BRANECODE: A program for simulations of braneworld dynamics

We describe an algorithm and a C++ implementation that we have written and made available for calculating the fully nonlinear evolution of 5D braneworld models with scalar fields. Bulk fields allow for the stabilization of the extra dimension. However, they complicate the dynamics of the system, so that analytic calculations (performed within an effective 4D theory) are usually only reliable for static bulk configurations or when the evolution of the extra dimension is negligible. In the general case, the nonlinear 5D dynamics can be studied numerically, and the algorithm and code we describe are the first ones of that type designed for this task. The program and its full documentation are available on the Web at http://www.cita.utoronto.ca/~jmartin/BRANECODE/.¹ In this paper we provide a brief overview of what the program does and how to use it.

Program summary

Title of program: BRANECODECatalogue identifier: ADVXProgram summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADVXProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: noneOperating systems under which the program has been tested: LinuxProgramming language used: C++Memory required to execute with typical data: less than 1 MBHas the code been vectorized?: noPeripherals used: noneNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 8277No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 74 939CPC Program Library subprograms used: noneNature of physical problem: Dynamics of two co-dimension one branes in a five-dimensional spacetime with a bulk scalar field and arbitrary potentials. The dynamics is governed by the five dimensional Einstein equations of gravity and the junction conditions at the position of the branes.Method of solution: Leapfrog algorithm to solve system of (1+1)-dimensional partial differential equations; Initial and boundary value problem.Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: Assumption of homogeneity along three spatial dimensions parallel to the branes.Typical running time: Depending on the grid size and length of the time evolution: from ∼1 s to ∼1 h or longer.Unusual features of the program:none     

Benefits of energy efficiency policies in Thailand: an ex-ante evaluation of the energy efficiency action plan

The paper presents the results of an ex-ante evaluation of the economy-wide benefits that may be achieved through the implementation of the 20-year Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP) in Thailand. The objective of the EEAP is to reduce energy intensity by 25 % in 2030 compared to 2010. This is to be reached by reducing the projected energy consumption by 20 % or 38 Mtoe until 2030. We have specified an analytical framework, which allows for a calculation of the overall energy cost savings, energy import cost reductions and reduced CO₂ emissions. Moreover, we calculated the induced energy efficiency investments, employment effects and impacts on governmental budget. The evaluation shows that an effective implementation of the plan may lead to a reduction in energy expenditure of 37.7 billion EUR by 2030. Moreover, the EEAP-induced energy savings will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions as well as Thailand’s energy import costs and generate private investment in energy efficiency of about 5 billion EUR annually in 2030, which in turn may lead to about 300,000 new jobs. The size of the net impact of the plan on Thailand’s governmental budget is uncertain due to positive and negative effects on corporate and income tax revenues, expenses for unemployment benefits, governmental energy consumption, expenses for energy subsidies and energy tax income.     

Ambient Assisted Living – Intelligente Assistenz durch M2M-Technologien

The challenges of demographic changes are addressed by Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) by ICT-based technologies, which shall assist independent living of older adults in a situational and unobtrusive way. This work deals with application examples of M2M technologies in the area of AAL. The applied research projects “Gesundheitsdialog Diabetes”, “iStoppFalls”, “Liquid Level Measurement by Near Field Communication (NFC)” and “Leichter Wohnen (moduLAAr)” are presented and discussed.     

Clusters and Regional Management Structures by Western MNCs in Asia: Overcoming the Distance Challenge

Recent literature suggests that multinational companies pursue regional rather than global strategies. Therefore, this study investigates regional management structures, using French multinational companies (MNCs) in the Asia–Pacific region as an empirical context, to address two research questions: first, do MNCs split Asia into subregions and, if so, what are the resulting clusters of countries and clustering criteria? Second, what kind of regional management structures do MNCs establish in Asia, and what are their roles and functions? Factors, such as MNC size, the size of host markets, or the nature of their activities, might explain some differences. The authors conducted 77 face-to-face interviews with expatriated managers in charge of the subsidiaries or regional management structures of 47 French MNCs located in 11 countries in Asia, then crossed these data with secondary sources of information. Nearly half the MNCs subdivide the Asia–Pacific region into clusters of countries, where they locate regional management centres (regional headquarters, regional offices, distribution centres, local offices) with substantial functions and roles. The main drivers of a regional Asian strategy and organisation are the overall size of the MNC and its sales in Asia; the presence of manufacturing activities does not exert any influence. This research identifies ten clusters of countries in Asia, determined by the French MNCs in our sample, on the basis of four main criteria: market orientation/economic logic, geographical and institutional proximity, cultural differences, and the MNC’s own characteristics. Smaller MNCs do not slice Asia into clusters but rather centralise regional decisions and control procedures, implementing few regional management centres in Asia and giving them limited roles and functions.     

Between laboratory and simulator: a cognitive approach to evaluating cockpit interfaces by manipulating informatory context

An evaluation approach for correspondence-driven domains is suggested and implemented. Touch screen and trackball controls were evaluated as interaction devices for large-area displays in the cockpits of highly agile jet aircraft. To account for the context conditions of selected use cases, informatory quality and the difficulty of situational demands were analysed and manipulated experimentally in dual-task scenarios, which were completed by experienced pilots. Results indicate a clear performance advantage of touch compared to trackball interaction, accompanied by less workload. Informatory dimensions induce different performance and workload ratings. Cognitive demands interfere the least with aiming performance, followed by visual and motor. Task and device influences are interdependent. Motor components of an additional task interfere especially with trackball control actions. Workload operates as a buffer. When difficulty increases, performance decrements are lower than workload increments. It is argued that this cognitive manipulation of informatory context is advisable for correspondence-driven domains, where context is expected to influence human–machine interaction. Transfer to automotive display evaluation appears to be straightforward.     

Organic food processing: a framework for concept,starting definitions and evaluation

In 2007 EU Regulation (EC) 834/2007 introduced principles and criteria for organic food processing. These regulations have been analysed and discussed in several scientific publications and research project reports. Recently, organic food quality was described by principles, aspects and criteria. These principles from organic agriculture were verified and adapted for organic food processing. Different levels for evaluation were suggested. In another document, underlying paradigms and consumer perception of organic food were reviewed against functional food, resulting in identifying integral product identity as the underlying paradigm and a holistic quality view connected to naturalness as consumers' perception of organic food quality. In a European study, the quality concept was applied to the organic food chain, resulting in a problem, namely that clear principles and related criteria were missing to evaluate processing methods. Therefore the goal of this paper is to describe and discuss the topic of organic food processing to make it operational. A conceptual background for organic food processing is given by verifying the underlying paradigms and principles of organic farming and organic food as well as on organic processing. The proposed definition connects organic processing to related systems such as minimal, sustainable and careful, gentle processing, and describes clear principles and related criteria. Based on food examples, such as milk with different heat treatments, the concept and definitions were verified. Organic processing can be defined by clear paradigms and principles and evaluated according criteria from a multidimensional approach. Further work has to be done on developing indicators and parameters for assessment of organic food quality. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry