title: Selection of dispatching rules in simulation-based scheduling of flexible manufacturing

authors: Basnet, Chuda

subjects: flexible manufacturing systems

abstract: Discrete-event simulation has been proposed as a tool for the real-time selection of dispatching rules in the scheduling of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). In this approach, a look-ahead simulation is used to predict the trajectory of the system under different dispatching rules. Then a rule is selected for use in the FMS, based on the performance criterion associated with each trajectory. However, this raises the issue of the criterion to be used for the selection of the rules. A simulation model of an FMS was used to test the effect of rule selection procedure on two performance measures. This simulator was run using four scheduling policies and the performance of the FMS was measured. The main finding of this research is that the use of global criteria gives better results than the use of local criteria.

text: Selection of dispatching rules in simulation-based scheduling of flexible manufacturing Discrete-event simulation has been proposed as a tool for the real-time selection of dispatching rules in the scheduling of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). In this approach, a look-ahead simulation is used to predict the trajectory of the system under different dispatching rules. Then a rule is selected for use in the FMS, based on the performance criterion associated with each trajectory. However, this raises the issue of the criterion to be used for the selection of the rules. A simulation model of an FMS was used to test the effect of rule selection procedure on two performance measures. This simulator was run using four scheduling policies and the performance of the FMS was measured. The main finding of this research is that the use of global criteria gives better results than the use of local criteria.

year: 2011

title: Seedlings of temperate rainforest conifer and angiosperm trees differ in leaf area display

authors: Lusk, Christopher H.

subjects: Biomass distribution

abstract: Background and Aims The contemporary relegation of conifers mainly to cold or infertile sites has been ascribed to low competitive ability, as a result of the hydraulic inefficiency of tracheids and their seedlings initial dependence on small foliage areas. Here it is hypothesized that, in temperate rainforests, the larger leaves of angiosperms also reduce self-shading and thus enable display of larger effective foliage areas than the numerous small leaves of conifers. Methods This hypothesis was tested using 3-D modelling of plant architecture and structural equation modelling to compare self-shading and light interception potential of seedlings of six conifers and 12 angiosperm trees from temperate rainforests. The ratio of displayed leaf area to plant mass (LARd) was used to indicate plant light interception potential: LARd is the product of specific leaf area, leaf mass fraction, self-shading and leaf angle.ResultsAngiosperm seedlings self-shaded less than conifers, mainly because of differences in leaf number (more than leaf size), and on average their LARd was about twice that of conifers. Although specific leaf area was the most pervasive influence on LARd, differences in self-shading also significantly influenced LARd of large seedlings. Conclusions The ability to deploy foliage in relatively few, large leaves is advantageous in minimizing self-shading and enhancing seedling light interception potential per unit of plant biomass. This study adds significantly to evidence that vegetative traits may be at least as important as reproductive innovations in explaining the success of angiosperms in productive environments where vegetation is structured by light competition.

text: Seedlings of temperate rainforest conifer and angiosperm trees differ in leaf area display Background and Aims The contemporary relegation of conifers mainly to cold or infertile sites has been ascribed to low competitive ability, as a result of the hydraulic inefficiency of tracheids and their seedlings initial dependence on small foliage areas. Here it is hypothesized that, in temperate rainforests, the larger leaves of angiosperms also reduce self-shading and thus enable display of larger effective foliage areas than the numerous small leaves of conifers. Methods This hypothesis was tested using 3-D modelling of plant architecture and structural equation modelling to compare self-shading and light interception potential of seedlings of six conifers and 12 angiosperm trees from temperate rainforests. The ratio of displayed leaf area to plant mass (LARd) was used to indicate plant light interception potential: LARd is the product of specific leaf area, leaf mass fraction, self-shading and leaf angle.ResultsAngiosperm seedlings self-shaded less than conifers, mainly because of differences in leaf number (more than leaf size), and on average their LARd was about twice that of conifers. Although specific leaf area was the most pervasive influence on LARd, differences in self-shading also significantly influenced LARd of large seedlings. Conclusions The ability to deploy foliage in relatively few, large leaves is advantageous in minimizing self-shading and enhancing seedling light interception potential per unit of plant biomass. This study adds significantly to evidence that vegetative traits may be at least as important as reproductive innovations in explaining the success of angiosperms in productive environments where vegetation is structured by light competition.

year: 2012

title: Proposing a Kaupapa Tuku Iho informed Māori model for practice to enhance cultural competence and foster kaimahi flourishing within health and social service providers

authors: Winiata, Rangimarie

subjects: Kaupapa Tuku Iho

abstract: Kaupapa Tuku Iho are Māori values that have been used across various social institutions to inform culturally competent practices with those accessing services. This thesis set out to promote the use Kaupapa Tuku Iho to not only enhance cultural competence and culturally appropriate services, but to take a step further and explore factors that foster the flourishing of kaimahi (workers) who deliver those services. There is research that suggests kaimahi in health and social services are overworked, burdened by stressed and approaching a state of compassion fatigue. This is detrimental for those both delivering and accessing services. This study will explore factors that foster kaimahi flourishing and enable kaimahi to practice Kaupapa Tuku Iho, along with factors that stand as barriers to achieving flourishing and culturally competent practice.
Furthermore, I have developed Ngā Kākano, which is a values-based model informed by Kaupapa Tuku Iho that aims to foster kaimahi flourishing and achieve culturally competent practice within health and social service providers. Ngā Kākano has been aligned to various psychological disciplines, including Community Psychology, Industrial-Organisational Psychology and Indigenous Psychology.
Data concerning the exploration of barriers and enablers kaimahi experienced was collected using a Kaupapa Māori research approach consisting of focus group structures combined with Wānanga as a Kaupapa Māori research methodology. The data was analysed using processes of thematic analysis, where themes were identified and presented in association with the relevant stages of Ngā Kākano.
	The findings of this study saw the organisation stood as a prominent barrier to kaimahi practising Kaupapa Tuku Iho and achieving flourishing. This reflected a need for the organisation to make improvements to support kaimahi in all necessary forms that enable them to achieve flourishing as reflected in positive states of being. It became apparent that most kaimahi were able to achieve flourishing through the practice of Kaupapa Tuku Iho between, amongst and across all kaimahi throughout the organisation irrespective of direct support from the organisation.

text: Proposing a Kaupapa Tuku Iho informed Māori model for practice to enhance cultural competence and foster kaimahi flourishing within health and social service providers Kaupapa Tuku Iho are Māori values that have been used across various social institutions to inform culturally competent practices with those accessing services. This thesis set out to promote the use Kaupapa Tuku Iho to not only enhance cultural competence and culturally appropriate services, but to take a step further and explore factors that foster the flourishing of kaimahi (workers) who deliver those services. There is research that suggests kaimahi in health and social services are overworked, burdened by stressed and approaching a state of compassion fatigue. This is detrimental for those both delivering and accessing services. This study will explore factors that foster kaimahi flourishing and enable kaimahi to practice Kaupapa Tuku Iho, along with factors that stand as barriers to achieving flourishing and culturally competent practice.
Furthermore, I have developed Ngā Kākano, which is a values-based model informed by Kaupapa Tuku Iho that aims to foster kaimahi flourishing and achieve culturally competent practice within health and social service providers. Ngā Kākano has been aligned to various psychological disciplines, including Community Psychology, Industrial-Organisational Psychology and Indigenous Psychology.
Data concerning the exploration of barriers and enablers kaimahi experienced was collected using a Kaupapa Māori research approach consisting of focus group structures combined with Wānanga as a Kaupapa Māori research methodology. The data was analysed using processes of thematic analysis, where themes were identified and presented in association with the relevant stages of Ngā Kākano.
	The findings of this study saw the organisation stood as a prominent barrier to kaimahi practising Kaupapa Tuku Iho and achieving flourishing. This reflected a need for the organisation to make improvements to support kaimahi in all necessary forms that enable them to achieve flourishing as reflected in positive states of being. It became apparent that most kaimahi were able to achieve flourishing through the practice of Kaupapa Tuku Iho between, amongst and across all kaimahi throughout the organisation irrespective of direct support from the organisation.

year: 2022