On Leveraging Partial Paths in Partially-Connected Networks

Mobile wireless network research focuses on scenarios at the extremes of the network connectivity continuum where the probability of all nodes being connected is either close to unity, assuming connected paths between all nodes (mobile ad hoc networks), or it is close to zero, assuming no multi-hop paths exist at all (delay-tolerant networks). In this paper, we argue that a sizable fraction of networks lies between these extremes and is characterized by the existence of partial paths, i.e. multi-hop path segments that allow forwarding data closer to the destination even when no end-to-end path is available. A fundamental issue in such networks is dealing with disruptions of end-to-end paths. Under a stochastic model, we compare the performance of the established end-to-end retransmission (ignoring partial paths), against a forwarding mechanism that leverages partial paths to forward data closer to the destination even during disruption periods. Perhaps surprisingly, the alternative mechanism is not necessarily superior. However, under a stochastic monotonicity condition between current v.s. future path length, which we demonstrate to hold in typical network models, we manage to prove superiority of the alternative mechanism in stochastic dominance terms. We believe that this study could serve as a foundation to design more efficient data transfer protocols for partially-connected networks, which could potentially help reducing the gap between applications that can be supported over disconnected networks and those requiring full connectivity.Comment: Extended version of paper appearing at IEEE INFOCOM 2009, April 20-25, Rio de Janeiro, Brazi

Interpreting Customary International Law:You’ll Never Walk Alone

TRICI-Law project (Prof. Merkouris & Mr. Turnbull

Article 31(3)(c) of the VCLT and the principle of systemic integration

PhDThe proliferation of international courts and tribunals combined with the expansion of the areas and density of regulation of international law has given rise to a debate on the issue of fragmentation of international law. Within this context and as a possible response to this fear of fragmentation, the issue of interpretation with specific reference to Article 31(3)(c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties has come to the forefront. The overarching aim of the present thesis entitled ‘Article 31(3)(c) of the VCLT and the Principle of Systemic Integration’ is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the content and the function of Article 31(3)(c) both as a conventional and as a customary rule (i.e. as principle of systemic integration). To this end, the thesis adopts a two-pronged approach. In the first Part of this thesis the analysis is based on the text of the provision itself, both on its written and unwritten elements (intertemporal law considerations). This analysis demonstrates that a proper understanding of Article 31(3)(c) leads us to the adoption of the proximity criterion as the only appropriate in the application of Article 31(3)(c). Having concluded the textual analysis, the thesis then, in the second Part, considers Article 31(3)(c) from a different vantage point. It examines Article 31(3)(c) from the more general perspective of the system as a whole and analyses what the effects of more systemic considerations to the content of Article 31(3)(c) are. Within these parameters two issues arise: i) The principles of conflict resolution, which the thesis proves can be applied, in certain scenarios, in the interpretative process of Article 31(3)(c) and ii) more importantly the notion of interpretation of customary law. The relevant Chapter establishes that customary international law can be the object of interpretation and in such an interpretation Article 31(3)(c), as custom, plays a pivotal role. Through this approach, both from a textual and a systemic perspective, the thesis offers a new and complete understanding of Article 31(3)(c) in all its manifestations and spheres of application