Aviation Depot Maintenance Throughput Optimization

NPS NRP Executive SummaryAviation Depot Maintenance Throughput OptimizationN8 - Integration of Capabilities & ResourcesThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Theater Torpedo Inventory Optimization

NPS NRP Executive SummaryAnti-submarine warfare (ASW) is a core mission area for the U.S. Navy and an essential component in achieving sea control. The allocation of torpedoes in support of ASW across a U.S. Fleet is currently a manual process based on shore-based personnel's experience or historical norms. This study will analyze the impact of torpedo loadouts incorporating a complex set of constraints ranging from platform capabilities to probability of kill. A mixed-integer program will be used to compare the effectiveness of different torpedo loadouts. The goal of this work is to maximize the probability of a successful outcome in a theoretical campaign against anticipated submarine threats.N8 - Integration of Capabilities & ResourcesThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Theater Torpedo Inventory Optimization

NPS NRP Technical ReportAnti-submarine warfare (ASW) is a core mission area for the U.S. Navy and an essential component in achieving sea control. The allocation of torpedoes in support of ASW across a U.S. Fleet is currently a manual process based on shore-based personnel's experience or historical norms. This study will analyze the impact of torpedo loadouts incorporating a complex set of constraints ranging from platform capabilities to probability of kill. A mixed-integer program will be used to compare the effectiveness of different torpedo loadouts. The goal of this work is to maximize the probability of a successful outcome in a theoretical campaign against anticipated submarine threats.N8 - Integration of Capabilities & ResourcesThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Theater Torpedo Inventory Optimization

NPS NRP Project PosterAnti-submarine warfare (ASW) is a core mission area for the U.S. Navy and an essential component in achieving sea control. The allocation of torpedoes in support of ASW across a U.S. Fleet is currently a manual process based on shore-based personnel's experience or historical norms. This study will analyze the impact of torpedo loadouts incorporating a complex set of constraints ranging from platform capabilities to probability of kill. A mixed-integer program will be used to compare the effectiveness of different torpedo loadouts. The goal of this work is to maximize the probability of a successful outcome in a theoretical campaign against anticipated submarine threats.N8 - Integration of Capabilities & ResourcesThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Optimal Munitions Mix for USMC Mobile Anti-Ship Missiles Launcher

NPS NRP Project PosterThe Marine Corps is developing anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities as part of its Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept. The purpose is to provide additional sea-control and sea-denial capabilities as part of an integrated naval ground-based anti-ship missile system (GBASM). A key question concerning GBASM is what is the best mix of munitions to be deployed for the sea-control and sea-denial mission. Besides the obvious fire-effectiveness criterion and its impact on defense capabilities, issues of mobility, vulnerability and logistics should be addressed too within a Pacific Theater scenario. Leveraging existing literature on firing theory and target assignment models, we will develop a descriptive probabilistic model, and associated measures of effectiveness (MOEs), for scenario-dependent evaluation of various munitions' mixes. The descriptive models will be the base for a prescriptive model that will optimize munition mixes and tactical employments. The output of this research will be a methodology for assessing the effect of munitions' mixes on defensive and counter-fire capabilities in the possible presence of other weapons, and a method for optimizing these mixes. The research questions are: What are the MOEs for evaluating munition-mixes in the GBASM context? How to utilize the MOEs to determine optimal in-context (South China Sea) munition-mixes at the tactical level? How to utilize insights obtained from the tactical level to determine deployed mixes for a campaign at the operational level? Based on the answers for questions (2) and (3), what would be the optimal mix of munitions at the strategic level? The research plan will follow a hierarchical bottom up pattern. We first formulate a set of reference tactical scenarios defined by (1) type of threat (2) combat intensity (3) ranges and (4) environmental conditions. Next we will develop a combat model (e.g., stochastic Lanchester) that will take as inputs Blue and Red munitions' characteristics (range dependent probabilities of kill, fire-rate, detection capabilities, etc.) and produce attrition values. In the third stage we will solve resource allocation problems that will optimize scenario-dependent munition mixes. Deliverables: Final report, IPRs, poster, exec summary, algorithmsHQMC Programs & Resources (P&R)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

VLS Missile Mix, Firing Policy, and Deterrence Against Red Salvos

NPS NRP Project PosterOverview: Vertical launch system (VLS) is the current method to fire missiles from surface naval vessels and nuclear submarines. With the transition to distributed maritime operations (DMO), the USN would like to increase the offensive capability of VLS. The appropriate mix of missiles in VLS is tied to the firing policy to counter an incoming threat. A common firing policy is shoot-shoot-look-shoot-shoot (SSLSS). The "look" is battle damage assessment (BDA) to determine the outcome of the first two shots. With enhanced technology, SSLSS might be overly conservative in using scarce resources for defensive measures. In this project we will focus on determining the optimal mix of missiles in a VLS and the corresponding firing policy. Research Questions: What VLS loadouts strike a proper balance between offensive and defensive postures? What defensive firing policy (e.g., Shoot-Shoot-Look-Shoot-Shoot, Shoot-Look-Shoot) is more effective in a given scenario? How important is BDA time in the solution? (i.e., under what BDA time-windows would a given solution remain optimal?) How can soft-kill weapons (chaff, flare, electronic counter-measures) enhance Blue's effectiveness? Research Plan: We will initially focus on simple models. For example: Red fires n homogenous missiles in its salvo and Blue has m homogenous defensive missiles to counter. We will consider variants with and without BDA. Later we will develop optimization models to examine the optimal VLS missile mix and corresponding firing policy. These will be based on the weapon target assignment problem, but incorporate constraints specific for the VLS context. Initially we will focus on what missiles should go on the VLS and how should Blue employ them. Deliverables: Final report, IPRs, poster, exec summary, algorithmsN8 - Integration of Capabilities & ResourcesThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Optimal Munitions Mix for USMC Mobile Anti-Ship Missiles Launcher

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThe Marine Corps is developing anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities as part of its Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept. The purpose is to provide additional sea-control and sea-denial capabilities as part of an integrated naval ground-based anti-ship missile system (GBASM). A key question concerning GBASM is what is the best mix of munitions to be deployed for the sea-control and sea-denial mission. Besides the obvious fire-effectiveness criterion and its impact on defense capabilities, issues of mobility, vulnerability and logistics should be addressed too within a Pacific Theater scenario. Leveraging existing literature on firing theory and target assignment models, we will develop a descriptive probabilistic model, and associated measures of effectiveness (MOEs), for scenario-dependent evaluation of various munitions' mixes. The descriptive models will be the base for a prescriptive model that will optimize munition mixes and tactical employments. The output of this research will be a methodology for assessing the effect of munitions' mixes on defensive and counter-fire capabilities in the possible presence of other weapons, and a method for optimizing these mixes. The research questions are: What are the MOEs for evaluating munition-mixes in the GBASM context? How to utilize the MOEs to determine optimal in-context (South China Sea) munition-mixes at the tactical level? How to utilize insights obtained from the tactical level to determine deployed mixes for a campaign at the operational level? Based on the answers for questions (2) and (3), what would be the optimal mix of munitions at the strategic level? The research plan will follow a hierarchical bottom up pattern. We first formulate a set of reference tactical scenarios defined by (1) type of threat (2) combat intensity (3) ranges and (4) environmental conditions. Next we will develop a combat model (e.g., stochastic Lanchester) that will take as inputs Blue and Red munitions' characteristics (range dependent probabilities of kill, fire-rate, detection capabilities, etc.) and produce attrition values. In the third stage we will solve resource allocation problems that will optimize scenario-dependent munition mixes. Deliverables: Final report, IPRs, poster, exec summary, algorithmsHQMC Programs & Resources (P&R)This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

VLS Missile Mix, Firing Policy, and Deterrence Against Red Salvos

NPS NRP Executive SummaryOverview: Vertical launch system (VLS) is the current method to fire missiles from surface naval vessels and nuclear submarines. With the transition to distributed maritime operations (DMO), the USN would like to increase the offensive capability of VLS. The appropriate mix of missiles in VLS is tied to the firing policy to counter an incoming threat. A common firing policy is shoot-shoot-look-shoot-shoot (SSLSS). The "look" is battle damage assessment (BDA) to determine the outcome of the first two shots. With enhanced technology, SSLSS might be overly conservative in using scarce resources for defensive measures. In this project we will focus on determining the optimal mix of missiles in a VLS and the corresponding firing policy. Research Questions: What VLS loadouts strike a proper balance between offensive and defensive postures? What defensive firing policy (e.g., Shoot-Shoot-Look-Shoot-Shoot, Shoot-Look-Shoot) is more effective in a given scenario? How important is BDA time in the solution? (i.e., under what BDA time-windows would a given solution remain optimal?) How can soft-kill weapons (chaff, flare, electronic counter-measures) enhance Blue's effectiveness? Research Plan: We will initially focus on simple models. For example: Red fires n homogenous missiles in its salvo and Blue has m homogenous defensive missiles to counter. We will consider variants with and without BDA. Later we will develop optimization models to examine the optimal VLS missile mix and corresponding firing policy. These will be based on the weapon target assignment problem, but incorporate constraints specific for the VLS context. Initially we will focus on what missiles should go on the VLS and how should Blue employ them. Deliverables: Final report, IPRs, poster, exec summary, algorithmsN8 - Integration of Capabilities & ResourcesThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Necesidades de formación del profesorado universitario para la adaptación de su docencia al Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES)

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo en cinco universidades españolas para diagnosticar las necesidades de formación en competencias del profesorado universitario. Utilizando técnicas de encuesta, aplicadas a una amplia muestra d profesorado de las cinco áreas de conocimiento, se han detectado necesidades de formación en seis bloques de competencias: a) la Planificación de la Docencia;  b) el Desarrollo de la Docencia; c)  la Evaluación;  d) la Tutoría;  e) la Gestión;  f) la Formación Continua.  Se han hallado diferencias significativas en las necesidades en función del área de conocimiento y las categorías profesionales

Strigolactone- and Karrikin-Independent SMXL Proteins Are Central Regulators of Phloem Formation

Plant stem cell niches, the meristems, require long-distance transport of energy metabolites and signaling molecules along the phloem tissue. However, currently it is unclear how specification of phloem cells is controlled. Here we show that the genes SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 1-LIKE3 (SMXL3), SMXL4, and SMXL5 act as cell-autonomous key regulators of phloem formation in Arabidopsis thaliana. The three genes form an uncharacterized subclade of the SMXL gene family that mediates hormonal strigolactone and karrikin signaling. Strigolactones are endogenous signaling molecules regulating shoot and root branching [1] whereas exogenous karrikin molecules induce germination after wildfires [2]. Both activities depend on the F-box protein and SCF (Skp, Cullin, F-box) complex component MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2) [3-5]. Strigolactone and karrikin perception leads to MAX2-dependent degradation of distinct SMXL protein family members, which is key for mediating hormonal effects [6-12]. However, the nature of events immediately downstream of SMXL protein degradation and whether all SMXL proteins mediate strigolactone or karrikin signaling is unknown. In this study we demonstrate that, within the SMXL gene family, specifically SMXL3/4/5 deficiency results in strong defects in phloem formation, alteredsugar accumulation, and seedling lethality. By comparing protein stabilities, we show that SMXL3/4/5 proteins function differently to canonical strigolactone and karrikin signaling mediators, although being functionally interchangeable with those under low strigolactone/karrikin signaling conditions. Our observations reveal a fundamental mechanism of phloem formation and indicate that diversity of SMXL protein functions is essential for a steady fuelling of plant meristems.Peer reviewe