def start_background_task(self, target, *args, **kwargs):
        """Start a background task using the appropriate async model.

        This is a utility function that applications can use to start a
        background task using the method that is compatible with the
        selected async mode.

        :param target: the target function to execute.
        :param args: arguments to pass to the function.
        :param kwargs: keyword arguments to pass to the function.

        The return value is a ``asyncio.Task`` object.
        """
        return asyncio.ensure_future(target(*args, **kwargs))