Stability Conditions of the MMAP [ K ]/ G [ K ]/1/ LCFS Preemptive Repeat Queue

In this paper, we study the stability conditions of the MMAP[K]/G[K]/1/LCFS preemptive repeat queue. We introduce an embedded Markov chain of matrix M/G/1 type with a tree structure and identify conditions for the Markov chain to be ergodic. First, we present three conventional methods for the stability problem of the queueing system of interest. These methods are either computationally demanding or do not provide accurate information for system stability. Then we introduce a novel approach that develops two linear programs whose solutions provide sufficient conditions for stability or instability of the queueing system. The new approach is numerically efficient. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods introduced in this paper are analyzed both theoretically and numerically.     

Stable nonequilibrium probability densities and phase transitions for meanfield models in the thermodynamic limit

A nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation is derived to describe the cooperative behavior of general stochastic systems interacting via mean-field couplings, in the limit of an infinite number of such systems. Disordered systems are also considered. In the weak-noise limit; a general result yields the possibility of having bifurcations from stationary solutions of the nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation into stable time-dependent solutions. The latter are interpreted as non-equilibrium probability distributions (states), and the bifurcations to them as nonequilibrium phase transitions. In the thermodynamic limit, results for three models are given for illustrative purposes. A model of self-synchronization of nonlinear oscillators presents a Hopf bifurcation to a time-periodic probability density, which can be analyzed for any value of the noise. The effects of disorder are illustrated by a simplified version of the Sompolinsky-Zippelius model of spin-glasses. Finally, results for the Fukuyama-Lee-Fisher model of charge-density waves are given. A singular perturbation analysis shows that the depinning transition is a bifurcation problem modified by the disorder noise due to impurities. Far from the bifurcation point, the CDW is either pinned or free, obeying (to leading order) the Grüner-Zawadowki-Chaikin equation. Near the bifurcation, the disorder noise drastically modifies the pattern, giving a quenched average of the CDW current which is constant. Critical exponents are found to depend on the noise, and they are larger than Fisher's values for the two probability distributions considered.     

Thinking and Turing's test

The questions raised by A. M. Turing in his paper on thought and machines are discussed. Human thought is considered in turn as a concept of normal language usage, as a basic concept of psychology, and as the basis of intellectual activity. It is concluded that neither of these notions of thought identifies something specific that a human being can or cannot do. The imitation game proposed by Turing for deciding whether a machine can think is found to result from an arbitrary empoverishment of the channel of communication between the interrogator and the item under investigation. Turing's notions of thinking are shown to lead to logical difficulties. An alternative view of consciousness, that would place it beyond the reach of any finite test, is finally discussed.     

Observable signals of gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking

The observable consequences of gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking (GMSB) are reviewed here. Implications of scenarios both with a neutralino and a slepton as the next lightest supersymmetric particle (NLSP) are surveyed in relation to hadronic ande ⁺ e ^- colliders. We also discuss the phenomenological consequences of the NLSP decaying slowly, giving rise to delayed events in the detectors.The importance of distinguishing signals of GMSB models from those of the commonly discussed supergravity-type theories is emphasized.     

Shell effects in the symmetric-modal fission of pre-actinide nuclei

Mass distributions of fragments in the low-energy fission of nuclei from ¹⁸⁷Ir to ²¹³At have been analysed. This analysis has shown that shell effects in symmetric-mode fragment mass yields from the fission of pre-actinide nuclei could be described if one assumes the existence of two strongly deformed neutron shells in the arising fragments with neutron numbers N₁ ≈ 52 and N₂ ≈ 68. A new method has been proposed for quantitatively describing the mass distributions of the symmetric fission mode for pre-actinides with A ≈ 180–220.     

Meeting infinitely many cells of a partition once

We investigate several versions of a cardinal characteristic defined by Frankiewicz. Vojtáš showed , and Blass showed . We show that all the versions coincide and that is greater than or equal to the splitting number. We prove the consistency of and of . Received: 2 October 1996 / Revised version: 22 May 1997     

随机化交通灯的二维元胞自动机交通模型

元胞自动机交通模型以简单的规则反映交通系统中的多种因素，可以分析各种交通现象，且可在计算机上方便、高效地运作·Ｂｉｈａｍ－Ｍｉｄｄｌｅｔｏｎ－Ｌｅｖｉｎｅ模型（ＢＭＬ模型）实现了二维交通问题的元胞自动机模型的模拟研究·本文对ＢＭＬ模型作了改进，解除了该模型中关于交通灯同步变化的限制·在新模型中，每个路口的交通灯可以自由选定起始工作时间和变化节奏，于是可以更全面、准确地反映交通灯对交通系统性能的影响·本文还对新模型中出现的若干新效应作了解释·