Barge Prioritization, Assignment, and Scheduling During Inland Waterway Disruption Responses

Inland waterways face natural and man-made disruptions that may affect navigation and infrastructure operations leading to barge traffic disruptions and economic losses. This dissertation investigates inland waterway disruption responses to intelligently redirect disrupted barges to inland terminals and prioritize offloading while minimizing total cargo value loss. This problem is known in the literature as the cargo prioritization and terminal allocation problem (CPTAP). A previous study formulated the CPTAP as a non-linear integer programming (NLIP) model solved with a genetic algorithm (GA) approach. This dissertation contributes three new and improved approaches to solve the CPTAP. The first approach is a decomposition based sequential heuristic (DBSH) that reduces the time to obtain a response solution by decomposing the CPTAP into separate cargo prioritization, assignment, and scheduling subproblems. The DBSH integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process and linear programming to prioritize cargo and allocate barges to terminals. Our findings show that compared to the GA approach, the DBSH is more suited to solve large sized decision problems resulting in similar or reduced cargo value loss and drastically improved computational time. The second approach formulates CPTAP as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model improved through the addition of valid inequalities (MILP\u27). Due to the complexity of the NLIP, the GA results were validated only for small size instances. This dissertation fills this gap by using the lower bounds of the MILP\u27 model to validate the quality of all prior GA solutions. In addition, a comparison of the MILP\u27 and GA solutions for several real world scenarios show that the MILP\u27 formulation outperforms the NLIP model solved with the GA approach by reducing the total cargo value loss objective. The third approach reformulates the MILP model via Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition and develops an exact method based on branch-and-price technique to solve the model. Previous approaches obtained optimal solutions for instances of the CPTAP that consist of up to five terminals and nine barges. The main contribution of this new approach is the ability to obtain optimal solutions of larger CPTAP instances involving up to ten terminals and thirty barges in reasonable computational time

Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social Apuestas para el desarrollo regional.

Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social: apuestas para el desarrollo regional [Edición 1 / Nov. 6 - 7: 2019 Bogotá D.C.]El Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social “Apuestas para el Desarrollo Regional”, se llevó a cabo los días 6 y 7 de noviembre de 2019 en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C. como un evento académico e investigativo liderado por la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios -UNIMINUTO – Rectoría Cundinamarca cuya pretensión fue el fomento de nuevos paradigmas, la divulgación de conocimiento renovado en torno a la Responsabilidad Social; finalidad adoptada institucionalmente como postura ética y política que impacta la docencia, la investigación y la proyección social, y cuyo propósito central es la promoción de una “sensibilización consciente y crítica ante las situaciones problemáticas, tanto de las comunidades como del país, al igual que la adquisición de unas competencias orientadas a la promoción y al compromiso con el desarrollo humano y social integral”. (UNIMINUTO, 2014). Dicha postura, de conciencia crítica y sensibilización social, sumada a la experiencia adquirida mediante el trabajo articulado con otras instituciones de índole académico y de forma directa con las comunidades, permitió establecer como objetivo central del evento la reflexión de los diferentes grupos de interés, la gestión de sus impactos como elementos puntuales que contribuyeron en la audiencia a la toma de conciencia frente al papel que se debe asumir a favor de la responsabilidad social como aporte seguro al desarrollo regional y a su vez al fortalecimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible

Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social Apuestas para el desarrollo regional.

Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social: apuestas para el desarrollo regional [Edición 1 / Nov. 6 - 7: 2019 Bogotá D.C.]El Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social “Apuestas para el Desarrollo Regional”, se llevó a cabo los días 6 y 7 de noviembre de 2019 en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C. como un evento académico e investigativo liderado por la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios -UNIMINUTO – Rectoría Cundinamarca cuya pretensión fue el fomento de nuevos paradigmas, la divulgación de conocimiento renovado en torno a la Responsabilidad Social; finalidad adoptada institucionalmente como postura ética y política que impacta la docencia, la investigación y la proyección social, y cuyo propósito central es la promoción de una “sensibilización consciente y crítica ante las situaciones problemáticas, tanto de las comunidades como del país, al igual que la adquisición de unas competencias orientadas a la promoción y al compromiso con el desarrollo humano y social integral”. (UNIMINUTO, 2014). Dicha postura, de conciencia crítica y sensibilización social, sumada a la experiencia adquirida mediante el trabajo articulado con otras instituciones de índole académico y de forma directa con las comunidades, permitió establecer como objetivo central del evento la reflexión de los diferentes grupos de interés, la gestión de sus impactos como elementos puntuales que contribuyeron en la audiencia a la toma de conciencia frente al papel que se debe asumir a favor de la responsabilidad social como aporte seguro al desarrollo regional y a su vez al fortalecimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

Aplicación de un modelo de programación lineal en la optimización de un sistema de planeación de requerimientos de materiales (mrp) de dos escalones con restricciones de capacidad

Se implementa un modelo de programación lineal entera mixta que representa un sistema de manufactura de dos escalones, con la intención de determinar decisiones óptimas de aprovisionamiento de materias primas o componentes. El modelo se pro- grama usando software de modelación algebraica y se integra a una herramienta computacional desde la cual se administra el ingreso de los parámetros y la obtención de resultados. El modelo es validado en un ambiente real de manufactura, observando que además de representar fielmente el sistema se obtienen decisiones de aprovisionamiento que minimizan el costo total, ob- jetivo del modelo, y a las cuales no se llegaría usando el esquema de cálculo propuesto por el MRP.A mixed integer linear programming model representing a two-echelon manufacturing system was implemented. Optimal deci- sions could be made about raw material/component provisioning by using the model. The model was programmed by using an algebraic modeller which was then integrated into a computational tool from which defining parameters could be managed as well as consulting the results once the model had been executed. The model was validated on a real manufacturing system; be- sides providing good representation of the system, optimal provisioning decisions were also reached. The article emphasises that such decisions cannot be made by using usual MRP reasoning

Aplicación de un modelo de programación lineal en la optimización de un sistema de planeación de requerimientos de materiales (MRP) de dos escalones con restricciones de capacidad

Se implementa un modelo de programación lineal entera mixta que representa un sistema de manufactura de dos escalones, con la intención de determinar decisiones óptimas de aprovisionamiento de materias primas o componentes. El modelo se pro- grama usando software de modelación algebraica y se integra a una herramienta computacional desde la cual se administra el ingreso de los parámetros y la obtención de resultados. El modelo es validado en un ambiente real de manufactura, observando que además de representar fielmente el sistema se obtienen decisiones de aprovisionamiento que minimizan el costo total, ob- jetivo del modelo, y a las cuales no se llegaría usando el esquema de cálculo propuesto por el MRP

Aplicación de un modelo de programación lineal en la optimización de un sistema de planeación de requerimientos de materiales (MRP) de dos escalones con restricciones de capacidad

A mixed integer linear programming model representing a two-echelon manufacturing system was implemented. Optimal decisions could be made about raw material/component provisioning by using the model. The model was programmed by using an algebraic modeller which was then integrated into a computational tool from which defining parameters could be managed as well as consulting the results once the model had been executed. The model was validated on a real manufacturing system; besides providing good representation of the system, optimal provisioning decisions were also reached. The article emphasises that such decisions cannot be made by using usual MRP reasoning.Se implementa un modelo de programación lineal entera mixta que representa un sistema de manufactura de dos escalones, con la intención de determinar decisiones óptimas de aprovisionamiento de materias primas o componentes. El modelo se programa usando software de modelación algebraica y se integra a una herramienta computacional desde la cual se administra el ingreso de los parámetros y la obtención de resultados. El modelo es validado en un ambiente real de manufactura, observando que además de representar fielmente el sistema se obtienen decisiones de aprovisionamiento que minimizan el costo total, objetivo del modelo, y a las cuales no se llegaría usando el esquema de cálculo propuesto por el MRP

A practical approach to develop centralized inventory policies for 1-warehouse/n-retailers systems through simulation/optimization

Collaboration in supply chain management has become a key success factor. Operational strategies in which each node operates under optimum operating conditions have proven to be inadequate, and it has been determined that a strategy of coordination of the chain as a whole is best perceived. The One-warehouse N-retailer chain typically operates with each retailer placing orders to the warehouse according to its own inventory policies. In this article we study the case where the warehouse makes centralized decisions, defining retail inventory replenishment policies using the (R, s, S) periodic review policy. The optimal policy is determined using a heuristic that combines Monte Carlo simulation with Optimization, based on an implementation in a spreadsheet scheme. The approach is tested in one case, showing reductions in the relevant inventory costs when centralized versus decentralized approaches are compared.En la administración de la cadena de suministro la colaboración se ha convertido en factor clave de éxito. Estrategias de operación en las cuales cada nodo opera en condiciones óptimas han probado ser inadecuadas, y se ha determinado que es mejor una estrategia de coordinación de la cadena como un todo. Una cadena de 1-Bodega/N-Minoristas típicamente opera con cada minorista haciendo sus pedidos a la bodega de acuerdo con sus propias políticas de inventario. En este artículo se estudia el caso en el que la bodega toma decisiones centralizadas, definiendo las políticas de reabastecimiento del inventario de los minoristas usando la política de revisión periódica (R, s, S). La política óptima se determina usando una heurística que combina simulación Montecarlo con Optimización, basada en una implementación en hoja electrónica. El enfoque se prueba en un caso, observándose reducciones en los costos relevantes del inventario cuando se comparan los enfoques centralizado versus el descentralizado.Na administração da corrente de fornecimento a colaboração converteu-se em fator chave de sucesso. Estratégias de operação nas quais a cada nó que opera em condições óptimas de operação têm provado ser inadequadas, e se determinou que é melhor uma estratégia de coordenação da corrente como um tudo. Uma corrente de 1-adega/NVarejistas tipicamente opera com a cada varejista fazendo seus pedidos à adega de acordo a suas próprias políticas de inventário.Neste artigo estuda-se o caso no que a adega toma decisões centralizadas, definindo as políticas de reabastecimento do inventário dos varejistas usando a política de revisão periódica (R, s, S).A política óptima determinase usando uma heurística que combina simulação Montecarlo com Otimização, baseado numa implementação em folha eletrônica.O enfoque prova-se num caso, observando-se reduções nos custos relevantes do inventário quando se comparam os enfoques centralizado versus o descentralizado

Cross-sectional evaluation of the association between greenness and cognitive performance in Mexican pre-pubertal boys

Background: Evidence shows that greenspace exposure benefits children's health and cognitive development. However, evidence assessing this association in young children in low- and middle-income economies is scarce. Objective: To assess the association between exposure to greenness and cognitive performance in pre-pubertal boys living in Mexico City. Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from 144 boys aged 6–11 years living in Mexico City in 2017 and enrolled in the “MetCog” study. Cognitive performance was evaluated through selected Wechsler Scale for Intelligence in Children Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) and Neuropsychological Assessment of Children (Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil, ENI) tests. Exposure to greenness was assessed through Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at 300, 500, 1500, 2000, and 3000 m buffer zones from children's residences. Multiple linear regression analysis was undertaken to assess associations between cognitive performance and greenness (aβ) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Significance was set at q &lt; 0.05 after False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. Results: A positive association was found between the NDVI Interquartile Range (IQR) at 2000 m and the WISC-IV block design test score (aβ 2000 = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.31, 2.06; q &lt; 0.05), which assesses perceptual reasoning. Positive associations were found with NDVI IQR at 1500 m and WISC-IV block design (aβ1500 = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.14, 1.86) and matrix reasoning (aβ1500 = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.06, 1.61) scores, but neither survived FDR correction. No significant associations were found between NDVI IQR at any buffer size with other WISC-IV and ENI task scores. Conclusions: Greater exposure to greenness was associated with higher perceptual reasoning skills in 144 pre-pubertal boys living in Mexico City. Thus, urban planning should consider increasing vegetation in megacities, especially in neighbourhoods with high percentages of young children.</p

Perinucleolar Compartment (PNC) Prevalence as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma: A Multi-Institutional Study

The perinucleolar compartment (PNC) is a small nuclear body that plays important role in tumorigenesis. PNC prevalence correlates with poor prognosis and cancer metastasis. Its expression in pediatric Ewing sarcoma (EWS) has not previously been documented. In this study, we analyzed 40 EWS tumor cases from Caucasian and Hispanic patients for PNC prevalence by immunohistochemical detection of polypyrimidine tract binding protein and correlated the prevalence with dysregulated microRNA profiles. EWS cases showed staining ranging from 0 to 100%, which were categorized as diffuse (≥77%, n = 9, high PNC) or not diffuse (p = 0.017) and in patients who relapsed with metastatic disease (n = 4; p = 0.011). High PNC was associated with significantly shorter disease-free survival and early recurrence compared to those with low PNC. Using NanoString digital profiling, high PNC tumors revealed upregulation of eight and downregulation of 18 microRNAs. Of these, miR-320d and miR-29c-3p had the most significant differential expression in tumors with high PNC. In conclusion, this is the first study that demonstrates the presence of PNC in EWS, reflecting its utility as a predictive biomarker associated with tumor metastasis, specific microRNA profile, Hispanic ethnic origin, and poor prognosis