Abstract: A method and system for improving memory access patterns of software systems on NUMA systems discovers NUMA system resources, where the NUMA system resources comprises a plurality of NUMA nodes; determines a plurality of database threads, processes, and objects for a database configuration; and generates a policy which assigns the plurality of database threads, processes, and objects to the plurality of NUMA nodes, wherein the generating is performed prior to initialization of the plurality of database threads, processes, and objects. The assignment of the database threads, processes, or objects to NUMA nodes is such that the amount of remote memory accesses is reduced. When the database thread, process, or object initializes, the database server queries the policy for its assigned NUMA node(s). The database thread, process, or object is then bound to the assigned NUMA node(s). In this manner, the costs from remote memory accesses are significantly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collecting statistics automatically for data in a database. There is provided a method for automated statistics collection comprising determining a likelihood that statistics for data have changed; and collecting statistics for data in response to the likelihood. Indicators of the likelihood that statistics have changed may be useful to trigger automated statistics collection. Tables having statistics that change significantly may be collected more often than statistics of tables that are stable. A preferred model is provided to facilitate the collection of statistics that are more relevant: a table is scheduled for collection in accordance with observed patterns of table activity; a table is considered for collection if it meets a threshold level of activity; and a table is sampled to predict whether the statistics to be collected have changed. When collecting statistics, throttling and lock contention can minimize impact on a database user's response experience.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the activity level of a database management system. The number of page fix operations performed by execution units of a database management system can be counted and used to compute a measure for the activity level of the database management system. In one embodiment of the invention, multiple counters are used to count the page fix operations. This and other embodiments of the invention facilitate activity level assessment without incurring significant performance penalty.

Abstract: Regulating the execution of software execution units to manage the performance impact of administrative utilities is disclosed. Administrative utilities (e.g., filesystem and database backups, garbage collection in the Java Virtual Machines, etc.) are an essential part of the operation of production systems. Performance impact is managed through the use of throttling, either external or internal, which forces utilities to slow down their processing by a configurable amount. While a variety of criteria may be used for throttling, a self-induced sleep in preferred for internal throttling.

Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction recovery of hexavalent chromium from surface finishing process water has been demonstrated. Cr(VI) levels in the clean water (i.e., raffinate) were low enough for discharge to surface waters. Landfill disposal is avoided. Toxic metal recycle enables continued use of high performance toxic metals such as chromium especially in aerospace applications.