Multiprocessor document allocation: a genetic algorithm approach

We formally define the Multiprocessor Document Allocation Problem (MDAP) and prove it to be computationally intractable (NP complete). Once it is shown that MDAP is NP complete, we describe a document allocation algorithm based on genetic algorithms. This algorithm assumes that the documents are clustered using any one of the many clustering techniques. We later show that our allocation algorithm probabilistically converges to a good solution. For a behavioral evaluation, we present sample experimental results     

Minimizing electronic line terminals for automatic ring protectionin general WDM optical networks

Automatic ring protection provides simple and rapid fault protection and restoration in telecommunication networks. To implement the automatic ring protection in general wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks, the lightpaths are partitioned into groups each of which can be carried in a simple cycle of the underlying network. As the electronic line terminals are the dominant cost factor in the deployment of WDM optical networks, we study how to generate these partitions with minimum electronic line terminals. This optimization problem is NP-hard. We develop two polynomial-time approximation algorithms, with performance guarantees between 1.5 and 1.6 and between 1.5 and 1.5 + ε, respectively. The second algorithm can be adapted, with the same performance guarantees, to the problem in which lightpaths are not prespecified and only the endpoints of each connection are given. Both algorithms can be easily adapted, with the same performance guarantees, to the problem in which only link protection is desired, and each group must be carried in a closed trail. The first algorithm matches and the second algorithm improves the approximation ratio obtained independently by Eilam et al. (see 14th Int. Symp. Distributed Computing, 2000)     

Close emotional relationships in late life: Further support for proactive aging in the social domain.

The idea that age-related reductions in network size are proactively managed by older people is explored by examining the interrelationships among chronological age, network composition, social support, and feelings of social embeddedness (FSE) in a representative sample of 156 community dwelling and institutionalized adults aged 70–104 yrs. Comparisons between people with and without nuclear families are made to explore the influence of opportunity structures on network size. Social networks of very old people are nearly half as large as those of old people, but the number of very close relationships does not differentiate age groups. Among Ss without living nuclear family members, the number of emotionally close social partners predicted FSE better than among Ss with nuclear family members. Findings provide evidence for proactive selection, compensation, and optimization toward the goal of emotional enhancement and social functioning in old age. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

B-Vitamine (Thiamin,Vitamin B6 and Pantothensäure) im Muskelgewebe wachsender Rinder der Rasse Deutsches Fleckvieh in Abhängigkeit von Mastendmasse und Fütterungsintensität

In a comparative slaughter experiment the thiamin, vitamin B₆ and pantothenic acid content of lean tissue of foreloin of growing cattle was determined by whole body analyses. 54 bulls, 45 heifers and 45 steers were fed until a live mass of 200 kg, 350 kg, 425 kg (only heifers) 500 kg and 575 kg, 650 kg, respectively (only bulls and steers). One half of each carcass was divided into 13 cuts and afterwards the cuts were each divided into lean, adipose and bone tissue and tendons. The lean tissue of the foreloin was subjected to analysis of thiamin, vitamin B₆ and pantothenic acid. The mean thiamin content of 0.75 mg kg_-1 fresh matter (200 kg live mass) decreased with rising live mass and under intensive feeding conditions in bulls and steers to 0.53 mg and in heifers to 0.61 mg. Restrictively feeding caused a mean thiamin content of 0.60 mg per kg fresh matter in bulls, steers and heifers. Under both feeding conditions in the lean tissue of the foreloin on average a vitamin B₆ content of 2.6 mg (bulls), 3.1 mg (heifers) and 3.0 mg kg^?1 fresh matter (steers) was analysed. A mean content of pantothenic acid of 2.6 mg kg^?1 fresh matter was determined in bulls independent of live mass and feeding intensity. In heifers the content of pantothenic acid on average was 3.0 mg under intensive feeding system and 2.6 mg under low feeding conditions, whereas steers reached contents of 2.7 mg (high feeding) and 2.2 mg kg^?1 fresh matter (low feeding).     

Blood is thicker than water: Kinship orientation across adulthood.

The importance of kin relationships was investigated across adulthood with 5 samples (total N=1,365). Within the personal networks, the genetic relatedness with relationship partners predicted subjective closeness (mean r=.50) and social support (mean r=.13). Effects were robust in 2 samples when controlling for residential proximity and contact frequency. These intraindividual correlations showed considerable variability and were interpreted as individual expressions of nepotism. The heritability of individual nepotism was zero. Variability of nepotism was unrelated to personality traits, but substantially related to sex, and parental and partner status. The authors discuss subjective closeness as 1 proximate cue to kinship, and suggest nepotistic adaptations as powerful mechanisms in social relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conflict management programs in trans-disciplinary research projects: the case of a food security project in Tanzania

The scientific response to the challenges of security for food systems, as well as other global topics such as climate change, has been to shift from research projects with a narrow focus on one or a few sectors of the food system to broader trans-disciplinary approaches. Such research settings are inherently complex and involve the potential for substantial conflict that can put the success of the entire research project at risk. Allocating time and resources to establish mechanisms that facilitate meta-communication among project members is increasingly advocated in order to minimize conflicts. The aim of this paper is to analyze and then facilitate the integration of conflict management programs as a tool within such research projects. This was achieved by establishing the framework characteristics that define the food security research environment as: (1) donor-funded; (2) temporary; (3) virtual; (4) international; (5) inter-organizational; and (6) trans-disciplinary; and by discussing their implications for the implementation of a conflict management program. A participatory and transdisciplinary food security research project active in Tanzania (Trans-SEC) was used as the case study, with qualitative research methods applied.