A strategy for searching with different access costs

AbstractLet us consider an ordered set of keys A={a1<⋯<an}, where the probability of searching ai is 1/n, for i=1,…,n. If the cost of testing each key is similar, then the standard binary search is the strategy with minimum expected access cost. However, if the cost of testing ai is ci, for i=1,…,n, then the standard binary search is not necessarily the best strategy.In this paper, we prove that the expected access cost of an optimal search strategy is bounded above by 4Cln(n+1)/n, where C=∑i=1nci. Furthermore, we show that this upper bound is asymptotically tight up to constant factors. The proof of this upper bound is constructive and generates a 4ln(n+1)-approximated algorithm for constructing near-optimal search strategies. This algorithm runs in O(n2) time and requires O(n) space, which can be useful for practical cases, since the best known exact algorithm for this problem runs in O(n3) time and requires O(n2) space

Train schedule coordination at an interchange station through agent negotiation

In open railway markets, coordinating train schedules at an interchange station requires negotiation between two independent train operating companies to resolve their operational conflicts. This paper models the stakeholders as software agents and proposes an agent negotiation model to study their interaction. Three negotiation strategies have been devised to represent the possible objectives of the stakeholders, and they determine the behavior in proposing offers to the proponent. Empirical simulation results confirm that the use of the proposed negotiation strategies lead to outcomes that are consistent with the objectives of the stakeholders

Current policy issues in the governance of the European patent system

The European Parliament has been working towards building a discussion platform and a resource for further policy actions in the field of intellectual property rights. The Science and Technology Options Assessment Panel has set the goal of further enlarging the area of investigation in light of recent policy developments at the European level. In particular, the current study covers current policy issues in the governance of the European patent system, such as the backlog issue, the enhancement of patent awareness within the European Parliament, patent enforcement, the regional dimension of intellectual property in Europe, patents and standardisation, the use of existing patents, and patents and competition. These issues were discussed in the conference with stakeholders from European to national patent offices, from private to public sector actors. As a result of the conference, it was stated the need for an IP strategy for Europ