Reducing the price of resource provisioning using EC2 spot instances with prediction models

The increasing demand of computing resources has boosted the use of cloud computing providers. This has raised a new dimension in which the connections between resource usage and costs have to be considered from an organizational perspective. As a part of its EC2 service, Amazon introduced spot instances (SI) as a cheap public infrastructure, but at the price of not ensuring reliability of the service. On the Amazon SI model, hired instances can be abruptly terminated by the service provider when necessary. The interface for managing SI is based on a bidding strategy that depends on non-public Amazon pricing strategies, which makes complicated for users to apply any scheduling or resource provisioning strategy based on such (cheaper) resources. Although it is believed that the use of the EC2 SIs infrastructure can reduce costs for final users, a deep review of literature concludes that their characteristics and possibilities have not yet been deeply explored. In this work we present a framework for the analysis of the EC2 SIs infrastructure that uses the price history of such resources in order to classify the SI availability zones and then generate price prediction models adapted to each class. The proposed models are validated through a formal experimentation process. As a result, these models are applied to generate resource provisioning plans that get the optimal price when using the SI infrastructure in a real scenario. Finally, the recent changes that Amazon has introduced in the SI model and how this work can adapt to these changes is discussed

Analysis of Users' Behavior in Structured e-Commerce Websites

Online shopping is becoming more and more common in our daily lives. Understanding users'' interests and behavior is essential to adapt e-commerce websites to customers'' requirements. The information about users'' behavior is stored in the Web server logs. The analysis of such information has focused on applying data mining techniques, where a rather static characterization is used to model users'' behavior, and the sequence of the actions performed by them is not usually considered. Therefore, incorporating a view of the process followed by users during a session can be of great interest to identify more complex behavioral patterns. To address this issue, this paper proposes a linear-temporal logic model checking approach for the analysis of structured e-commerce Web logs. By defining a common way of mapping log records according to the e-commerce structure, Web logs can be easily converted into event logs where the behavior of users is captured. Then, different predefined queries can be performed to identify different behavioral patterns that consider the different actions performed by a user during a session. Finally, the usefulness of the proposed approach has been studied by applying it to a real case study of a Spanish e-commerce website. The results have identified interesting findings that have made possible to propose some improvements in the website design with the aim of increasing its efficiency

From lean production to lean 4.0: a systematic literature review with a historical perspective

Over recent decades, the increasing competitiveness of markets has propagated the term “lean” to describe the management concept for improving productivity, quality, and lead time in industrial as well as services operations. Its overuse and linkage to different specifiers (surnames) have created confusion and misunderstanding as the term approximates pragmatic ambiguity. Through a systematic literature review, this study takes a historical perspective to analyze 4962 papers and 20 seminal books in order to clarify the origin, evolution, and diversification of the lean concept. Our main contribution lies in identifying 17 specifiers for the term “lean” and proposing four mechanisms to explain this diversification. Our research results are useful to both academics and practitioners to return to the Lean origins in order to create new research areas and conduct organizational transformations based on solid concepts. We conclude that the use of “lean” as a systemic thinking is likely to be further extended to new research fields

Parallel computation of the reachability graph of petri net models with semantic information

Formal verification plays a crucial role when dealing with correctness of systems. In a previous work, the authors proposed a class of models, the Unary Resource Description Framework Petri Nets (U-RDF-PN), which integrated Petri nets and (RDF-based) semantic information. The work also proposed a model checking approach for the analysis of system behavioural properties that made use of the net reachability graph. Computing such a graph, specially when dealing with high-level structures as RDF graphs, is a very expensive task that must be considered. This paper describes the development of a parallel solution for the computation of the reachability graph of U-RDF-PN models. Besides that, the paper presents some experimental results when the tool was deployed in cluster and cloud frameworks. The results not only show the improvement in the total time required for computing the graph, but also the high scalability of the solution, which make it very useful thanks to the current (and future) availability of cloud infrastructures

Use of electrospinning to develop antimicrobial biodegradable multilayer systems: encapsulation of cinnamaldehyde and their physicochemical characterization

In this work, three active bio-based multilayer structures, using a polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate film with a valerate content of 8 % (PHBV8) as support, were developed. To this end, a zein interlayer with or without cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) was directly electrospun onto one side of the PHBV8 film and the following systems were developed: (1) without an outer layer; (2) using a PHBV8 film as outer layer; and (3) using an alginate-based film as outer layer. These multilayer structures were characterized in terms of water vapour and oxygen permeabilities, transparency, intermolecular arrangement and thermal properties. The antimicrobial activity of the active bio-based multilayer systems and the release of CNMA in a food simulant were also evaluated. Results showed that the presence of different outer layers reduced the transport properties and transparency of the multilayer films. The active bio-based multilayer systems showed antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes being the multilayer structure prepared with CNMA and PHBV outer layers (PHBV + zein/CNMA + PHBV) the one that showed the greater antibacterial activity. The release of CNMA depended on the multilayer structures, where both Fick's and Case II transport-polymer relaxation explained the release of CNMA from the multilayer systems.Acknowledgments: Miguel A. Cerqueira (SFRH/BPD/72753/2010) andAnaI.Bourbon(SFRH/BD/73178/2010)arerecipientofafellowship from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE Portugal). J.L. Castro-Mayorga is supported by the Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (Colciencias) of Colombian Government. M. J. Fabra is a recipient of a Ramon y Cajal contract (RyC-2014-158) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and of the Project RECI/BBB-EBI/ 0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462). The support of EU Cost Action MP1206 is gratefully acknowledged

Synthesis of tetranuclear rhodium and iridium complexes directed by 6-mercaptopyridin-2-ol: Electrochemical behavior, chemical oxidation, and coordination chemistry

The new ligand 6-mercapto-2(1 H)-pyridone (H2PySO) has been prepared in good yield by reaction of 6-chloro-pyridin-2-ol with NaSH. Reaction of the salt K2PySO, generated in situ, with the appropriate complex [M(μ-C1)(diolefin)]2affords the tetranuclear complexes [M 4(μ-PySO)2(diolefin)4] [M = Rh, diolefin = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) (1), tetrafluorobenzobarralene (tfbb) (2); M = lr, diolefin = cod (3)]. The molecular structure of complex 1 has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The tetranuclear structure is supported by two S, N, Otridentate ligands exhibiting a 1κO, 2κN, 3:4κ2 S coordination mode. Carbonylation of the rhodium diolefin complexes at atmospheric pressure gives [Rh4(μ-PyS0)2(C0)8] (4). The carbonylation of 1 is partially reversible, and the mixed-ligand complex [Rh4(μ-PySO)2(cod)2(CO)4] (5) has been obtained as a single isomer. The reaction of 4 with triphenylphosphine gives the compound [Rh4(μ-PySO)2(CO)4(PPh 3)4] (6) which also exists as a single isomer of C 2 symmetry. The diolefin complexes are redox active and exhibit two one-electron oxidations at a platinum disk electrode in dichloromethane separated by approximately 0.5 V at potentials accessible by chemical oxidants. The tetranuclear complexes were selectively oxidized to the 63-electron mixed-valence cationic complexes [M4(μ-PySO)2(diolefin) 4]+(1a+, 2+, and 3+) by using AgCF3SO3 as oxidant and isolated as the triflate salts. Alternatively, the oxidation with [Cp2Fe]PF6 gives [Rh4(μ-PySO)2(cod)4][PF6] (1b+). The parameters obtained from the simulation of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the oxidized species strongly suggest that the unpaired electron is delocalized over only two metal atoms in the complexes.The financial support from Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC/FEDER) Project CTQ2006-03973/BQU and Grant CSD2006-0015 Consolider Ingenio 2010 is gratefully acknowledged.Peer Reviewe

Influence of homogenization conditions on physical properties and antioxidant activity of fully biodegradable pea protein-alpha-tocopherol films

In this study, antioxidant biodegradable films based on pea protein and alpha-tocopherol were successfully developed by solution casting. The effect of both the homogenization conditions (rotor stator and microfluidizer) and the relative humidity (RH) on the microstructure and physical properties (transparency, tensile, oxygen and water vapour barrier properties) of pea protein/alpha-tocopherol-based films was evaluated. The addition of alpha-tocopherol produced minimal changes in the films transparency, while providing them with antioxidant properties and improved water vapour and oxygen barrier properties (up to 30 % in both water vapour and oxygen permeability) when films were at low and intermediate RH. The addition of alpha-tocopherol in microfluidized films gave rise to an increase in their resistance to break and extensibility (up to 27 % in E values) at intermediate and high RH. These results add a new insight into the potential of employing pea protein and alpha-tocopherol in the development of fully biodegradable antioxidant films which are of interest in food packagingThe authors acknowledge the financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia throughout the project AGL2010-20694, co-funded by FEDER. Author M.J.Fabra is a recipient of a Juan de la Cierva contract from the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad.Fabra, MJ.; Jiménez, A.; Talens Oliag, P.; Chiralt, A. (2014). Influence of homogenization conditions on physical properties and antioxidant activity of fully biodegradable pea protein-alpha-tocopherol films. Food and Bioprocess Technology. 7(12):3569-3578. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-014-1372-0S35693578712ASTM (1995). Standard test methods for water vapor transmission of materials. Standards Desingnations: E96-95. In: Annual Book of ASTM Standards (pp. 406-413); American Society for Testing and Materials: Philadelphia, PA.ASTM (2001). Standard test method for tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting. Standard D882. In: Annual book of American Standard Testing Methods (pp 162-170). D882. Philadelphia:ASTM.Bertan, L. C., Tanada-Palmu, P. S., Siani, A. C., & Grosso, C. R. F. (2005). Effect of fatty acids and “Brazilian elemi” on composite films based on gelatin. Food Hydrocolloids, 19(1), 73–82.Byun, Y., Kim, Y. T., & Whiteside, S. (2010). Characterization of an antioxidant polylactic acid (PLA) film prepared with alpha-tocopherol, BHT and polyethylene glycol using film cast extruder. Journal of Food Engineering, 100, 239–244.Cerqueira, M. A., Costa, M. J., Fuciños, C., Pastrana, L. M., & Vicente, A. A. (2014). Development of active and nanotechnology-based smart edible packaging systems: physical-chemical characterization. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 7(5), 1472–1482.Choi, W. S., & Han, J. H. (2001). Physical and mechanical properties of pea–protein-based edible films. Journal of Food Science, 66, 319–322.Choi, W. S., & Han, J. H. (2002). Film-forming mechanism and heat denaturation effects on the physical and chemical properties of pea-protein-isolate edible films. Journal of Food Science, 67, 1399–1406.Fabra, M. J., Talens, P., & Chiralt, A. (2009). Microstructure and optical properties of sodium caseinate films containing oleic acidebeeswax mixtures. Food Hydrocolloids, 23, 676–683.Fabra, M. J., Talens, P., & Chiralt, A. (2010). Water sorption isotherms and phase transitions of sodium caseinate–lipid films as affected by lipid interactions. Food Hydrocolloids, 24, 384–391.Fabra, M. J., Hambleton, A., Talens, P., Debeaufort, F., & Chiralt, A. (2011). Effect of ferulic acid and α-tocopherol antioxidants on properties of sodium caseinate edible films. Food Hydrocolloids, 25, 1441–1447.Fabra, M. J., Talens, P., Gavara, R., & Chiralt, A. (2012). Barrier properties of sodium caseinate films as affected by lipid composition and moisture content. Journal of Food Engineering, 109, 372–379.Frankel, E. N., Huang, S. W., Kanner, J., & German, J. B. (1994). Interfacial phenomena in the evaluation of antioxidants: bulk oils vs emulsions. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 42(5), 1054–1059.Gómez-Estaca, J., Giménez, B., Montero, P., & Gómez-Guillén, M. C. (2009). Incorporation of antioxidant borage extract into edible films based on sole skin gelatin or a commercial fish gelatin. Journal of Food Engineering, 92, 78–85.Huang, S. W., Frankel, E. N., & German, J. B. (1994). Antioxidant activity of alpha.- and.gamma.-tocopherols in bulk oils and in oil-in-water emulsions. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 42(10), 2108–2114.Hutchings, J. B. (1999). Food and colour appearance (2nd ed.). Gaithersburg: Chapman and Hall Food Science Book, Aspen Publication.Jiménez, A., Fabra, M. J., Talens, P., & Chiralt, A. (2010). Effect of lipid self-association on the microstructure and physical properties of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose edible films containing fatty acids. Carbohydrate Polymers, 82(3), 585–593.Jiménez, A., Fabra, M. J., Talens, P., & Chiralt, A. (2013). Physical properties and antioxidant capacity of starch-sodium caseinate films containing lipids. Journal of Food Engineering, 116(3), 695–702.Jung, M. Y., & Min, D. B. (1990). Effects of alpha-. γ-, and δ-tocopherols on oxidative stability of soybean oil. Journal of Food Science, 55(5), 1464–1465.López-de-Dicastillo, C., Alonso, J. M., Catalá, R., Gavara, R., & Hernández-Muñoz, P. (2010). Improving the antioxidant protection of packaged food by incorporating natural flavonoids into ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) films. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58, 10958–10964.Ma, W., Tang, C.-H., Yin, S.-W., Yang, X. Q., Qi, J. R., & Xia, N. (2012). Effect of homogenization conditions on properties of gelatin-olive oil composite films. Journal of Food Engineering, 113(1), 136–142.Mauer, L. J., Smith, D. E., & Labuza, T. P. (2000). Water vapor permeability, mechanical, and structural properties of edible β-casein films. International Dairy Journal, 10(5–6), 353–358.Mc Hugh, T. H., Avena-Bustillos, R., & Krochta, J. M. (1993). Hydrophobic edible films:modified procedure for water vapor permeability and explanation of thickness effects. Journal of Food Science, 58(4), 899–903.McHugh, T. H., & Krochta, J. M. (1994). Dispersed phase particle size effects on water vapour permeability of whey protein–beeswax emulsion films. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 18, 173–188.Ozkan, G., Simsek, B., & Kuleasan, H. (2007). Antioxidant activities of Satureja cilicica essential oil in butter and in vitro. Journal of Food Engineering, 79, 1391–1396.Pereira de Abreu, D. A., Paseiro Losada, P., Maroto, J., & Cruz, J. M. (2011). Natural antioxidant active packaging film and its effect on lipid damage in frozen blue shark (Prionace glauca). Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 12, 50–55.Re, R., Pellegrini, N., Proteggente, A., Pannala, A., Yang, M., & Rice-Evans, C. (1999). Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decoloration assay. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 26, 1231–1237.Roos, Y. H. (1995). Phase transitions in food. San Diego: Academic Press.Salgado, P. R., Molina Ortiz, S. E., Petruccelli, S., & Mauri, A. N. (2010). Biodegradable sunflower protein films naturally activated with antioxidant compounds. Food Hydrocolloids, 24(5), 525–533.Salgado, P. R., Fernández, G. B., Drago, S. R., & Mauri, A. N. (2011). Addition of bovine plasma hydrolysates improves the antioxidant properties of soybean and sunflower protein-based films. Food Hydrocolloids, 25, 1433–1440.Samaranayaka, A. G. P., & Li-Chan, E. C. Y. (2008). Autolysis-assisted production of fish protein hydrolysates with antioxidant properties form Pacific hake (Merluccius productus). Food Chemistry, 107, 768–776.Souza, B. W. S., Cerqueira, A., Casariego, A., Lima, A. M. P., Teixeira, J. A., & Vicente, A. A. (2009). Effect of moderate electric fields in the permeation properties of chitosan coatings. Food Hydrocolloids, 23, 2110–2115

Análisis de workflows científicos mediante el paradigma de las U-RDF-PN

La computación científica ha ganado un creciente interés en los últimos años en áreas afines a las ciencias de la vida. Los workflows científicos son un tipo especial de workflow utilizados en escenarios de grandes dimensiones y gran complejidad computacional, como modelos climáticos, estructuras biológicas, química, cirugía o simulación de desastres, por ejemplo. La computación científica ha mejorado progresivamente a través de la introducción de nuevos paradigmas y tecnologías para poder abordar desafíos cada vez más complejos. Esta línea de investigación se centra en la adición de aspectos semánticos al área de la computación científica, aportando un método de model checking basado en la introducción de aspectos y anotaciones semánticas tanto en los modelos como en las fórmulas que deben verificarse. La adición de aspectos semánticos flexibiliza la especificación y facilita la integración de servicios remotos y heterogéneos. Como punto de partida, el desarrollo del toolkit COMBAS (COmprobador de Modelos Basado en Semántica) proporciona un entorno que integra herramientas para la verificación de modelos que incluyen información semántica y la navegación por las estructuras resultante del proceso. Para la descripción de modelos de workflows científicos se utiliza una clase de Redes de Petri de alto nivel anotadas con información semántica, las U-RDF-PN, en las que el Grupo de Integración de Sistemas Distribuidos y Heterogéneos (GIDHE), donde el autor desarrolla su línea de investigación, tiene una amplia y demostrada experiencia. Finalmente, el enfoque propuesto se aplicará a una serie de problemas reales de relevancia en el mundo científico para demostrar su utilidad y viabilidad