Propositions

1. Self-organization of decentralized computing systems can be achieved via discovery, structuring and coordination of system entities (thesis).

2. A generic design for large-scale decentralized computing systems is feasible if it incorporates a broad range of manageable performance trade-offs (thesis).

3. False positives in bloom filters can be detected by coordinating insertions (and removals) of semantically interrelated memberships (thesis).

4. Distinguishing bugs from emergent behavior is one of the greatest challenges in prototyping and testing large-scale decentralized systems.

5. If power grids can be `smart’, then the degree to which computing systems enable Smart Power Grids to be self-managed indicates their IQ level.

6. Overlay networks in demand-side energy management enable alternative organizational, management and business models for Smart Power Grids.

7. Distributed computing systems are not necessarily decentralized and vice versa.

8. Decentralized computing systems are inherently more suitable to implement privacy preserving systems.

9. In contrast to people who live to eat or eat to live, Greek people cook, eat and live.

About the Propositions

Some dutch universities require together with the PhD thesis a list of propositions considered as opposable and defendable and as such need to be approved by the promotor of a PhD thesis. The Doctoral Regulations of Delft University of Technology define the function of propositions as follows:

The function of propositions

“Until the 19th century, theses consisted solely of propositions. (After all, the basic meaning of the word “thesis” is “proposition”.) It was only later that these propositions were preceded by written explanation and empirical testing or logical proof. As the thesis grew into its present form, the propositions came to be regarded as less important and were banished to a separate sheet included with the thesis. Many candidates find it hard, after completion of a prolonged investigation, to go on to formulate propositions that can spark a scientific debate. After so many years of research, they would seem to be left with no unanswered questions. While their thesis then demonstrates their ability as a researcher, it gives no evidence that they are able to formulate hypotheses that would serve as a challenge to further investigation. The hypotheses underlying a doctoral study are developed with the necessary guidance, and are no longer explicitly discussed during long periods of investigation. It is precisely the ability to pose scientific questions oneself that is tested by the formulation of bold propositions and their defence in public.“