Industrial aspects and literature survey: Fleet composition and routing

The purpose of this paper is to describe industrial aspects of combined fleet composition and routing in maritime and road-based transportation, and to present the current status of research in the form of a comprehensive literature review. First, presents a classification of problems, and then focuses on a basic definition of combined fleet composition and routing: the fleet size and mix vehicle routing problem. A basic mathematical formulation from the literature is presented. Further, the literature of extended and related problems is described and categorized. Surveys of application oriented research in road-based and maritime transportation conclude the review. Finally, we contrast the literature with aspects of industrial applications from a critical, but constructive stance. Major issues for future work are suggested.     

Real-time automated risk assessment in protected core networking

Protected Core Networking (PCN) is an approach to creating a secure and flexible network and communications infrastructure that supports network enabled capability (NEC) operations. The real-time automated risk assessment (R-TARA) provides a theoretically and practically sound method for risk assessment in the Protected Core. The purpose of the R-TARA is multifold. On the one hand it provides a global metric, which could be used by the network operator to assess the overall security level of the network and its evolution over time. On the other hand, the results of R-TARA can be used in order to achieve dynamic accreditation. Finally, R-TARA local risk metrics, e.g. susceptibility to DoS attacks, can be used for dynamic routing decisions. We propose use of Bayesian networks, known from operational risk assessment, for PCN risk assessment and we provide analytical and simulative evaluation of R-TARA mechanisms.     

Bioinformatics — Mining the genome for information

Since the launching of the human genome sequencing project in the 1990s, genomic research has already achieved definite results. At the beginning of the present century, the complete genomes of several model organisms have already been sequenced, including a number of prokaryote microorganisms and the eukaryotes yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), nematode (C. elegans), fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) as well as the major part of the human genome. These achievements signified that a new era of data mining and analysis on the human genome had commenced. The language of human genetics would gradually be read and understood, and the genetic information underlying metabolism, development, differentiation and evolution would progressively become known to mankind. Large amounts of data are already accumulating, but at present many of the rules that should guide the understanding of this information are yet unknown. Bioinformatics research is thus not only becoming more important, but is also faced with severe challenges as well as great opportunities.     

Modeling the longitudinal variation of sawn timber grades in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Grades derived from visual assessments of sawn timber are determined by the worst part of each piece. Since grade varies longitudinally in timber, grade yield will decrease if the average length of timber increases. The variation in grade is caused by longitudinal variation in knot properties and other features as they appear on the sawn surface taken into account during grading. The objective of this study is to describe and analyze this variation in Picea abies. The study consisting of 768 boards for which all features that could lead to downgrading were recorded noting position, type and size. Based on this information, all boards were graded according to appearance by Nordic Timber, and strength by INSTA 142. Logistic regression models of grade as a function of position in the stem were developed, and the dependence between responses was taken into consideration by using General Estimating Equations (GEE). The models showed a decreasing trend in grade from the butt end toward the top end of the trees, and the effect was more pronounced in strength grading than in appearance grading. Models with binomial response and different correlation structures were tested, and it was shown that both independent and autoregressive correlation structures could be used. This suggests that a multinomial ordinal logistic regression with a GEE-approach with an independent correlation structure is appropriate for modeling grade in this study.     

The slave of the passions: Experiencing problems and selecting solutions.

This article argues that problem solving is motivated by feelings. The proposition is made that a person will experience a problem and engage in problem solving only if the person is in a state that feels aversive or if a mentally represented state becomes a goal by eliciting feelings more pleasurable than those that currently dominate. When people solve problems, the criteria they use in evaluating alternative solutions cannot in themselves motivate the choosing at an alternative. On evaluation, each alternative elicits a feeling that can be placed somewhere on a hedonic continuum. Whether rational or irrational, and even if the problem solver regards another alternative as correct, the alternative that produces the best feeling will always be selected as the solution to the problem. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Designing an electricity tax system in presence of international regulations and multiple public goals: An empirical assessment

The European competition rules restrict governments’ opportunity to differentiate terms of energy accessibility among firms and industries. This easily runs counter with regional and industrial goals of national energy policies. Norway levies a tax on use of electricity, but exempts main industrial usages. This analysis assesses alternative, internationally legal, designs of the system in terms of their effects on efficiency and distribution, including industrial objectives. Among the reforms we explore, removing the exemptions would be the most effective way of raising revenue, but it would be politically costly by deteriorating the competitiveness of today's favoured industries. An entire abolishment of the electricity tax, and replacing revenue by increased VAT, would generate a more equal distribution of standard of living and, at the same time, avoid the trade-off between efficiency and competitiveness.     

Optimization of a Phenylacetaldehyde-Based Attractant for Common Green Lacewings (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla carnea s.l.</Emphasis>)

In field trapping tests, the catch of Chrysoperla carnea sensu lato (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) increased when acetic acid was added to lures with phenylacetaldehyde. The addition of methyl salicylate to the binary mixture of phenylacetaldehyde plus acetic acid increased catches even further. The ternary blend proved to be more attractive than β-caryophyllene, 2-phenylethanol, or 3-methyl eugenol (compounds previously described as attractants for chrysopids) on their own, and no influence on catches was recorded when these compounds were added as fourth components to the ternary blend. There were minimal changes in activity when (E)-cinnamaldehyde or methyl anthranylate (both evoking large responses from female or male antennae of C. carnea in this study) were added, although both compounds showed significant attraction on their own when compared to unbaited traps. In subtractive field bioassays with the ternary mixture, it appeared that the presence of either phenylacetaldehyde or methyl salicylate was important, whereas acetic acid was less so in the ternary mixture. The ternary blend attracted both female and male lacewings at sites in southern, central, and northern Europe. Possible applications of a synthetic attractant for lacewings are discussed.     

Numerical evaluation of Hilbert transforms for oscillatory functions: A convergence accelerator approach

The numerical evaluation of Hilbert transforms on the real line for functions that exhibit oscillatory behavior is investigated. A fairly robust numerical procedure is developed that is based on the use of convergence accelerator techniques. Several different types of oscillatory behavior are examined that can be successfully treated by the approach given. A few examples of functions whose oscillations are too extreme to deal with are also discussed.     

面向无线产品设计的收发机nRF401

随着单片式无线通信芯片技术的发展,无线通信被越来越多新应用和新产品采用。作为新的无线标准,蓝牙(BluetoothTM)让更多用户认识了无线通信。在无需许可的频段,称作ISM频段内的通信集成电路的需求快速增加,挪威Nordic VLSI ASA公司针对这一新兴市场提供一系列收发机和发射机,满足不同无线应用的需要。