Regional Distributors Research Articles

A constraint programming approach for resource-constrained flexible assembly flow shop scheduling problem with batch direct delivery

Production and distribution are both crucial components of supply chains. Integrated production and distribution scheduling (IPDS) in the context of flexible assembly flow shop scheduling and batch delivery problems is often overlooked. A realistic problem inspired by the production and distribution processes of a dishwasher factory can be modeled as a resource-constrained flexible assembly flow shop scheduling problem with batch direct delivery (RCFAFSP-BDD). In this problem, order requirements are decomposed into several production tasks processed at different stages of the workshop, and are then delivered in batches via a third-party logistics provider to regional distributors at various locations. Auxiliary resource restrictions, hierarchical coupling constraints, machine eligibility restrictions and sequence-dependent setup times, are incorporated into the problem as operational constraints. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to solve this problem. This work formulates a mixed-integer linear programming (MIP) model to minimize total costs, including tardiness, inventory, and delivery costs. Given the problem’s strong NP-hard nature, the focus is on developing an efficient solution approach using constraint programming (CP). A CP model is proposed and enhanced with multiple redundant constraints. To reduce runtime, two branching strategies are designed for the CP model. Numerical experiments with varying instance scales reveal that the proposed CP model outperforms the MIP model in accuracy and efficiency within the given time limit. The redundant constraints and search strategy can reduce CP model runtime by up to 263.83%. Compared to manual scheduling at the studied factory, the CP model can cut costs by up to 26.59% for real data, offering viable alternatives for factory planners.

Accounting and analytical aspects of the formation of sales expenses of an economic entity

In the conditions of competition for sales markets, manufacturers of products, goods, works and services are trying to reach as many consumers as possible, bring the product to them as quickly as possible and ensure high efficiency of sales channels, while striving to reduce the cost of promotion and sale. The functions related to the organization of sales are performed by economic entities both independently and with the help of intermediary services — retail chains, regional distributors, wholesale dealers, third-party online stores, marketplaces, etc. Each of the selected sales options requires strict and accurate accounting, and is also subject to competent analysis and control of the facts of economic life associated with it. For the purposes of operational management decision-making, the most important task in this context is to create a unified sales information base with the possibility of in-depth detailing of analytical data on sales-related expenses. The subject of the study is the accounting and analytical aspects of the formation of sales expenses of an economic entity, depending on the choice of a sales option: through the creation of separate divisions, the conclusion of contracts with third-party distributors or retail chains.

Evaluating approaches using the Grey-TOPSIS for sustainable supply chain collaboration under risk and uncertainty

PurposeCollaboration methods are unique strategies that can help organizations hedge against external and internal supply chain risks without stressing their relationships with supply chain partners. However, selecting the most appropriate collaboration method from a given set of strategies is a multifaceted challenge. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe decision maker's dilemma of fighting data uncertainty in input parameters to check the efficacy of a given collaboration or mitigation approach is tackled by the integration of Grey theory with the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. The proposed technique is applied and tested for an Indian diesel generator-set manufacturer to identify the most apposite set of sustainable collaboration strategies.FindingsThe results showed that when a firm is bidding for different horizontal collaboration strategies across its supply chain system technology and resource-sharing-centered collaboration strategies are the prominent option. In the case of the company's vertical collaboration deployment, the focus should be kept on information sharing to achieve impactful collaboration. The outcome of the analysis helped the Indian manufacturer to adopt transparent order and production information sharing with its regional distributors and core suppliers within its supply chain.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates from a methodological perspective the successful application of the Grey-TOPSIS approach that effectively captures data uncertainty. It also integrates sustainability parameters in collaboration strategy criteria selections.

Current practice of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC): Still standardized or on the verge of diversification?

BackgroundPIPAC is a new treatment modality for peritoneal cancer which has been practiced and evaluated until very recently by few academic centers in a highly standardized manner. Encouraging oncological outcomes and the safety profile have led to widespread adoption. The aim of this study was to assess current PIPAC practice in terms of technique, treatment and safety protocol, and indications. MethodsA standardized survey with 82 closed-ended questions was sent online to active PIPAC centers which were identified by help of PIPAC training centers and the regional distributors of the PIPAC-specific nebulizer. The survey inquired about center demographics (n = 8), technique (n = 34), treatment and safety protocol (n = 34), and indications (n = 6). ResultsOverall, 62 out of 66 contacted PIPAC centers answered the survey (response rate 93%). 27 centers had performed >60 PIPAC procedures. A consensus higher than 70% was reached for 37 items (50%), and higher than 80% for 28 items (37.8%). The topics with the highest degree of consensus were safety and installation issues (93.5% and 80.65%) while chemotherapy and response evaluation were the least consensual topics (63.7 and 59.6%). The attitudes were not influenced by volume, PIPAC starting year, type of activity, or presence of peritoneal metastases program. ConclusionHomogeneous treatment standards of new techniques are important to guarantee safe implementation and practice but also to allow comparison between cohorts and multi-center analysis of merged data including registries. Efforts to avoid diversification of PIPAC practice include regular update of the PIPAC training curriculum, targeted research and a consensus statement.

Six Years Later

Cryptomarkets are online illicit marketplaces where drug dealers advertise the sale of illicit drugs. Anonymizing technologies such as the Tor network and virtual currencies are used to hide cryptomarket participants’ identity and to limit the ability of law enforcement agencies to make arrests. In this paper, our aim is to describe how herbal cannabis dealers and buyers in the United States have adapted to the online sale of herbal cannabis through cryptomarkets. To achieve this goal, we evaluate the size and scope of the American herbal cannabis market on cryptomarkets and compare it to other drug markets from other countries, evaluate the impact of cryptomarkets on offline sales of herbal cannabis, and evaluate the ties between the now licit herbal cannabis markets in some States and cryptomarkets. Our results suggest that only a small fraction of herbal cannabis dealers and drug users have transitioned to cryptomarkets. This can be explained by the need for technical skills to buy and sell herbal cannabis online and by the need to have access to computers that are not accessible to all. The slow rate of adoption may also be explained by the higher price of herbal cannabis relative to street prices. If cryptomarkets were to be adopted by a larger portion of the herbal cannabis market actors, our results suggest that wholesale and regional distributors who are not active on cryptomarkets would be the most affected market’s participants.

Complementary Molecular Biology Techniques for the Detection of Unbalanced Chromosomal Abnormalities in Acute Myeloid Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Comparison of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)

Background: The accurate detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) play an important role in prognostic value and often assist in therapeutic choice. The most commonly used genetic test for the diagnostics of these conditions is karyotype (KT), which is able to detect frequent non-random chromosomal abnormalities. However, this technique requires metaphases and offers low resolution (5Mb), which may lead to the loss of clinically important smaller genomic rearrangements. Therefore, a complementary technique is sometimes needed. FISH, for example, is a highly reliable technique, it can be performed in interphases, has higher resolution, and can detect balanced translocations (important for prognosis mainly in AML), although it is very expensive. As an alternative method, MLPA is usually less costly, is able to evaluate more genomic regions at once and is performed with genomic DNA, which is convenient for biological material availability. On the other hand, it is not able to detect balanced translocations due to its semi-quantitative PCR-based method. The aim of this study was to evaluate MLPA as a complementary technique to KT, and to compare the outcomes of MLPA and FISH panels for the high resolution detection of common unbalanced genetic alterations in MDS and AML.Methods: A total of 23 samples from patients diagnosed with MDS (n=16)/AML(n=6) were tested for KT and MLPA. 20 metaphases were analyzed in G-banding KT. MLPA (Kits P144 and P145, MRC-Holland) was performed with genomic DNA extracted from bone marrows. A subset of 10 samples was tested for FISH MDS/AML panel (PML/RARA, CBFB/MYH11, RUNX1/RUNX1T1, MLL rearrangement, del5q, del7q, de17p and del20q, Cytocell), and the outcomes were compared to MLPA. Reagent costs were also compared between MLPA and FISH techniques.Results: Outcomes from KT and MLPA were mostly concordant: 91.3% of samples had either concordant or partially concordant results (considering "partially concordant" when MLPA could detect smaller genetic alterations not achieved by KT). Discordance between KT and MLPA occurred in two cases: (i) MLPA detected a deletion of RUNX1 gene (chr 21) in a previously normal KT, and (ii) MLPA showed different abnormalities than those in a complex KT case, with low mitotic index. When comparing regions that are notoriously related to MDS/AML (-5/del5q, -7/del7q, +8, del11q, del13q, del17p, del20q and del21q), all results were concordant between MLPA and KT. Comparison of MLPA and FISH was performed with 10 samples, of which 4 were negative for genetic alterations and 6 were positive. 90% of samples had concordant results, and 10% (one sample) showed extra genetic alterations in MLPA (del7q; del11q and del20q). This is expected since MLPA analyzes more genetic regions then FISH MDS/AML panel at once. Genomic regions accessed both by MLPA and FISH included -7, +8, del17p, del21q.Regarding financial expenses (cost of commercial MDS/AML panels and additional reagents), MLPA costs approximately U$280.00 (considering test sample plus internal controls), while FISH costs U$555.00 (values were converted from quotes provided by regional distributors and converted to dollars).Conclusions: MLPA results are equivalent to FISH for the detection of MDS/AML frequent unbalanced genetic alterations. Both techniques are reliable as complementary molecular biology tests for KT. Moreover, MLPA is a friendly and less expensive technique for the detection of high resolution genomic unbalanced abnormalities, frequently adding extra information to KT results. Nevertheless, it is important to notice that only FISH can detect balanced translocations with significant prognostic value in AML. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Анализ ассортиментной политики дистрибьюторов: регионального фармацевтического рынка

Анализ ассортиментной политики дистрибьюторов: регионального фармацевтического рынка

QUAL DEVE SER O TAMANHO DO TUBARÃO PARA O TANQUE DE PEIXES? UM CASO DE ENSINO ENVOLVENDO CONFLITOS EM CANAIS DE DISTRIBUIÇÃO

<p>O presente caso de ensino objetiva contribuir para a compreensão do planejamento estratégico e do gerenciamento de canais de distribuição. O relato envolve uma indústria de fabricação de sucos naturais de atuação nacional e apresenta o início de sua estruturação e processo de produção, o seu lançamento, a sua elaboração da estratégia de marketing e os seus excelentes resultados iniciais. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas<br />com proprietários, executivos e parceiros da empresa e por meio de fontes secundárias documentais da empresa e de associações especializadas neste tipo de mercado. O caso foca o conflito envolvendo sua estrutura de canais de distribuição no âmbito nacional, formada por quatro níveis: o fabricante (a empresa), os atacadistas (formados pela estrutura própria de vendas da empresa, pelos distribuidores regionais e por um atacadista nacional de grande<br />porte), os varejistas (grandes redes de hipermercados e pequeno e médio varejo) e os consumidores. Assim, o caso de ensino incita o aluno a refletir sobre a situação, a analisar as causas dos conflitos, a repensar a estrutura de canais de distribuição e a buscar uma saída para tal problema. A nota de ensino contribui, inclusive com amparo conceitual, para que o professor explore melhor as perspectivas diversas possíveis à diretoria da empresa.<br /><br /></p>

Ability of Regional Hospitals to Meet Projected Avian Flu Pandemic Surge Capacity Requirements

Hospital surge capacity is a crucial part of community disaster preparedness planning, which focuses on the requirements for additional beds, equipment, personnel, and special capabilities. The scope and urgency of these requirements must be balanced with a practical approach addressing cost and space concerns. Renewed concerns for infectious disease threats, particularly from a potential avian flu pandemic perspective, have emphasized the need to be prepared for a prolonged surge that could last six to eight weeks. The surge capacity that realistically would be generated by the cumulative Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) plan is sufficient to meet the demands of an avian influenza pandemic as predicted by the [US] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) models. Using a standardized data form, surge response plans for each hospital in the GDAHA were assessed. The cumulative results were compared to the demand projected for an avian influenza pandemic using the CDC's FluAid and FluSurge models. The cumulative GDAHA capacity is sufficient to meet the projected demand for bed space, intensive care unit beds, ventilators, morgue space, and initial personal protective equipment (PPE) use. There is a shortage of negative pressure rooms, some basic equipment, and neuraminidase inhibitors. Many facilities lack a complete set of written surge policies, including screening plans to segregate contaminated patients and staff prior to entering the hospital. Few hospitals have agreements with nursing homes or home healthcare agencies to provide care for patients discharged in order to clear surge beds. If some of the assumptions in the CDC's models are changed to match the morbidity and mortality rates reported from the 1918 pandemic, the surge capacity of GDAHA facilities would not meet the projected demand. The GDAHA hospitals should test their regional distributors' ability to resupply PPE for multiple facilities simultaneously. Facilities should retrofit current air exchange systems to increase the number of potential negative pressure rooms and include such designs in all future construction. Neuraminidase inhibitor supplies should be increased to provide treatment for healthcare workers exposed in the course of their duties. Each hospital should have a complete set of policies to address the special considerations for a prolonged surge. Additional capacity is required to meet the predicted demands of a threat similar to the 1918 pandemic.

Manufacturer’s mixed pallet design problem

We study a problem faced by a major beverage producer. The company produces and distributes several brands to various customers from its regional distributors. For some of these brands, most customers do not have enough demand to justify full pallet shipments. Therefore, the company decided to design a number of mixed or “rainbow” pallets so that its customers can order these unpopular brands without deviating too much from what they initially need. We formally state the company’s problem as determining the contents of a pre-determined number of mixed pallets so as to minimize the total inventory holding and backlogging costs of its customers over a finite horizon. We first show that the problem is NP-hard. We then formulate the problem as a mixed integer linear program, and incorporate valid inequalities to strengthen the formulation. Finally, we use company data to conduct a computational study to investigate the efficiency of the formulation and the impact of mixed pallets on customers’ total costs.

Entry mode choice in China's regional distribution markets: Institution vs. transaction costs perspectives

In this paper, we investigate the entry mode choice of a leading Taiwanese food company in setting up regional distributors in China's 312 sales districts. Our study shows that, in entry mode decisions, the institutional factors are more important than transaction cost considerations. Both formal and informal institutions are considered. Formal institutions refer to government prescribed institutions (laws and regulations), while informal institutions refer to rules prescribed by the industry and the society. Both institutions are shown to affect the entry mode choices but one important type of institution, professional norms, is conspicuously missing in China. Professional norms exert peer pressures on the practitioners in the same profession, forcing their behaviors to conform to a common pattern. In the absence of professional norms, the roles of network ties and mimetic behaviors are heightened and they become a proxy for professional norms. As a foreign enterprise operating in China's local markets, the Taiwanese food company attained legitimacy by forming alliances with local wholesalers and by following its predecessors in selecting organization forms.

Analysis of power pools in the deregulated energy market through simulation

The electricity market has changed rapidly in the Northern European countries. Harmonisation of the legislation and trading methods widens the market area outside national limits. Vertical integration among electricity companies is changing the traditional structure of the inner market. Successful business in this new, more volatile market requires sophisticated techniques for identifying new market opportunities and managing the increased risks. We study the new market from the perspectives of regional distributors and power pools. We analyse the trading possibilities and profitability of different kinds of power pools, when a spot market and several new contract structures are available along with existing capacity-based long-term contracts. Different policies for allocating the common benefits of a power pool among its members are compared and a new booking algorithm for balance settlement is introduced. To analyse the operation of different kinds of pools, we use simulation and optimisation techniques.

Occurrence of fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn and corn-based human foodstuffs in Italy.

A survey has been carried out in Italy on the natural occurrence of fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in corn kernels from regional distributors and corn genotypes from breeding stations as well as in commercially available corn-based food products. All corn samples were fumonisin positive at levels up to 5310 ng/g for FB1 and up to 1480 for FB2. In corn-based foods, the highest fumonisin contamination levels were recorded in puffed (extruded) corn containing up to 6100 ng/g of FB1 and up to 520 ng/g of FB2. Levels ranging from 420 to 3760 ng/g FB1 and from 80 to 910 ng/g FB2 were detected in corn grits, corn flour or polenta (a sort of thick porridge made with corn flour). All sweet corn samples examined were positive for FB1, at levels varying from 60 to 790 ng/g FB1, but negative for FB2. Lower levels of fumonisins were found in other commodities, such as popcorn (up to 60 ng/g FB1 and 20 ng/g FB2), tortilla chips (up to 60 ng/g FB1 and 10 ng/g FB2), and corn flakes (10 ng/g FB1). These findings indicate a high degree of human exposure to fumonisins in Italy through the ingestion of commercially available corn-based foodstuffs.

Milk Distribution and Feeding Practice Data for the Pathway Model

Milk is a major source for ingestion of several radionuclides, particularly when it is produced from fresh forage. Estimation of radionuclide ingestion via milk from Nevada Test Site fallout events in the 1950s required information on the sources of milk, feeding practices for cows, and elapsed time between milking and consumption for various geographic areas. These data were essential input to the food-chain model, PATHWAY. A data base was compiled from personal interviews. Milk sources included private cows, local dairies, and regional plants that collected from and distributed to wide geographic areas. Estimates of the contribution of each source were made for communities in a nine-state area. Pasture seasons varied from 3 to 6 mo. Pasture use varied from zero to 80% of the cows' diet. Pasture use declined during the 1950s, as did the number of family cows and local dairy plants. Regional distributors captured a larger portion of the market, and improved technologies increased the shelf life of milk. These factors tended to reduce the human intake of fallout radionuclides from milk in the latter part of the 1950s.