Flexible Scheduling Research Articles

Optimizing integrated lot sizing and production scheduling in flexible flow line systems with energy scheme: A two level approach based on reinforcement learning

Many production environments are faced with the need to simultaneously determine the planning of lot sizing and the scheduling of production sequences while ensuring cost minimization. This issue becomes even more complex when integrating multiple energy sources with the goal of a low-carbon economy. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an integrated lot sizing and flexible flow line production scheduling model under a time-of-use pricing scheme. In addition, the model takes into account conventional grid power, on-site renewable energy sources, and an energy storage system. The associated objective function is solved adopting a two-level approach to optimize energy costs while maintaining production throughput and meeting customer demand. The implementation relies on reinforcement learning capabilities to tackle complexity issues. The proposed approach is evaluated on a benchmark case and its results are compared with those obtained with First-In-First-Out heuristic, genetic algorithm and CPLEX. These results highlight the promising aspect of the proposed approach in terms of performance.

An improved memetic algorithm for multi-objective resource-constrained flexible job shop inverse scheduling problem: An application for machining workshop

Resource-constrained flexible job shop scheduling problems are commonly encountered in some manufacturing industries, and have been widely studied in recent years. However, traditional resource constrained flexible job shop scheduling problem rarely consider the uncertainties in actual manufacturing systems, which may make the original schedule become suboptimal or even unfeasible. Therefore, a resource constrained flexible job shop inverse scheduling problem (RCFJISP) is proposed in this paper, which aims to cope with uncertain events by simultaneously adjusting the machine, worker and process parameters of the original schedule. A multi-objective optimization model is constructed to minimize the makespan, worker cost, machine energy consumption and deviation index. Furthermore, an improved memetic algorithm (IMA) is developed for solving the proposed problem. In IMA, a novel double-layer encoding mechanism is designed to enhance the capacity in exploring new solution’s domains. Three initialization strategies utilizing original scheduling information are designed to improve the quality of initial solutions. An adaptive mutation strategy and a local search mechanism are designed to enhance exploration and exploitation ability of the algorithm. And a crowding operator is proposed to reflect the diversity of the population effectively. In computational experiments, 28 extended benchmarks are constructed, and the effectiveness of the proposed strategy and algorithm is verified by comparing IMA with its 4 variants and other 4 widely used algorithms. Finally, two inverse scheduling problems of a real-world hydraulic cylinder machining workshop under two uncertain situations are studied. The results demonstrate that IMA can effectively solve the actual inverse scheduling problem. With a slight adjustment to the original scheduling, it can reduce the makespan by 11.5%, the worker cost by 8.1% and the machine energy consumption by 27.9% on average.

TEARS OF HOPE: THE PLIGHT OF WORKING STUDENTS UNDER TVL-LATE AFTERNOON PROGRAM

This study investigated the challenges faced by working students enrolled in the Technical Vocational Livelihood Late-Afternoon Program (TVL-LAP) and examined the impact of their employment on their academic performance. The research design employed was descriptive-qualitative, using a phenomenological approach to capture the participants' authentic stories and experiences through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis using Creswell’s (2013) six steps in the qualitative data analysis process was applied to identify prominent patterns within the interviews, which were categorized according to the main themes and core ideas. After the data analysis, three (3) essential themes emerged across all the study questions. Essential themes in the experiences and challenges focused on providing for economic needs, meeting multiple demands, and seeking consideration. Self-motivation, finding time to study, and compassionate teachers and peers were revealed as essential themes in coping mechanisms. Commitment to goals in life, the value of support from God and others, and helping oneself surfaced in shared insights. Findings suggest that providing flexible schedules or alternative work arrangements, offering academic support services, encouraging peer support groups, and providing training and support in time management and problem-solving can help students become more resourceful and efficient in balancing academic and work responsibilities.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Exploring nurses' experiences: Abandoning the profession and migrating for improved opportunities

AimThis study explores nurses' experiences in migration for employment and professional abandonment in Barcelona (Spain). MethodsEmploying a mixed-design approach comprising 1) a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study, followed by 2) a subsequent cross-sectional study, 20 and 225 nurses participated in each study, respectively. Qualitative data, gathered through 4 focus group discussions, underwent inductive thematic analysis, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines, while quantitative data were descriptively analyzed. FindingsThree qualitative themes emerged: 1) Migration motives, such as improved job opportunities, permanent contracts, continuous training, and professional recognition; 2) Reasons for leaving or contemplating leaving the profession, including excessive workload, lack of recognition, limited development, and exhaustion; 3) Nurses' needs, encompassing more staffing, improved remuneration, permanent contracts, flexible schedules, greater autonomy, and career growth. The cross-sectional study revealed a 13.5 % professional abandonment rate at some point across all demographics and seniority levels. Migration trends varied by professional experience, with younger nurses seeking better conditions and opportunities elsewhere. ConclusionsMultifactorial causes underlie job migration and professional abandonment, necessitating comprehensive interventions to improve nurses' working and professional conditions.

Abstract 613: Oral CHK1 inhibitor BBI-355 allows flexibility of dose and schedule with demonstration of monotherapy and combinational antitumor activity in extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) driven preclinical models

Abstract Focal, high copy number amplifications of prevalent oncogenes (e.g., MYC, EGFR) frequently occur on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), highly transcribed units of circular, non-chromosomal DNA. While use of targeted therapies is associated with improved survival in patients with cancers that have activating oncogene mutations or fusions, they have demonstrated limited activity for patients whose tumors harbor oncogene amplifications, including those mediated by ecDNA. We have previously identified Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHK1) as a target essential for ecDNA function in cancer, as tumor cells with oncogene amplification on ecDNA exhibit increased DNA replication stress (RS) and are hypersensitive to inactivation of CHK1, cells’ master regulator of RS. Thus, we have developed BBI-355, a novel, orally bioavailable, and selective small molecule inhibitor of CHK1, which is currently being studied in the first-in-human Phase 1/2 POTENTIATE clinical trial for patients with cancer harboring oncogene amplifications, including on ecDNA (NCT05827614). In vitro antiproliferation activity of BBI-355 was observed in a panel of ecDNA+ oncogene amplified tumor lines and non-amplified lines, with heightened sensitivity and induction of RS observed in ecDNA+ cells. Oral administration of BBI-355 resulted in dose dependent on-target activity, with induced p-CHK1-S345 protein expression, in agreement with measured plasma and tumor concentrations. Subsequent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling guided continuous and intermittent dose/schedules of single agent BBI-355 that demonstrated durable antitumor activity, including tumor regressions, in multiple ecDNA+ tumor models. Single agent targeted therapy treatment of cancers with oncogene amplification on ecDNA can result in acquired resistance via ecDNA-based mechanisms, further increasing reliance on CHK1. Enhanced antitumor activity of BBI-355 in combination with agents targeting the protein products of amplified oncogenes was demonstrated in multiple in vivo tumor models; these included combination with a pan-FGFR inhibitor in FGFR2 ecDNA+ amplified gastric cancer and combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors in CDK4 ecDNA+ amplified sarcoma models. The first ecDNA-directed therapy (ecDTx) in development, BBI-355 demonstrated significant antitumor activity as a single agent and in combination with targeted therapies in multiple ecDNA+ oncogene amplified tumor models. Oral dosing of BBI-355 provides dose/schedule flexibility to attempt to optimize antitumor activity with a tolerable safety profile in patients with highly aggressive cancers and significant unmet need. The POTENTIATE clinical trial is open and currently enrolling. Citation Format: Ryan J. Hansen, Auzon Steffy, Joshua Plum, Ardalan Ardeshiri, Edison Tse, Salvador Garcia, Ben Norman, Jafar Moininazeri, AnneMarie Pferdekamper, Evan Holmes, Debbie Liao, Rachelle Elsdon, Joshua Lange, Anthony Pinkerton, Julius Apuy, Sudhir Chowdhry, Christian Hassig, Shailaja Kasibhatla. Oral CHK1 inhibitor BBI-355 allows flexibility of dose and schedule with demonstration of monotherapy and combinational antitumor activity in extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) driven preclinical models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 613.

Abstract 3296: IK-595, a best-in-class MEK-RAF molecular glue, drives broad and potent anti-tumor activity across RAS-MAPK pathway-altered cancers as a monotherapy and in combination

Abstract Alterations in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway are the most common drivers of oncogenesis. Although MEK is a clinically validated cancer target and several MEK inhibitors have been approved by the FDA, their clinical utility has been limited to BRAF V600 mutant cancers and NF1 mutant neurofibromas. We developed the molecular glue, IK-595, a potent inhibitor of the MEK-RAF complex, to overcome the limitations of available MEK inhibitors. IK-595 traps MEK in an inactive complex with all RAF isoforms, as well as mutant forms of BRAF (Class I, II, and III), and blocks RAF-dependent MEK phosphorylation, thereby alleviating CRAF-mediated MEK reactivation that limits the efficacy of approved MEK inhibitors in RAS/RAF-driven tumors. We demonstrate that IK-595 leads to potent and prolonged inhibition of MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in RAS-mutant cancer models. Importantly, IK-595 has a much slower off-rate binding to MEK and retains CRAF longer in an inactive complex with MEK than other MEK/RAF inhibitors, allowing for prolonged target engagement and durable pathway inhibition in RAS/RAF mutant cancer cells. IK-595 exhibits potent single agent activity across a wide range of cancer model indications harboring various RAS/MAPK pathway alterations, including KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and NF1 mutations, and BRAF and CRAF fusions. The benefits of combining IK-595 with inhibitors targeting key resistance mechanisms both within the RAS/MAPK pathway and across parallel survival pathways has also been observed in multiple models. Additionally, IK-595 improved the response of KRAS-driven tumor models to standard of care chemotherapeutic agents, expanding the potential clinical opportunity for IK-595. Key to the design of IK-595 is its PK profile that enables transient high plasma drug exposure and flexible dosing schedules. Intermittent dosing of IK-595 every other day (QOD) or every three days (Q3D) in KRAS-mutant mouse tumor models shows similar efficacy and improved tolerability compared to daily dosing (QD), affording a larger therapeutic window. Preclinical pharmacology studies provide clear guidance to the clinical development plan of IK-595, where flexible dosing schedules, multiple expansion cohorts in RAS/RAF altered patient populations, and combination therapies with mediators of resistance will be explored. IK-595 is a novel MEK-RAF molecular glue that prolongs pathway inhibition, minimizing the potential for resistance, while providing an optimal therapeutic window for patients with RAS/RAF-driven cancer. Citation Format: Eric Haines, Rachel Catterall, Victor De Jesus, Daniel Hidalgo, Jill Cavanaugh, Marta Sanchez-Martin, Joseph D. Manna, Michael Burke, Bin Li, Sarah R. Wessel, Ao Yang, Sergio Santillana, Jeffrey Ecsedy, X. Michelle Zhang, Sabine K. Ruppel. IK-595, a best-in-class MEK-RAF molecular glue, drives broad and potent anti-tumor activity across RAS-MAPK pathway-altered cancers as a monotherapy and in combination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3296.

Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing Flexible Work Arrangements

This research paper delves into the multifaceted landscape of flexible work arrangements (FWAs), examining both the challenges and opportunities they present for organizations and employees. FWAs, including telecommuting, flexible scheduling, and job sharing, have garnered significant attention as tools for enhancing work-life balance, employee satisfaction, and organizational performance. However, implementing FWAs comes with its own set of challenges, such as resistance from management, concerns about accountability and productivity, and technological barriers. Despite these challenges, FWAs offer numerous opportunities, including improved talent retention, recruitment, and reduced overhead costs for organizations. By nurturing an environment built on trust, open communication, and adaptability, businesses can surmount these obstacles and unleash the complete benefits of flexible work arrangements. This paper aims to provide insights for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of implementing FWAs, ultimately fostering more inclusive, adaptable, and resilient workplaces in the evolving landscape of job.

The Relationship Between Resilience and the Intention to Leave Among Staff Nurses at Governmental Hospitals in the Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background Nurses with high intent to leave can cause substantial problems for healthcare organizations, such as staffing shortages and higher expenses due to hiring and onboarding new nurses. In light of the increasing demands placed on nurses in understaffed and overloaded healthcare systems, nurses frequently face various pressures and difficulties in their field of work, including high workloads, irregular hours, complicated patients, and infectious disease exposure; resilience is critical for handling stress and hardship at work. Nurses will thus retain their jobs for longer. This study aimed to determine the relationship between resilience and the intention to leave among staff nurses. Methods This study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional correlation design. It comprised three Saudi Ministry of Health-affiliated facilities in the Al-Baha region(King Fahad Hospital, Prince Mashari Hospital, and Mikhwah General Hospital). The study sample comprised nurses employed in critical areas and inpatientand outpatient hospital departments using convenience sampling and inclusion and exclusion criteria. An online questionnaire involving three sections was given out.The first part collected sociodemographic data, the second part included the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25 (CD-RISC-25), and the third included the Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS). Results This study found a moderate degree of intention to leave and resilience. Most participants in the survey held a bachelor's degree (75.8%), and around 87.1% of the sample consisted of women. About half of the sample (57.2%) were married; 67.6% of the participants were not Saudi nationals; and regarding the number of children, the majority (53.8%) were childless. Overall, 318 nurses working in acute and outpatient departments and critical regions participated. According to the study, 73.3% of the participants reported a moderate intention to quit, whereas 50.9% had moderate resilience. Similarly, a significant negative relationship was found between nurses' intention to leave and resilience. Conclusions In the current study, resilience has a statistically significant negative relationship with the nurses' intention to leave. Hospital management must consider the amount of work and the excessive work schedule to reduce nurses' intentions to leave. One way to do this is by assigning tasks to employees, minimizing their workload through flexible work schedules and shorter duty hours, and fostering teamwork among coworkers by ensuring clear communication and cooperation. Interventions like orientation programs for new nurses, regular meetings, seminars, and training sessions can improve nurse resilience.

Ambulatory facial feminization surgery: a comparative analysis of outcomes and complications

BackgroundTo date, there are no studies investigating the safety and outcomes of facial feminization surgery (FFS) as an outpatient procedure. This is the first study of its kind analyzing the outcomes of ambulatory FFS based on a comparison of complications, post-operative emergency department or urgent care (ED/UC) visits, and readmissions between patients who underwent FFS with admission versus same-day surgery. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent FFS in a single integrated healthcare system. Patient charts were reviewed for operative details, complications, post-operative ED/UC visits, readmission, and demographic factors. Major outcomes including complications, readmissions, and ED/UC visits were compared between groups with same-day discharge and post-operative hospital admission. ResultsOf 242 patients included in the study, ED/UC visits were comparable between patients discharged same-day (18.2%) and patients admitted post-operatively (21.6%, p = 0.52). Logistic regression showed no significant difference in the composite outcomes of minor complications, major complications, and readmissions (15.6% for ambulatory versus 19.3% for admission, p = 0.46). Temporary nerve palsy, infection, and hematoma were the most common post-operative complications. However, covariates of a lower face procedure and operative time were shown to have significant differences in the composite complication outcome (p = 0.04 and p = 0.045, respectively). ConclusionAmbulatory FFS is a safe practice with no associated increase in adverse outcomes including complications, ED/UC visits, and readmission when compared to post-operative admission. Adoption of same-day FFS should be considered by high-volume gender health centers to potentially benefit from increased scheduling flexibility and efficiency, increased access to care, and lower healthcare costs.

Investigation of gender-based needs in academic otolaryngology.

Gaps in gender-based equity persist in academic otolaryngology. Here we present a needs-based assessment of otolaryngology faculty and trainees regarding facilitators and barriers to professional satisfaction and career development in academic medicine. A qualitative study of otolaryngology faculty, trainees, and administrators who identify as women at an academic tertiary care center was performed from 2020 to 2021 using focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Five confidential, virtual focus group sessions moderated by a third-party executive coach were audio-taped, transcribed, and reviewed for thematic content. Of 48 women invited, 77% participated (18 faculty/administrative leaders, 10 residents/fellows, 4 audiologists). Participants noted direct patient care, support from colleagues who identify as women, and the transition to virtual meetings as facilitators of current professional satisfaction. Five themes emerged as barriers to workplace satisfaction and career development including (1) limited professional schedule flexibility, (2) competing commitments such as childcare exacerbated by pandemic, (3) lack of visible departmental leadership who identify as women, (4) perceived lack of organic sponsorship within subspecialty divisions, and (5) frequent identity-associated microaggressions from patients and staff outside the department. Strategies identified for improving gender-based equity included (1) promoting department-wide awareness of workplace gender-based differences, (2) implicit bias training within established programming such as grand rounds conferences, and (3) novel faculty programming such as leadership development training and formal junior faculty mentorship. Confidential needs-based assessment of otolaryngology faculty and trainees identified both persistent gaps and strategies to enhance recruitment, support career development, and grow professional satisfaction of women within academic otolaryngology. 3.

The effectiveness of digital psychosocial interventions on psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life in patients with gynaecological cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients with gynaecological cancer often experience psychological issues due to multiple stressors. Psychological disturbances have debilitating effects on patients with gynaecological cancer. In recent decades, digital psychosocial interventions have rapidly advanced and been incorporated into mental health interventions. Digital psychosocial interventions could provide patients with several benefits over traditional in-person interventions, including convenience, anonymity, flexible scheduling, and geographic mobility. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesizethe effectiveness of digital psychosocial intervention in reducing psychological distress, depression, and anxiety and improving health-related quality of life in patients with gynaecological cancer. Three-step extensive search was performed on 22 December 2022 from nine bibliographic databases, trial registries and grey literature. Experimental studies involving patients with gynaecological cancer utilizing digital psychosocial interventions for theimprovement of mental health outcomes were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Heterogeneity was analysed by Cochran's Q test and I2. Subgroup analyses were attempted to evaluate relative effect sizes of subgroup features. Meta-analysis of nine studies revealed small effect size in reduction of depression post-intervention (d = 0.24, 95% CI - 0.46 to - 0.02) and medium effect size inreduction of psychological distress post-intervention (d = 0.51, 95% CI - 0.81 to - 0.21) and follow-up (d = 0.65, 95% CI - 1.25 to - 0.05) compared to the control group. The effects of digital psychosocial interventions on anxiety and health-related quality of life were not statistically significant. Digital psychosocial interventions probably reduced psychological distress and slightly reduced depression amongst patients with gynaecological cancer compared to the control group, which can be integrated into clinical practice. Additional trials with rigorous methodology and bigger sample sizes are needed to validate findings. PROSPERO (CRD42023389502).

O182: Tag localisation vs wire localisation: which is the more effective technique for localising non palpable breast lesions?

Abstract Introduction Following the expansion of breast screening programmes, non-palpable lesions comprise a challenge for accurate localisation. Placement of wires has been the historic gold standard of care. We aimed to compare wire-guided localisation (WGL) to radiofrequency identification system (RFID) LOCalizer(Hologic) with regards to resection margins and complications. Methods Data was collected retrospectively on patients who underwent breast conserving surgery for malignancy following localisation with LOCalizer RFID system or wire, in Beaumont Breast Centre, from January 2018 to March 2023. Lesion type, size, specimen weight, resection margins and complications were recorded and analysed. Results 690 were included in the study. 391 (57%) had a pre-operative diagnosis of malignancy: 88 in RFID tag guided localisation (TGL), 129 in mammogram wire guided localisation (MG-WGL) and 174 in ultrasound (US-WGL). The remaining had therapeutic excisional biopsy in which 18 (6%) were upgraded to in situ or invasive. Positive surgical margins were; US-WGL was 24% (43), MG-WGL was 23% (34) and TGL was 12% (11). Average tumour size was: 20.3mm US-WGL, 13.0mm MG-WGL, 18.3mm TGL. Average specimen weight for malignant cases were 33.8g US-WGL, 43.5g MG-WGL and 40.7g TGL. No significant complications were recorded in either group, however, a second localisation procedure was required for 14 patients in the TGL group and 10 patients in the WGL group. Conclusion TGL is a safe and effective alternative technique which allows greater flexibility in scheduling and increased efficiency. It has a learning curve which accounts for the slightly higher complication rate identified.

Innovations in the repayment structure of microcredit contracts

Abstract Microfinance contracts typically require a fixed repayment schedule that, while ensuring repayment discipline, may inhibit entrepreneurship and business growth. In this article, I review the recent developments in the literature studying innovations in the repayment structure of microcredit contracts. Introducing flexible repayment schedules improves business outcomes by allowing microcredit borrowers to increase investment and to respond to income fluctuations to a higher extent. Although financial innovations hold the promise to foster business growth, and evidence suggests that their demand appears concentrated among financially sophisticated borrowers, they are feared to increase credit risk and hence their adoption among microfinance institutions is very limited. I explore potential challenges lenders face in offering these innovations and outline pathways towards a profitable implementation of such contracts.

PREDICTORS OF SHS’ CHOICE ON TVL TRACK

<p>Career choice for senior high school programs is a crucial stage among junior high school Filipino students. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of Senior High School students’ career choices on Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) in Davao del Sur, Philippines. Adopted survey questionnaires were given to a sample of N=405 grade 10 students from public secondary schools in the Division of Davao Del Sur. The questionnaire was validated by experts contextualizing in the local setting. Mean, Pearson chi-squared and logistic regression were used to determine the predictors of Senior High School students’ career choices on Technical vocational Livelihood track. The results show that the mother’s educational attainment significantly affects the student’s intention to enroll in a Technical-Vocational program. Also, classmates will enroll in the same program show a positive relationship with the students’ enrollment intention. This was followed by a flexible class schedule and various accreditations. School career counselors need to intensify students’ awareness in the career selection process to generate ideas and career alignment, and encourage student’s preferences. Career counseling will provide students with a strong sense of direction and help students determine their strengths, values, passion, and areas of interest.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0708/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

EDUCATION AND SPORT COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS IN LATVIA

The article emphasizes the importance of the connection between sports and education for Latvian ice hockey players. The purpose of the study is to review theoretical findings and analyze the opportunities of competences development for athletes in Latvian hockey. The integration of sports and education, rooted in the rights to education and play, gives rise to the concept of Dual Career, fostering the holistic development of talented athletes. Article presents findings from a survey on dual career opportunities among Latvian ice hockey players, shedding light on competence development and perspectives regarding dual career pathways. Hockey players are interested in dual career development, but face obstacles due to limited support and insufficient cooperation between sports clubs, educational institutions, and the hockey federation. Respondents offered several suggestions for improving dual career opportunities, including increased government support, proactive engagement by national federations, and the creation of flexible schedules and online programs tailored to athletes’ needs. This study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support mechanisms and collaborative efforts to facilitate successful dual career pursuits among hockey players in Latvia.

Flexible coupling and grid-responsive scheduling assessments of distributed energy resources within existing zero energy houses

Technological advancement and supportive government policy have accelerated investments in distributed energy resources (DERs) in buildings, demand-side management has become essential to fully exploit their value, including demand flexibility and grid support. Using high-resolution smart-meter data, this work presents an optimization framework for assessing the flexible scheduling of coupling distributed resources in existing zero energy houses (ZEHs) in Kyushu, Japan. Two price-based energy management programs are investigated for different energy coupling models with associated variables and constraints. Specifically, demand sides are encouraged to adjust energy usage and grid feed-in photovoltaics (PV) generation following a fixed Feed-in Tariff (FiT) value or market-oriented Feed-in Premium (FiP). The scheduling results present the impacts of proposed dispatch strategies on PV consumption and grid interactions. Results show two price-following strategies result in significant differences in dynamic grid feed-in power flows, the trade-off between dynamic PV self-consumption and grid import helps reduce the annual energy cost to feed PV generation by matching real-world spot prices. The improvement of PV self-consumption through coupling strategies has a close relationship with the pattern of household demand profiles. The energy flexibility potential of the heat pump system is constrained by daily hot water demand, flexible scheduling of coupled PV/battery/heat pump systems achieves the highest PV self-consumption ratios. The flexible dispatch of battery storage systems presents reliable performances in increasing on-site PV self-consumption and reducing annual household energy costs, the effects of storage charging rates on cost savings are less, especially for larger capacity batteries. Findings may help design sustainable and equitable pathways for decentralized solar PV system deployment.

It] Does Harden a Person Working in Such a Stressful Environment: U.S. Correctional Nurses Share Spillover Effects of Their Work.

The United States makes up 4.4% of the world's population but nearly a quarter of the world's incarcerated population. Despite caring for nearly 2 million incarcerated persons and managing their unique needs, little is known about how this work spills over and affects the nurses who work in correctional settings. This descriptive study aimed to (a) examine write-in answers regarding correctional nurse perceptions of how their work impacts their health and their home lives and (b) explore correctional nurse responses for how to improve the work environment to better support their well-being. The researchers compiled and analyzed qualitative data from a cross-sectional study where U.S. correctional nurses ( N = 270) completed an online survey. Manifest content analysis was used to analyze optional write-in data. Approximately 41% ( n = 111) of participants answered qualitative questions. Participants were primarily White (77.3%) and non-Hispanic or Latino (88.7%), working in prisons (65.8%), and employed by the state (63.8%) as registered nurses (70%). Three major themes emerged: (a) "personal impact": increased stress and burnout, overwhelming work hours, and emotional and physical effects; (b) "social relationships and family impacts": withdrawn, strained homelife, and uncertainty; and (c) "need for change": improved staffing, reduced mandatory overtime, and better support from management. Correctional organizations may consider ways to support the well-being of their nurses through adequate staffing, flexible scheduling, decreased mandatory overtime, and hiring effective nurse managers as key members of the correctional team.

Effects of Job Stress on Employee Performance Level in the Health Sector of South Africa

The study investigates the effects of job stress on employee job performance. Quantitative design was employed for the study. The target population comprised of all employees in the selected health institution namely South Rand hospital and Nelson Mandela Children’s’ hospital in South Africa. A sample size of 250 respondents was used to gather data. Simple linear regression and descriptive statistics were used as the main data analysis tool. Findings from the study revealed varied causes of stress among health workers in South Africa. Poor working conditions, new technology, work overload and role conflict were the causes revealed by the study. The study indicated a direct effect of job stress on job performance. It revealed a significant negative relationship which means as job stress increases as a result of the workload, employees (health workers and administrators) performance decreases significantly. The study recommended that management must identify the possible causes of work-related stress employees’ face in the process of performing their duties to help reduce stress level significantly. Also, proper mechanism from both the individual and organizational approach to help manage stress related job like frequent leave, flexible work schedules, reduced working hours and frequent breaks to relax employees

Telehealth and Technology for Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinics: Staff Perspectives from South Auckland, New Zealand.

Providing care for patients with diabetes in pregnancy (DiP) provides unique challenges beyond those faced in standard antenatal care or diabetes outside of pregnancy. Teleclinics (use of telephone, email, or other technologies) as an alternative to in-person clinic appointments have become more widely used for care since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand how teleclinics might be improved for ongoing use, it is important to understand the experiences and perceptions of the clinicians involved in DiP care. Aim. To understand staff experiences of DiP teleclinics and gain their perspectives on if and how teleclinics and other technologies might be best used in the future. Methods. A qualitative study using semistructured interviews of healthcare providers in a large DiP service. Twenty staff members (midwifery, obstetrics, physician, dietician, and administration) were approached to participate. Fifteen staff across 5 specialties consented to be interviewed. Template analysis of interview transcripts was performed, with a focus on 3 themes: collaboration and working together are important for providing care for DiP, a need for flexibility in scheduling and the ability to individualise the way care is provided, and challenges to adapting to new technology. Results. Potential benefits of teleclinics were acknowledged, but respondents also viewed teleclinics as not suitable for all DiP patients due to different needs and risks. Challenges to using teleclinics include establishing good rapport and the current limited infrastructure and patient resources. Conclusion. Healthcare providers viewed teleclinics as a way of supporting rather than replacing current care. Maintaining flexibility in clinic scheduling to allow incorporation of teleclinics into patient's current schedule of visits ad hoc and providing extra technical and administrative support are important considerations for developing a teleclinic service.

Bi-objective optimization of flexible flow shop scheduling problem with multi-skilled human resources

In this article, a Multi-skilled Resource-Constrained Flexible Flow Shop Scheduling Problem (MSRC-FFSSP) is introduced. To process each job at every machine within this problem category, it is imperative to possess at least one set of multi-skilled human resources. Each human resource can operate a minimum of 1 and a maximum of N jobs depending on their skills and each job requires a minimum set of different skills. For this problem, the model is formulated as a MILP model with two objectives: i) minimizing the total completion time and ii) minimizing the total idle time for human resources. Moreover, a case study in a preventive maintenance environment as a flow shop is performed to establish the applicability of the model in real-world problems. Given that the problem is NP-Hard, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm in which the related parameters are tuned by the Taguchi method are presented. Finally, numerical results have been presented to verify the model, in addition to the analysis of the idle time of human resources. Additionally, to solve this problem, it was shown that the GA has better efficiency and performance compared to the SA algorithm. However, the SA algorithm outperforms the GA in terms of running time.