"EXTRA!" Using the Newsvendor Model to Optimize War Reserve Storage

17 USC 105 interim-entered record; under review.The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.22594/dau.21-865.28.04The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Installation and Logistics Command requested a study for determining appropriate inventory levels of war reserve materiel to meet future operational needs under surge demands in uncertain environments. This study sought to explore a potential approach by using the common newsvendor model, but modified for a military scenario. The authors' novel version of this core concept considers the purchase and storage costs of an item and proposes an intangible cost function to capture the consequences of a shortage. Further, they show a sample application of the model using a ubiquitous military item-the BA-5590/U battery. The output of the model provides USMC with a new tool to optimize inventory levels of a given item of interest, depending on scenario inputs.USMC Installation and Logistics Command, Logistics Plans and Operations (Maritime and Geo-Prepositioning Programs) (LPO-2

Kinetics and Stoichiometry of a Proton/myo-Inositol Cotransporter

Voltage clamp recording was used to measure steady-state and presteady-state currents mediated by a myo-inositol transporter cloned from Leishmania donovani and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Application of myo-inositol resulted in inward currents, which did not require external sodium and which were increased by increasing the extracellular proton concentration and by membrane hyperpolarization. Alkalinization of the extracellular space occurred concomitantly with myo-inositol influx. Correlation of membrane currents with radiolabeled myo-inositol flux revealed that one positive charge is translocated with each molecule of myo-inositol, consistent with cotransport of one proton. The transport concentration dependence on both species suggested ordered binding of a proton followed by a molecule of myo-inositol. In the absence of myo-inositol, a voltage-dependent capacitance was observed that correlated with the transporter expression level. This charge movement obeyed a Boltzmann function, which was used to estimate a turnover of 0.70 ± 0.06 s−1 at −60 mV. The pH and voltage dependence of the charge movements were simulated with a model involving alternating access of internal and external protons to sites within an occluded pore

Proof-of-concept: Achieving Free Propulsion for Flexible UUVs Using Vortical Wakes

A Quad, describing CRUSER Seed Research Program funded research.CRUSER Funded ResearchFY22 Funded Research ProposalConsortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER

A Family of Putative Receptor-Adenylate Cyclases from Leishmania donovani

Leishmania parasites are exposed to pronounced changes in their environment during their life cycle as they migrate from the sandfly midgut to the insect proboscis and then into the phagolysosomes of the vertebrate macrophages. The developmental transformations that produce each life cycle stage of the parasite may be signaled in part by binding of environmental ligands to receptors which mediate transduction of extracellular signals. We have identified a family of five clustered genes in Leishmania donovani which may encode signal transduction receptors. The coding regions of two of these genes, designated rac-A and rac-B, have been sequenced and shown to code for proteins with an NH2-terminal hydrophilic domain, an intervening putative transmembrane segment, and a COOH-terminal domain that has high sequence identity to the catalytic domain from adenylate cyclases in other eukaryotes. We have expressed the receptor-adenylate cyclase protein (RAC)-A protein in Xenopus oocytes and demonstrated that it functions as an adenylate cyclase. Although RAC-B exhibits no catalytic activity when expressed in oocytes, co-expression of RAC-A and RAC-B negatively regulates the adenylate cyclase activity of RAC-A, suggesting that these two proteins interact in the membrane. Furthermore, a truncated version of RAC-A functions as a dominant negative mutant that inhibits the catalytic activity of the wild type receptor. The rac-A and rac-B genes encode developmentally regulated mRNAs which are expressed in the insect stage but not in the mammalian host stage of the parasite life cycle

Dialkyl and Methyl-Alkyl Zirconocenes: Synthesis and Characterization of Zirconocene-Alkyls That Model the Polymeryl Chain in Alkene Polymerizations

Zirconocene precatalysts with sterically bulky alkyl groups were designed as model systems for the propagating species in zirconocene-catalyzed alkene polymerization. Specialty alkyllithium reagents Li(CH_2CEt_3) and Li(CH_2CMe_2CH_2Ph) were prepared and utilized in the synthesis of dialkyl and methyl-alkyl zirconocenes of the form CpCp^*ZrR_2, Cp_2Zr(CH_3)(R), and CpCp^*Zr(CH_3)(R) (Cp = (η^5-C_5H_5); Cp^* = (η^5-C_5Me_5); R = CH_2CMe_3, CH_2SiMe_3, CH_2CEt_3, CH_2CMe_2CH_2Ph). These new zirconocene alkyls were isolated and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and in some cases by X-ray diffraction. The molecular structures determined display the bent-sandwich coordination mode common for zirconocenes. The steric influence of the alkyl group on the observed structural parameters is reflected in slightly expanded C−Zr−C or C−Zr−Cl angles in the equatorial plane and long zirconium−alkyl bond distances

Analysis of the specifications and capabilities for the next-generation LRUSV

NPS NRP Project PosterBased on recent priorities for digital engineering strategy within DoD, there is an opportunity for coordinated research efforts tailored towards unmanned surface vehicles. Such efforts are focused on utilization of models to inform decision making based on a single source of authoritative truth, facilitating integration of new technologies and improvement to coordination and communication across stakeholders and engineers. In support of those objectives, this work proposes a coordination of research and design work as appropriate. The primary focus is the analysis of capabilities and functions for the Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessel (LRUSV). To expand that design and to demonstrate the utility of digital engineering as an integrating mechanism, this work will utilize the ship design experience and expertise of Navy engineers and the operational experience of NPS students to conduct innovative early stage design projects that examine both the operational and design considerations for unmanned surface vessels. The operational modeling conducted at NPS will focus on the full spectrum of vessel operations. In accordance with the digital engineering concept, that operational modeling will be conducted simultaneously with an expanded analysis effort, with an emphasis on a shared starting point and problem set. This will result in a more focused tradeoff environment, where operational experience and input informs the design effort of engineers and the design experience of engineers informs operational modeling and capability assessment. Joint Cross-service Research Project ID NPS-21-J218-A (combines topics NPS-21-N218 and NPS-21-M181)PEO C4I (PMW 760)ASN(RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionMarine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM)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.

Analysis of the specifications and capabilities for the next-generation LRUSV

NPS NRP Executive SummaryBased on recent priorities for digital engineering strategy within DoD, there is an opportunity for coordinated research efforts tailored towards unmanned surface vehicles. Such efforts are focused on utilization of models to inform decision making based on a single source of authoritative truth, facilitating integration of new technologies and improvement to coordination and communication across stakeholders and engineers. In support of those objectives, this work proposes a coordination of research and design work as appropriate. The primary focus is the analysis of capabilities and functions for the Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessel (LRUSV). To expand that design and to demonstrate the utility of digital engineering as an integrating mechanism, this work will utilize the ship design experience and expertise of Navy engineers and the operational experience of NPS students to conduct innovative early stage design projects that examine both the operational and design considerations for unmanned surface vessels. The operational modeling conducted at NPS will focus on the full spectrum of vessel operations. In accordance with the digital engineering concept, that operational modeling will be conducted simultaneously with an expanded analysis effort, with an emphasis on a shared starting point and problem set. This will result in a more focused tradeoff environment, where operational experience and input informs the design effort of engineers and the design experience of engineers informs operational modeling and capability assessment. Joint Cross-service Research Project ID NPS-21-J218-A (combines topics NPS-21-N218 and NPS-21-M181)PEO C4I (PMW 760)ASN(RDA) - Research, Development, and AcquisitionMarine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM)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.

Performance Impacts on Unmanned Vehicle and Sensor Capabilities for Standoff Mine Detection in the Very Shallow Water, Surf Zone, and Beach Zone

NPS NRP Project PosterThe Very Shallow Water, Surf Zone, and Beach Zone (VSW/SZ/BZ) environments present extreme challenges for the safe standoff detection of objects, such as mines, explosive ordnance, or natural obstacles such as rocks and shoals. Wave action adversely impacts the performance of conventional unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that employ sonar or optical imaging sensors. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or bottom crawling vehicles that use different sensing modalities may be more effective in these environments. Research is needed to quantify the limitations of current standoff detection sensors deployed from mine countermeasures (MCM) vehicles and recommend promising alternatives for future technology development. This study has two main research objectives. First, we will work with project sponsors and subject matter experts to identify and compare the current state of various technologies for standoff detection of explosive ordnance in the VSW/SZ/BZ. Second, we will leverage NPS experimental capabilities to assess the performance impacts on different MCM vehicles and sensors subjected to wave disturbances in VSW/SZ environments. Specifically, we will conduct semi-captive tests of different MCM vehicle types in a tow tank with wave making capability to simulate VSW/SZ conditions. The measured wave-induced motion profiles will be used to analyze the effects of platform motion on the detection performance of conventional imaging sensors using standard object detection algorithms. Understanding the capabilities of existing technologies, and how they can be expected to perform in these challenging domains, will help inform programs of record and guide future technology investment by the US Navy and US Marine Corps. Research Project ID NPS-21-J212 combines two Topic/Research Projects: NPS-21-M212 and elements of NPS-21-N271.Marine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM)Navy Expeditionary Combat CommandThis 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.

Performance Impacts on Unmanned Vehicle and Sensor Capabilities for Standoff Mine Detection in the Very Shallow Water, Surf Zone, and Beach Zone

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThe Very Shallow Water, Surf Zone, and Beach Zone (VSW/SZ/BZ) environments present extreme challenges for the safe standoff detection of objects, such as mines, explosive ordnance, or natural obstacles such as rocks and shoals. Wave action adversely impacts the performance of conventional unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that employ sonar or optical imaging sensors. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or bottom crawling vehicles that use different sensing modalities may be more effective in these environments. Research is needed to quantify the limitations of current standoff detection sensors deployed from mine countermeasures (MCM) vehicles and recommend promising alternatives for future technology development. This study has two main research objectives. First, we will work with project sponsors and subject matter experts to identify and compare the current state of various technologies for standoff detection of explosive ordnance in the VSW/SZ/BZ. Second, we will leverage NPS experimental capabilities to assess the performance impacts on different MCM vehicles and sensors subjected to wave disturbances in VSW/SZ environments. Specifically, we will conduct semi-captive tests of different MCM vehicle types in a tow tank with wave making capability to simulate VSW/SZ conditions. The measured wave-induced motion profiles will be used to analyze the effects of platform motion on the detection performance of conventional imaging sensors using standard object detection algorithms. Understanding the capabilities of existing technologies, and how they can be expected to perform in these challenging domains, will help inform programs of record and guide future technology investment by the US Navy and US Marine Corps. Research Project ID NPS-21-J212 combines two Topic/Research Projects: NPS-21-M212 and elements of NPS-21-N271.Marine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM)Navy Expeditionary Combat CommandThis 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.

Learning lessons from evaluating eGovernment: Reflective case experiences that support transformational government

Central Government strategy of e-inclusion is being manifested in the form of eGovernment. Given that it is the public purse that funds such investments, there is increasingly attention being paid to the evaluation of these investments, such that value for money and organisation learning can be realised. In this paper the authors report the findings from three interpretive in-depth organisational case studies that explore eGovernment evaluation within a UK public sector setting. The paper elicits insights to organisational and managerial aspects with the purpose of improving knowledge and understanding of eGovernment evaluation. The findings that are extrapolated from the case study analysis are presented in terms of lessons that gravitate around social factors, evaluation, adoption, ownership, prioritisation sponsorship and, responsibility. These lessons are extrapolated from the empirical enquiry to improve eGovernment evaluation practice. The paper concludes that eGovernment evaluation is an under developed area, with most work being developmental in nature and as a result calls for decision makers to engage with the eGovernment agenda and commission eGovernment evaluation exercises to improve evaluation practice such that transformational Government can realise its full potential. The paper ends by highlighting political, economic, technical and social issues as the drivers of the evaluation cycle