Two stochastic optimization algorithms applied to nuclear reactor core design

Two stochastic optimization algorithms conceptually similar to Simulated Annealing are presented and applied to a core design optimization problem previously solved with Genetic Algorithms. The two algorithms are the novel Particle Collision Algorithm (PCA), which is introduced in detail, and Dueck’s Great Deluge Algorithm (GDA). The optimization problem consists in adjusting several reactor cell parameters, such as dimensions, enrichment and materials, in order to minimize the average peak factor in a three-enrichment-zone reactor, considering restrictions on the average thermal flux, criticality and sub-moderation. Results show that the PCA and the GDA perform very well compared to the canonical Genetic Algorithm and its variants, and also to Simulated Annealing, hence demonstrating their potential for other optimization applications

Gestão da inovação tecnológica, Indústria 4.0 e Cloud Computing: Implantação do trabalho remoto em uma distribuidora de energia elétrica / Technological Innovation Management, Industry 4.0 and Cloud Computing: Implementation of remote work in an electricity distributor

A pandemia do novo coronavírus (COVID-19) iniciou uma crise sanitária mundial que irá entrar para história. Os principais órgãos sanitários mundiais sugeriram o isolamento social como estratégia fundamental de contenção do vírus, impactando a vida de todos, principalmente a forma de trabalhar, dando grande destaque ao regime de trabalho remoto, popularmente conhecido como home office. Através da mudança urgente do regime de trabalho tradicional, os colaboradores e gestores perceberam-se desafiados a buscar métricas e medidas adequadas de distribuição de trabalhos, metas e prazos de entrega, que disputam espaço com o tempo de convívio familiar, trabalhos domésticos e atividades escolares. Além de discutir e analisar o impacto de estratégias voltadas para indústria 4.0 e cloud computing, o objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar a transição do trabalho em escritório/presencial para o home Office. Como procedimentos metodológicos, adotou-se uma revisão da literatura e um estudo de caso, através da aplicação de entrevistas e questionários. Os resultados obtidos apontaram o deslumbramento dos colaboradores sobre a nova forma de trabalho, o aumento da produtividade e efetividade e uma diminuição expressiva no contágio da COVID-19

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised