A Survey on Automatic Parameter Tuning for Big Data Processing Systems

Big data processing systems (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Storm) contain a vast number of configuration parameters controlling parallelism, I/O behavior, memory settings, and compression. Improper parameter settings can cause significant performance degradation and stability issues. However, regular users and even expert administrators grapple with understanding and tuning them to achieve good performance. We investigate existing approaches on parameter tuning for both batch and stream data processing systems and classify them into six categories: rule-based, cost modeling, simulation-based, experiment-driven, machine learning, and adaptive tuning. We summarize the pros and cons of each approach and raise some open research problems for automatic parameter tuning.Peer reviewe

Investigating the configuration of a flight training device for visual flight rules navigation

The acquisition of pilot navigational skills utilising visual landmarks is a crucial skill that is required as part of Visual Flight Rules navigation towards obtaining a Private Pilot License. Due to the high cost of pilot training simulators, industry has identified a need for research in efficient utilisation of low-end, low cost personal compute flight simulators to assist in developing pilot skills. Analysis of the effectiveness of the use of such personal computer simulators depend on proper configuration determined by measurable errors to define simulator fidelity. To date, research has shown that the configuration of these simulators appears to have been done in an ad-hoc fashion and not in a scientific fashion. Therefore, the problem that needed to be solved was how to effectively configure such simulators. This thesis research attempted to solve this problem and present the process for effectively configuring a personal computer simulator, or flight training device, capable of successful Visual Flight Rules navigation. The simulator was configurated utilising a process that followed an interpretation of the Design Science research method, and an error correction model to determine the errors in the simulator configuration. This was done by comparing two probability distributions to measure the maximum error variable distance in order to configure a simulator suitable for the acquisition of Visual Flight Rules navigation piloting skills required for obtaining a Private Pilot Licence in Australia. This error identification method was then used to indicate simulator configuration efficiency and fidelity in order to achieve a minimum suitable configuration and setup. Further application of the findings of this research could potentially lead to the configuration of different types of non-aviation simulators, in particular Part-Task-Trainers and other training devices, including Virtual Reality Augmented Reality devices utilising various types of platforms such as Windows, Apple, and Android.Doctor of Philosoph

Modular PEM Fuel Cell SCADA & Simulator System

The paper presents a Supervision, Control, Data Acquisition and Simulation (SCADA & Simulator) system that allows for real-time training in the actual operation of a modular PEM fuel cell system. This SCADA & Simulator system consists of a free software tool that operates in real time and simulates real situations like failures and breakdowns in the system. This developed SCADA & Simulator system allows us to properly operate a fuel cell and helps us to understand how fuel cells operate and what devices are needed to configure and run the fuel cells, from the individual stack up to the whole fuel cell system. The SCADA & Simulator system governs a modular system integrated by three PEM fuel cells achieving power rates higher than tens of kilowatts

An active tangible user interface framework for teaching and learning artificial intelligence

Interactive and tangible computing platforms have garnered increased interest in the pursuit of embedding active learning pedagogies within curricula through educational technologies. Whilst Tangible User Interface (TUI) systems have successfully been developed to edutain children in various research, TUI architectures have seen limited deployment in more complex and abstract domains. In light of these limitations, this paper proposes an active TUI framework that addresses the challenges experienced in teaching and learning artificial intelligence (AI) within higher educational institutions. The proposal extends an aptly designed tabletop TUI architecture with the novel interactive paradigm of active tangible manipulatives to provide a more engaging and effective user interaction. The paper describes the deployment of the proposed TUI framework within an undergraduate laboratory session to aid in the teaching and learning of artificial neural networks. The experiment is assessed against currently adopted educational computer software and the obtained results highlight the potential of the proposed TUI framework to augment students’ gain in knowledge and understanding of abstracted threshold concepts in higher education

Cyber-physical business systems modelling : advancing Industry 4.0

Abstract: The dynamic digital age drives contemporary multinationals to focus on delivering world-class business solutions with the use of advanced technology. Contemporary multinationals relate to a present-day business primarily engaged to generate profits. These complex multinationals offer value through the manufacture, sale, and management of products and services. Disruptive strategies in operations driven by emerging technological innovations demand continuous business improvements. These insightful opportunities are inclusive of operations, enterprise systems, engineering management, and research. Business sustainability is a strategic priority to deliver exceptional digital solutions. The Fourth Industrial Revolutions (4IR) offer significant technological advancements for total business sustainability. The underlying 4IR technologies include Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The collective challenges of a large global business are not easy to predict. CPS protocols deliver sustainable prospects required to integrate and model physical systems in real-time driven by the 4IR implementations. The goal of this thesis is to develop a model (CPS) suitable for self-predicting and to determine ideal operational practice driven by technologies of the 4IR. The model (CPS) seeks a novel tool effective for comprehensive business evaluation and optimisation. The competence of the anticipated tool includes suitability to collaborate current operations and predict the impact of change on a complex business. ..D.Phil. (Engineering Management

FSEA 2014 – Proceedings of the AVI 2014 Workshop on Fostering Smart Energy Applications through Advanced Visual Interfaces

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to FSEA 2014, the AVI 2014 workshop on Fostering Smart Energy Applications through Advanced Visual Interfaces. This workshop focuses on advanced interaction, interface, and visualization techniques for energy-related applications, tools, and services. It brings together researchers and practitioners from a diverse range of background, including interaction design, human-computer interaction, visualization, computer games, and other fields concerned with the development of advanced visual interfaces for smart energy applications. FSEA 2014 is the result of the efforts of many people involved in its organization, including our programme committee, and others who have assisted us in putting this workshop together