Sequencings in Semidirect Products via the Polynomial Method

The partial sums of a sequence ${\mathbf x} = x_1, x_2, \ldots, x_k$ of distinct non-identity elements of a group $(G,\cdot)$ are $s_0 = id_G$ and $s_j = \prod_{i=1}^j x_i$ for $0 < j \leq k$. If the partial sums are all different then ${\mathbf x}$ is a linear sequencing and if the partial sums are all different when $|i-j| \leq t$ then ${\mathbf x}$ is a $t$-weak sequencing. We investigate these notions of sequenceability in semidirect products using the polynomial method. We show that every subset of order $k$ of the non-identity elements of the dihedral group of order $2m$ has a linear sequencing when $k \leq 12$ and either $m>3$ is prime or every prime factor of $m$ is larger than $k!$, unless $s_k$ is unavoidably the identity; that every subset of order $k$ of a non-abelian group of order three times a prime has a linear sequencing when $5 < k \leq 10$, unless $s_k$ is unavoidably the identity; and that if the order of a group is $pe$ then all sufficiently large subsets of the non-identity elements are $t$-weakly sequenceable when $p>3$ is prime, $e \leq 3$ and $t \leq 6$.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2203.1665

Optimized reprocessing of documents using stored processor state

Variable Data Printing (VDP) allows customised versions of material such as advertising flyers to be readily produced. However, VDP is often extremely demanding of computing resources because, even when much of the material stays invariant from one document instance to the next, it is often simpler to re-evaluate the page completely rather than identifying just the portions that vary. In this paper we explore, in an XML/XSLT/SVG workflow and in an editing context, the reduction of the processing burden that can be realised by selectively reprocessing only the variant parts of the document. We introduce a method of partial re-evaluation that relies on re-engineering an existing XSLT parser to handle, at each XML tree node, both the storage and restoration of state for the underlying document processing framework. Quantitative results are presented for the magnitude of the speed-ups that can be achieved. We also consider how changes made through an appearance-based interactive editing scheme for VDP documents can be automatically reflected in the document view via optimised XSLT re-evaluation of sub-trees that are affected either by the changed script or by altered data

Tracking sub-page components in document workflows

Documents go through numerous transformations and intermediate formats as they are processed from abstract markup into final printable form. This notion of a document workflow is well established but it is common to find that ideas about document components, which might exist in the source code for the document, become completely lost within an amorphous, unstructured, page of PDF prior to being rendered. Given the importance of a component-based approach in Variable Data Printing (VDP) we have developed a collection of tools that allow information about the various transformations to be embedded at each stage in the workflow, together with a visualization tool that uses this embedded information to display the relationships between the various intermediate documents. In this paper, we demonstrate these tools in the context of an example document workflow but the techniques described are widely applicable and would be easily adaptable to other workflows and for use in teaching tools to illustrate document component and VDP concepts

Microgrid Disaster Resiliency Analysis: Reducing Costs in Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning

The electric grid serves a vital role in the supply chain of nearly all industrial and commercial organizations. A Microgrid infrastructure can provide this service and beneficial non-emergency services including a variety of generation/energy sources. To demonstrate the applicability of microgrids for energy resiliency, we present a microgrid resiliency case study for United Parcel Service’s (UPS) three separate shipping facilities. The goal, to enhance energy security, minimize cost and prevent cascading losses within other related business units. The impacts and consequences of which are quantified in this study using a Mean Failure Cost (MFC) risk assessment measure. MFC accounts for the potential loses to identified stakeholders that may result from a set of identified failures due to a set of identified threats. In this case, our study uses a method we call All Hazards Econometric System (AHES). AHES incorporates the cost of COOP using a strategy that considers the payback period of microgrid installation as compared to other energy delivery strategies

Optimized reprocessing of documents using stored processor state

Variable Data Printing (VDP) allows customised versions of material such as advertising flyers to be readily produced. However, VDP is often extremely demanding of computing resources because, even when much of the material stays invariant from one document instance to the next, it is often simpler to re-evaluate the page completely rather than identifying just the portions that vary. In this paper we explore, in an XML/XSLT/SVG workflow and in an editing context, the reduction of the processing burden that can be realised by selectively reprocessing only the variant parts of the document. We introduce a method of partial re-evaluation that relies on re-engineering an existing XSLT parser to handle, at each XML tree node, both the storage and restoration of state for the underlying document processing framework. Quantitative results are presented for the magnitude of the speed-ups that can be achieved. We also consider how changes made through an appearance-based interactive editing scheme for VDP documents can be automatically reflected in the document view via optimised XSLT re-evaluation of sub-trees that are affected either by the changed script or by altered data

Optimised editing of variable data documents via partial re-evaluation

With the advent of digital printing presses and the continued development of associated technologies, variable data printing (VDP) is becoming more and more common. VDP allows for a series of data instances to be bound to a single template document in order to produce a set of result document instances, each customized depending upon the data provided. As it gradually enters the mainstream of digital publishing there is a need for appropriate and powerful editing tools suitable for use by creative professionals. This thesis investigates the problem of representing variable data documents in an editable visual form, and focuses on the technical issues involved with supporting such an editing model. Using a document processing model where the document is produced from a data set and an appropriate programmatic transform, this thesis considers an interactive editor developed to allow visual manipulation of the result documents. It shows how the speed of the reprocessing necessary in such an interactive editing scenario can be increased by selectively re-evaluating only the required parts of the transformation, including how these pieces of the transformation can be identified and subsequently re-executed. The techniques described are demonstrated using a simplified document processing model that closely resembles variable data document frameworks. A workable editor is also presented that builds on this processing model and illustrates its advantages. Finally, an analysis of the performance of the proposed framework is undertaken including a comparison to a standard processing pipeline