Chemotherapy scheduling template development using an optimization approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Li Huang ◽  
Sarah M. Bach ◽  
Sherry A. Looker
Keyword(s):  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Resource Constraint ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Resource Assignment ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Patient Load

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a chemotherapy scheduling template that accounts for nurse resource availability and patient treatment needs to alleviate the mid-day patient load and provide quality services for patients. Design/methodology/approach Owing to treatment complexity in chemotherapy administration, nurses are required at the beginning, end and during treatment. When nurses are not available to continue treatment, the service is compromised, and the resource constraint is violated, which leads to inevitable delay that risks service quality. Consequently, an optimization method is used to create a scheduling template that minimizes the violation between resource assignment and treatment requirements, while leveling patient load throughout a day. A case study from a typical clinic day is presented to understand current scheduling issues, describe nursing resource constraints, and develop a constraint-based optimization model and leveling algorithm for the final template. Findings The approach is expected to reduce the variation in the system by 24 percent and result in five fewer chemo chairs used during peak hours. Adjusting staffing levels could further reduce resource constraint violations and more savings on chair occupancy. The actual implementation results indicate a 33 percent reduction on resource constraint violations and positive feedback from nursing staff for workload. Research limitations/implications Other delays, including laboratory test, physician visit and treatment assignment, are potential research areas. Originality/value The study demonstrates significant improvement in mid-day patient load and meeting treatment needs using optimization with a unique objective.

Robust topology optimization for continuum structures with random loads

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 710-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Liu ◽  
Guilin Wen ◽  
Qixiang Qing ◽  
Fangyi Li ◽  
Yi Min Xie
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Random Load ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continuum Structures ◽  
Robust Topology Optimization ◽  
Random Loads ◽  
Expansion Technique

Purpose This paper aims to tackle the challenge topic of continuum structural layout in the presence of random loads and to develop an efficient robust method. Design/methodology/approach An innovative robust topology optimization approach for continuum structures with random applied loads is reported. Simultaneous minimization of the expectation and the variance of the structural compliance is performed. Uncertain load vectors are dealt with by using additional uncertain pseudo random load vectors. The sensitivity information of the robust objective function is obtained approximately by using the Taylor expansion technique. The design problem is solved using bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method with the derived sensitivity numbers. Findings The numerical examples show the significant topological changes of the robust solutions compared with the equivalent deterministic solutions. Originality/value A simple yet efficient robust topology optimization approach for continuum structures with random applied loads is developed. The computational time scales linearly with the number of applied loads with uncertainty, which is very efficient when compared with Monte Carlo-based optimization method.

An optimization approach for DAL assignments

2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 328-335
Author(s):  
Xianan Li ◽  
Zhong Lu ◽  
Jingyi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Hybrid Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
System Development ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Development Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aircraft Systems ◽  
Aircraft System

Purpose Development assurance level (DAL) is the measurement of the rigor of development assurance tasks performed to functions or items. The DAL assignment is an important process of aircraft system development that can make the reliability and safety of the system stay at acceptable levels. This paper aims to propose an optimization approach for the DAL assignments to minimize the development cost of aircraft systems. Design/methodology/approach The mathematical model for the DAL assignment optimization has been developed on the basis of the given expressions of objective function and constraints. In addition, a hybrid algorithm model synthesizing the advantages of genetic algorithm (GA) and Tabu search (TS) has been proposed to solve the optimization problem of the DAL assignment. Findings The results of the case study show that the proposed hybrid algorithm is more efficient and effective than the exhaustive method as well as the pure GA. Practical implications The proposed approach can be applied in the development of aircraft systems, and it has great significance in minimizing the development cost as well as keeping the system reliability and safety at an acceptable level. Originality/value The constrained optimization method has been applied in the DAL assignments, the corresponding mathematical model has been built and a hybrid evolutionary algorithm has been proposed to solve the optimization problem.

The Application of the Combination of Monte Carlo Optimization Method based QSAR Modeling and Molecular Docking in Drug Design and Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 1389-1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Zivkovic ◽  
Marko Zlatanovic ◽  
Nevena Zlatanovic ◽  
Mladjan Golubović ◽  
Aleksandar M. Veselinović
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Computer Calculation ◽  
Molecular Graph ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Qsar Modeling ◽  
Monte Carlo Optimization ◽  
Molecular Docking Studies

In recent years, one of the promising approaches in the QSAR modeling Monte Carlo optimization approach as conformation independent method, has emerged. Monte Carlo optimization has proven to be a valuable tool in chemoinformatics, and this review presents its application in drug discovery and design. In this review, the basic principles and important features of these methods are discussed as well as the advantages of conformation independent optimal descriptors developed from the molecular graph and the Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) notation compared to commonly used descriptors in QSAR modeling. This review presents the summary of obtained results from Monte Carlo optimization-based QSAR modeling with the further addition of molecular docking studies applied for various pharmacologically important endpoints. SMILES notation based optimal descriptors, defined as molecular fragments, identified as main contributors to the increase/ decrease of biological activity, which are used further to design compounds with targeted activity based on computer calculation, are presented. In this mini-review, research papers in which molecular docking was applied as an additional method to design molecules to validate their activity further, are summarized. These papers present a very good correlation among results obtained from Monte Carlo optimization modeling and molecular docking studies.

Family entrepreneurship and internationalization strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Ratten ◽  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana ◽  
Frank Hoy ◽  
Joao Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Family Businesses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Internationalization Strategies ◽  
Entrepreneurial Knowledge ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Family Entrepreneurship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of family entrepreneurship and internationalization strategies by discussing the papers in this special journal issue. Design/methodology/approach The main research areas related to family business are discussed in terms of socioemotional wealth and societal trends. A review of the literature is conducted to highlight the emerging themes affecting the decision of family businesses to internationalize. Findings The paper stresses how it is important to have an entrepreneurial approach to internationalization of family businesses. Research limitations/implications As more family businesses are born globals, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of internationalization, including emerging markets and gaining important entrepreneurial knowledge. Practical implications Family businesses need to be more innovative and risk-taking in their approach to internationalization as it helps them build their reputation and increase performance. Originality/value As there are limited studies about family entrepreneurship and internationalization in terms of a broad view of family, this paper takes an inclusive approach to the changing nature of how a family is defined in today’s global society.

A novel sensor array and classifier optimization method of electronic nose based on enhanced quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization

Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengfei Jia ◽  
Fengchun Tian ◽  
Shu Fan ◽  
Qinghua He ◽  
Jingwei Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Swarm Optimization ◽  
Wound Infection ◽  
Electronic Nose ◽  
Classification Accuracy ◽  
Sensor Array ◽  
Particle Swarm ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Swarm Optimization ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to propose a new optimization algorithm to realize a synchronous optimization of sensor array and classifier, to improve the performance of E-nose in the detection of wound infection. When an electronic nose (E-nose) is used to detect the wound infection, sensor array’s optimization and parameters’ setting of classifier have a strong impact on the classification accuracy. Design/methodology/approach – An enhanced quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization based on genetic algorithm, genetic quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (G-QPSO), is proposed to realize a synchronous optimization of sensor array and classifier. The importance-factor (I-F) method is used to weight the sensors of E-nose by its degree of importance in classification. Both radical basis function network and support vector machine are used for classification. Findings – The classification accuracy of E-nose is the highest when the weighting coefficients of the I-F method and classifier’s parameters are optimized by G-QPSO. All results make it clear that the proposed method is an ideal optimization method of E-nose in the detection of wound infection. Research limitations/implications – To make the proposed optimization method more effective, the key point of further research is to enhance the classifier of E-nose. Practical implications – In this paper, E-nose is used to distinguish the class of wound infection; meanwhile, G-QPSO is used to realize a synchronous optimization of sensor array and classifier of E-nose. These are all important for E-nose to realize its clinical application in wound monitoring. Originality/value – The innovative concept improves the performance of E-nose in wound monitoring and paves the way for the clinical detection of E-nose.

Investigating emergency room service quality using lean manufacturing

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 510-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelhakim Abdelhadi
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Relative Efficiency ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Track Record ◽  
Takt Time ◽  
Evaluation Measure ◽  
Benchmark Evaluation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate a lean manufacturing metric called Takt time as a benchmark evaluation measure to evaluate a public hospital’s service quality. Lean manufacturing is an established managerial philosophy with a proven track record in industry. A lean metric called Takt time is applied as a measure to compare the relative efficiency between two emergency departments (EDs) belonging to the same public hospital. Outcomes guide managers to improve patient services and increase hospital performances. Design/methodology/approach – The patient treatment lead time within the hospital’s two EDs (one department serves male and the other female patients) are the study’s focus. A lean metric called Takt time is used to find the service’s relative efficiency. Findings – Findings show that the lean manufacturing metric called Takt time can be used as an effective way to measure service efficiency by analyzing relative efficiency and identifies bottlenecks in different departments providing the same services. Originality/value – The paper presents a new procedure to compare relative efficiency between two EDs. It can be applied to any healthcare facility.

Internal projects as strategic tools: an organisation-level perspective and a research agenda

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torbjørn Bjorvatn
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
And Performance

PurposeThe purpose of this conceptual paper is to describe and explain how organisations use internal projects to implement organisation-level strategy objectives.Design/methodology/approachTheory development with an emphasis on explaining key constructs and their mutual relationships. The theoretical contribution is represented in a diagram along with a detailed verbal account.FindingsThe paper develops a dynamic, cross-level framework to illustrate the organisational processes and outcomes that determine project-based strategy implementation within a single organisation. The interplay between the base organisation and the project, and benefits realisation were singled out as key future research areas. The proposed framework engages with central discourses in the fields of project management, strategic management, innovation studies, knowledge management and organisation studies.Research limitations/implicationsOnly the contours of an organisation-level theory of strategically motivated internal projects are outlined. Future research must elaborate on the complexities, the non-linear relationships and the boundary conditions that follow from the proposed framework.Practical implicationsManagers are alerted to the strategic role of internal projects, how these projects help connect strategy and performance and what the accompanying organisational processes and outcomes look like.Originality/valueThe paper constitutes an early conceptual treatment of strategy-driven internal projects as a distinct project category, thus addressing a major knowledge gap in project studies. Organisational project-management theory is extended with suggestions for future research.

Multiobjective optimization of the flaxseed mucilage extraction process using normal-boundary intersection approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Souza Rocha ◽  
Luiz Célio Souza Rocha ◽  
Marcia Barreto da Silva Feijó ◽  
Paula Luiza Limongi dos Santos Marotta ◽  
Samanta Cardozo Mourão
Keyword(s):  
Multiobjective Optimization ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Pareto Optimal ◽  
Pareto Optimal Solutions ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Fiber Concentration ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normal Boundary

PurposeThe mucilage of the Linum usitatissimum L. seed (Linseed) is one of the natural mucilages that presents a great potential to provide a food hydrocolloid with potential applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries. To increase the yield and quality of linseed oil during its production process, it is necessary to previously extract its polysaccharides. Because of this, flax mucilage production can be made viable as a byproduct of oil extraction process, which is already a product of high commercial value consolidated in the market. Thus, the purpose of this work is to optimize the mucilage extraction process of L. usitatissimum L. using the normal-boundary intersection (NBI) multiobjective optimization method.Design/methodology/approachCurrently, the variables of the process of polysaccharide extraction from different sources are optimized using the response surface methodology. However, when the optimal points of the responses are conflicting it is necessary to study the best conditions to achieve a balance between these conflicting objectives (trade-offs) and to explore the available options it is necessary to formulate an optimization problem with multiple objectives. The multiobjective optimization method used in this work was the NBI developed to find uniformly distributed and continuous Pareto optimal solutions for a nonlinear multiobjective problem.FindingsThe optimum extraction point to obtain the maximum fiber concentration in the extracted material was pH 3.81, temperature of 46°C, time of 13.46 h. The maximum extraction yield of flaxseed was pH 6.45, temperature of 65°C, time of 14.41 h. This result confirms the trade-off relationship between the objectives. NBI approach was able to find uniformly distributed Pareto optimal solutions, which allows to analyze the behavior of the trade-off relationship. Thus, the decision-maker can set extraction conditions to achieve desired characteristics in mucilage.Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper is to confirm the existence of a trade-off relationship between the productivity parameter (yield) and the quality parameter (fiber concentration in the extracted material) during the flaxseed mucilage extraction process. The NBI approach was able to find uniformly distributed Pareto optimal solutions, which allows us to analyze the behavior of the trade-off relationship. This allows the decision-making to the extraction conditions according to the desired characteristics of the final product, thus being able to direct the extraction for the best applicability of the mucilage.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative framework for supporting assistive technology decision-making in Singapore schools: perspectives of in-service educators

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Ee Wong ◽  
YingMin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Written Feedback ◽  
Technology Initiative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trial Experience ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study explored in-service educators' experience of using the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) for assistive technology (AT) decision-making within Singapore schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative design. Eight educators across both mainstream and special education schools were introduced to the WATI framework which they subsequently employed as a trial experience for a student under their care. Written feedback gathered from participants was analysed to identify common issues and themes regarding the use of the WATI framework for AT decision-making.FindingsThe comprehensive consideration of a broad scope of different factors, provision of a structured process for AT decision-making, as well as a common language for use by different stakeholders emerged as key benefits of implementing the WATI. Challenges encountered include administrative struggles in gathering different stakeholders together, time and resource constraints and difficulties in loaning AT devices for trial use.Practical implicationsBased on educators' feedback, recommendations to facilitate the adoption of the WATI for AT decision-making within Singapore schools are discussed and considered. This study also highlights the need for greater AT instruction within both preservice and in-service teacher preparation programmes in Singapore.Originality/valueSchools in Singapore currently rarely adopt any frameworks in place to guide educators through a systematic process of AT consideration. It is anticipated that this study will spearhead and drive the adoption of systematic frameworks such as the WATI for better AT decision-making within Singapore schools.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0015

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