A novel network-based continuous-time representation for process scheduling: Part II. General framework

In the first part of this series of papers we presented a new network-based continuous-time representation for the short-term scheduling of batch processes, which overcomes numerous shortcomings of existing approaches. In this second part, we discuss how this representation can be extended to address aspects such as: (i) preventive maintenance activities on unary resources (e.g., processing and storage units) that were planned ahead of time; (ii) resource-constrained changeover activities on processing and shared storage units; (iii) non-instantaneous resource-constrained material transfer activities; (iv) intermediate deliveries of raw materials and shipments of finished products at predefined times; and (v) scenarios where part of the schedule is fixed because it has been programmed in the previous scheduling horizon. The proposed integrated framework can be used to address a wide variety of process scheduling problems, many of which are intractable with existing tools.     

Integration of production planning and scheduling: Overview, challenges and opportunities

We review the integration of medium-term production planning and short-term scheduling. We begin with an overview of supply chain management and the associated planning problems. Next, we formally define the production planning problem and explain why integration with scheduling leads to better solutions. We present the major modeling approaches for the integration of scheduling and planning decisions, and discuss the major solution strategies. We close with an account of the challenges and opportunities in this area.     

The control of tritium in ETHEL

The operation of the European Tritium Handling Experimental Laboratory (ETHEL) will require the implementation of means and procedures for allowing tritium control within the facility. For that purpose, account must be taken of the particular characteristics of tritium, such as its high mobility, capacity to dissolve in materials, often limited precision when performing inventory measurements. This paper estimates the influence of these effects on the overall tritium balance in ETHEL. By employing available models for predicting tritium hold-up, it is estimated that three to four grams of tritium may potentially remain irreversibly fixed in various plant items of the standard laboratory infrastructure (exclusive of experimental circuits). On the other hand, the highest overall precision that may be attained with the present plant regarding inventory measurements is estimated to be of the order of few percent. On the basis of the above estimates, the allowable limits for the Material Unaccounted For (MUF) are discussed.     

Cognitive match as a predictor of psychotherapy outcome.

63 cognitively matched or unmatched patient–therapist pairs were followed in a double-blind methodology utilizing the Interpersonal Discrimination Test (IDT) as a measure of cognitive match between each pair. Premature termination occurred for 60% of the unmatched pairs and for 24% of the matched pairs. The Global Assessment Scale indicated a significantly faster rate of improvement for the remaining matched pairs at the 12-wk mark. Unmatched pairs eventually reached similar endpoints with final termination outcome measures being unable to distinguish between the 2 groups. Findings demonstrate the ability of the cognitive-match methodology, and specifically the ability of the IDT, to predict higher rates of early and dissatisfied terminations when patients and therapists are unmatched in cognitive structure. Findings confirm an earlier finding by J. E. Carr (1970) of greater improvement after 12 wks of treatment for matched vs mismatched patient–therapist pairs. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

STEPS: Supporting Traditional Education Procedures—A TCP/IP Multimedia Networks-Based Model

This paper describes an integrated model for the realization of an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment supporting traditional learning procedures, through collaborative learning and active participation of the involved group of students. Internet technologies are used as a vehicle for distribution of interactive multimedia at the user's desktop. We also present off-the-shelf solutions for the architecture and implementation of an Educational Network necessary to support the ODL environment. An Educational Entity (specially shaped part of a legal educational authority) is also prescribed as the central point for the Educational Network, being the content provider and the learning procedure evaluator. It is mainly intended to be used in a higher education setting, aspiring to be an efficient solution for the common educational needs of a group of students and teachers or researchers.