Abstract
The nesting problem is a two-dimensional cutting and packing problem where the small pieces to cut have irregular shapes. A particular case of the nesting problem occurs when congruent copies of one single shape have to fill, as much as possible, a limited sheet. Traditional approaches to the nesting problem have difficulty to tackle with high number of pieces to place. Additionally, if the orientation of the given shape is not a constraint, the general nesting approaches are not particularly successful. This problem arises in practice in several industrial contexts such as footwear, metalware and furniture. A possible approach is the periodic placement of the shapes, in a lattice way. In this paper, we propose three heuristic approaches to solve this particular case of nesting problems. Experimental results are-compared with published results in literature and additional results obtained from new instances are also provided.

Abstract
Simulation tools have gained an important role in scientific, academic and even business communities, allowing for time- and cost-effective research and development of solutions, more appealing training and learning activities or providing better tools for decision support. This is particularly true in the aviation and aeronautical areas. In this paper, we compare different control strategies for specified high-level maneuvers in aircraft within a simulation environment, each aircraft represented by an independent agent, focusing on communication necessities and maneuver effectiveness. A brief overview on the project's overall architecture and an outline of structured experiences, also known as missions, available within the simulator, show the potentials of the platform for the more comprehensive goals of this project, allowing the definition and execution of cooperative missions by a team of agents, such as surveillance and search & rescue operations.

Abstract
Gossip, or epidemic, protocols have emerged as a highly scalable and resilient approach to implement several application level services such as reliable multicast, data aggregation, publish-subscribe, among others. All these protocols organize nodes in an unstructured random overlay network. In many cases, it is interesting to bias the random overlay in order to optimize some efficiency criteria, for instance, to reduce the stretch of the overlay routing. In this paper we propose X-BOT, a new protocol that allows to bias the topology of an unstructured gossip overlay network. X-BOT is completely decentralized and, unlike previous approaches, preserves several key properties of the original (non-biased) overlay (most notably, the node degree and consequently, the overlay connectivity). Experimental results show that X-BOT can generate more efficient overlays than previous approaches.

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand how suppliers have managed to accumulate knowledge in their relationship with large multinational clients. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology was based on four case studies' qualitative data, collected from semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The buyers were selected among the largest MNEs of the electronics, automotive and footwear industries and the suppliers were selected among the set of SMEs supplying to those MNEs. The objective was to assess the supplier's knowledge transfer-oriented capabilities and the buyer's interaction-oriented capabilities in the SBR. Findings: The paper highlights the important leading role of the client in the buyer-supplier relationship involving SMEs as well as the knowledge-sharing atmosphere of successful cooperative relationships. Although it confirms the advantages of alliances for SMEs, knowledge transfer-oriented capabilities, are used by SMEs in order to sustain client satisfaction and to strengthen their core competencies. Despite all efforts of SMEs, if clients are not willing to use interaction-oriented capabilities, buyer-supplier relationships are doomed to failure. Research limitations/implications: One practical implication is that, if SMEs are adequately supported by public policies, it is possible to transfer knowledge from more advanced to less endowed economies. The main limitation stems from the fact that it is not possible to claim generalisation as the research is the result of a series of four case studies. Originality/value: The paper uses dyadic relationships as a viable option to compensate internal knowledge deficiencies of SMEs in their relationship with MNEs. It complements former research as little is known about the importance of alliances in the context of knowledge acquisition and learning in SMEs. It contributes to the SME scientific literature by investigating how SMEs learn from their alliance partners. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Abstract
Biased photorefractive media are known to admit bright and dark solitons. The bright solitons in these media are always stable, but their dark counterparts are unstable above a certain background intensity and below a critical velocity. We use the stability criterion and the Vakhitov-Kolokolov function to precisely determine the unstable-parameter region. We also predict the strength of the instability by determining the unstable eigenvalues and eigenmodes using the Evans function method. Numerical simulation of the full evolution equation confirms the results.

Abstract
Unified communications (UC) have the potential to dramatically simplify and improve enterprise communications, reducing costs and improving revenue opportunities. By integrating various forms of communications, such as voice, video, instant messaging, conferencing, presence and voicemail, individuals and groups can more effectively control and manage their inbound and outbound communications sessions. However, Large Enterprises (LE) and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a diverse perspective look of UC and different needs. In this paper we will analyze the reasons that motivate the business leaders to introduce unified communications and we will study with detail the large enterprises and SMEs approach for the implementation of a unified communications solution. © 2009 IADIS.