Optimization-based decision support system for retail souring

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2012.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-84).Some of the biggest challenges in the retail sourcing lie in predicting demand for a new article and making purchase decisions such as quantity, source, transportation mode and time of the order. Such decisions become more complex and time consuming as the number of SKUs and suppliers increase. The thesis addresses the issue of managing retail sourcing using forecasting and optimization based decision system developed for Zara, a leading fast-fashion clothing retailer. We started with an existing pre-season demand forecasting method that uses POS data from a comparable older article to forecast demand for a new article after adjusting for stock-outs and seasonality. We developed and compared various forecast updating methods for accuracy and found that an exponential smoothing-based model, modified to accommodate for changes in level few steps ahead, resulted in highest accuracy using Cumulative Absolute Percentage Error (CAPE). Next, we implemented a profit-maximizing optimization model to produce explicit sourcing decisions such as quantity, time and source of orders. The model takes in distributional forecasts, supply constraints, holding cost, pricing information and outputs explicit sourcing decisions mentioned above. A prototype for forecasting and optimization code is ready and currently being evaluated to secure approval for a live pilot for Summer 2013 campaign sourcing.by Jalpa Patel.S.M.M.B.A

Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG THE STUDENTS OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

Objectives: Self-medication is becoming very common in our routine life which is an unhealthy and risky practice in a few instances. The present study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among students of Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT). Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire was prepared and distributed among the students. Data was collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the results expressed as counts and percentages. Results: A total of 431 students participated voluntarily in the study. The most common reason for taking self-medication was found in 70% of total students. We found that the source of information of the drugs used for self-medication was “previous prescription (57%)” and source of drugs was “medical store (66%).” Only (46%) students accepted the fact that they always visited a qualified practitioner whenever they felt ill. Most of the students took self-medication for headache (82%) followed by cough, cold, and sore throat (62%) and fever (57%). Of total 431 students, most of the students took analgesics (78%) as self-medication followed by lozenges (50%). Conclusion: Self-medication was common in nearly 70% of university students. They provided the reason that “no needs to visit the doctor for minor illness.” Cough and cold preparations were taken by 82% population as self-medication

Influence of Nitrogen and Topping Levels on Yield and Quality of Bidi Tobacco Hybrid Varieties

A field experiment was undertaken at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand for three consecutive years viz., 2017-18 to 2019-20 to study influence of nitrogen and topping levels on yield and quality of bidi tobacco hybrid varieties. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design assigning two hybrid varieties, i.e. MRGTH 1 and GABTH 2, three nitrogen levels i.e. 140, 180 and 220 kg/ha and three topping levels, i.e. 18, 21 and 24 leaf stages with three replications. The data pooled over three years revealed that tobacco variety GABTH 2 recorded significantly the highest tobacco cured leaf yield (3700 kg/ha) with maximum net realization of `117433/ha and BCR value 3.06. Both the upper levels of 180 and 220 kg nitrogen/ha, being at par with each other produced significantly higher cured leaf yield of 3388 and 3407 kg/ha, respectively as compared to lower level of 140 kg nitrogen/ha. Topping levels were failed to exert their significant effect on tobacco cured leaf yield. Application of nitrogen @ 180 kg/ha gave maximum net realization of `102741/ha and BCR value of 2.81 as compared to lower level of 140 kg/ha whereas, tobacco crop topped at 21 leaves gave maximum net income of `105898/ha with 2.86 BCR. Tobacco varieties and nitrogen as well as topping levels had non-significant effect on leaf chemical constituents i.e. nicotine, reducing sugar and chloride contents. Wherein, only nicotine content was significantly changed due to tobacco varieties and different topping levels. Tobacco variety MRGTH 1 and topping level at 18 leaves gave significantly the highest nicotine content compared to others.</jats:p

Transmission congestion management considering voltage stability margin

AbstractThis paper presents a solution for the transmission congestion management considering voltage stability issues using optimal generation rescheduling. While practicing congestion management using optimization techniques, the control variables remain under their upper or lower limits but it may lead to the lowered level of voltage security after optimization. To counterbalance this adverse effect, a modified objective function has been used. The reactive power generation rescheduling and reactive support from capacitors have been incorporated along with active power generation rescheduling to manage congestion as well as to improve the network voltage stability margin. The Random Inertia Weight Particle Swarm Optimization (RANDIW-PSO) algorithm has been employed in this paper to obtain optimized solutions. The proposed methodology is tested on the New-England test system for different realistic scenarios. The results confirm a noteworthy decline in congestion cost along with the improvement in network voltage stability margin. Moreover, system performance has been improved in terms of system power losses, increased reactive power reserve at generators and voltage profile.</jats:p

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG THE STUDENTS OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

Objectives: Self-medication is becoming very common in our routine life which is an unhealthy and risky practice in a few instances. The present study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among students of Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT).&#x0D; Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire was prepared and distributed among the students. Data was collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the results expressed as counts and percentages.&#x0D; Results: A total of 431 students participated voluntarily in the study. The most common reason for taking self-medication was found in 70% of total students. We found that the source of information of the drugs used for self-medication was “previous prescription (57%)” and source of drugs was “medical store (66%).” Only (46%) students accepted the fact that they always visited a qualified practitioner whenever they felt ill. Most of the students took self-medication for headache (82%) followed by cough, cold, and sore throat (62%) and fever (57%). Of total 431 students, most of the students took analgesics (78%) as self-medication followed by lozenges (50%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Self-medication was common in nearly 70% of university students. They provided the reason that “no needs to visit the doctor for minor illness.” Cough and cold preparations were taken by 82% population as self-medication.</jats:p

Variations in branching pattern of arch of aorta in Gujarat region

Abstract Background and aim: Study of variation in branching pattern of arch of aorta is important for cardio­ vascular surgeons to avoid injury during procedures like angiography and stenting of aorta. These variations are frequently encountered during surgical procedures, as a developmental alteration in branchial arch during embryonic period. The aim of present study is to describe variation in branching pattern of arch of aorta belonging to Gujarati population and these results will be of significance for anatomists for relating it with embryological basis, cardiovascular surgeons and radiologists. Materials and metbods: Forty embalmed cadavers were observed for study of branching pattern of arch of aorta during period of four year in Department of Anatomy in Smt N.H.L.Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad. Results: In the present study, normal branching pattern of the arch of aorta was found in 92.5% cases. In 2.5% cases only two vessels originated from the arch of aorta, one of them was common trunk for brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery and the second trunk was left subclavian artery. In 5% of cases four vessels arose from arch of aorta, the left vertebral artery arose directly from aorta with normal branching pattern. Conclusion: Vascular invasive procedures are increasing since last decade. So knowledge of variation in branches of arch of aorta is essential for cardiologist, cardiovascnlar surgeon as well as for radiologist.</jats:p

A questionnaire-based study evaluating awareness for organ and body donation and cadaveric dissection among the general population attending mid Gujarat region

Introduction: Organ transplantation provides benefits to society as a whole as well as to the individuals who receive transplants. However, the success of transplantation for end-stage organ failure is limited due to the availability of suitable organs for transplant Public awareness is critical for the development of donation program. Methods: Total 200 adult participants were included in the studies from outpatient department by consecutive sampling method. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire was filled by participants in the presence of researchers. Results: Awareness of organ donation (67.5%) was higher than awareness of body donation (34.5%) and cadaveric dissection (32.5%). About 28% and 24% participants were aware of live organ donation and brain death. Willingness for organ donation was observed 21.5% participants, unwillingness in 51.5% of participants and 27.0% in undecided state of mind. Conclusion: Knowledge level regarding organ donation was found sufficient but same did not reflect in their attitude and practice towards organ donation. Educational session of health care professional through internet and television can play critical role in rising up positive attitude towards organ donation. Fear of misuse of donated organ is the most common reason for unwillingness to be a donor

questionnaire-based study evaluating awareness for organ and body donation and cadaveric dissection among the general population attending mid Gujarat region

Introduction: Organ transplantation provides benefits to society as a whole as well as to the individuals who receive transplants. However, the success of transplantation for end-stage organ failure is limited due to the availability of suitable organs for transplant Public awareness is critical for the development of donation program. Methods: Total 200 adult participants were included in the studies from outpatient department by consecutive sampling method. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire was filled by participants in the presence of researchers. Results: Awareness of organ donation (67.5%) was higher than awareness of body donation (34.5%) and cadaveric dissection (32.5%). About 28% and 24% participants were aware of live organ donation and brain death. Willingness for organ donation was observed 21.5% participants, unwillingness in 51.5% of participants and 27.0% in undecided state of mind. Conclusion: Knowledge level regarding organ donation was found sufficient but same did not reflect in their attitude and practice towards organ donation. Educational session of health care professional through internet and television can play critical role in rising up positive attitude towards organ donation. Fear of misuse of donated organ is the most common reason for unwillingness to be a donor.</jats:p