Representing Variability in Software Architecture

Software Architecture is a high level description of a software intensive system that enables architects to have a better intellectual control over the complete system. It is also used as a communication vehicle among the various system stakeholders. Variability in software-intensive systems is the ability of a software artefact (e.g., a system, subsystem, or component) to be extended, customised, or configured for deployment in a specific context. Although variability in software architecture is recognised as a challenge in multiple domains, there has been no formal consensus on how variability should be captured or represented. In this research, we addressed the problem of representing variability in software architecture through a three phase approach. First, we examined existing literature using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, which helped us identify the gaps and challenges within the current body of knowledge. Equipped with the findings from the SLR, a set of design principles have been formulated that are used to introduce variability management capabilities to an existing Architecture Description Language (ADL). The chosen ADL was developed within our research group (ALI) and to which we have had complete access. Finally, we evaluated the new version of the ADL produced using two distinct case studies: one from the Information Systems domain, an Asset Management System (AMS); and another from the embedded systems domain, a Wheel Brake System (WBS). This thesis presents the main findings from the three phases of the research work, including a comprehensive study of the state-of-the-art; the complete specification of an ADL that is focused on managing variability; and the lessons learnt from the evaluation work of two distinct real-life case studies

Violent asphyxial deaths-an autopsy based retrospective study

Objective: To statistically analyze the data of violent asphyxial deaths obtained from PIMS Forensic Record during years 2014-2018. Methodology: This was an autopsy based retrospective study was conducted based on the five years January 2014 to December 2018 data collected from Forensic department, PIMS Islamabad. Only asphyxial deaths were further analyzed. Cross tabs were made between types of asphyxial deaths, age and gender of victims using SPSS and Microsoft Excel to evaluate and interpret the results in the form of graphs and charts. Results: A total of 650 autopsies were conducted during the period of 5 years i.e. 2014-2018, out of which 69 (10.615%) were violent asphyxia deaths. Ratio of male to female asphyxial deaths was observed as 1.72:1 with a percentage of victims as (62.3%) in males and (37.7%) in females. Among all cases, ligature strangulation was the leading cause of death (40.6%) and smothering was the least common (only 2.9%). Most commonly involved age group was 21-30 years (30.4%). Conclusion: Violent asphyxial deaths are most common in young adults. Strangulation came out to be the most common type in both males and females

Energy-Efficient Data Center Network Infrastructure With Network Switch Refresh Model

Data centers and their underline transmissions are required to guarantee critical services in a 24/7/365 framework. The extensive energy consumption of these data centers and their transmission networks impose a threat to globally available scarce energy resources. Furthermore, addressing performance and energy requirements trade-offs is also challenging. This article has been specifically focused to assess the inside-energy-view of typical data center networks and assess how network infrastructure replacements or “refresh” can lead to a better energy-efficient data center network (DCN) design without compromising performance or service level requirements. Server refresh techniques are found in the literature. However, considering network infrastructure refresh to attain energy efficiency is the first of its kind. A model has been proposed in this article that works on algorithms to recommend network switch replacements. The algorithms perform parametric analysis for replacement. The analysis considers parameters impacting the performance and energy consumption of the switches. In addition to technical parameters, the proposed model has also evaluated the cost impacts of the replacement. The replacement is only recommended if it is energy efficient and performance effective and validated when replacement is also cost-effective. The proposed model has been evaluated through two replacement options, one with the same manufacturer and the other with a different manufacturer. Replacement with two different options has been proposed to evaluate the impact of various manufacturers in designing a better energy-efficient data center meeting all service level requirements and performance guarantees. The results obtained from the proposed reflect the attainment of the desired objectives

An Analysis of Renewable Energy Usage by Mobile Data Network Operators

The exponential growth in mobile data traffic has resulted in massive energy usage and therefore has increased the carbon footprint of the Internet. Data network operators have taken significant initiatives to mitigate the negative impacts of carbon emissions (CE). Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have emerged as the most promising way to reduce carbon emissions. This article presents the role of renewable energy (RE) in minimizing the environmental impacts of mobile data communications for achieving a greener environment. In this article, an analysis of some selected mobile data network operators’ energy consumption (EC) has been presented. Based on the current statistics of different mobile network operators, the future energy values are estimated. These estimations of carbon emissions are based on the predicted data traffic in the coming years and the percentage consumption of energy from renewable sources by the network operators. The analysis presented in this article would be helpful to develop and implement energy policies that accelerate the process of increasing the renewable shares in total energy requirements. Incrementing the share of renewable energy in total energy requirements can be a way forward to reach Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)