A Parallel Monte-Carlo Tree Search-Based Metaheuristic For Optimal Fleet Composition Considering Vehicle Routing Using Branch & Bound

In this paper, a Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS)-based metaheuristic is developed that guides a Branch & Bound (B&B) algorithm to find the globally optimal solution to the heterogeneous fleet composition problem while considering vehicle routing. Fleet Size and Mix Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (FSMVRPTW). The metaheuristic and exact algorithms are implemented in a parallel hybrid optimization algorithm where the metaheuristic rapidly finds feasible solutions that provide candidate upper bounds for the B&B algorithm which runs simultaneously. The MCTS additionally provides a candidate fleet composition to initiate the B&B search. Experiments show that the proposed approach results in significant improvements in computation time and convergence to the optimal solution.Comment: Submitted to the IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium 202

Caregiving and Schizophrenia: Understanding the Worldview of Asian Indian Families

216 p.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1997.This qualitative study with six Asian Indian families focussed on understanding the caregiving processes involved when one of their members is afflicted with schizophrenia. It looked at the beliefs, values, and meanings associated with schizophrenia within the context of Asian Indian cultural and social practices. It studied the meanings associated with the construction of the concept of family caregiving in this setting. The study also puts into perspective caregiving roles and functions of the parents and the siblings in India. The study found that Asian Indian families were bound to undertake many socially and culturally accepted practices when confronted with schizophrenia. These include religious offerings, use of alternative healing methods, and consultation with faith healers. It was also found that the parents believed the role of karma (fate) to be the reason for the problems they were having but not for the actual cause of the illness. Caregiving was seen by the parents as functions of duty and necessity. The roles and functions of the "father" and the siblings were not clearly defined. The "mother" was found to be the most important person in a caregiving situation. The siblings did not want to take on the role of the caregiver. The families felt immense difficulties in the realms of financial management of the illness, the management of negative symptoms, and in finding respite care. The main concern highlighted in this study was the apparent lack of planning for long term care for the person afflicted with schizophrenia. The study provides implications for practice, research, and policy in the area of Asian Indian caregiving.U of I OnlyRestricted to the U of I community idenfinitely during batch ingest of legacy ETD

Caregiving and Schizophrenia: Understanding the Worldview of Asian Indian Families

216 p.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1997.This qualitative study with six Asian Indian families focussed on understanding the caregiving processes involved when one of their members is afflicted with schizophrenia. It looked at the beliefs, values, and meanings associated with schizophrenia within the context of Asian Indian cultural and social practices. It studied the meanings associated with the construction of the concept of family caregiving in this setting. The study also puts into perspective caregiving roles and functions of the parents and the siblings in India. The study found that Asian Indian families were bound to undertake many socially and culturally accepted practices when confronted with schizophrenia. These include religious offerings, use of alternative healing methods, and consultation with faith healers. It was also found that the parents believed the role of karma (fate) to be the reason for the problems they were having but not for the actual cause of the illness. Caregiving was seen by the parents as functions of duty and necessity. The roles and functions of the "father" and the siblings were not clearly defined. The "mother" was found to be the most important person in a caregiving situation. The siblings did not want to take on the role of the caregiver. The families felt immense difficulties in the realms of financial management of the illness, the management of negative symptoms, and in finding respite care. The main concern highlighted in this study was the apparent lack of planning for long term care for the person afflicted with schizophrenia. The study provides implications for practice, research, and policy in the area of Asian Indian caregiving.U of I OnlyRestricted to the U of I community idenfinitely during batch ingest of legacy ETD

Online Social Work Practice: Issues and Guidelines for the Profession

There has been growth in the utilization of information and communication (ICT) tools in the field of social work in recent years.While most of the work has revolved around community practice, some social workers have moved into the realm of online, web-based therapeutic practice. This paper discusses important issues emerging from this new form of social work practice and concludes with suggested guidelines for the use of ICTs in social work practice