Reflective Nested Simulations Supporting Optimizations within Sequential Railway Traffic Simulators

This article describes and discusses railway-traffic simulators that use reflective nested simulations. Such simulations support optimizations (decision-making) with a focus on the selection of the most suitable solution where selected types of traffic problems are present. This approach allows suspension of the ongoing main simulation at a given moment and, by using supportive nested simulations (working with an appropriate lookahead), assessment of the different acceptable solution variants for the problem encountered—that is, a what-if analysis is carried out. The variant that provides the best predicted operational results (based on a specific criterion) is then selected for continuing the suspended main simulation. The proposed procedures are associated, in particular, with the use of sequential simulators specifically developed for railway traffic simulations. Special attention is paid to parallel computations of replications both of the main simulation and of supportive nested simulations. The concept proposed, applicable to railway traffic modelling, has the following advantages. First, the solution variants for the existing traffic situation are analyzed with respect to the feasibility of direct monitoring and evaluation of the natural traffic indicators or the appropriate (multi-criterial) function. The indicator values compare the results obtained from the variants being tested. Second, the supporting nested simulations, which potentially use additional hierarchic nesting, can also include future occurrences of random effects (such as train delay), thereby enabling us to realistically assess future traffic in stochastic conditions. The guidelines presented (for exploiting nested simulations within application projects with time constraints) are illustrated on a simulation case study focusing on traffic assessment related to the track infrastructure of a passenger railway station. Nested simulations support decisions linked with dynamic assignments of platform tracks to delayed trains. The use of reflective nested simulations is appropriate particularly in situations in which a reasonable number of admissible variants are to be analyzed within decision-making problem solution. This method is applicable especially to the support of medium-term (tactical) and long-term (strategic) planning. Because of rather high computational and time demands, nested simulations are not recommended for solving short-term (operative) planning/control problems.

Synthesis of a smoothing bicubic spline for differentiating experimental data of nonparametric identification

Over the past two decades, so-called Voltaire series have been used to describe the dynamics of nonlinear systems in terms of input-output. Nonparametric identification of models using Voltaire series consists in constructing estimates for impulse transition functions (IPFs) depending on two or more arguments, which naturally makes identification algorithms much more complicated than in the one-dimensional case. So, in order to identify the two-dimensional IPF (corresponding to the quadratic term of the Voltaire series), it is necessary to calculate the second-order mixed derivatives of the output two-dimensional signal of the system, when a series of rectangular pulses of different amplitudes at different times are fed to its input. Everyone knows, the problem of differentiation is an ill-posed problem and one of the manifestations of incorrectness is poor resistance to errors in the initial data. It is proposed to use two-dimensional smoothing cubic (bicubic) spline (abbreviated SBS) to overcome this problem. The two tasks that constitute SBS synthesis: assignment and implementation of different types of boundary conditions at the border of the rectangular region where SBS is determined; optimal values estimation of two smoothing parameters due to the different “smoothness” of IPF for different two arguments. An acceptable solution to this synthesis problem is proposed in the paper. Our performed computational experiment showed the efficiency of the proposed algorithm for calculating second-order mixed derivative from noisy initial data.

On the Use of Perforated Sound Absorption Systems for Variable Acoustics Room Design

An important challenge for acoustic engineers in room acoustics design is related to the acoustic performance of multi-purpose auditoriums, which are typically designed to suit several performance requirements. With this intent, the analysis of several scenarios is usually performed individually, and then an acceptable solution, that may be adapted to several situations, is selected. One way of providing a more appropriate acoustic performance for each function of the auditorium is using variable sound absorption techniques to control reverberation and other relevant acoustic phenomena associated to sound perception. In this paper, the acoustic behavior of a perforated system that may be suitable for achieving a variable acoustic solution for room acoustic design is addressed. In the design of a cost-effective solution, the surface appearance is kept unchanged, while variable acoustic behavior is achieved either by closing the holes in the back face of the perforated panel or by placing a porous material in varying positions inside the backing cavity, thus accomplishing different acoustic requirements within a multipurpose auditorium. An analytical approach, based on the transfer matrix method is employed for preliminary acoustic sound absorption assessment provided by the system and to develop optimized solutions. Diffuse sound absorption is then computed and used to simulate, by the ray-tracing method, the acoustic behavior of a multipurpose auditorium to demonstrate efficient acoustic performance for different types of use.

Ethical Hacking : Roles, Phases and Impact on various sectors of the Economy

This paper will discuss the topic of ethical hacking, which is also called penetration testing. It starts by briefing about the ethical hacking introduction and its key protocols. It will further discuss the varied classifications of hacking and explain the causes for the swift rise in the cyber-crimes and their impact on socio-economic growth. The advantages and limitations of ethical hacking are also listed. It will further discuss the steps involved in ethical hacking, who is allowed to conduct ethical hacking, and its importance in order to reduce the effect of these attacks, penetration tests are highly required, to consider an acceptable solution for this task. Results from the case study shows that there are negative impacts where the society suffers from cybercrimes and why the computer or networking tools are targeted for the crimes. Ethical hacking education can provide the future professionals to combat the future cyber security issues.

Loosening the Marriage Bond: Divorce in New Zealand, c.1890s - c.1950s

<p>Based on a detailed examination of 2,195 divorce case files generated by applications to the Wellington Supreme Court, the study explores the changing frequency and character of the divorcing population in New Zealand between 1898, when the grounds for divorce were extended under the Divorce Act, until c.1959. The end point is set by access limits to divorce case files, the beginning of Marriage Guidance, and the establishment of a 'normal' pattern of divorce following the postwar spike. The study examines how and why New Zealanders divorced in increasing numbers over the period. In particular, it looks at the increase in divorce during and after the two world wars. The rate peaked in the immediate postwar years and remaining at levels about those pre-1914 and pre-1939.The study also looks at how war contributed to an underlying and on going change in attitudes towards marriage and divorce, not solely attributable to the immediate crisis of enlistment. The study explores the social and cultural factors influencing the decision to divorce including gender, class, religion, and the desire for, or presence of, children. Among other factors, it inquires into the reason why those who divorced in New Zealand were primarily working class, in contrast to their English counterparts, reflecting different class-based perceptions of morality and respectability. It will explore the growing emphasis on sexual pleasure and on women's attainment of social and sexual rights as contributing to the increase in divorce. The public nature of divorce proceedings through this period, with cases being heard in open court and few limits on newspaper reporting, operated as a means of social control and public surveillance. The discussion focuses on how the courts contributed to the construction of definitions of normative behaviour of husbands and wives, judged individuals' abilities to be suitable mothers and fathers and awarded custody of children. The court also adjudicated issues of acceptable and illicit sexual behaviour with gender expectations as part of the considerations. Although those who flouted expected marital norms could risk ostracism or public condemnation, the thesis also shows that this power diminished as divorce became more common. The thesis concludes with an examination of marriage guidance as a public recognition both of the potential for divorce and of the belief that marriages took effort to maintain and that advice and guidance support could help 'unstable' marriages regain stability. In the post-World War II period there was also an acknowledgement that some marriages could not be 'saved' with divorce being the only alternative. Regardless, of such interventions, the changes in attitudes about divorce, made divorce an increasingly acceptable solution to unhappy marriages. Divorce, as this thesis will argue, did not 'break' the marriage bonds but rather, loosened them.</p>

Loosening the Marriage Bond: Divorce in New Zealand, c.1890s - c.1950s

<p>Based on a detailed examination of 2,195 divorce case files generated by applications to the Wellington Supreme Court, the study explores the changing frequency and character of the divorcing population in New Zealand between 1898, when the grounds for divorce were extended under the Divorce Act, until c.1959. The end point is set by access limits to divorce case files, the beginning of Marriage Guidance, and the establishment of a 'normal' pattern of divorce following the postwar spike. The study examines how and why New Zealanders divorced in increasing numbers over the period. In particular, it looks at the increase in divorce during and after the two world wars. The rate peaked in the immediate postwar years and remaining at levels about those pre-1914 and pre-1939.The study also looks at how war contributed to an underlying and on going change in attitudes towards marriage and divorce, not solely attributable to the immediate crisis of enlistment. The study explores the social and cultural factors influencing the decision to divorce including gender, class, religion, and the desire for, or presence of, children. Among other factors, it inquires into the reason why those who divorced in New Zealand were primarily working class, in contrast to their English counterparts, reflecting different class-based perceptions of morality and respectability. It will explore the growing emphasis on sexual pleasure and on women's attainment of social and sexual rights as contributing to the increase in divorce. The public nature of divorce proceedings through this period, with cases being heard in open court and few limits on newspaper reporting, operated as a means of social control and public surveillance. The discussion focuses on how the courts contributed to the construction of definitions of normative behaviour of husbands and wives, judged individuals' abilities to be suitable mothers and fathers and awarded custody of children. The court also adjudicated issues of acceptable and illicit sexual behaviour with gender expectations as part of the considerations. Although those who flouted expected marital norms could risk ostracism or public condemnation, the thesis also shows that this power diminished as divorce became more common. The thesis concludes with an examination of marriage guidance as a public recognition both of the potential for divorce and of the belief that marriages took effort to maintain and that advice and guidance support could help 'unstable' marriages regain stability. In the post-World War II period there was also an acknowledgement that some marriages could not be 'saved' with divorce being the only alternative. Regardless, of such interventions, the changes in attitudes about divorce, made divorce an increasingly acceptable solution to unhappy marriages. Divorce, as this thesis will argue, did not 'break' the marriage bonds but rather, loosened them.</p>

New Zealand Building Code Clause G7 Compliance Assessment Tool: Development and Implementation

<p>The New Zealand Building Code Clause G7 (NZBC G7) minimum requirement for natural light is not being met in around half of New Zealand apartments post-construction. The main reasons for this are an acceptable solution that is not effective for apartment buildings and a lack of tools for Territorial Authorities to assess accurately whether an apartment will meet the minimum requirement. This report outlines the process involved in developing a simplified tool to assess quickly natural light compliance in apartments and preparing it for implementation. The tool was developed through simulation of factors that affect daylight performance at the point in the room specified in the Code: the back of habitable rooms. From these simulations statistical analysis was used to develop mathematical relationships between building features and light levels. These relationships were used to create a tool that specifies whether an apartment would require simulation to prove compliance with NZBC G7. Calibration measurements were performed, comparing simulated and real measurements in 97 apartments with the predictions of the tool. These demonstrated that the tool provides reliable results, hence determining the accuracy of the predictions provided by the tool. The final step in the research was for potential end-user groups to evaluate the usability and functionality of the tool. The conclusion of this process is that a tool has been developed that is simple and easy to use, is sufficiently accurate for application by Territorial Authorities as a decision tool and can be easily implemented.</p>

New Zealand Building Code Clause G7 Compliance Assessment Tool: Development and Implementation

<p>The New Zealand Building Code Clause G7 (NZBC G7) minimum requirement for natural light is not being met in around half of New Zealand apartments post-construction. The main reasons for this are an acceptable solution that is not effective for apartment buildings and a lack of tools for Territorial Authorities to assess accurately whether an apartment will meet the minimum requirement. This report outlines the process involved in developing a simplified tool to assess quickly natural light compliance in apartments and preparing it for implementation. The tool was developed through simulation of factors that affect daylight performance at the point in the room specified in the Code: the back of habitable rooms. From these simulations statistical analysis was used to develop mathematical relationships between building features and light levels. These relationships were used to create a tool that specifies whether an apartment would require simulation to prove compliance with NZBC G7. Calibration measurements were performed, comparing simulated and real measurements in 97 apartments with the predictions of the tool. These demonstrated that the tool provides reliable results, hence determining the accuracy of the predictions provided by the tool. The final step in the research was for potential end-user groups to evaluate the usability and functionality of the tool. The conclusion of this process is that a tool has been developed that is simple and easy to use, is sufficiently accurate for application by Territorial Authorities as a decision tool and can be easily implemented.</p>

THE GRAND INQUISITOR: THE PATHS OF FREEDOM

This paper analyzes the antitheistic argument of Ivan Karamazov in the context of theodicy. We focus on the chapter The Grand Inquisitor, which, as we demonstrate, represents the ultimate argumentative point of Ivan’s "rebellion" against God. Logical impossibility of justifying evil in the world leads Ivan not only to the conclusion that evil is an unerasable mark of God’s mistake appearing while making his creation (man and the world), but also that the basis of that evil is one of the most appreciated human virtues: freedom. After Alyosha introduces Christ (thesis) into an argument on theodicy, as an instance that can and has the right to forgive evil and thus cancel its effects, Ivan responds with his dialectical counterpart (antithesis): The Grand inquisitor. Synthesis in this dialectical struggle, as we demonstrate, does not lead to any logically acceptable solution. On the contrary. We are left with the paradox: freedom has, at the same time, led to theodicy and to an accusation against Christ.

A mathematical model for predicting the indoor moisture variation by using moisture buffering theory

Indoor air humidity evaluation plays an of great importance role on the thermal comfort and building energy consumption. The utilization of hygroscopic materials as building materials acts on the indoor air humidity by regulating its humidity fluctuations, and then reduces a certain fraction of energy consumption on the air conditioning systems. Based on the Fick’s law, the physical process inside these hygroscopic materials requires the determinations of hygrothermal properties, which signify the extensive and reiterative experiments. While in many building simulation toolboxes, moisture buffering behavior has been evaluated by either simple approximations or complicated heat and mass model. In this case, we developed a mathematical model about the moisture transport with acceptable solution time and accuracy in terms of the moisture buffer value (MBV) theory. Considering that MBV originally represents the moisture buffering capacity of those hygroscopic materials, we did some mathematical deduction about MBVs under different boundary conditions. Then the definition of time-average MBV has been used, and all the required parameters was obtained from the practical MBV test. By comparing the new moisture buffer value model (MBM) with HAMT model, the results indicated that MBM could provide reasonably accurate prediction for indoor moisture variation.