Element-Level Optimization Module for Bridge Planning and Programming

Author(s):  
Karim Naji ◽  
Erin Santini-Bell ◽  
Kyle Kwiatkowski

The overall objective of this research is to support state departments of transportation with their decision-making processes and transitions to performance management and performance-based planning and programming mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. Accomplishing this objective requires a systematic multiobjective optimization methodology. This research proposes such a methodology, referred to as an “element-based multiobjective optimization” (EB-MOO) methodology, which produces optimal or near-optimal sets of short- and long-term intervention strategies detailed at the bridge element level for planning and programming. The methodology currently focuses on the bridge asset class and consists of five modules: (1) data processing, (2) improvement, (3) element-level optimization (ELO), (4) bridge-level optimization (BLO), and (5) network-level optimization (NLO) modules. This paper details the ELO module, specifically: the basic framework of underlying processes and concepts, the alternative feasibility screening process, optimization problem types and mathematical formulations, and the heuristic algorithm used to solve the ELO problems. The paper also includes an illustrative example using a prototyping tool developed to implement EB-MOO methodology. The example presents several ELO problems under unconstrained scenarios. The implementation demonstrated the module’s capability in producing optimal or near-optimal ELO solutions, recommending element intervention actions, predicting performance, and determining funding requirements for the specified improvement type and program year. The broader EB-MOO methodology uses the ELO results as inputs for the BLO and NLO modules.

Author(s):  
Karim Naji ◽  
Erin Santini-Bell ◽  
Kyle Kwiatkowski

The paper briefly introduces an element-based multi-objective optimization (EB-MOO) methodology to support state departments of transportation with their decision-making process, asset management, and performance-based transportation planning and programming. The methodology focuses on the bridge asset class and consists of five modules: (i) data processing, (ii) improvement, (iii) element-level optimization (ELO), (iv) bridge-level optimization (BLO), and (v) network-level optimization (NLO) modules. These five modules jointly produce short- and long-term intervention strategies detailed at the bridge element level for planning and programming. The paper focuses on the BLO module, specifically: the basic framework of underlying processes and concepts, the optimization problem types and mathematical formulations, and the heuristic algorithm to solve the BLO problems. A prototyping tool is developed to implement these five modules of the EB-MOO methodology, test concepts, prove effectiveness, and demonstrate potential benefits. The paper also includes an illustrative example using the prototyping tool. The example consists of the BLO problems under different budget and/or performance scenarios. The implementation proves the module’s capability in producing a diverse set of Pareto optimal or near-optimal solutions, recommending set of element intervention actions and timings, predicting performance, and determining budget requirements for the entire program period. The BLO results associated with the recommended solutions serve as the fundamental inputs for the NLO module. Nevertheless, the BLO module can be used independently, providing a systematic process for the development of bridge improvement/preservation programs detailed at the element level.


1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Drion ◽  
Luc Berthelon ◽  
Olivier Chambon ◽  
Gert Eilenberger ◽  
Francoise R. Peden ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shradha Gawankar ◽  
Sachin S. Kamble ◽  
Rakesh Raut

This paper aims to propose the idea of briefly explaining the balance scorecard by highlighting its use, application in depth. A critical enabler in achieving desired performance goals is the ability to measure performance. Despite the importance of accurately measuring organizational performance in most areas of academic research, there have been very few studies that have directly addressed the question of how overall organizational performance is or should be measured. Perhaps more importantly, none of these studies seems to have significantly influenced how overall organizational performance is actually measured in most of the empirical research that uses this construct as a dependent measure. The most popular of the performance measurement framework has been the balanced scorecard abbreviated as BSC. The BSC is widely acknowledged to have moved beyond the original ideology. It has now become a strategic change management and performance management process. The approach used in this paper is the combination of literature review on evolution of balance score card and its applications in various sectors/organizations/ areas. This paper identify that the balanced scorecard is a powerful but simple strategic tool and the simplicity of the scorecard is in its design. By encompassing four primary perspectives, the tool allows an organization to turn its attention to external concerns, such as the financial outcomes and its customers expectations, and internal areas, which include its internal processes to meet external requirements and its integration of learning and growth, to successfully meet its strategic expectations. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the balanced scorecard combined with application and strategy, which are now in a better position to begin to recognize managements expectations and to discover new ways to build value for workplace learning and performance within organization.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukman Olagoke ◽  
Ahmet E. Topcu

BACKGROUND COVID-19 represents a serious threat to both national health and economic systems. To curb this pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a series of COVID-19 public safety guidelines. Different countries around the world initiated different measures in line with the WHO guidelines to mitigate and investigate the spread of COVID-19 in their territories. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of these control measures using a data-centric approach. METHODS We begin with a simple text analysis of coronavirus-related articles and show that reports on similar outbreaks in the past strongly proposed similar control measures. This reaffirms the fact that these control measures are in order. Subsequently, we propose a simple performance statistic that quantifies general performance and performance under the different measures that were initiated. A density based clustering of based on performance statistic was carried out to group countries based on performance. RESULTS The performance statistic helps evaluate quantitatively the impact of COVID-19 control measures. Countries tend show variability in performance under different control measures. The performance statistic has negative correlation with cases of death which is a useful characteristics for COVID-19 control measure performance analysis. A web-based time-line visualization that enables comparison of performances and cases across continents and subregions is presented. CONCLUSIONS The performance metric is relevant for the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 control measures. This can help caregivers and policymakers identify effective control measures and reduce cases of death due to COVID-19. The interactive web visualizer provides easily digested and quick feedback to augment decision-making processes in the COVID-19 response measures evaluation. CLINICALTRIAL Not Applicable


Author(s):  
Cody A Drolc ◽  
Lael R Keiser

Abstract Government agencies often encounter problems in service delivery when implementing public programs. This undermines effectiveness and raise questions about accountability. A central component of responsiveness and performance management is that agencies correct course when problems are identified. However, public agencies have an uneven record in responding to problems. In this paper we investigate whether, and to what extent, capacity both within the agency and within institutions performing oversight, improves agency responsiveness to poor performance indicators. Using panel data on eligibility determinations in the Social Security Disability program from U.S. state agencies from 1991-2015 and fixed effects regression, we find that indicators of agency and oversight capacity moderate the relationship between poor performance and improvement. Our results suggest that investments in building capacity not only within agencies, but also within elected institutions, are important for successful policy implementation. However, we find evidence that while agency capacity alone can improve responsiveness to poor performance, the effect of oversight capacity on improving performance requires high agency capacity.


2009 ◽  
Vol 107 (6) ◽  
pp. 1771-1780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Bangsbo ◽  
Thomas P. Gunnarsson ◽  
Jesper Wendell ◽  
Lars Nybo ◽  
Martin Thomassen

The present study examined muscle adaptations and alterations in work capacity in endurance-trained runners as a result of a reduced amount of training combined with speed endurance training. For a 6- to 9-wk period, 17 runners were assigned to either a speed endurance group with a 25% reduction in the amount of training but including speed endurance training consisting of six to twelve 30-s sprint runs 3–4 times/wk (SET group n = 12) or a control group ( n = 5), which continued the endurance training (∼55 km/wk). For the SET group, the expression of the muscle Na+-K+pump α2-subunit was 68% higher ( P < 0.05) and the plasma K+level was reduced ( P < 0.05) during repeated intense running after 9 wk. Performance in a 30-s sprint test and the first of the supramaximal exhaustive runs was improved ( P < 0.05) by 7% and 36%, respectively, after the speed endurance training period. In the SET group, maximal O2uptake was unaltered, but the 3-km (3,000-m) time was reduced ( P < 0.05) from 10.4 ± 0.1 to 10.1 ± 0.1 min and the 10-km (10,000-m) time was improved from 37.3 ± 0.4 to 36.3 ± 0.4 min (means ± SE). Muscle protein expression and performance remained unaltered in the control group. The present data suggest that both short- and long-term exercise performances can be improved with a reduction in training volume if speed endurance training is performed and that the Na+-K+pump plays a role in the control of K+homeostasis and in the development of fatigue during repeated high-intensity exercise.


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