title: Optimal Task Scheduling in a Flexible Manufacturing System using Model Checking

authors: Malik, Robi

subjects: Applications

abstract: This paper demonstrates the use of model checking to solve the problem of optimal task scheduling in a flexible manufacturing system. The system is modelled as a discrete event system, for which the least restrictive safe behaviour is synthesised according to supervisory control theory. Then timing constraints are added to the model in the form of extended finite-state machines, and time-optimal schedules are computed using the discrete event systems and model checking tool Supremica. In the case study considered in this paper, which previously was only solved heuristically, the method successfully produces optimal schedules to manufacture up to 30 products of two different types. The method is furthermore used to find an optimal cycle, solving the scheduling problem of the case study for an arbitrary number of products in optimal or asymptotically close to optimal time.

text: Optimal Task Scheduling in a Flexible Manufacturing System using Model Checking This paper demonstrates the use of model checking to solve the problem of optimal task scheduling in a flexible manufacturing system. The system is modelled as a discrete event system, for which the least restrictive safe behaviour is synthesised according to supervisory control theory. Then timing constraints are added to the model in the form of extended finite-state machines, and time-optimal schedules are computed using the discrete event systems and model checking tool Supremica. In the case study considered in this paper, which previously was only solved heuristically, the method successfully produces optimal schedules to manufacture up to 30 products of two different types. The method is furthermore used to find an optimal cycle, solving the scheduling problem of the case study for an arbitrary number of products in optimal or asymptotically close to optimal time.

year: 2018

title: How do road runners select their shoes? A systematic review

authors: Fife, Andrew

subjects: footwear

abstract: Running shoes are often considered essential to participate in running. Runners may look for recommendations from friends, specialty running stores, and healthcare professionals when selecting shoes. Despite the existence of shoe prescription guidelines, these recommendations are often not evidence-based or designed with runners’ preferences in mind. This review aims to synthesize original research that identifies how road runners select running shoes. Following PROSPERO registration (CRD42021242523), the PubMed®, Scopus®, Web of Science®, and SPORTDiscus™ electronic databases were systematically searched in March 2021, and monitored until 1 February 2022. Original research that identified factors influencing running shoe selection in road runners published in English were included. Data were qualitatively synthesized. Seven studies representing 1947 road runners were included, and conducted either online, in laboratories, or via interview. Forty influencing factors were identified and thematically sub-grouped into five categories: subjective, shoe-specific characteristics, market features, peer evaluation, and runner characteristics. Comfort, cushioning, fit, and price were cited most frequently as influential factors in road runners’ footwear selection. Most of the studies reviewed were not specifically designed to address the research question of this review. Lack of consistent definitions and varying research methods are found across studies. There is limited research targeting the factors that influence running shoe selection. Comfort and cushioning appear to be the most important factors in shoe selection, although the relationship between both variables may confound their individual importance. Runners also consider fit, price, and several other factors when selecting shoes. Shoe choice remains relatively unexplored, with no running shoe selection study conducted in store.

text: How do road runners select their shoes? A systematic review Running shoes are often considered essential to participate in running. Runners may look for recommendations from friends, specialty running stores, and healthcare professionals when selecting shoes. Despite the existence of shoe prescription guidelines, these recommendations are often not evidence-based or designed with runners’ preferences in mind. This review aims to synthesize original research that identifies how road runners select running shoes. Following PROSPERO registration (CRD42021242523), the PubMed®, Scopus®, Web of Science®, and SPORTDiscus™ electronic databases were systematically searched in March 2021, and monitored until 1 February 2022. Original research that identified factors influencing running shoe selection in road runners published in English were included. Data were qualitatively synthesized. Seven studies representing 1947 road runners were included, and conducted either online, in laboratories, or via interview. Forty influencing factors were identified and thematically sub-grouped into five categories: subjective, shoe-specific characteristics, market features, peer evaluation, and runner characteristics. Comfort, cushioning, fit, and price were cited most frequently as influential factors in road runners’ footwear selection. Most of the studies reviewed were not specifically designed to address the research question of this review. Lack of consistent definitions and varying research methods are found across studies. There is limited research targeting the factors that influence running shoe selection. Comfort and cushioning appear to be the most important factors in shoe selection, although the relationship between both variables may confound their individual importance. Runners also consider fit, price, and several other factors when selecting shoes. Shoe choice remains relatively unexplored, with no running shoe selection study conducted in store.

year: 2023

title: Tangi and State Funeral: Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and Prime Minister Norman Kirk

authors: McRae, Karyn Okeroa

subjects: Tangi

abstract: The tangi of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Te Arikinui) in 2006 paralleled the State funerals for New Zealand Prime Ministers like Norman Kirk who died in 1974. State funerals require the huge mobilization of people and resources and always attract the attention of the national and international media. The death of a Prime Minister is news worthy, but what of a minority indigenous fourth world leader like Te Arikinui? Why did her passing attract so much media attention? In this study I argue that media representation of the tangi of Te Arikinui was largely about social, cultural and symbolic capital. In media saturated societies such as Aotearoa/New Zealand, through mainstream media outlets like TV One News and the Waikato Times, Te Arikinui’s tangi event claimed a dominant space in the lives of Maori and non Maori alike. The data source includes print news media coverage of the tangi of Te Arikinui and the State funeral of Norman Kirk. Descriptive narrative and abductive analysis inform the methodology used in this study. As expected, print media reporting of both events progressed through the three stages identified by Durkheim, those of, separation, liminality and reincorporation. The ownership of death, the deceased and the continued possession of their mortal remains, itself a cultural object with symbolic and cultural capital, reflected the actual power and control of the possessor. State funerals and tangi are about the ritualized performance of grief and mourning, and require the appropriate social, cultural and symbolic capital for its enactment.

text: Tangi and State Funeral: Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and Prime Minister Norman Kirk The tangi of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Te Arikinui) in 2006 paralleled the State funerals for New Zealand Prime Ministers like Norman Kirk who died in 1974. State funerals require the huge mobilization of people and resources and always attract the attention of the national and international media. The death of a Prime Minister is news worthy, but what of a minority indigenous fourth world leader like Te Arikinui? Why did her passing attract so much media attention? In this study I argue that media representation of the tangi of Te Arikinui was largely about social, cultural and symbolic capital. In media saturated societies such as Aotearoa/New Zealand, through mainstream media outlets like TV One News and the Waikato Times, Te Arikinui’s tangi event claimed a dominant space in the lives of Maori and non Maori alike. The data source includes print news media coverage of the tangi of Te Arikinui and the State funeral of Norman Kirk. Descriptive narrative and abductive analysis inform the methodology used in this study. As expected, print media reporting of both events progressed through the three stages identified by Durkheim, those of, separation, liminality and reincorporation. The ownership of death, the deceased and the continued possession of their mortal remains, itself a cultural object with symbolic and cultural capital, reflected the actual power and control of the possessor. State funerals and tangi are about the ritualized performance of grief and mourning, and require the appropriate social, cultural and symbolic capital for its enactment.

year: 2010