A Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Bi-Criteria Warehouse Location Problem

The uncapacitated warehouse location problem (UWLP) is one of the widely studied discrete location problems, in which the nodes (customers) are connected to a number (w) of warehouses in such a way that the total cost, yields from the dissimilarities (distances) and from the fixed costs of the warehouses is minimized. Despite w is considered as fixed integer number, the UWLP is NP-hard. If the UWLP has two or more objective functions and w is an integer variable, the UWLP becomes more complex. Large size of this kind of complex problems can be solved by using heuristic algorithms or artificial intelligent techniques. It’s shown that Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) which is one of the technique of artificial intelligent techniques, has achieved a notable success for continuous optimization, however, PSO implementations and applications for combinatorial optimization are still active research area that to the best of our knowledge fewer studies have been carried out on this topic. In this study, the bi-criteria UWLP of minimizing the total distance and total opening cost of warehouses. is presented and it’s shown that promising results are obtained.Warehouse Location Problem, Particle Swarm Optimization, Discrete Location Problems, Bi-criteria.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Findings in Ureteropelvic Junction Type Hydronephrosis

The widespread use of obstetric ultrasonography has increased the detection rate of antenatal hydronephrosis. Although most cases of antenatal hydronephrosis are transient, one third persists and becomes clinically important. Ultrasound has made differential diagnosis possible to some extent. Ureteropelvic junction type hydronephrosis (UPJHN) is one of the most common cause of persistent fetal hydronephrosis and occurs three times more in male fetuses. It is usually sporadic and unilateral. However, when bilateral kidneys are involved and presents with severe hydronephrosis, the prognosis may be poor. Typical ultrasound findings of UPJHN is hydronephrosis without hydroureter. The size and appearance of the fetal bladder is usually normal without thickening of the bladder wall. Several grading systems are developed and increasingly being used to define the severity of prenatal hydronephrosis and provides much more information about prediction of postnatal renal prognosis. If fetal urinary tract dilation is detected; laterality, severity of hydronephrosis, echogenicity of the kidneys, presence of ureter dilation should be assessed. Bladder volume and emptying, sex of the fetus, amniotic fluid volume, and presence of associated malformations should be evaluated. Particularly the ultrasonographic signs of renal dysplasia, such as increased renal parenchymal echogenicity, thinning of the renal cortex, the presence of cortical cysts, and co-existing oligohydramnios should be noticed. Unfortunately, there is no reliable predictor of renal function in UPJHN cases. Unilateral hydronephrosis cases suggesting UPJHN are mostly followed up conservatively. However, the cases with bilateral involvement are still difficult to manage. Timing of delivery is also controversial

Noise exposure in healthcare workers

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of noise in hospitals on healthcare workers, to develop recommendations for reducing noise in hospitals and to show why healthcare workers should be protected from noise exposure in hospitals. The study included a total of 80 healthcare workers from different units of the hospital who volunteered to participate. Two participants were excluded for sensorineural hearing loss and the results of 78 respondents were analyzed. Participants were evaluated using a questionnaire created by the researchers. Noise in different units of the hospital was measured during daytime working hours using the Sound Level Meter application with an iPhone 13® smartphone. Measurements yielded a mean noise level of 37.62 dBA (a minimum of 24.21 dBA to a maximum of 67.31 dBA). On occasions, noise levels in the hospital were as high as 74 dBA. Healthcare staff included in the study usually complained of moderate levels of noise and reported noise affected their performance. High levels of noise in hospitals negatively affect healthcare workers' performance. Healthcare workers' awareness about the impact of noise exposure in hospitals should be increased through in-service training programs. Improving noise levels in hospitals and implementing noise reduction interventions can help increase healthcare workers' performance and eliminate the negative impacts of noise exposure to the inner ear. [Med-Science 2023; 12(4.000): 1232-6

Přidělování nástupišť vlakům v Praze hl.n.

In this study, we deal with a version of train platforming problem for Prague Main Station. We propose an assignment model to allocate platform tracks to trains with regard to the train timetable and operational restrictions of station. If a train departs late from the scheduled time, a delay is occurred. Delays are caused by possible conflicts. The objective of the model is to minimize the total weighted delay of trains. After solving the problem, if the objective function value is equal to zero, it means that the timetable is evaluated as robust. Total elimination of conflicts is basic presumption for quality operation in practice. To show efficiency of model implemented in GAMS, they are tested on the base of data related to the Prague main railway station. Computational results of models are presented and discussed.Studie je zaměřena na přidělování nástupišť vlakům v Praze hl.n. Je navržen přiřazovací model pro přidělování dopravních kolejí s nástupištní hranou podle jízdního řádu a provozní podmínky stanice. Pokud vlak odjede déle než ve stanovený čas, vzniká zpoždění. Zpoždění jsou způsobena případnými konflikty. Účelovou funkcí modelu je minimalizace váženého zpoždění vlaků. Pokud je hodnota účelové funkce nulová, jízdní řád je možné považovat za stabilní (spolehlivý). Celková eliminace konfliktů v jízdním řádu je předpokladem kvalitního provozu v praxi. Model je implementován v GAMS, data se vztahují k železniční stanici Praha hl.n. Výsledky modelu jsou prezentovány a diskutovány

Nový přístup k rozvrhování přidělování kolejí s nástupištní hranou vlakům

The aim of the paper is to introduce a decision-making tool for assignment of trains to platforms. Train platforming problem is formulated as special case of parallel machine scheduling problem in which jobs and parallel machines are synonymous with trains and tracks. Objectives of the model are to minimize total delay of trains and to maximize number of trains (station capacity) and to maximize number of connecting trains assigned to the same platform.Cílem článku je přestavit rozhodovací nástroj pro přidělování kolejí s nástupištní hranou jednotlivým vlakům. Problém přidělování kolejí je formulován jako speciální případ úlohy rozvrhování práce paralelních strojů, kdy úlohy a stroje jsou synonymy pro vlaky a koleje. Kritérii modelu jsou minimalizace součtu zpoždění vlaků a maximalizace počtu odbavených vlaků (propustnosti stanice) stejně, jako maximalizace počtu případů dvojic vlaků (považovaných za přípojné), jimž je přiděleno stejné nástupiště (přestup typu hrana-hrana)

Nový přístup k rozvrhování přidělování kolejí s nástupištní hranou vlakům

The aim of the paper is to introduce a decision-making tool for assignment of trains to platforms. Train platforming problem is formulated as special case of parallel machine scheduling problem in which jobs and parallel machines are synonymous with trains and tracks. Objectives of the model are to minimize total delay of trains and to maximize number of trains (station capacity) and to maximize number of connecting trains assigned to the same platform.Cílem článku je přestavit rozhodovací nástroj pro přidělování kolejí s nástupištní hranou jednotlivým vlakům. Problém přidělování kolejí je formulován jako speciální případ úlohy rozvrhování práce paralelních strojů, kdy úlohy a stroje jsou synonymy pro vlaky a koleje. Kritérii modelu jsou minimalizace součtu zpoždění vlaků a maximalizace počtu odbavených vlaků (propustnosti stanice) stejně, jako maximalizace počtu případů dvojic vlaků (považovaných za přípojné), jimž je přiděleno stejné nástupiště (přestup typu hrana-hrana)

A NEW SCHEDULING APPROACH TO TRAIN PLATFORMING PROBLEM

The aim of the paper is to introduce a decision-making tool for assignment of trains to platforms. Train platforming problem is formulated as special case of parallel machine scheduling problem in which jobs and parallel machines are synonymous with trains and tracks. Objectives of the model are to minimize total delay of trains and to maximize number of trains (station capacity) and to maximize number of connecting trains assigned to the same platform

A methodology to evaluate the sensory properties of instant hot chocolate beverage with different fat contents: multi-criteria decision-making techniques approach

The multi-criteria decision-making techniques are applied in many areas such as integrated manufacturing systems, evaluation of technology investment, water and agriculture management and energy planning. However, there are very few studies in the field of food. In this work, the selection of optimum fat content in the model beverage of instant hot chocolate beverage was evaluated based on sensory analyses by performing multi-criteria decision techniques (analytic hierarchy process, simple additive weighting, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and elimination et choixtraduisant la realite-elimination and choice translating reality). The wettability, solubility, bulk density, soluble solids, pH, color values, and rheological and sensory properties of the nine samples were evaluated. According to the results of multi-criteria decision techniques, sample S2 which had a relatively high amount of fat content was the most preferred beverage among the samples. Study showed that the use of different fat contents of milk and cocoa powder positively affected the rheological parameters and preferences of consumers. The findings may be considered to improve dairy and cocoa-based products formulation by the food industry.The multi-criteria decision-making techniques are applied in many areas such as integrated manufacturing systems, evaluation of technology investment, water and agriculture management and energy planning. However, there are very few studies in the field of food. In this work, the selection of optimum fat content in the model beverage of instant hot chocolate beverage was evaluated based on sensory analyses by performing multi-criteria decision techniques (analytic hierarchy process, simple additive weighting, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and elimination et choixtraduisant la realite&mdash;elimination and choice translating reality). The wettability, solubility, bulk density, soluble solids, pH, color values, and rheological and sensory properties of the nine samples were evaluated. According to the results of multi-criteria decision techniques, sample S2 which had a relatively high amount of fat content was the most preferred beverage among the samples. Study showed that the use of different fat contents of milk and cocoa powder positively affected the rheological parameters and preferences of consumers. The findings may be considered to improve dairy and cocoa-based products formulation by the food industry.</p