Communication models with distributed transmission rates and buffer sizes

The paper is concerned with the interplay between network structure and traffic dynamics in a communications network, from the viewpoint of end-to-end performance of packet transfer. We use a model of network generation that allows the transition from random to scale-free networks. Specifically, we are able to consider three different topologycal types of networks: (a) random; (b) scale-free with \gamma=3; (c) scale free with \gamma=2. We also use an LRD traffic generator in order to reproduce the fractal behavior that is observed in real world data communication. The issue is addressed of how the traffic behavior on the network is influenced by the variable factors of the transmission rates and queue length restrictions at the network vertices. We show that these factors can induce drastic changes in the throughput and delivery time of network performance and are able to counter-balance some undesirable effects due to the topology.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, IEEE Symposium on Circuits and Systems, Island of Kos, Greece, 200

Pilcher named interim coordinator of pest management programs

The new interim director of Iowa State University\u27s Pest Management and the Environment (PME) program and coordinator of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is no stranger to agriculture. Carol Pilcher was raised on a farm/ranch in southeastern Colorado and has been involved with agriculture most of her life. She was active in 4-H and completed 10 years of projects including gardening, crops, weeds, and entomology. During the summers, Carol collected insects for her 4-H entomology project and operated a light trap for an entomologist at Colorado State University. This is where she started her entomology career path

Reminder: Fall pesticide training

Iowa State University\u27s Extension Pest Management and the Environment program, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, provides continuing instructional courses (CIC) at sites across Iowa for certified commercial applicators. Obtain a registration form on the Web atwww.extension.iastate.edu/pme or visit your local county extension office

Continuing instructional courses for certified commercial pesticide applicators

Iowa State University Extension\u27s Pest Management and the Environment (PME) program, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, provides training and certification programs for commercial applicators in Iowa. Pesticide use in Iowa is regulated under the Pesticide Act of Iowa, Chapter 206 of the Code of Iowa. Commercial applicators are divided into categories. An applicator must be certified in each category he or she will be applying pesticides under

Prioritising targets for biological control of weeds - a decision support tool for policy makers

This report outlines a framework of the overall process of prioritising targets for biological control and includes a decision support tool that enables policy makers to determine whether biological control is a suitable option for a proposed target species.Introduction Establishing effective biological control agents in Australia is costly in both resources and time, yet it is often a valuable component of weed control. It has been estimated that biological control of weeds in Australia has provided around $10 billion worth of agricultural protection over the past century. To date significant investment has been made in the selection process of biocontrol agents and the identification of priority weeds for biocontrol. However there is no nationally agreed system that facilitates prioritisation of weed targets for biological control. The Department of Agriculture commissioned ABARES to develop:• a framework that outlines the overall process of prioritising targets for biological control and• a decision support tool that enables policy makers to determine whether biological control is a suitable option for the proposed target species.A recent work related to the selection and prioritisation of weeds for biological control targets was published by Paynter et al 2009 (hereafter \u27Paynter\u27). Paynter was used as a basis for discussion about how to assist policy makers in assessing whether biocontrol is an appropriate option for weed control.The proposal for a decision support tool for policy makers was discussed at a workshop fully recognising that such a system would need to have a science basis that is both transparent and repeatable to be rigorous. The participants were experts in biocontrol or other weed science, state representatives and other relevant stakeholders. The proposal was outlined in a background/discussion paper and provided to participants prior to the workshop. The purpose of the paper was to provide participants with relevant background information and a proposed approach for a decision support tool for policy makers to be debated and progressed at the workshop.Aim of the workshop and background/discussion paper The workshop was held in Canberra on 4 April 2013. The objectives of the workshop were to:• discuss whether the approach based on Paynter is suitable as a decision support tool at the policy level to prioritise targets for biological control• reach a consensus amongst workshop participants on key principles that need to be considered in the prioritisation process of biological control targetsSuggestions made at the workshop are addressed in this report. Many of the concerns raised at the workshop corresponded with the common \u27core\u27 issues recorded in Paynter. These include concerns about lack of data, the tendency of the framework to overlook weeds outside the Weeds of National Significance, concerns that weightings are arbitrary, and a need for the framework to be able to anticipate emergent weeds and potential future problems. Here, those issues that are relevant to policy have been considered with the acknowledgement that remaining \u27core\u27 issues need to be addressed elsewhere

Electronic marking of mathematics assignments using Microsoft Word 2007

This paper describes on-going work within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at The Open University to enable distance learning students to electronically submit assignments rich in mathematical notation and diagrams, and for those assignments to be marked and returned electronically by their tutor. A trial is currently underway of a prototype system that enables students to submit assignments in a range of electronic formats, which are then converted to Microsoft Word 2007 format to enable tutors to take advantage of various features of this software for marking and providing mathematical comments. The systems developed for this trial are described and preliminary findings presented

Kanawha research farm celebrates 75 years

In 1931, a group of farmers started the Northern Iowa Research Association to work on problems specific to northern Iowa farmers. The Northern Iowa Research Association purchased a farm on the southern edge of Kanawha and has encouraged Iowa State University researchers to conduct work there. Since its beginning, this farm has conducted research in flax production, sugar beet production, small grain management, corn and soybean breeding, weed management, nutrient management (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), soybean cyst nematode, tillage, replant decisions, and rotations

Corn production field day

Who should attend: Farmers and agronomists Where: Iowa State University Bruner Farm (located 1 mile south of U.S. Highway 30 on W Avenue and 1/2 mile east on 240th Street) When: Thursday, August 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

Crop performance test bulletins now available

Results of the 2006 Iowa Crop Performance Tests for alfalfa, barley, corn, oat, soybean, triticale, and winter wheat are now available. For those wanting to download a copy of the bulletins, visit the Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) Web site or the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Distribution Center (EDC) online store. Published bulletins may be requested by contacting ICIA at (515) 294-6921 or EDC at (515) 294-5247