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.     

A contribution to collision-free trajectory planning for handling systems in varying environments

In highly flexible and complex handling systems the risk of collision of moving machine components is continuously increasing. When, for example, several robots share the same workspace and the environment in the workspace is changing due to the operation, the robot trajectories can no longer be planned in advance without the risk of collision. The objective of this paper is the collision-free motion planning of handling system manipulators from the start to the end position within a changing environment. For this purpose, the trajectories on the control system have to be planned during the operating time most efficiently depending on the current state of a varying environment. This paper describes a new approach for trajectory planning based on curve shortening flows combined with potential fields. The functional capability of the method will be demonstrated initially on a simple robot kinematics with two degrees of freedom.     

The two options for sample evaporation in hot GC injectors: thermospray and band formation. optimization of conditions and injector design.

Although classical split and splitless injection is more than 30 years old, we only start to understand the vaporization process in the injector. Solvent evaporation determines much of the process and is the first obstacle to overcome. Videos recorded on devices imitating injectors showed that sample (solvent) evaporation is often a violent process which is poorly controlled and might well explain many of the puzzling quantitative results often obtained. We do not adequately take into account that two vaporization techniques are in use. Partial solvent evaporation inside the syringe needle (optimized as "hot needle injection") produces thermospray: the sample liquid is nebulized upon leaving the needle. The resulting fog is rapidly slowed and moves with the gas. Solute evaporation largely occurs from microparticles suspended in the gas phase. Empty liners are most suitable. Fast autosamplers suppress vaporization in the needle, i.e., nebulization, and shoot a band of liquid into the chamber that must be stopped by a packing or obstacles suitable to hold the liquid in place during the 0.2-5 s required for solvent evaporation. Solute evaporation largely occurs from the surfaces onto which the sample is deposited. Insights into these mechanisms help optimize conditions in a more rational manner. Methods should specify whether they were optimized and validated for injection with thermospray or band formation. The insights should also enable a significant improvement of the injector design, particularly for splitless injection.     

Bracing of patients after fusion for degenerative problems of the lumbar spine--yes or no?

The majority of spine fusions currently performed are for degenerative conditions. Controversy exists regarding whether to routinely brace patients during the postoperative period. The benefits of a rigid orthosis have yet to be documented in a scientific study, and the cost of a custom-molded orthosis can be quite high. An extensive literature search reveals few articles dealing with the subject, and none with an adequate study design to convincingly support or refute the use of external braces. In addition to the questions of whether an external brace is effective, the mechanism of action also remains unclear. It has been difficult to document mechanical effectiveness, so perhaps the effect is psychologic. In addition, it is possible that some, not all, fusion patients may benefit from a brace--yet our ability to select such a patient is poor. As a result, we have solicited the views of two experienced surgeons on the topic. Dr. Connolly argues that an external orthosis is advisable in many cases; Dr. Grob feels that the rigidity of internal fixation should be adequate to obviate the need for external bracing.     

Rohrfertigung für den Reparaturbereich

Pipe fabrication for the repair sector. The paper discusses the changes in pipe fabrication that have taken place in recent years. These enable repair work to be carried out more efficiently, without thereby impairing the flexibility and speed of operation that are essential to maintenance work. A prerequisite for this is that work on the pipes be transferred to workshops. Only here is it possible for manual operations, such as manual welding, to be reduced to a minimum and be replaced by mechanized or semi-mechanized welding methods. The use of modern machines for bending the pipes is more economic than the welding in of pipe bends. Necking out of the pipes by mechanical means or the use of mechanically pre-fabricated connections permit optimum preparation of the weld seam for branch fittings. Any additional work on the pipes, where this is necessary, is carried out at workplaces specially designed for the purpose.     

Benzoic Acid Derivatives in a Hypogastrurid Collembolan: Temperature-Dependent Formation and Biological Significance as Deterrents

Two phenolic acids were identified in the collembolan Ceratophysella denticulata: 3-hydroxy-4,5 dimethoxy benzoic acid and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (syringic acid). These are localized on or in the integument of the springtail, in field-collected animals, in a ratio of 47:100 (v/v). Springtails kept under different temperature regimes showed differences in production and ratio of the benzoic acid derivatives. At 20 degrees C, C. denticulata produced only syringic acid, whereas at 10 degrees C both isomers in a ratio of 100:61 (v/v) were detected. Bioassays with C. denticulata as well as with the specialized collembolan predator Stenus comma (Staphylinidae) were carried out. Staphylinid beetles topically treated with the acids try to clean their mouthparts by rubbing them on the ground significantly more often than do control beetles. Both compounds individually and as a natural mixture have deterrent effects towards the predator S. comma.     

Three-dimensional finite element computation of laser cavity eigenmodes [corrected

A new method for computing eigenmodes of a laser resonator by the use of finite element analysis is presented. For this purpose, the scalar wave equation (delta + k2)E(x, y, z) = 0 is transformed into a solvable three-dimensional eigenvalue problem by the separation of the propagation factor exp(-ikz) from the phasor amplitude E(x, y, z) of the time-harmonic electrical field. For standing wave resonators, the beam inside the cavity is represented by a two-wave ansatz. For cavities with parabolic optical elements, the new approach has successfully been verified by the use of the Gaussian mode algorithm. For a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a thermally lensing crystal inside the cavity, the expected deviation between Gaussian approximation and numerical solution could be demonstrated clearly.     

International patent data: Their utilization for the analysis of technological developments

The analysis of technological developments for purposes like technological forecasting through the use of leading indicators or ex post evaluation of science and technology oriented policies, nearly always lead to the evaluation of patent statistics.From these the authors established indicators of technological development using numbers of patents applied for or granted worldwide, thus preventing sampling and weighting errors. Account was taken of the effect of patent families as well as connections between technological developments in different fields. Furthermore, methods were established to identify areas with important technological developments.The final part of the paper shows the first results of application of these methods to the comparison of international patenting activities in selected fields.