Facility Location Research Articles

‘Nowhere and no one is safe’: spatial analysis of damage to critical civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the Israeli military campaign, 7 October to 22 November 2023

BackgroundSince the Hamas attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023, the Israeli military has launched an assault in the Gaza Strip, which included over 12,000 targets struck and over 25,000 tons of incendiary munitions used by 2 November 2023. The objectives of this study include: (1) the descriptive and inferential spatial analysis of damage to critical civilian infrastructure (health, education, and water facilities) across the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the military campaign, defined as 7 October to 22 November 2023 and (2) the analysis of damage clustering around critical civilian infrastructure to explore broader questions about Israel’s adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).MethodsWe applied multi-temporal coherent change detection on Copernicus Sentinel 1-A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery to detect signals indicative of damage to the built environment through 22 November 2023. Specific locations of health, education, and water facilities were delineated using open-source building footprint and cross-checked with geocoded data from OCHA, OpenStreetMap, and Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. We then assessed the retrieval of damage at and with close proximity to sites of health, education, and water infrastructure in addition to designated evacuation corridors and civilian protection zones. The Global Moran’s I autocorrelation inference statistic was used to determine whether health, education, and water facility infrastructure damage was spatially random or clustered.ResultsDuring the period under investigation, in the entire Gaza Strip, 60.8% (n = 59) of health, 68.2% (n = 324) of education, and 42.1% (n = 64) of water facilities sustained infrastructure damage. Furthermore, 35.1% (n = 34) of health, 40.2% (n = 191) of education, and 36.8% (n = 56) of water facilities were functionally destroyed. Applying the Global Moran’s I spatial inference statistic to facilities demonstrated a high degree of damage clustering for all three types of critical civilian infrastructure, with Z-scores indicating < 1% likelihood of cluster damage occurring by random chance.ConclusionSpatial statistical analysis suggests widespread damage to critical civilian infrastructure that should have been provided protection under IHL. These findings raise serious allegations about the violation of IHL, especially in light of Israeli officials’ statements explicitly inciting violence and displacement and multiple widely reported acts of collective punishment.

Wireless sensor networks-based adaptive differential evolution for multimodal optimization problems

In wireless sensor networks (WSN), we often detect the monitoring areas among different sensors so that the sensors can be switched on and off adaptively to save energy and extend their lifetime. Inspired by the principle of WSN, a WSN-based adaptive differential evolution (WSNADE) algorithm is proposed in this paper, together with a WSN-based adaptive niching technique (WANT) and two novel strategies called protection-based dual-scale mutation (PDM) strategy and multi-level reset (MLR) strategy, for solving multimodal optimization problems (MMOPs). In WANT, each individual is considered as a sensor with its monitoring area. If the monitoring areas of two individuals intersect, which means these two individuals monitor the similar area and should be partitioned into the same niche. In this way, WANT can adaptively form a niche for each individual, avoiding the sensitivity of niching parameters. Based on WANT, the PDM strategy is designed to select the appropriate mutation strategy for each individual. Besides, to save fitness evaluations (FEs) for exploring more promising areas, the MLR strategy is developed to store the promising individuals and reset the stagnant individuals. The experimental results on 20 multimodal benchmark test functions in CEC2015 multimodal competition show that the proposed WSNADE algorithm generally performs better than or at least comparable with other state-of-the-art multimodal algorithms, including the winner of the CEC2015 competition. Finally, WSNADE is applied to a real-world multimodal application in multiple competitive facilities location design (MCFLD) problem to illustrate its practical applicability.

Increase in Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy Among Patients with Invasive Breast Cancer or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Who is Left Behind?

We aimed to update the trend of hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) use over time in the US and examine factors associated with lack of HF-WBI adoption for patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer (IBC) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing a lumpectomy. Among patients who underwent a lumpectomy, we identified 928,034 patients with early-stage IBC and 330,964 patients with DCIS in the 2004 to 2020 National Cancer Database. We defined HF-WBI as 2.5-3.33 Gy/fraction to the breast and conventionally fractionated WBI as 1.8-2.0 Gy/fraction. We evaluated the trend of HF-WBI utilization using a generalized linear model with the log link and binomial distribution. Factors associated with HF-WBI utilization were assessed using multivariable logistic regression in patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2020. Among patients with IBC, HF-WBI use has significantly increased from 0.7% in 2004 to 63.9% in 2020. Similarly, HF-WBI usage among patients with DCIS has also increased significantly from 0.4% in 2004 to 56.6% in 2020. Black patients with IBC were less likely than White patients to receive HF-WBI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77-0.85). Community cancer programs were less likely to administer HF-WBI to patients with IBC (AOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.77-0.84) and to those with DCIS (AOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.96) than academic/research programs. Younger age, positive nodes, larger tumor size, low volume programs, and facility location were also associated with lack of HF-WBI adoption in both patient cohorts. HF-WBI utilization among postlumpectomy patients has significantly increased from 2004 to 2020 and can finally be considered standard of care in the US. We found substantial disparities in adoption within patient and facility subgroups. Reducing disparities in HF-WBI adoption has the potential to further alleviate health care costs while improving patients' quality of life.

Awareness and Incorporation of the Dental Home Concept Among General Dentists and Dental Therapists in Malaysia.

Background The dental home concept (DHC) refers to an approach in oral healthcare that emphasizes establishing a long-term, comprehensive, and family-centered relationship between a patient and their primary dental care. This study determined the awareness and incorporation of the DHC among general dentists and dental therapists in Malaysia. Methodology A total of 154 general dentists and 137 dental therapists providing oral healthcare services at the Ministry of Health (MOH) primary care facilities throughout Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure the respondents' awareness of the DHC and incorporation of the DHC characteristics into their practice. Results Most dentists and dental therapists (61.7% and 67.2%, respectively) had not heard of the term DHC and were unaware of the concept. The respondents' awareness was not associated with their age, sex, years of service, facility location, and percentage of treatment given to children aged five years and below. However, most dentists and dental therapists responded positively about incorporating most DHC characteristics into their current practice. Conclusions Most dentists and dental therapists serving the MOH primary oral healthcare facilities were unaware of the DHC, although most DHC characteristics have already been incorporated into their practice. This study provides evidence of the incorporation of the DHC into the MOH primary oral healthcare services and suggests an effort to increase the awareness of the workforce regarding the concept and its implementation.

Evaluating health workers attitude towards implementation of maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response system in Morogoro region; analytical cross-sectional study.

Maternal and Perinatal Deaths Review and Surveillance (MPDSR) is a technical system which was issued by the World Health Organization in 2013 to help developing countries improve maternal health. The major purpose of the system was to reduce the ongoing high numbers of maternal deaths and perinatal deaths from avertable causes. Tanzania adopted MPDSR system in 2015. The study aimed to assess health workers attitude towards implementation of MPDSR system in Morogoro Region. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Morogoro region from April 27, 2020 to May 29, 2020 involving 360 health workers from 38 health facilities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the obtained data. Descriptive analysis was done to describe the characteristics of study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of health workers attitude towards the MPDSR system. A total of 255(70.8%) of respondents had positive attitude towards MPDSR system. After controlling of confounders predictor of positive attitude were location of health facility [rural (AOR = 0.216 at 95% CI = 0.121-0.387, p = <0.001)], Age group [Below 30(AOR = 0.459 at 95%CI = 0.264-0.796, p = 0.006)] and status of training on MPDSR [Yes (AOR = 4.892 at 95%CI = 2.187-10.942, P = <0.001)]. Substantial number of health workers had positive attitude towards the MPDSR system. Health workers who were residing in rural settings and younger than 30 years were less likely to have positive attitude towards the system. Health workers who had access to be trained about the system were more likely to have positive attitude towards MPDSR system. The study recommends the training of health workers about the system so as to increase their attitude and hence the use of the system.

Solving the uncapacitated facility location problem under uncertainty: a hybrid tabu search with path-relinking simheuristic approach

The uncapacitated facility location problem (UFLP) is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem that finds practical applications in several fields, such as logistics and telecommunication networks. While the existing literature primarily focuses on the deterministic version of the problem, real-life scenarios often involve uncertainties like fluctuating customer demands or service costs. This paper presents a novel algorithm for addressing the UFLP under uncertainty. Our approach combines a tabu search metaheuristic with path-relinking to obtain near-optimal solutions in short computational times for the determinisitic version of the problem. The algorithm is further enhanced by integrating it with simulation techniques to solve the UFLP with random service costs. A set of computational experiments is run to illustrate the effectiveness of the solving method.

Tailoring Evolutionary Algorithms to Solve the Multiobjective Location-Routing Problem for Biomass Waste Collection

Location-routing problems widely exist in logistics activities. For the biomass waste collection, there is a recognized need for novel models to locate the collection facilities and plan the vehicle routes. So far most location-routing models fall into the cost-driven-only category. However, comprehensive objectives are required in the specific context, such as time-dependent pollution and speed-and load-related emission. Furthermore, location-routing problems are hierarchical by nature, containing the facility location problems (strategic level) and the vehicle routing problems (tactical level). Existing studies in this field usually adopt computational intelligence methods directly without decomposing the problem. This can be inefficient especially when multiple objectives are applied. Motivated by these, we develop a novel multi-objective optimization model for the location-routing problem for biomass waste collection. To solve this model, we explore the way to tailor evolutionary algorithms to the hierarchical structure. We develop adapted versions of two commonly used evolutionary algorithms: the genetic algorithm and the ant colony optimization algorithm. For the genetic algorithm, we divide the population by the strategic level decisions, so that each subpopulation has a fixed location plan, breaking the location-routing problem down into many multi-depot vehicle routing problems. For the ant colony optimization, we use an additional pheromone vector to track the good decisions on the location level, and segregate the pheromones related to different satellite depots to avoid misleading information. Thus, the problem degenerates into vehicle routing problem. Experimental results show that our proposed methods have better performances on the location routing problem for biomass waste collection.

Electric vehicle charging stations: Model, algorithm, simulation, location, and capacity planning

The transition to sustainable transportation is imperative in mitigating environmental impacts, with electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this shift. Despite their environmental benefits, the global adoption of EVs is curtailed by challenges such as nascent battery technology, high costs, and insufficient charging infrastructure. This study addresses the optimizing electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) locations as a critical step toward enhancing EV adoption rates. Thus, establishing efficient charging stations is critical to meet the increasing demand. By integrating location modeling with demand forecasts and market penetration, we propose a comprehensive approach to determine optimal locations and capacities for EVCS. Firstly, review existing literature, highlighting the significance of facility location models in optimizing EV charging infrastructure and identifying gaps in addressing demand and market penetration. Our methodology uses a genetic algorithm to solve the p-median problem for location selection and Arena 14 simulation software to model station traffic and optimize charging unit types and quantities. The model prioritizes public areas, considering potential demand points and station locations to propose optimal charging areas. Results indicate that our model minimizes travel distances and waiting times, offering a scalable solution adaptable to future EV market growth. This study contributes to the field by presenting a sustainable and economical model for EVCS placement and capacity planning, underlining the importance of a robust charging network in the broader adoption of electric transportation. The findings suggest that proactive infrastructure development, guided by accurate demand predictions and optimized location strategies, can significantly enhance the feasibility and attractiveness of EVs, supporting global efforts towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.

Computing Metric Dimension of Two Types of Claw-free Cubic Graphs with Applications

Consider the simple connected graph G with vertex set V(G) and edge set E(G). A graph \(G\) can be resolved by \(R\) if each vertex’s representation of distances to the other vertices in \(R\) uniquely identifies it. The minimum cardinality of the set \(R\) is the metric dimension of \(G\). The length of the shortest path between any two vertices, x, y in V(G), is signified by the distance symbol d(x, y). An ordered k-tuple \(r(x/R)=(d(x,z_1),d(x,\ z_2),…,d(x,z_k))\) represents representation of \(x\) with respect to \(R\) for an ordered subset \(R={\{z}_1,z_2,z_3…,z_k\}\) of vertices and vertex \(x\) in a connected graph. Metric dimension is used in a wide range of contexts where connection, distance, and connectedness are essential factors. It facilitates understanding the structure and dynamics of complex networks and problems relating to robotics network design, navigation, optimization, and facility location. Robots can optimize their localization and navigation methods using a small number of reference sites due to the pertinent idea of metric dimension. As a result, many robotic applications, such as collaborative robotics, autonomous navigation, and environment mapping, are more accurate, efficient, and resilient. A claw-free cubic graph (CCG) is one in which no induced subgraph is a claw. CCG proves helpful in various fields, including optimization, network design, and algorithm development. They offer intriguing structural and algorithmic properties. Developing algorithms and results for claw-free graphs frequently has applications in solving of challenging real-world situations. The metric dimension of a couple of claw-free cubic graphs (CCG), a string of diamonds (SOD), and a ring of diamonds (ROD) will be determined in this work.

Study of the Development Potential of Geospatial-Based PSEL (Waste Processing into Electrical Energy) Areas

Since 1989, most of the waste processing in DKI Jakarta Province has ended at the Bantar Gebang TPST, causing the available capacity to accommodate waste to approach the maximum limit. One alternative processing that has a high level of efficiency in reducing the volume of waste is the PSEL (Waste to Electrical Energy Management) facility. Planning PSEL facilities in urban areas requires consideration from all aspects. While the space utilization in DKI Jakarta is quite dense and there are no practical guidelines in determining the location of PSEL facilities, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study, namely a study of the potential development of PSEL areas. The purpose of this study is to obtain the location and spatial pattern of the potential development of the PSEL area and obtain the characteristics of the area with the 'Recommended' category as the location of PSEL facility development. This study uses geospatial analysis with the quantitative Weighted Overlay method, where geospatial modeling is carried out by inputting the weight of each criterion (aspects that have an influence on determining the location of PSEL facilities) obtained from the results of the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) analysis assisted by a questionnaire tool. The results of the study obtained 2 (two) areas that have High Category status with a total area of 1.52 ha located in Cilincing District and Kelapa Gading District, North Jakarta with the condition that the first area occupies an improper designation zone (Industrial and Warehousing Zone) while the second area has a radius distance of less than 500 m to the nearest settlement and tourist location.

상업시설 입지요인의 풍수적 해석

A Study on the Interpretation of Feng shui Factors in the Commercial Facility Location Analysis - Focused on the Multiple Auctions in Jung-gu, Seoul -Using the multiple auctions in Jung-gu, Seoul as a focal point, this study aims to analyze the interpretation of environmental factors in the location analysis of commercial facilities. The research focuses on the study of commercial facility locations, specifically in terms of their relationship with environmental factors.The research methodology includes the following steps: 1. Data Collection - Collect data related to commercial facility locations in Jung-gu, Seoul, particularly those obtained through multiple auctions. - Gather data on environmental factors such as geographic characteristics, natural environment (landscape, water, mountains, etc.), and geographical location. 2. Data Preprocessing - Preprocess the collected data to transform it into a suitable format for analysis - Cleanse the data and extract relevant variables for the study. 3. Environmental Factors Analysis: - Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze the environmental factors related to commercial facility locations. - Conduct spatial analysis to identify patterns and relationships between commercial facilities and environmental factors. 4. Interpretation and Evaluation - Interpret the results of the analysis to gain insights into the interpretation of environmental factors in cmmercial facility location analysis - Evaluate the significance and impact of environmental factors on commercial facility locations in Jung-gu, Seoul. 5. Conclusion and Recommendations:Summarize the findings and draw conclusions based on the interpretation of environmental factors in commercial facility location analysis - Provide recommendations for future decision-making processes regarding commercial facility locations, taking into account the identified environmental factors. By conducting this study, we aim to contribute to the understanding and interpretation of environmental factors in the location analysis of commercial facilities, specifically focusing on the multiple auctions in Jung-gu, Seoul.

TERRITORIAL ACCESSIBILITY ANALYSIS FOR URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY LOCATION: A CASE STUDY IN VILLAVICENCIO, COLOMBIA

Territorial accessibility analysis is a crucial component of urban planning, enabling decision-makers to determine new locations for urban infrastructure facilities to enhance residents' quality of life. The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology for performing territorial accessibility analysis that integrates data analysis techniques, such as clustering, with tools like isochronous curves and percentage ogive graphs. This methodology is evaluated through a case study in Villavicencio, Colombia. Results indicate that the proposed methodology can accurately assess territorial accessibility and, in the case study, recommend investments in health and firefighting services.

Race/Ethnicity and Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on the Timely Receipt of Appropriate Operative Treatment of Colon Cancer.

Rates of appropriate surgical treatment of colon cancer are historically worse in traditionally marginalized populations. We sought to examine which social determinants of health may be associated with longer time to appropriate operative intervention. The National Cancer Databank was queried for this retrospective study. Adult patients (18 to 90years of age) diagnosed between 2004 and 2018 with single or primary, stage III colon cancer were included. Patient demographic variables included age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic), comorbidity score, median household income, education status, rural/urban status, treatment facility type and location, and insurance status. Disease characteristics include stage (stage 3), primary site, surgical margins, tumor size, and number of nodes resected. Reported descriptive statistics include means and 95% confidence intervals for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 134,601 individuals diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer were included. Time to surgery in all cases had a mean of 26.4 ± 19.0 days. Multivariate analysis of time to surgery indicated that receiving surgery at a Community Cancer Program, Charlson-Deyo Score of 0, younger age, and non-Hispanic-White race/ethnicity are associated with decreased time to surgery (P < .001). Patients who receive surgery at a Community Cancer Program, have fewer comorbidities, have lower household income, are younger, and receive surgery within 50 miles of their primary residence are more likely to have timely surgery.

N-type-2-ARAS: An efficient hybrid multi-criteria optimization approach for end-of-life vehicle’s recycling facility location: A sustainable approach

End-of-life vehicle (ELV) management is currently one of the most pressing environmental issues. Waste must be recycled to ensure that ELV management is both environmentally and economically sustainable. Cairo boasts the greatest percentage of Egyptian citizens who own a car and the country's oldest automotive fleet. There is a great desire to open a new ELV recycling factory in this city. One of the most difficult strategic issues facing decision-makers is determining where to build new facilities. ELV recycling facility selection is a multi-criteria and highly uncertain challenge, and this research presents a novel approach to help with the process. An extension of the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) approach in a neutrosophic type-2 environment ((N-type-2 ARAS)) is described for the first time. The new approach (N-type-2 ARAS) is used to choose an ELV recycling facility location. The proposed N-type-2 ARAS method's potential and applicability are illustrated in the context of a real-life case study in Egypt. This study used five main criteria, twenty sub-criteria, and four alternatives (locations) to select the best location. The results show that Luxor is the best location. This method has been proven reliable and consistent compared to the current state-of-the-art interval type-2 fuzzy set-based MCDM methods. This study's sensitivity analysis was conducted to show rank stability from the (N-type-2 ARAS) methodology.

Pulp and Paper Industry at the Start of the First Five-Year Plan: Plans and Practices

In Soviet Russia and the Soviet Union, formed in 1922, the pulp and paper industry was poorly developed. Following the First World War, the Civil War and the Soviet-Polish War, the loss of the western regions, where more than a third of paper products were produced, was also a negative factor. Despite the presence of large forest areas, there were not enough resources for their development, and there was no machine-building base. As a result, the Soviet state imported significant volumes of semi-finished products, paper and cardboard. The article analyzes the plans of the Supreme Economic Council of the USSR for the development of the pulp and paper industry in the second half of the 1920s, the design and progress of construction of enterprises. It was revealed that the main economic body sought to gradually reduce the import of wood pulp, pulp, paper and other necessary materials through the expansion and construction of production facilities. Trusts and regional economic bodies played a major role in the location of enterprises. For them, new construction provided an opportunity to attract capital investment and create industrial centers. It is concluded that large-scale plans for the development of the pulp and paper industry in the Soviet Union in the second half of the 1920s. were poorly developed from a financial and personnel point of view, were based on the weak level of development of the industry and reflected the optimistic ideas of economists and business executives about the potential of the new economic policy. On the contrary, the competition for projects of pulp and paper enterprises in 1928 reflected the transition from decentralized to centralized design of facilities and demonstrated the priorities of the Soviet government regarding the location of new production facilities.

Optimization of LID Strategies for Urban CSO Reduction and Cost Efficiency: A Beijing Case Study

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) can lead to serious urban water environment pollution and health risks to residents. Low Impact Development (LID) facilities are one of the important measures to alleviate CSO and have been widely applied. The rational selection of LID facility types, locations, and scales is the most important task, which can effectively improve resource utilization efficiency. Based on the NSGA-II multi-objective optimization algorithm and coupled with the SWMM sewer network hydraulic model, this study takes the combined sewer overflows and the construction cost of LID facilities as optimization objectives and optimizes the types and scales of LID layout in the study area, including eight different return periods. By using the Pareto frontier and visualizing the results of the model, the effects of different rainfall return periods on the CSO control and investment cost of LID layout schemes are compared. The results show the following: (1) the optimization model can demonstrate the relationship between CSO control volume and LID construction cost under different LID layout schemes through the Pareto frontier, showing three different trends, indicating that the relationship between overflow volume and investment cost is nonlinear; (2) with the increase in rainfall intensity, higher requirements are proposed for LID schemes to meet CSO control targets, leading to a decrease in the number of Pareto frontier solution sets. Under larger rainfall intensities, it is difficult to achieve the same overflow control effect by increasing the scale of LID construction. Therefore, considering constraining the LID construction cost between RMB 5.3 and 5.38 million is helpful to determine the most suitable solution; (3) in the optimal layout schemes under different return periods, 87.3% of the locations where LID is deployed have similar scales. Based on these locations with a relatively large proportion of deployment, it can be determined that special attention should be paid to spatial positions in LID planning and construction. This study provides valuable insights for solving combined sewer overflow problems and optimizing urban drainage management and provides guidance for future planning and decision-making processes.

Data-Guided Gravity Model for Competitive Facility Location

Data-Guided Gravity Model for Competitive Facility Location

Toward more ethically oriented humanitarian logistics operations: An exploratory research

Ethical standards in humanitarian logistics have been frequently overlooked in the literature. This research aims to explore the interaction between logistics decisions and ethical standards implementation in the context of humanitarian relief operations. The paper adopts a data triangulation approach to collect and validate the primary and secondary data through a literature review, focus group, and interview. The results revealed that logistics decisions and processes affect the implementation of ethical standards. These decisions are physical distribution, facility location, procurement, outsourcing, deprivation cost analysis, visibility and information flow, supply chain collaboration, staff selection and training, types of relief items, staff security, and localization of logistics activities. This research can provide practitioners with insight into a complete set of ethical standards and inform their understanding of which factors affect their implementation. The novelty of this research comes from combining two disciplines, humanitarian logistics and social work, to compile a complementary list of ethical standards in humanitarian operations. It shows how logistics decisions can affect implementing ethical standards and hence achieving core values of social work.

Основы организации питания персонала на сельскохозяйственных предприятиях

Nutrition is an innate biological need and a prerequisite for a long and healthy life. However, improper eating behavior, any violation of food intake, its quality and quantity affects a person’s health and his life expectancy, as well as his performance. In agricultural production, it is quite difficult to organize meals for staff due to the large geography of the location of facilities, as well as the delivery of lunches to work teams located in the field. To successfully solve the problem of providing food to the staff of agricultural enterprises, the authors suggested a general scheme of enterprise activity. We examined six blocks representing organizational measures aimed at organizing proper and healthy nutrition for personnel at agricultural enterprises. In our opinion, all aspects of the employer’s activities in this area are covered. To solve the identified organizational issues, a team of specialists from various professions is required, which in turn will require financial costs. However, proper organization of staff nutrition directly affects ensuring a healthy lifestyle and, as a result, high labor productivity, which in turn is the ultimate goal of any enterprise. Keywords: NUTRITION, EATING BEHAVIOR, AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES, ORGANIZATIONAL MEASURES, PERSONNEL, LABOR PRODUCTIVITY, FIELD CONDITIONS, HUMAN HEALTH

Strategyproof Mechanisms for Group-Fair Obnoxious Facility Location Problems

We study the group-fair obnoxious facility location problems from the mechanism design perspective where agents belong to different groups and have private location preferences on the undesirable locations of the facility. Our main goal is to design strategyproof mechanisms that elicit the true location preferences from the agents and determine a facility location that approximately optimizes several group-fair objectives. We first consider the maximum total and average group cost (group-fair) objectives. For these objectives, we propose deterministic mechanisms that achieve 3-approximation ratios and provide matching lower bounds. We then provide the characterization of 2-candidate strategyproof randomized mechanisms. Leveraging the characterization, we design randomized mechanisms with improved approximation ratios of 2 for both objectives. We also provide randomized lower bounds of 5/4 for both objectives. Moreover, we investigate intergroup and intragroup fairness (IIF) objectives, addressing fairness between groups and within each group. We present a mechanism that achieves a 4-approximation for the IIF objectives and provide tight lower bounds.