A branch‐and‐price algorithm for parallel machine scheduling with time windows and job priorities

This paper presents a branch‐and‐price algorithm for scheduling n jobs on m nonhomogeneous parallel machines with multiple time windows. An additional feature of the problem is that each job falls into one of ρ priority classes and may require two operations. The objective is to maximize the weighted number of jobs scheduled, where a job in a higher priority class has “infinitely” more weight or value than a job in a lower priority class. The methodology makes use of a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) to find feasible solutions during implicit enumeration and a two‐cycle elimination heuristic when solving the pricing subproblems. Extensive computational results are presented based on data from an application involving the use of communications relay satellites. Many 100‐job instances that were believed to be beyond the capability of exact methods, were solved within minutes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006     

Analysis of a new vehicle scheduling and location problem

We consider a container terminal discharging containers from a ship and locating them in the terminal yard. Each container has a number of potential locations in the yard where it can be stored. Containers are moved from the ship to the yard using a fleet of vehicles, each of which can carry one container at a time. The problem is to assign each container to a yard location and dispatch vehicles to the containers so as to minimize the time it takes to download all the containers from the ship. We show that the problem is NP‐hard and develop a heuristic algorithm based on formulating the problem as an assignment problem. The effectiveness of the heuristic is analyzed from both worst‐case and computational points of view. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 48: 363–385, 2001     

The performance of cannibalization policies in a maintenance system with spares,repair, and resource constraints

This article presents the results of comparing the performance of several cannibalization policies using a simulation model of a maintenance system with spares, repair, and resource constraints. Although the presence of cannibalization has been incorporated into a number of maintenance system models reported in the literature, the questions of whether cannibalization should be done and what factors affect canibalization have received little attention. Policies tested include both no cannibalization and unlimited cannibalization as well as other based on the number of maintenance personnel available, the short-term machine failure rate at the time of cannibalization, and the relationship between the mean cannibalization and repair rates. The best policies found are those that allow cannibalization only when it can be done quickly relative to repair or when it can be done without delaying part repair actions. The policy of complete cannibalization (always cannibalize when it is possible) is found to perform poorly except when either average maintenance personnel utilization is very low or when mean cannibalization times are very short relative to mean repair times. The latter result casts doubts on the appropriateness of the assumption of complete cannibalization in many models in the literature.     

The 1950 ‘Ambassador's agreement’ on USAF bases in the UK and British fears of US atomic unilateralism

The article explores the 1950 ‘Ambassador's Agreement’ (named after US Ambassador Lewis Douglas) about establishing long-term US air bases in the UK. During the discussions British representatives expressed resentment of American pressure and were concerned about the expense that developing the bases for American purposes might entail. There were even fears that Washington might use the airfields to launch an atomic bomb attack on the USSR without regard to the views of the UK government. The British consented to providing the bases because they wanted to enmesh the US further in UK and Western European defence. For their part American negotiators had wanted to further US atomic strategy without delay. Although the agreement imposed no restriction on the use of the airfields, some US officials believed that in a crisis the UK government might try to prevent them being used for atomic bombing missions.     

‘Backing the wrong horse’: Japan in British Middle Eastern Policy 1914–18

The course of Anglo‐Japanese relations prior to 1914 rendered senior British policymakers nervous regarding possible Japanese aggrandisement in the Middle East. This article explores the factors which precluded British acceptance of Japanese military involvement there when, both before and during World War I, the idea was discussed. Particular reference is made to the views of the India Office and to those of Lord Curzon and the subject is analysed in the broader context of British Middle Eastern policy.     

THE ROLLBACK OF LIBYA'S CHEMICAL WEAPONS PROGRAM

In 2003, Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi agreed to eliminate his country's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs and long-range Scud missiles under strict verification by U.S. and British experts and international inspectors. This article examines the negotiation and implementation of Libya's WMD rollback, with a primary focus on its chemical weapons program, and draws some lessons for the future. Although the Libyan case was unique in many ways, some aspects have relevance for other countries, including the critical role played by multilateral nonproliferation organizations, the utility of economic sanctions and export controls, the importance of a flexible U.S. disarmament funding mechanism, the value of rotating technical assistance teams in and out of the country that is disarming, and the desirability of remaining politically engaged with a former proliferator after rollback is complete.     

‘Trusty Bess’: the Definitive Origins and History of the term 'Brown Bess'

The aim of this article is to settle once and for all the question of the term ‘Brown Bess’, as applied to the British soldier’s musket. The specific origin and meaning of this obviously affectionate nickname has long confounded arms and armour scholars, re-enactors, and collectors alike. As a result, various possible solutions have been offered. The article outlines the historical usage of the name, including earlier written references not widely known in the field. The scope of the term is also addressed, using period sources to demonstrate what ‘Brown Bess’ meant to those who actually used the name historically. The many false etymologies of the name are assessed and found wanting or ‘debunked’ outright. Finally, drawing upon existing research from the field of linguistics, the article details the real meaning behind ‘Brown Bess’ the firearm and places ‘her’ in a wider sociohistorical context.