Λ-Shaped Policies to Schedule Deteriorating Jobs

We study a problem of scheduling deteriorating jobs, i.e. jobs whose processing times are an increasing function of their starting times. We consider the case of a single machine and linear job-independent deterioration. The objective is to minimize the sum of weighted completion times, with weights proportional to the basic processing times. The optimal schedule is shown to be Λ-shaped, i.e. the sequence of the basic processing times has a single local maximum. Moreover, we show that the problem is solved in O(N log N) time. In the last section we test heuristics for the case of general weights.     

Generalized evaluation subgroups of product spaces relative to a factor

For any -complexes and , we show that . We use this fact to compute generalized evaluation subgroups of generalized tori relative to a sphere.

     

Analysis of Open Discrete Time Queueing Networks: A Refined Decomposition Approach

This paper deals with approximate analysis methods for open queueing networks. External and internal flows from and to the nodes are characterized by renewal processes with discrete time distributions of their interarrival times. Stationary distributions of the waiting time, the queue size and the interdeparture times are obtained using efficient discrete time algorithms for single server (GI/G/1) and multi-server (GI/D/c) nodes with deterministic service. The network analysis is extended to semi-Markovian representations of each flow among the nodes, which include parameters of the autocorrelation function.     

Project Management Duration/Resource Tradeoff Analysis: an Application of the Cut Search Approach

The paper presents an application oriented procedure for solving the project management duration/resource tradeoff problem. A procedure is presented for reducing a project from a normal to a crash duration state at a minimum amount of additional resource expenditure assuming a linear utilization functions. The procedure is network based using a graphical Cut Search Approach to locate the minimal resource level at each reduction in total project duration. Activity-on-arc networks and flow networks are utilized. The paper is presented for practical application and for conceptual development as compared to a theoretical treatment.     

Electroweak tests with τ leptons at LEP

We report on two sensitive tests of lepton universality carried out by the 4 LEP experiments at the Z⁰ pole. From measurements of the τ polarization in e⁺ e^?→τ ⁺ τ ^?, the ratios of the vector and axial vector coupling constants of the electron and the tau lepton to the weak neutral current are obtained to beg _{v e} /g _{a e} =0.066±0.015 andg _{V τ} /g _{A τ} =0.070±0.009 respectively. From measurement of the τ lifetime and the τ leptonic branching ratios, the ratio of the coupling constants describing weak leptonic decays of the τ and the μ is measured to beG _τ /G _μ =0.996±0.008.     

Standard<Emphasis Type="Italic">SU</Emphasis>(5) supergravity grand unification model and predictions

A review is given of the StandardSU(5) supergravity model. This model has passed an important check regarding unification of the electro-weak and the strong couplings using high precision LEP data. It is shown that for a significant domain of the parameter space the model also satisfies constraints on the SUSY spectrum from CDF and LEP, as well as proton stability and cosmological relic density constraints.