Optimal Network Utility

ABSTRACT: The problem of scheduling for maximum throughput-utility in a network with random packet arrivals and time varying channel reliability, the network controller assesses the condition of its channels and selects a set of links for transmission. The success of each transmission depends on the collection of links selected and their corresponding reliabilities. The goal is to maximize a concave, non-decreasing function of the time, average through-put on each link. Such a function represents a utility function that acts as a measure of fairness for the achieved throughput vector

Report on the International Indian Ocean Expedition Collections of Cumacea in the Smithsonian Institution Washington

The studies on the Cumacea obtained by the International Indian Ocean Expedition deposited in the Smithsonian Institution suggest that the Cumacean fauna along the east coast of Africa (Durban Bay, Nossi-Be-Madagascar, Grand Comoro Island) is very rich. They show aflSnities with those of Australian and Phillippine Coasts. Family Nannastacidae is widely distributed along the east coast of Africa, Malaya Coast and Singapore Strait. It is also noted that most of them were obtained from shallow waters. Only very few species are restricted to deeper regions. Campylaspts orientalis Caiman, C. rubincunda (Lilljeborg) are distributed at 2125 m depth off Madagascar. The specimens are mostly benthic and they are abundant in a fine sandy bottom with a small percentage of silt and are rare in coarse and fine muddy deposits. Sometimes they occur in sand which contains soft and hard corals, sponges and Sargassum. Nannastacus gibbosus is present in large numbers at Palau Hantu (S. W. Singapore). The benthic collections from the Red Sea show that Schizotrema aculeata prefers a sandy bottom in a very shallow depth. It is also noted that two species namely Nannastacus longirostris and Cumella limicola which had been previously described from Mediterraenan Coasts are widely distributed in the Nossi-Be-Madagascar area. Cumella limicola is known from west coast of Africa also. The ecological habitat of the Cumacean fauna of the east coast of Africa are essentially intertidal rocks, large masses of compacted mud rocks, coral and rook patches on the hard sandy bottom with coral reefs and mangroves. Leucon sp. and Hemilamprops sp. are quite common in the Durban Bay, while Nannastacus sp. are observed from Nossi-Be-Madagascar areas and Singapore Coast

Competitive and collaborative supply chains: the strategic role of product innovation, secondary markets and channel structure

textInnovation in product and process development is regarded as a key avenue for growth, profitability, and competitive advantage in many industries. With lifetimes of products shortened by both the accelerating pace of technological change and global competition, firms are forced to invest continually and ever-increasing amounts to maintain their competitive edge. However, due to increasing complexity of offerings and intensifying competition, successful development and distribution of products also depends on the strength of a firm’s relationships with its partners. In this dissertation, we examine the strategic interactions between a firm’s technological capabilities, its product offerings and collaborative and competitive forces in supply chains. Specifically, this dissertation examines three stages of a product development problem and characterizes the role of product innovation, secondary markets and distribution channels in determining the structure of inter-firm relationships. In the first essay, we look at the different approaches that firms take while collaborating with suppliers in new product development. Following the development of a new product, a key decision for a firm is its product positioning strategy. The second essay of the dissertation analyzes the product positioning problem of a firm under both monopoly and competition. Secondary markets also play a significant role in determining the nature of inter-firm relationships. The final essay of the dissertation probes this issue further and examines the strategic role of intermediaries upon the distribution strategy adopted by a firm. In summary, this dissertation illustrates how product characteristics and inter-firm relationships play a crucial role in the success or failure of firms. Hence, it is important for firms to recognize these factors while making design, development and distribution decisions.Managemen

Not Available

Not AvailableThe studies on the Cumacea obtained by the International Indian Ocean Expedition deposited in the Smithsonian Institution suggest that the Cumacean fauna along the east coast of Africa (Durban Bay, Nossi-Be-Madagascar, Grand Comoro Island) is very rich. They show aflSnities with those of Australian and Phillippine Coasts. Family Nannastacidae is widely distributed along the east coast of Africa, Malaya Coast and Singapore Strait. It is also noted that most of them were obtained from shallow waters. Only very few species are restricted to deeper regions. Campylaspts orientalis Caiman, C. rubincunda (Lilljeborg) are distributed at 2125 m depth off Madagascar. The specimens are mostly benthic and they are abundant in a fine sandy bottom with a small percentage of silt and are rare in coarse and fine muddy deposits. Sometimes they occur in sand which contains soft and hard corals, sponges and Sargassum. Nannastacus gibbosus is present in large numbers at Palau Hantu (S. W. Singapore). The benthic collections from the Red Sea show that Schizotrema aculeata prefers a sandy bottom in a very shallow depth. It is also noted that two species namely Nannastacus longirostris and Cumella limicola which had been previously described from Mediterraenan Coasts are widely distributed in the Nossi-Be-Madagascar area. Cumella limicola is known from west coast of Africa also. The ecological habitat of the Cumacean fauna of the east coast of Africa are essentially intertidal rocks, large masses of compacted mud rocks, coral and rook patches on the hard sandy bottom with coral reefs and mangroves. Leucon sp. and Hemilamprops sp. are quite common in the Durban Bay, while Nannastacus sp. are observed from Nossi-Be-Madagascar areas and Singapore Coast.Not Availabl

Cumacea from the North Sea

42-43Distribution of Cumacea in the North Sea plankton has been studied. Six species of Cumacea are identified from Hardy's continuous plankton recorder and plankton indicator samples collected by the Oceanographic Laboratory, Edinburgh during 1952-1963. Pseudocuma longicornis is the most common and widely distributed. P. gilsoni is a new record for the North Sea Though previous records show the presence of more species of Cumacea in the North Sea, the present studies reveal that atleast one species - P. longicornis - is abundant in the South North Sea, with maximum during Aug.-Sept. in the coastal waters