability. The output of this process will be an objective synthesis of ecosystem service impacts comprehensive enough to cover different types of energy under the same analysis and to assist in informing how the provision of ecosystem services will change under different energy provisioning scenarios. Methods: Relevant studies will be sourced using publication databases and selected using a set of selection criteria including the identification of: (i) relevant subject populations such as marine and coastal species, marine habitat types and the general public; (ii) relevant exposure types including offshore wind farms, offshore oil and gas platforms and offshore structures connected with nuclear; (iii) relevant outcomes including changes in species structure and diversity; changes in benthic, demersal and pelagic habitats; and changes in cultural services. The impacts will be synthesised and described using a systematic map. To translate these findings into ecosystem service impacts, the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) and Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) frameworks are used and a detailed description of the steps taken provided to ensure transparency and replicability.

The Sports Overload Injuries of the Lower Extremities from the Biomechanical Point of View

This work studies the major sports overload injuries of the lower extremities from the biomechanical point of view. At the same time, the main paradigms of podiatric biomechanics and the application of new biomechanical theories in the study of these lesions are reviewed. With current legislation, clinical gait biomechanical studies should be carried out in health centres and the only health professionals who can perform them are podiatrists and doctors (because they both can diagnose). Graduates in physical education can carry out studies in the field or in the sports court for the sole purpose of improving athletic performance, but never intended to treat a pathology overload.

Rapid Implementation and Optimisation of DSP Systems on FPGA-Centric Hetrogeneous Platforms

This paper, chosen as a best paper from the 2005 SAMOS Workshop on Computer Systems: describes the for the first time the major Abhainn project for automated system level design of embedded signal processing systems. In particular, this describes four key novelties: novel algorithm modelling techniques for DSP systems, automated implementation realisation, algorithm transformation for system optimisation and automated inter-processor communication. This is applied to two complex systems: a radar and sonar system. In both cases technology which allows non-experts to automatically create low-overhead, high performance embedded signal processing systems is exhibited.