Two of the most exciting topics of current research in stochastic networks are the complementary subjects of stability and rare events - roughly, the former deals with the typical behavior of networks, and the latter with significant atypical behavior. Both are classical topics, of interest since the early days of queueing theory, that have experienced renewed interest mo tivated by new applications to emerging technologies. For example, new stability issues arise in the scheduling of multiple job classes in semiconduc tor manufacturing, the so-called "re-entrant lines;" and a prominent need...

This is the 9th volume in Avner Friedman's collection of Mathematics in Industrial problems. This book aims to foster interaction between industry and mathematics at the "grass roots" level of specific problems. The problems presented in this book arise from models developed by industrial scientists engaged in research and development of new or improved products. The topics explored in this volume include diffusion in porous media and in rubber/glass transition, coating flows, solvation of molecules, semiconductor processing, optoelectronics, photographic images, density-functional theory,...