Log::ProgramInfo: A Perl module to collect and log data for bioinformatics pipelines.

BackgroundTo reproduce and report a bioinformatics analysis, it is important to be able to determine the environment in which a program was run. It can also be valuable when trying to debug why different executions are giving unexpectedly different results.ResultsLog::ProgramInfo is a Perl module that writes a log file at the termination of execution of the enclosing program, to document useful execution characteristics. This log file can be used to re-create the environment in order to reproduce an earlier execution. It can also be used to compare the environments of two executions to determine whether there were any differences that might affect (or explain) their operation.AvailabilityThe source is available on CPAN (Macdonald and Boutros, Log-ProgramInfo. http://search.cpan.org/~boutroslb/Log-ProgramInfo/).ConclusionUsing Log::ProgramInfo in programs creating result data for publishable research, and including the Log::ProgramInfo output log as part of the publication of that research is a valuable method to assist others to duplicate the programming environment as a precursor to validating and/or extending that research

Non-linear autopilot design using the philosophy of variable transient response

The novel non-linear controller design methodology of Variable Transient Response (VTR) is presented in this research. The performance of VTR is compared to that of successful non-linear controller designs (such as Robust Inverse Dynamics Estimation and a traditional autopilot design) by application to a non-linear missile model. The simulated results of this application demonstrate that the inclusion of VTR into the RIDE design results in a 50% improvement in response time and 100% improvement in settling time whilst achieving stable and accurate tracking of a command input. Analysis demonstrates that VTR dynamically alters the system's damping, resulting in a non-linear response. The system stability is analysed during actuator saturation using non-linear stability criteria. The results of this analysis show that the inclusion of VTR into the RIDE design does not compromise non-linear system stability

Alcoholism as a Medicolegal Problem

Medico-legal aspects of alcoholism include determination ofcriminal responsibility, medical evaluation of drunken drivers, interpretation of chemical tests of intoxication and the involuntary commitment of alcoholics to mental hospitals. The policymaking functions of attorneys, both in public positions such as membership in the legislature, and in private practice demand knowledge of the origins, course and social consequences of the disease

Alcoholism as a Medicolegal Problem

Medico-legal aspects of alcoholism include determination ofcriminal responsibility, medical evaluation of drunken drivers, interpretation of chemical tests of intoxication and the involuntary commitment of alcoholics to mental hospitals. The policymaking functions of attorneys, both in public positions such as membership in the legislature, and in private practice demand knowledge of the origins, course and social consequences of the disease