52 research outputs found

    Developing A Mathematical Model For Locating Facilities And Vehicles To Minimize Response Time

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    Traditional mathematical models for locating/allocating vehicles and facilities are reviewed and extended to illustrate how to formulate and solve a problem of minimized response time, given resource constraints.  Results indicate that the average response time can be significantly improved through strategically allocating vehicles throughout the service area.  Furthermore, the modified model was shown to outperform the traditional model as the number of vehicles allocated to a fixed number of facilities increase.  Implications are identified for applications such public transit systems, wholesale and distribution operations

    Computational behavior of a feasible direction method for linear programming

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    We discuss a finite method of feasible directions for linear programs. The method begins with a BFS (basic feasible solution) and constructs a profitable direction by combining the updated columns of several nonbasic variables eligible to enter. Moving in this direction as far as possible, while retaining feasibility, leads to a point which is not in general a basic solution of the original problem, but corresponds to a BFS of an augmented problem with a new column. So this is called an interior move or a column adding move. Next we can either carry another interior move, or a reduction process which starts with the present feasible solution and leads to a BFS of the original problem with the same or better objective value. We show that interior moves and reduction processes can be mixed in many ways leading to different methods, all of which can be implemented by maintaining the basis inverse or a factorization of it. Results of a computational experiment are presented.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/27884/1/0000298.pd

    A critical index algorithm for nearest point problems on simplicial cones

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    We consider the linear complementarity problem ( q, M ) in which M is a positive definite symmetric matrix of order n. This problem is equivalent to a nearest point problem [ Γ; b ] in which Γ = { A . 1 , ⋯, A. n } is a basis for R n , b is a given point in R n ; and it is required to find the nearest point in the simplicial cone Pos( Γ ) to b. We develop an algorithm for solving the linear complementarity problem ( q, M ) or the equivalent nearest point problem [ Γ; b ]. Computational experience in comparison with an existing algorithm is presented.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47910/1/10107_2005_Article_BF01583789.pd

    A feasible direction method for linear programming

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    We discuss a finite method of a feasible direction for linear programming problems. The method begins with a feasible basic vector for the problem, constructs a profitable direction to move using the updated column vectors of the nonbasic variables eligible to enter this basic vector. It then moves in this direction as far as possible, while retaining feasibility. This move in general takes it though the relative interior of a face of th set of a feasible solutions. The final point, , obtained at the end of this move will not in general be a basic solution. Using the method then constructs a basic feasible solution at which the objective value is better than, or the same as that at . The whole process repeats with the new basic feasible solution. We show that this method can be implemented using basis inverses. Initial computer runs of this method in comparison with the usual edge following primary simplex algorithms are very encouraging.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24731/1/0000153.pd

    A Digital Transformation Assessment Maturity Model for Industrial Organization Based on Design Science Approach

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    Effecting fundamental changes in all organizational dimensions, digital transformation refers to the aggregation and integration of digital technologies in all areas of an organization. The design science methodology was used in this study to propose a maturity assessment model for digital transformation in industrial organizations. . For data collection in the qualitative phase, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to analyze relevant papers within the 2015–2019 period. As a result, 49 papers were selected. At the same time, the experts were interviewed. Axial and theoretical coding phases were then implemented through the grounded theory in MAXQDA 10 to classify data as four dimensions and 12 categories. Causal conditions, context conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences were then identified to design the paradigm model. In the quantitative phase, research questionnaires were used for data collection, and the structural equation modeling technique was employed for model testing in SmartPLS. According to the ISO 15504, the capability maturity model for digital transformation was designed at incomplete, initial, performed, managed, established, and optimized levels in order to make research practical, and a corresponding 48-item researcher-made questionnaire was then developed. The proposed model was analyzed in an industrial organization of the electronics sector to determine the organizational maturity level.the result showed that the organization is at the second level of maturity and transformation has begun in it.the focus of the organization has been on the technology aspect and it is necessary to develop organization aspects accordance with them

    Computational complexity of LCPs associated with positive definite symmetric matrices

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    Murty in a recent paper has shown that the computational effort required to solve a linear complementarity problem (LCP), by either of the two well known complementary pivot methods is not bounded above by a polynomial in the size of the problem. In that paper, by constructing a class of LCPs—one of order n for n ≥ 2—he has shown that to solve the problem of order n , either of the two methods goes through 2 n pivot steps before termination.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47905/1/10107_2005_Article_BF01588254.pd

    Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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    BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

    Utilization of mechanical power and associations with clinical outcomes in brain injured patients: a secondary analysis of the extubation strategies in neuro-intensive care unit patients and associations with outcome (ENIO) trial

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    Background: There is insufficient evidence to guide ventilatory targets in acute brain injury (ABI). Recent studies have shown associations between mechanical power (MP) and mortality in critical care populations. We aimed to describe MP in ventilated patients with ABI, and evaluate associations between MP and clinical outcomes. Methods: In this preplanned, secondary analysis of a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study (ENIO, NCT03400904), we included adult patients with ABI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12 before intubation) who required mechanical ventilation (MV) ≥ 24 h. Using multivariable log binomial regressions, we separately assessed associations between MP on hospital day (HD)1, HD3, HD7 and clinical outcomes: hospital mortality, need for reintubation, tracheostomy placement, and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Results: We included 1217 patients (mean age 51.2 years [SD 18.1], 66% male, mean body mass index [BMI] 26.3 [SD 5.18]) hospitalized at 62 intensive care units in 18 countries. Hospital mortality was 11% (n = 139), 44% (n = 536) were extubated by HD7 of which 20% (107/536) required reintubation, 28% (n = 340) underwent tracheostomy placement, and 9% (n = 114) developed ARDS. The median MP on HD1, HD3, and HD7 was 11.9 J/min [IQR 9.2-15.1], 13 J/min [IQR 10-17], and 14 J/min [IQR 11-20], respectively. MP was overall higher in patients with ARDS, especially those with higher ARDS severity. After controlling for same-day pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio), BMI, and neurological severity, MP at HD1, HD3, and HD7 was independently associated with hospital mortality, reintubation and tracheostomy placement. The adjusted relative risk (aRR) was greater at higher MP, and strongest for: mortality on HD1 (compared to the HD1 median MP 11.9 J/min, aRR at 17 J/min was 1.22, 95% CI 1.14-1.30) and HD3 (1.38, 95% CI 1.23-1.53), reintubation on HD1 (1.64; 95% CI 1.57-1.72), and tracheostomy on HD7 (1.53; 95%CI 1.18-1.99). MP was associated with the development of moderate-severe ARDS on HD1 (2.07; 95% CI 1.56-2.78) and HD3 (1.76; 95% CI 1.41-2.22). Conclusions: Exposure to high MP during the first week of MV is associated with poor clinical outcomes in ABI, independent of P/F ratio and neurological severity. Potential benefits of optimizing ventilator settings to limit MP warrant further investigation

    Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

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    Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication
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