Optimal Server Allocation in Zero-Buffer Tandem Queues

We study the server allocation problem for tandem queues in the absence of intermediate buffer space. Servers are assumed to be homogeneous and non-collaborative. We provide policies to maximize the throughput. We break down our work into four stages. First, we assume that all servers are dedicated. We propose an allocation algorithm that assigns servers to stations based on the mean service times and the current number of servers assigned to each station. The algorithm is proposed for stations with exponentially distributed service times, but where the service rate at each station may be different. We further study the impact on the proposed allocation method of including service time distributions with different coecients of variation. Second, we consider tandem queues with both dedicated and flexible servers. We examine policies to dynamically assign flexible servers. When there is one flexible server and two stations each with a dedicated server, we completely characterize the optimal policy. We use the insights gained from applying the Policy Iteration algorithm on systems with three, four, and five stations to devise heuristics for systems of arbitrary size. Third, we study cases where flexibility is constrained such that flexible servers can only service two adjacent stations. We provide optimal policies for tandem queues with three and four stations and compare them with optimal policies for corresponding non-constrained cases. Fourth, we consider two parallel tandem queues with both dedicated servers and vertical flexible servers - servers that can move between corresponding stations of the two tandem queues. The workload allocations are the same for each line and each vertical flexible server moves only between two corresponding stations. We examine policies for dynamic allocation of these vertical flexible servers. When each tandem queue has two stations, each station possesses a dedicated server, and a vertical flexible server exists for each pair of stations, we specify the optimal policy. For cases with more than two stations, heuristic assignments are proposed. We also analyze the throughput improvement gained from adding flexible servers within a tandem queue or between two parallel tandem queues. Numerical results are used to verify the heuristics provided in each of the stages.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD

Effect of cooking methods on chemical composition, quality and cook loss of camel muscle (Longissimus dorsi) in comparison with veal

Camels are resistant to severe and dry weather conditions and their potential for meat production in such a situation are unique. However, despite the ability of camel meat to supply nutritional deficiencies (such as iron deficiency), it seems that replacement of veal with camel meat can be cheaper source for providing protein, minerals and energy. On the other hand, excessive consumption of fat and cholesterol associated with the overconsumption of meat and meat products has been linked to health risks such as cardiovascular disease; camel meat can therefore, be considered functionally superior because its fat and cholesterol are lower than those of veal. In this study, Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from camels and cows between the ages of one and three ages were selected and studied. Both types of meat were treated under three thermal treatments- microwave, roasting and braising- and proximate analysis and measurement of elements and cook loss were compared with veal. Samples that had undergone each heat treatment were compared with a raw sample as control. The results showed that cook loss affected all studied traits (chemical analysis and elements) and all of them increased after cooking except sodium and iron which showed no significant  difference (p < 0.01).Key words: Camel, Longissimus dorsi, proximate analysis, minerals, cook loss

Challenges in Developing Effective Clinical Decision Support Systems

Non

Designing the Recreational Cultural Complex Park of Janoobe Yazd with an Emphasis on Preserving the Industrial Heritage Values

The industrial ruins (or remains) of every country are the activities and historical achievements that follows motivation to identify and its protection. The expansion of heritage requires database and comprehensive documentation of physical factors, so as to incorporate particular user with economic efficiency to develop revitalization and satisfaction. In this paper, an attempt is made to address approaches for recreating the industrial heritage as an urban space that can be converted into an appropriate base for various welfare cultural and recreational activities. This makes it possible for cultural policies and provides an industrial complex for active participation for all people. The researcher has made an attempt by influencing the economic, social and environmental dimensions that causes the enhancement of urban life and revitalization and conserving the industrial heritage in the city of Yazd. This is done through an applied theoretical research and a qualitative and quantitative approach. Among the influencing factor in the land use change are set of environmental and demographic factors which are independent variables and have effect on other variables. It is important to note that the land use change of textile industry at South Park involves change in the type of land use, change in the way of distribution, change in spatial pattern activities and land use, design and integration of necessary land use for other valuable structures

Evaluating and Optimizing Coaching Methodologies for Fleet Safety and Performance: An Evidence-Based Analysis of Differentiation and Optimization Opportunities

This report critically evaluates coaching methodologies for enhancing fleet driver safety, engagement, and overall organizational performance. Drawing on empirical research across education, behavioral science, and fleet management, this analysis identifies key dimensions of effective commercial driver coaching, highlights significant limitations of current practices, and outlines strategic recommendations focused explicitly on differentiation and optimization. The findings emphasize the superior effectiveness of personalized, manager-led coaching methods, yet also show how manager-led coaching alone is challenging to implement at scale given the scarce availability of expert coaches. On the other hand, this report shows that in-cabin automated warning systems and self-coaching offer strengths in scalability and flexible learning. However, without integration with more personalized and interactive feedback, these approaches alone do not achieve the same long-term safety outcomes as when combined with human-led coaching elements. As such, this report recommends a mix of the three approaches for future optimization, especially focusing on (1) strategic integration of AI-driven platforms, and (2) complementing existing risk identification coaching programs with targeted positive reinforcement mechanisms and regular short-session, in-person coaching. Ultimately, the provided evidence-based recommendations offer a potential pathway for achieving measurable improvements in driver safety outcomes, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation

miR-23b regulates cytoskeletal remodeling, motility and metastasis by directly targeting multiple transcripts

Uncontrolled cell proliferation and cytoskeletal remodeling are responsible for tumor development and ultimately metastasis. A number of studies have implicated microRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell invasion and migration. Here, we show that miR-23b regulates focal adhesion, cell spreading, cell-cell junctions and the formation of lamellipodia in breast cancer (BC), implicating a central role for it in cytoskeletal dynamics. Inhibition of miR-23b, using a specific sponge construct, leads to an increase of cell migration and metastatic spread in vivo, indicating it as a metastatic suppressor microRNA. Clinically, low miR-23b expression correlates with the development of metastases in BC patients. Mechanistically, miR-23b is able to directly inhibit a number of genes implicated in cytoskeletal remodeling in BC cells. Through intracellular signal transduction, growth factors activate the transcription factor AP-1, and we show that this in turn reduces miR-23b levels by direct binding to its promoter, releasing the pro-invasive genes from translational inhibition. In aggregate, miR-23b expression invokes a sophisticated interaction network that co-ordinates a wide range of cellular responses required to alter the cytoskeleton during cancer cell motility

Maximizing throughput in zero-buffer tandem lines with dedicated and flexible servers

Abstract For tandem queues with no buffer spaces and both dedicated and flexible servers, we study how flexible servers should be assigned to maximize the throughput. When there is one flexible server and two stations each with a dedicated server, we completely characterize the optimal policy. We use the insights gained from applying the Policy Iteration algorithm on systems with three, four, and five stations to devise heuristics for systems of arbitrary size. These heuristics are verified by numerical analysis. We also discuss the throughput improvement, when for a given server assignment, dedicated servers are changed to flexible servers