Performance models for unreliable flexible manufacturing systems

This paper deals with the analysis and application of queueing models for single and multi stage flexible manufacturing systems that are subject to resource failure. Exact results are derived for the single stage queueing system. Two approximations are presneted for the multi stage queueing system as a closed network. We validate the approximations by comparing their performance estimates against the exact global balance solution.     

Hiding your criteria will never work

In this era of managed care, the message has been that the health care industry has provided inappropriate or inefficient care, causing the ruination of medicine and ultimately of the U.S. economy. Published research data on small area analysis have demonstrated marked differences in utilization rates for the same surgical procedure in various locations. Researchers and others have logically surmised that criteria used by providers in recommending these procedures have also varied from location to location. Correction, therefore, will require attention to the establishment of logical and defensible criteria.     

Working Together to Improve Accessibility: Consortial E-Resource Accessibility and Advocacy

Abstract

In 2015, the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Libraries formed the BTAA Library E-Resource Accessibility Group. This group, which consists of members from each Big Ten library and the BTAA Library Initiatives staff, was charged with creating boilerplate accessibility license language for vendor contracts, as well as collectively funding high level accessibility testing of e-resources and posting these publicly for all libraries and users. Since the creation of the group, about 50 databases have been tested and accessibility license language has been created that can be used and adapted by anyone. In 2019, the group welcomed another consortia, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), to be partners in this work, renaming themselves the Library Accessibility Alliance. This paper examines the mission, accomplishments, and new partnership in more depth while also discussing the need for focused efforts to help ensure accessible e-resources.     

Outpatient care from the payer's perspective

Beginning with this issue of Physician Executive, members of the Society on Insurance of the American College of Physician Executives will provide an ongoing column for readers on the unique point of view of the health care insurer. The column starts with an offering by the Chairman of the Society on the physician executive's role in resolving the anomalies of the health care payment system.     

National health insurance--to be or not to be

It has been pointed out by advocates of change in the U.S. health care delivery system that, with the exception of the Republic of South Africa, the United States is the only industrialized nation without a system of national health care. Rising costs and an increasing percentage of Americans without insurance and with limited access to health care services has heightened interest in the development of a mechanism for payment for health care services in this country.     

我为电影狂

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Benedict Cumberbatch:天才最性感

泰戈尔在某部小说中说，女性手中的花环，要么挂在禽兽的恶汉脖子上，要么献给强同虚构人手般空想。因为女性在心底深处，渴望被肉欲的车轮碾碎，又或者在思想的烈火中融化--这种言辞似乎过于极端，好像女人都像受虐狂--不过，女人确实热爱幻想田人的强大，或肉体，或精神.     

MSO (medical services organizations)--the new new kid on the block?

In response to pressures on the practice of medicine, new practice management styles and organizations are being created to meet market demands. Managed care environments have encouraged the development of IPAs, closed panel HMOs, and other corporate structures to provide care for their patients. Early resistance of physicians to joining in administrative arrangements has now melted. Providers are beginning to adopt the philosophy of joining resources for survival and to improve market penetration. Physician executives must keep their minds open to the possibility that these provider-based organizations will occur even in the most unlikely places.