New Models and Methods for Arc Routing

The talk presents two non-standard extensions for single-vehicle arc-routing problems a.k.a. postman problems: First, street segments that require a service on both sides of the street can be covered either by two separate services or by a single zigzag service. Instead of deciding the type of service beforehand, we propose to take into account the zigzagging option when designing a tour. We present MIP models for the extension of Undirected Chinese and Rural Postman Problem (UCPP, URPP). We show that these models can be solved reasonable well using a cutting-plane or branch-and-cut algorithm. Second, capacitated postman problems occur as subproblems in column-generation and Lagrangian-relaxation approaches of the capacitated arc-routing problem. In order to model these and similar subproblems or submodels, we present the Profitable Capacitated Rural Postman Problem (PCRPP): In the PCRPP, edges that are serviced give a profit, but deadheading through edges generates costs. Both service and deadheading consume time. The task is to find a tour that maximizes the difference of profits and costs, while the overall duration of the tour must not exceed a given bound. The solution approach for this problem is again based on branch-and-cut

Разработка системы планирования производственного процесса на основе математической модели

В данной работе рассматривается разработка программной имитационной модели дискретнособытийных производственных процессов. В ходе работы выведены аналитические выражения для моделирования отдельных установок в производственном комплексе и описаны правила их взаимодействия. На основе выражений и правил реализована программная модель в виде подключаемой библиотеки на языке С++. Для работы с моделью были разработаны приложения для управления данными и для взаимодействия с пользователем.This paper discusses the development of a software simulation model of discrete-event production processes. In the course of the work, analytical expressions were derived for modeling individual installations in a production complex and the rules for their interaction were described. Based on expressions and rules, a programming model is implemented in the form of a plug-in library in the C ++ language. To work with the model, applications for data management and user interaction were developed

Acupuncture for Symptom Relief in Palliative Care-Study Protocol and Semistandardized Treatment Schemes

The use of complementary and alternative medicine methods such as acupuncture in palliative care has increased over the past years. Well-planned trials are warranted to show its effectiveness in relieving distressing symptoms. The development of treatment schemes to be used in the trial for both acupuncture and medical symptom control is challenging, as both acupuncture and palliative care are highly individualized. Thus, standardized care plans of a randomized controlled trial will have difficulties in producing treatment results that compare to the clinical practice. As an alternative, treatment protocols for both acupuncture and medical symptom control of dyspnea, pruritus, hypersalivation, depression, anxiety, and xerostomia were designed with the input of experts. They are designed to provide sufficient symptom control and comparability for a three-arm, randomized controlled trial. Medical symptom control will be provided to all groups. The two control groups will be medical treatment and sham-laser acupuncture

Acupuncture in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (ACUSAR) - Design and Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Multi-Centre Trial

Background: We report on the study design and protocol of a randomised controlled trial (Acupuncture in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, ACUSAR) that investigates the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Objective: To investigate whether acupuncture is non-inferior or superior to (a) penetrating sham acupuncture and (b) rescue medication in the treatment of SAR. Design: 3-armed, randomised controlled multi-centre trial with a total follow-up time of 16 weeks in the 1st year and 8 weeks in the 2nd year. Setting: 41 physicians in 37 out-patient units in Germany specialised in acupuncture treatment. Patients: 400 seasonal allergic rhinitis patients with clinical symptoms and test-positive (skin-prick test and/or specific IgE) to both birch and grass pollen. Interventions: Patients will be randomised in a 2:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: (a) semi-standardised acupuncture plus rescue medication (cetirizine); (b) penetrating sham acupuncture at non-acupuncture points plus rescue medication; or (c) rescue medication alone for 8 weeks (standard treatment group). Acupuncture and sham acupuncture will consist of 12 treatments per patient over 8 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Average means of the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) overall score and the Rescue Medication Score (RMS) between weeks 6 and 8 in the first year, adjusted for baseline values. Outlook: The results of this trial available in 2011 will have a major impact on the decision of whether acupuncture should be considered as a therapeutic option in the treatment of SAR

Acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy—protocol for the randomized, multicenter ACUDPN trial

Background: Acupuncture is used to treat patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; however, the evidence is unclear. We present the design and methodology of the ACUDPN (ACUpuncture in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy) trial, which investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) symptoms. Methods: The aim of this study is to investigate whether acupuncture is effective for the treatment of DPN symptoms.MethodsThis study is a two-armed, randomized, controlled, parallel group, open-label, confirmatory, multicenter trial (8-week intervention period plus 16weeks of follow-up). Physicians in outpatient units in Germany who specialize in acupuncture treatment will treat 110 diabetes type II patients with clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet and legs with signs of neuropathy according to nerve conduction testing. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following two groups: (a) semi-standardized acupuncture plus routine care or (b) routine care alone. Acupuncture will consist of 12 treatments per patient over 8weeks. The primary outcome will be the overall DPN-related complaints in the extremities after 8weeks as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Further outcome measures will include DPN-related pain, the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Impact (DPNPI) scores, and nerve conduction parameters of the sural nerve at weeks 8, 16, and 24. Discussion: The results of this trial will be available in 2021 and will help clarify whether acupuncture can be considered effective for the treatment of DPN with regard to the subdimensions of the neuropathic clinical picture

A Multi-Depot Pickup and Delivery Problem with a Single Hub and Heterogeneous Vehicles

This paper introduces a special kind of multi-depot pickup and deliver

Western Star, 1911-04-19

The Western Star began publication on Newfoundland's west coast on 4 April 1900, appearing weekly with brief semiweekly periods up to 1952, when it became a daily. As of 17 April 2019 it continues as a free weekly community paper