Distributed Systems based on Complex Adaptive Systems

复杂适应系统(CAS)是复杂系统的特例。CA由许多用于通信和交换信息的元素组成。CAS元素之间的相互关系创建了从元素活动中产生的系统属性。CA无处不在；我们发现它们存在于生物、经济、社会、神经和生态等领域。此外，计算机系统设计目前面临着越来越多的复杂性，系统组件的数量、相互依赖性和异构性。计算机系统复杂性的增加需要创新的方法来为高度动态的环境实现可伸缩和可适应的计算。此前，我们为计算机系统研究提出了一种新的计算范式，称为新兴思考者。Emerent Thinker基于CAS域，这些域在逻辑上相互隔离，但物理上位于同一环境中。CAS域提供紧急功能服务。紧急功能服务等同于操作系统的系统调用，但在更高的抽象级别上，因为紧急功能服务是由CAS元素的活动协同提供的。这项计划开展进一步的研究，使以前在新兴思考者范式中的开创性工作正式化。将研究和开发新的方法来定义本地CAS元素属性和相互作用，以预测紧急结果及其各自的绩效指标。将为各种安排确定在CAS中发生的机制和进程。这一创新的方法将为一台新兴的计算机器提供基础。新兴的计算机器将提供一种新的分布式系统方法，以实现高度动态环境下的可伸缩和自适应计算。四名研究生和三名本科生HQP(高素质人员)将接受培训，为从事计算机系统研究，包括分布式系统、系统集成、信息系统和应用计算研究做好准备。HQP还将能够继续攻读研究生课程。目前需要能够研究分布式系统中的新技术并将其应用于其他领域的跨学科人员。我们的研究针对这一挑战，生产出能够满足这些需求的HQP。我们对新兴计算机器的研究将提供一个创新的框架，用于量化CAS元素的活动及其动态，以及它们如何相互作用以产生强大的分布式计算能力。提出的研究将为改进分布式系统设计提供创新的方法论。研究成果将以新的方法推进和影响计算机系统研究领域，以实现创新的分布式计算系统。

Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) are special cases of complex systems. CAS are made up of many elements that communicate and exchange information. The interrelationship among CAS elements creates system properties that emerge out of the elements' activities. CAS exist everywhere; we find them in biological, economic, social, neurological, and ecological realms among others. Furthermore, computer systems design currently faces ever increasing complexity of the large number, interdependencies and heterogeneity of systems components. The increase in computer systems complexity requires innovative methodology to achieve scalable and adaptable computing for highly dynamic contexts. Previously we proposed a new computing paradigm for computer systems research called the Emergent Thinker. The Emergent Thinker is based on CAS domains that work isolated from each other logically but are physically located in the same environment. CAS domains provide emergent functional services. An emergent functional service is equivalent to a system call of operating systems but at a higher abstract level, since the emergent functional service is provided by the synergy of the CAS elements’ activities. This program develops further research to formalize previous seminal work in the Emergent Thinker paradigm. Novel methodology will be researched and developed to define local CAS element properties and interactions to predict the emergent outcomes and their respective performance metrics. Mechanisms and processes that occur in CAS will be defined for a variety of arrangements. This innovative methodology will provide the building blocks for an emergent computing machine. The emergent computing machine will provide a novel distributed systems approach to achieve scalable and adaptable computing for highly dynamic contexts. Four graduate and three undergraduate students HQP (Highly Qualified Personnel) will be trained and prepared for careers in computer systems research including distributed systems, systems integration, information systems and applied computing research. The HQP will also be capable of continuing onto graduate studies. There is a current need for interdisciplinary personnel who can research novel techniques in distributed systems and apply them to other realms. Our research targets this challenge and produces HQP that can satisfy these needs. Our research into the emergent computing machine will provide an innovative framework for quantifying what emerges out of the activities of CAS elements and their dynamics as well as how they interact to give rise to robust distributed computing capabilities. The proposed research will provide innovative methodology to improve distributed systems design. The research outcomes will advance and have an impact on the computer systems research field with new approaches to achieve innovative distributed computing systems.