Abstract: Provided is a machine-implemented method for operating a device in a network, comprising entering the device into a non-router membership relation with a self-organizing subnet of the network; receiving at least one message making known parameters of the subnet, the at least one message comprising a centrally-generated and propagated sequence number; detecting, based on the received at least one message comprising a sequence number, a deterioration in propagation of said at least one message; and responsive to the detecting, entering the device into a router membership relation with the self-organizing subnet of the network.

Abstract: Provided is a machine-implemented method for operating a device in a network, comprising entering the device into a non-router membership relation with a self-organizing subnet of the network; receiving at least one message making known parameters of the subnet, the at least one message comprising a centrally-generated and propagated sequence number; detecting, based on the received at least one message comprising a sequence number, a deterioration in propagation of said at least one message; and responsive to the detecting, entering the device into a router membership relation with the self-organizing subnet of the network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for drying bulk material, especially bark, sawdust, pretreated sludge or a mixture of these. Also provided are a method and apparatus for cooling waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process. Certain embodiments include a pulp mill, paper mill and a novel way of using a wire. Other embodiments provide for cooling in one and the same heat exchanger the waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process while simultaneously heating the gas that cools the waste water. Heated gas extracted from the heat exchanger is conducted through one or several drying conveyers and through the material to be dried that is conveyed on the drying conveyer so as to dry the material with the heated gas.