In this paper a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) for the container loading problem is presented. This approach is based on a constructive block heuristic that builds upon the concept of maximal-space, a non-disjoint representation of the free space in a container. This new algorithm is extensively tested over the complete set of Bischoff and Ratcliff problems, ranging from we...

We examine the number of controlled experiments required to discover a causal graph. Hauser and Buhlmann [1] showed that the number of experiments required is logarithmic in the cardinality of maximum undirected clique in the essential graph. Their lower bounds, however, assume that the experiment designer cannot use randomization in selecting the experiments. We show that significant improveme...

The essence of the simplest buy-at-bulk network design problem is buying network capacity "whole-sale" to guarantee connectivity from all network nodes to a certain central network switch. Capacity is sold with "volume discount": the more capacity is bought, the cheaper is the price per unit of bandwidth. We provide O(log 2 n) randomized approximation algorithm for the problem. This solves the ...

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of experimental changes in children's sleep duration on self-reported food intake, food reinforcement, appetite-regulating hormones, and measured weight. METHODS Using a within-subjects, counterbalanced, crossover design, 37 children, 8 to 11 years of age (27% overweight/obese) completed a 3-week study. Children slept their typical amount at home for 1 week and...

OBJECTIVE The purpose was to determine if Soldier rucksack load, marching distance, and average heart rate (HR) during shooting affect the probability of hitting the target. BACKGROUND Infantry Soldiers routinely carry heavy rucksack loads and are expected to engage enemy targets should a threat arise. METHOD Twelve male Soldiers performed two 11.8 km marches in forested terrain at 4.3 km/h...

Feeding profoundly affects metabolic responses to exercise in various tissues, but the effect of feeding status on human adipose tissue responses to exercise has never been studied. Ten healthy overweight men aged 26 ± 5 yr (mean ± SD) with a waist circumference of 105 ± 10 cm walked at 60% of maximum oxygen uptake under either fasted or fed conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced design. F...

OBJECTIVE Although individuals differ substantially in their flavor and food preferences, the source of such differences remains a mystery. The present experimental study was motivated by clinical observations that early experience with formulas establishes subsequent preferences. DESIGN Infants whose parents had chosen to formula-feed them were randomized into 1 of 4 groups by the second wee...

Ingesting quality carbohydrates has been shown to be essential for dancers. Given that most dance classes take place in the morning, it has been recommended that dancers eat a well-balanced breakfast containing carbohydrates, fats, and protein as a means of fuelling this activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a moderate glycemic index energy (MGI) bar or a fasting condit...

The present study examines the effects of potassium supplementation on sleep quality and phase, as indirectly inferred from wrist actigraphy and sleep logs, in normal young males on a low-potassium diet. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced crossover design compared 1 wk of oral potassium chloride supplements (96 meq/day) to 1 wk of identical placebo capsules. Outcome...