Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
The interactive and ubiquitous nature of future distributed services (e.g. digital libraries, learning systems, etc.) will make them more architectural and resource demanding. Consequently, next generation middleware frameworks should support both shorter and longer-term adaptation (i.e. a priori and a posteriori reconfiguration). In fact, current component standards leverage software reusability and diminish development costs. Nevertheless, it is also a fact that existing middleware, which succeeded in meeting the goals of heterogeneity and interoperability, is not open enough for tackling the problem of dynamic evolution. This paper presents FORMAware, a framework that combines a novel component-based programming model enhanced by a reflective design, the former capturing the knowledge about software architecture abstractions (e.g. components, connectors, style managers, style rules) while the latter offering architecture awareness by explicitly opening the content and structure of both atomic and composite components (via introspection and adaptation meta-objects). In addition, FORMAware provides a set of tools and services for automating software development and adaptation (i.e. support for the generation, assembly, deployment and dynamic reconfiguration processes).

Abstract
`Several interactive methods exist to identify nondominated solutions in a Multiple Objective Mixed Integer Linear Program. But what if the Decision Maker is also interested in sorting those solutions (assigning them to pre-established ordinal categories)? We propose an interactive "branch-and-bound like" technique to progressively build the nondominated set, combined with ELECTRE TRI method (Pessimistic procedure) to sort identified nondominated solutions. A disaggregation approach is considered in order to avoid direct definition of all ELECTRE TRI preference parameters. Weight-importance coefficients are inferred and category reference profiles are determined based on assignment examples provided by the Decision Maker. A computation tool was developed with a twofold purpose: support the Decision Maker involved in a decision process and provide a test bed for research purposes.

Abstract
This paper presents a survey of formal methods courses in European higher education carried out by the FME Subgroup on Education over the last two years. The survey data sample is made of 117 courses spreading over 58 higher-education institutions across 13 European countries and involving (at least) 91 academic staff. A total number of 364 websites have been browsed which are accessible from the electronic (HTML) version of the paper in the form of links to course websites, lecturers and topic entries in encyclopedias or virtual libraries. Three main projections of our sample are briefly analysed. Although far from being fully representative, these already provide some useful indicators about the impact of formal methods in European curricula on computing. © Springer-Verlag 2004.

Abstract
A simple method for crystallizing amorphous thin films was developed using platinum bottom electrodes as heating elements. A current was applied to tungsten wires in contact with the platinum and the temperature was measured using a type-K thermocouple. A proportional feedback algorithm was used for controlling the process. The performance of different platinum electrodes was studied. Pt films with different thicknesses were alternatively deposited over Ti and Zr at 700degreesC. Applying currents up to 2 A to the Pt films, the resistance dependence of temperature was studied. The maximum temperature, 675degreesC, was obtained when using 200 nm Pt films deposited at 700degreesC over Ti, with a power consumption of 16 W. The method was applied to the crystallization of PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 thin films using Pt films deposited at 500degreesC over Ti and at 700degreesC over Zr. The results obtained for heat treatments at 650degreesC with 10degreesC/s heating and cooling rates showed a pure perovskite phase; the ferroelectric properties were comparable with those from films crystallized by rapid thermal annealing. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.