Algorithms for advance bandwidth reservation in media production networks

Media production generally requires many geographically distributed actors (e.g., production houses, broadcasters, advertisers) to exchange huge amounts of raw video and audio data. Traditional distribution techniques, such as dedicated point-to-point optical links, are highly inefficient in terms of installation time and cost. To improve efficiency, shared media production networks that connect all involved actors over a large geographical area, are currently being deployed. The traffic in such networks is often predictable, as the timing and bandwidth requirements of data transfers are generally known hours or even days in advance. As such, the use of advance bandwidth reservation (AR) can greatly increase resource utilization and cost efficiency. In this paper, we propose an Integer Linear Programming formulation of the bandwidth scheduling problem, which takes into account the specific characteristics of media production networks, is presented. Two novel optimization algorithms based on this model are thoroughly evaluated and compared by means of in-depth simulation results

A rigged configuration model for B(∞)B(\infty)

We describe a combinatorial realization of the crystals $B(\infty)$ and $B(\lambda)$ using rigged configurations in all symmetrizable Kac-Moody types up to certain conditions. This includes all simply-laced types and all non-simply-laced finite and affine types

Recaf: Java dialects as libraries

Mainstream programming languages like Java have limited support for language extensibility. Without mechanisms for syntactic abstraction, new programming styles can only be embedded in the form of libraries, limiting expressiveness. In this paper, we present Recaf, a lightweight tool for creating Java dialects; effectively extending Java with new language constructs and user defined semantics. The Recaf compiler generically transforms designated method bodies to code that is parameterized by a semantic factory (Object Algebra), defined in plain Java. The implementation of such a factory defines the desired runtime semantics. We applied our design to produce several examples from a diverse set of programming styles and two case studies: We define i) extensions for generators, asynchronous computations and asynchronous streams and ii) a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) for Parsing Expression Grammars (PEGs), in a few lines of code

Recaf: Java dialects as libraries

Mainstream programming languages like Java have limited support for language extensibility. Without mechanisms for syntactic abstraction, new programming styles can only be embedded in the form of libraries, limiting expressiveness. In this paper, we present Recaf, a lightweight tool for creating Java dialects; effectively extending Java with new language constructs and user defined semantics. The Recaf compiler generically transforms designated method bodies to code that is parameterized by a semantic factory (Object Algebra), defined in plain Java. The implementation of such a factory defines the desired runtime semantics. We applied our design to produce several examples from a diverse set of programming styles and two case studies: We define i) extensions for generators, asynchronous computations and asynchronous streams and ii) a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) for Parsing Expression Grammars (PEGs), in a few lines of code

Software-Defined Networks for Future Networks and Services: Main Technical Challenges and Business Implications

In 2013, the IEEE Future Directions Committee (FDC) formed an SDN work group to explore the amount of interest in forming an IEEE Software-Defined Network (SDN) Community. To this end, a Workshop on "SDN for Future Networks and Services" (SDN4FNS'13) was organized in Trento, Italy (Nov. 11th-13th 2013). Following the results of the workshop, in this paper, we have further analyzed scenarios, prior-art, state of standardization, and further discussed the main technical challenges and socio-economic aspects of SDN and virtualization in future networks and services. A number of research and development directions have been identified in this white paper, along with a comprehensive analysis of the technical feasibility and business availability of those fundamental technologies. A radical industry transition towards the "economy of information through softwarization" is expected in the near future

6G—Enabling the New Smart City: A Survey

Smart cities and 6G are technological areas that have the potential to transform the way we live and work in the years to come. Until this transformation comes into place, there is the need, underlined by research and market studies, for a critical reassessment of the entire wireless communication sector for smart cities, which should include the IoT infrastructure, economic factors that could improve their adoption rate, and strategies that enable smart city operations. Therefore, from a technical point of view, a series of stringent issues, such as interoperability, data privacy, security, the digital divide, and implementation issues have to be addressed. Notably, to concentrate the scrutiny on smart cities and the forthcoming influence of 6G, the groundwork laid by the current 5G, with its multifaceted role and inherent limitations within the domain of smart cities, is embraced as a foundational standpoint. This examination culminates in a panoramic exposition, extending beyond the mere delineation of the 6G standard toward the unveiling of the extensive gamut of potential applications that this emergent standard promises to introduce to the smart cities arena. This paper provides an update on the SC ecosystem around the novel paradigm of 6G, aggregating a series of enabling technologies accompanied by the descriptions of their roles and specific employment schemes

An evaluation of information and communication technology application in South African construction industry

Abstract: The construction industry is evolving like other allied industries. New innovations are borne out of the quest to achieve more value for money, while also retaining a competitive edge in the international sphere. A comprehensive study on the application of information and communication technology (ICT) for construction work in South Africa, particularly the stages of construction work, is lacking. This study seeks to evalaute information and communication technology tools used for construction activities in the South Africa construction industry. The research evaluates the level of awareness of construction professionals as to the use of new ICT tools in the fourth industrial revolution era. It also discusses the ICT tools used at the planning stage of construction, the design and the construction stage. It employed the Professional Client/Consultants Service Agreement Committee (PROCSA) template but limited it to stage 0 to 5. It also discusses the challenges, drivers and benefits of using ICT tools for construction activities in South Africa. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire which was distributed online via Questionpro platform to South African construction professionals in Gauteng Province only. One hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were distributed. One hundred and twenty (120) of the responses were valid and used for the analysis. This accounted for eighty per cent (80%) of the total survey. In ensuring the reliability of the research questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient reliability was conducted on the scaled research questions. Compare mean was used to address the level of awareness of ICT tools and ICT tools used at the planning, design, and construction stages. Factor analysis was used to analyze the factors which serve as challenges to, drivers of, and benefits of the effective use of ICT tools. The study revealed that professionals have different awareness levels of ICT tools. They are more aware of ICT tools that are the core of their professional duties. At the planning stage of construction work in South Africa, all professionals use design/estimation and simulation-based tool most. In the design stage, the most frequently used tools are the computer-based tools and the design/estimation-based tools which are used by engineers, architects, and construction project managers. At the construction stage, computer-based tools and administrative tools are the highest-ranked tools. The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the challenges to the use of ICT in the South African construction industry are classified into people, cost, standardization, and management-related problems. The measures to ensure the effective use of ICT tools for construction processes in South Africa are also grouped into user-related factors, ICT knowledge and end-uses. The benefits from the effective use of ICT tools for construction...M.Tech. (Construction Management