On the part inventory model sequencing problem: complexity and Beam Search heuristic

In many industries mixed-model assembly systems are increasingly supplied out of third-party consignment stock. This novel trend gives rise to a new short-term sequencing problem which decides on the succession of models launched down the line and aims at minimizing the cost of in-process inventory held by the manufacturer. In this work, we investigate the mathematical structure of this part oriented mixed-model sequencing problem and prove that general instances of the problem are NP-hard in the strong sense. Moreover, we develop a new Beam Search heuristic, which clearly outperforms existing solution procedures.     

Datenschutzrechtliche Vorschriften im Rundfunkbeitragsstaatsvertrag (RBStV)

Die Finanzierung des dualen Rundfunksystems in Deutschland und damit insbesondere der ?ffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten soll ab dem 1. Januar 2013 auf eine neue Basis gestellt werden. Anstatt den bisherigen Gebühren für ein H?rfunk- oder Fernsehger?t ist dann ein Rundfunkbeitrag für jede Wohnung und Betriebsst?tte zu leisten. Die nachfolgenden Ausführungen befassen sich mit den datenschutzrechtlichen Vorschriften im neuen Rundfunkbeitragsstaatsvertrag der L?nder.     

Structural stability of oligomeric proteins: A mean-field theoretical approach

We present a mean-field approach for calculating thermodynamic properties(free energies) of protein–solvent systems. We apply this method to thetumor suppressor protein p53, where we study the stability of itstetramerization domain when subjected to site-directed mutagenesis. Acomparison with experimental results is included.     

An analytic framework for performance modeling of software transactional memory

Analytic models based on discrete-time Markov chains (DTMC) are proposed to assess the algorithmic performance of Software Transactional Memory (TM) systems. Base STM variants are compared: optimistic STM with inplace memory updates and write buffering and pessimistic STM. Starting from an absorbing DTMC, closed-form analytic expressions are developed, which are quickly solved iteratively to determine key parameters of the considered STM systems, like the mean number of transaction restarts and the mean transaction length. Since the models reflect complex transactional behavior in terms of read/write locking, data consistency checks and conflict management independent of implementation details, they highlight the algorithmic performance advantages of one system over the other, which – due to their at times small differences – are often blurred by implementation of STM systems and even difficult to discern with statistically significant discrete-event simulations.     

Green hydropower: a new assessment procedure for river management

Hydropower is the most important renewable electricity source worldwide. It shows clear advantages for the global CO₂ balance but creates serious ecological impacts on a local scale. As a consequence, concern for the conservation of natural river ecosystems is growing within society and more people are willing to pay extra for so‐called ‘green electricity’. The definition of ‘green’, however, is not straightforward and customers cannot directly examine the quality of electricity products. Therefore, credible certification of high ecological standards is essential for successful green electricity marketing. In this paper we introduce a new assessment procedure for evaluating environmentally compatible hydropower production. This so‐called ‘Green Hydro’ concept was developed in the context of a multidisciplinary case study on a 400 MW hydropower scheme in the Southern Alps of Switzerland. The concept guarantees both general standards for different schemes operating in different types of watersheds and flexibility for local particularities. We developed an environmental management matrix that considers basic criteria and eco‐investments and covers five environmental areas of concern (i.e. hydrological character, connectivity, morphology, landscape, and biological communities). The ecological perspective is complemented by five management domains (i.e. instream flow regimes, hydropeaking, reservoir and bedload management, and power plant structures). Applying assessment and modelling tools for the Green Hydro procedure showed that dynamic habitat models allowed quantification of the effects of different instream flow regulations at morphologically distinct sites. In this case, morphological restoration could be more beneficial than increasing the minimum flow. The first experience with the Green Hydro certification is encouraging. So far, 13 facilities have successfully passed the certification procedure. They produce a total of 186 GWh green electricity per year, which is sufficient for the supply of almost 40 000 households in Switzerland. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electronic Interactions of Cyclopropyl Groups: Synthesis and Photoelectron Spectra of Model Compounds Derived from Triasterane,Nortricyclane and Norbornane

The syntheses of the new hydrocarbons trimethylenetriasterane 12 , trispirocyclopropanetriasterane 3 , trispirocyclopropanenortricyclane 4 , and of the trispirocyclopropanenorbornanes 5, 6 , and 7 are reported. 12 contains six vinylcyclopropane units rigidly held in an antiperiplanar (ap) conformation in a D_3h symmetric framework. 3 and 4 are the first model compounds with bicyclopropyl units rigidly fixed in an s-trans (ap) conformation (Θ = 180°). Their PE spectra reveal that the interaction parameter β_ww = −1.73 eV for this arrangement is the same as that for Θ = 0°.