In cloud storage, the digital data is stored in logical storage pools, backed by heterogeneous physical storage media and computing infrastructure that are managed by a Cloud Service Provider (CSP). One of the key advantages of cloud storage is its elastic pricing mechanism, in which the users need only pay for the resources/services they actually use, e.g., depending on the storage capacity co...

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) are major material handling systems, which have been widely used in distribution centers and automated productions. This paper studies the characteristics of a miniload AS/RS with an open-rack structure and unidirectional-upward mobile loads within the rack. In this warehousing system, the stacker crane is used for the retrieval operations and sh...

Centralized collection and disposal is an integral component of waste management strategies for many solid and liquid wastes, and carbon capture and storage is currently being considered for gaseous waste. In this paper we show how collective waste disposal systems introduce essential changes in the design of optimal environmental policy. Absent collective disposal, an optimal environmental pol...

In recent years, the storage and use of residual newborn screening (NBS) samples has gained attention. To inform ongoing policy discussions, this article provides an update of previous work on new policies, educational materials, and parental options regarding the storage and use of residual NBS samples. A review of state NBS Web sites was conducted for information related to the storage and us...

In this paper, we present an enhanced use of RBAC features in articulating a security policy for access control in medical database systems. The main advantage of this implementation is that it supports both MAC and DAC features at the same time; a feature that has been proved to be necessary in healthcare environments. The eMEDAC security policy that results from the above implementation provi...

Grid computing [1][2][3] enables the virtualization of distributed computing and data resources such as processes, network bandwidth and storage capacity to create a single system image, granting users and applications seamless access to vast IT capabilities. It brings together all heterogeneous resources and allocates them efficiently to applications. As Grid grows, the complexity of resource ...