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Abstract: The instability of the tree-like multicast overlay caused by nodes’ abrupt departures is considered as one of the major problems for peer-to-peer (P2P) multicast systems. In this paper, we present a protocol for improving the overlay’s stability by actively estimating the nodes’ lifetime model, and combining the nodes’ lifetime information with the overlay’s structural properties. We use the shifted Pareto distribution to model the nodes’ lifetimes in designing our protocol. To support this model, we have measured the residual lifetimes of the nodes in a popular IPTV system named PPLive [PPLive. http://www.pplive.com], and have formally analyzed the relationships between the distribution of the nodes’ lifetimes, ages and their residual lifetimes under the shifted Pareto distribution model. We evaluate the overlay construction strategies, which are essential in improving the overlay’s stability in our protocol, by comparing them with a number of other strategies in simulation. The experimental results indicate that our proposed protocol could improve the overlay’s stability considerably, with informative but not necessarily accurate lifetime model estimation, and with limited overhead imposed on the network as well as negligible sacrifice regarding the end-to-end service latencies for the nodes on the overlay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the notion of loss of sustainability of a mechanical state in a granular assembly is investigated. The vanishing of the second-order work, defined on the macroscopic scale from tensorial variables, is shown to play a fundamental role in detecting the occurrence of this type of bifurcation. Then a link is established between the macroscopic second-order work on the specimen scale and a discrete local expression that introduces microscopic variables defined on each contact scale. This relation opens up a micro-mechanical interpretation allowing one to examine which micro-structural features are responsible for the vanishing of the macroscopic second-order work. Finally, it is established that both geometrical and material micro-structural origins may combine to induce the occurrence of bifurcation on a specimen scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper, a description and mathematical analysis of a simple model of nonlinear pattern formation is given. The model is based on the so-called activator-inhibitor system proposed by Thomas. We introduce time delay into the reaction term and focus on its influence on morphogenesis and pattern formation. Numerical simulations are presented and compared for both cases without and with delay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]