Toward an efficient solution for dynamic ad hoc network interoperability

An ad hoc network is formed by an impromptu grouping of network capable nodes. The nodes forming the network have unconstrained mobility, and so provide a dynamic network topology. Current work in this research area has focused on designing routing protocols capable of efficiently forwarding packets in these dynamic network environments. This has led to several designs for ad hoc routing protocols based on various routing algorithms, each suited to specific usage characteristics. This paper will discuss issues relating to routing in ad hoc networks. We will describe an active networking based solution that provides dynamic routing protocol interoperability and enables migration of nodes between ad hoc groups. Our design is motivated by a squad and base scenario which consists of two groups wishing to communicate. These groups have contrasting deployment characteristics and so use different routing protocols

Quantitative Detection of Syntrophic Fatty Acid-degrading Bacterial Communities in Methanogenic Environments

In methanogenic habitats, volatile fatty acids (VFA), such as propionate and butyrate, are major intermediates in organic matter degradation. VFA are further metabolized to H2, acetate and CO2 by syntrophic fatty acid-degrading bacteria (SFAB) in association with methanogenic archaea. Despite their indispensable role in VFA degradation, little is known about SFAB abundance and their environmental distribution. To facilitate ecological studies, we developed four novel genus-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, with primer sets targeting known SFAB: Syntrophobacter, Smithella, Pelotomaculum and Syntrophomonas. Primer set specificity was confirmed using in silico and experimental (target controls, clone libraries and melt-curve analysis) approaches. These qPCR assays were applied to quantify SFAB in a variety of mesophilic methanogenic habitats, including a laboratory propionate enrichment culture, pilotand full-scale anaerobic reactors, cow rumen, horse faeces, an experimental rice paddy soil, a bog stream and swamp sediments. The highest SFAB 16S rRNA gene copy numbers were found in the propionate enrichment culture and anaerobic reactors, followed by the bog stream and swamp sediment samples. In addition, it was observed that SFAB and methanogen abundance varied with reactor configuration and substrate identity. To our knowledge, this research represents the first comprehensive study to quantify SFAB in methanogenic habitats using qPCR-based methods. These molecular tools will help investigators better understand syntrophic microbial communities in engineered and natural environments

Do Incumbents Improve Service Quality in Response to Entry? Evidence from Airlines’ On-Time Performance

We examine if and how incumbent firms respond to entry, and entry threats, using non-price modes of competition. Our analysis focuses on service quality within the airline industry. We find that incumbent on-time performance actually worsens in response to entry, and even entry threats, by Southwest Airlines. Given Southwest’s general superiority in on-time performance, this result is consistent with equilibria of theoretical models of quality and price competition, which generally predict differentiation along quality. We corroborate this intuition with further analysis, showing there is no notable response by incumbents when an airline with average on-time performance (Continental) threatens to enter or enters a route.

Is Dual Agency in Real Estate Transactions a Cause for Concern?

We study dual agency in residential real estate, where the same agent/agency represents both the buyer and seller. We assess the extent to which dual agency suffers from an inherent conflict of interest, where the dual agent furthers the interest of one client at the expense of the other client’s, as well as principal-agent incentive misalignment where the agent furthers her own interest at the expense of one or both clients. And, we examine how these incentive conflicts affect agent behavior and transaction outcomes. To do so, we analyze 10,891 residential real estate transactions in Long Island, NY, from 2004- 2007. Specifically, we (i) identify how dual agency is correlated with house prices and time-to-sale, (ii) describe and assess agent behaviors that could generate these correlations, and (iii) provide some intuition as to the economic effects of prohibiting dual agency in real estate transactions. We find that the incidence of dual agency is uncorrelated with sale price and negatively correlated with time-to-sale. However, on very fast deals, list prices and sale prices are significantly higher on houses sold via dual agency. These findings are consistent with first-resort selling (agents first showing houses to in-house buyer clients) and strategic pricing (agents inducing their seller clients to set a higher list price in anticipation of an internal client agreeing to it) on some deals, in conjunction with agents leaning on sellers to accept a lower sale price on other deals. First-resort selling is indicative of incentive misalignment, while the latter two behaviors reflect a conflict of interest: strategic pricing transfers surplus from the buyer to the seller, and leaning on the seller transfers surplus from the seller to the buyer. Further, our results indicate little difference between dual-agent (same agent) and within-agency (same agency, but different agent) deals. Our findings provide some evidence of distorted outcomes associated with dual agency, mainly on fast deals, but the evidence indicates mild overall effects, suggesting that prohibiting the practice is not likely to substantially increase welfare.

The future of mobile devices:security and mobility

Mobile computing has transformed the way we work, play and communicate in a very short space of time. Advances in mobile technology and the innovative uses of that technology have contributed to a multitude of social and political effects from new ecommerce enterprises to the London Riots. Alongside these innovations are security concerns which will underpin how we think about and develop mobile technology in the future. This two day workshop comprised of a conceptual discussion and two technical exercises. The conceptual discussion group discussed current trends, future possibilities and how mobile technology will impact our lives over the next 10 years and beyond. The technical groups were given two days to produce a demonstrable attack scenario using mobile technology

An Application of the Actor Model of Concurrency in Python: A Euclidean Rhythm Music Sequencer

We present a real-time sequencer, implementing the Euclidean rhythm algorithm, for creative generation of drum sequences by musicians or producers. We use the Actor model of concurrency to simplify the communication required for interactivity and musical timing, and generator comprehensions and higher-order functions to simplify the implementation of the Euclidean rhythm algorithm. The resulting application sends Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data interactively to another application for sound generation

The North West cyber security industry:export potential assessment

Cyber Security businesses in the North West of England form an industry which is growing. This study has taken an in depth analysis of the industry to determine its size, make up and readiness to export and is the first of its kind classifying business within the framework identified by the UKTI cyber export strategy. This report presents the findings of the research undertaken independently by Lancaster University commissioned by the UKTI