Multi-Issue Allocation Games

This paper introduces a new class of transferable-utility games, called multi-issue allocation games.These games arise from various allocation situations and are based on the concepts underlying the bankruptcy model, as introduced by O'Neill (1982).In this model, a perfectly divisible good (estate) has to be divided amongst a given set of agents, each of whom has some claim on the estate.Contrary to the standard bankruptcy model, the current model deals with situations in which the agents' claims are multi-dimensional, where the dimensions correspond to various issues.It is shown that the class of multi-issue allocation games coincides with the class of (nonnegative) exact games.The run-to-the-bank rule is introduced as a solution for multi-issue allocation situations and turns out to be Shapley value of the corresponding game.Finally, this run-to-the-bank rule is characterised by means of a consistency property.game theory;allocation games

Job Scheduling, Cooperation and Control

This paper considers one machine job scheduling situations or sequencing problems, where clients can have more than a single job to be processed in order to get a final output.Moreover, a job can be of interest for different players. This means that one of the main assumptions in classic sequencing problems is dropped: the one to one correspondence between clients and jobs.It is shown that the corresponding cooperative games are balanced for specific types of cost criteria.scheduling;cooperation;game theory;cooperative games

Composition and luminescence of AlInGaN layers grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

A study of AlInGaN epilayers, grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, was performed using spatially resolved x-ray microanalysis and luminescence spectroscopy in order to investigate competition between the incorporation of In, Al, and Ga as a function of the growth temperature in the 565-660 °C range and the nominal AlN mole fraction. The samples studied have AlN and InN mole fractions in the ranges of 4%-30% and 0%-16%, respectively. Composition measurements show the effect of decreasing temperature to be an increase in the incorporation of InN, accompanied by a small but discernible decrease in the ratio of GaN to AlN mole fractions. The incorporation of In is also shown to be significantly increased by decreasing the Al mole fraction. Optical emission peaks, observed by cathodoluminescence mapping and by photoluminescence, provide further information on the epilayer compositions as a function of substrate temperature, and the dependencies of peak energy and linewidth are plotted

Skin ageing

Cutaneous ageing manifests itself as a progressive reduction in maximum function and reserve capacity of skin tissue. It is not a unique and uniform biological event. Skin comprises three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skin ageing. There is a strong correlation between skin collagen loss and estrogen deficiency due to the menopause. Skin ageing, especially in the face, is associated with a progressive increase in extensibility and a reduction in elasticity. With increasing age, the skin also becomes more fragile and susceptible to trauma, leading to more lacerations and bruising. Furthermore, wound healing is impaired in older women. Estrogen use after the menopause increases collagen content, dermal thickness and elasticity, and it decreases the likelihood of senile dry skin. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to help make informed recommendations regarding postmenopausal estrogen use and its role in the prevention of skin ageing.peer-reviewe

Strategies to Improve Information Transfer for Multitrauma Patients.

The aim of this multiphase mixed-method study was to improve access, flow, and consistency of information transfer for multitrauma patients leaving the Emergency Department. Methods included literature review, focus group interviews, chart audits, staff surveys, and a review of international trauma forms to inform an intervention developed with a researcher-led, clinician stakeholder group. Analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Baseline data revealed variability existed in patient-care documentation, showing little standardization. Improvement strategies implemented included a gold standard for information embedded in handover tools, raising staff awareness of complexities for information transfer. Improvement was seen in communication between wards coordinating transfer, improved documentation, decreased information duplication, improved legibility, and increased ease and efficiency in navigating to key information. Improvement in communication at patient transition is essential to continuity of safe, effective care, and is impacted by complex interactions between multiple factors. Difficulty increases for patients with high acuity