An Axiomatic Approach to Robustness in Search Problems with Multiple Scenarios

International audienceThis paper is devoted to the search of robust solutions in state space graphs when costs depend on scenarios. We first present axiomatic requirements for preference compatibility with the intuitive idea of robustness.This leads us to propose the Lorenz dominance rule as a basis for robustness analysis. Then, after presenting complexity results about the determination of robust solutions, we propose a new sophistication of A* specially designed to determine the set of robust paths in a state space graph. The behavior of the algorithm is illustrated on a small example. Finally, an axiomatic justification of the refinement of robustness by an OWA criterion is provided

Interprofessional Learning in the Simulation Laboratory : Nursing and Pharmacy Students’ Experiences

Background: Using simulation as an educational method to learn collaborative practice requires the involvement of various professional education programs where the intention is to learn from, with, and about each other. Methods: is study describes pharmacy and nursing students´ experiences with interprofessional education. Aer interprofessional simulation, three focus group interviews with bachelor students were conducted. e data were analysed using Giorgi’s qualitative content analysis method. Findings: e students found that IPE closed knowledge gaps, change a stereotypical perception of professional roles, and enhance patient safety. Full-scale simulation appears to be an effective arena for learning clinical judgement, improving communication skills, and developing knowledge of pharmacodynamics. Conclusion: Interprofessional education may be necessary for professionals to enhance their ability to interact more effectively in the future.publishedVersio

Compact versus noncompact LP formulations for minimizing convex Choquet integrals

AbstractWe address here the problem of minimizing Choquet Integrals (also known as “Lovász Extensions”) over solution sets which can be either polyhedra or (mixed) integer sets. Typical applications of such problems concern the search of compromise solutions in multicriteria optimization. We focus here on the case where the Choquet Integrals to be minimized are convex, implying that the set functions (or “capacities”) underlying the Choquet Integrals considered are submodular. We first describe an approach based on a large scale LP formulation, and show how it can be handled via the so-called column-generation technique. We next investigate alternatives based on compact LP formulations, i.e. featuring a polynomial number of variables and constraints. Various potentially useful special cases corresponding to well-identified subclasses of underlying set functions are considered: quadratic and cubic submodular functions, and a more general class including set functions which, up to a sign, correspond to capacities which are both (k+1)−additive and k-monotone for k≥3. Computational experiments carried out on series of test instances, including transportation problems and knapsack problems, clearly confirm the superiority of compact formulations. As far as we know, these results represent the first systematic way of practically solving Choquet minimization problems on solution sets of significantly large dimensions

Where does the lactate come from? A rare cause of reversible inhibition of mitochondrial respiration

Biguanide poisoning is associated with lactic acidosis. The exact mechanism of biguanide-induced lactic acidosis is not well understood. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Protti and colleagues demonstrated that biguanide-induced lactic acidosis may be due in part to a reversible inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Thus, in the absence of an antidote, increased drug elimination through dialysis is logical

The effects of performance appraisal in the Norwegian municipal health services: a case study

Introduction: Previous research in performance appraisal (PA) indicates that variation exists in learning and job motivation from performance appraisal between occupational groups. This research evaluates the potential effect of job motivation, learning and self-assessment through performance appraisals for health personnel. Case description: This article focuses on goal-setting, feedback, participation and training in performance appraisals in municipal health services in Norway; and job motivation, learning and self-assessment of performance are the dependent factors. Questionnaires were distributed to a representative sample of 600 health personnel from the Norwegian municipal health service, with a response rate of 62%. Factor analysis and regression analysis were run in SPSS 12. Discussion and evaluation: The study suggests that respondents learn from performance appraisal. Nurses experienced some higher job motivation from performance appraisal than auxiliary nurses. All subordinates perceived higher job motivation after performance appraisal than managers. Conclusion: Useful feedback, active participation and higher education are fundamental elements of discussion in performance appraisal, as well as the role of increasing employees’ job motivation. In this study, nurses’ job motivation seems to be more effected by PA, than for auxiliary nurses. Both nurses and auxiliary nurses indicate that there is a learning effect from PA. This study may be of interest to health researchers and managers in municipal health services.publishedVersio

Subjective Evaluation of Discomfort in Sitting Positions

International audienceWe study the modelling of the subjective sensation of discomfort for subjectsseated during a long time, in terms of local discomforts. The methodology usesfuzzy measures and integrals in a multicriteria decision making process,which enables the modelling of complex interaction between variables. Resultsof the experiment are detailed, giving models with respect to different kindsof discomfort, and to different macro-zones of the body