Set Of Facilities Research Articles

Research Collaboration of ITENAS Bandung – Indonesia and MATE Godollo – Hungary on the Photovoltaic Thematic Field: Achievements and Future Plan

Since the agreement was signed officially in 2013, Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung (ITENAS Bandung) – Indonesia and Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE Godollo) – Hungary have implemented a lot of scholarly activities, and one of them is research collaboration in the field of solar energy, especially in the thematic field of photovoltaic (PV). A set of experimental facilities has been developed and constructed to support related research. Basic facilities to understand the principle of electricity generated by PV, i.e., having the solar power plant (SPP) laboratory scale have been fulfilled by both universities. MATE Godollo has a 10 kWp SPP installation and uses polycrystalline and amorphous silicon PV modules, meanwhile, ITENAS Bandung has 1 kWp SPP and uses monocrystalline silicon PV modules. In this paper, a set of activities related to PV research collaboration between ITENAS Bandung and MATE Godollo will be elaborated, including the output and the outcome of the activities, and plan activities involving other university partners, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra – Slovakia and Czech University of Life Science Prague, Czech Republic.

The association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSedentary behaviour is considered to contribute to sarcopenia when combined with physical inactivity. Whether sedentary behaviour is independently associated with sarcopenia remains controversial. The aim of this study is to explore the association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia in older adults in community and long-term care facility settings.MethodsEight electronic databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Wanfang were searched from inception until August 2023. The review included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies concerning the association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia among participants over 60 years old. Evidence was pooled by both random-effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Subgroup analyses explored variation according to adjustment of physical activity, settings, and measurements of sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia. Quality assessment for individual studies was performed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.ResultsSeventeen articles (16 cross-sectional studies and 1 longitudinal study) of 25,788 participants from community or long-term care facility settings were included. The overall quality of the included studies was rated high. Meta-analysis of 14 cross-sectional studies showed that sedentary behaviour was independently positively associated with sarcopenia: pooled odd ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.18–1.58). The independent positive association remained in subgroup analyses by adjustment of physical activity, settings, and measurements of sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia. The narrative analysis corroborated the findings of the meta-analysis and provided additional evidence suggesting that interruptions in sedentary periods were linked to a decreased likelihood of developing sarcopenia.ConclusionsThe findings support the hypothesis that sedentary behaviour is independently positively associated with sarcopenia in older adults, providing vital indications for the development of strategies to prevent sarcopenia.Systematic review registrationThe systematic review protocol has been registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42022311399).

Approximation Algorithms for Fair k-median Problem without Fairness Violation

The fair k-median problem is one of the important clustering problems. The current best approximation ratio is 4.675 for this problem with 1-fairness violation, which was proposed by Bercea et al. [APPROX-RANDOM'2019]. To our best knowledge, there is no available approximation algorithm for this problem without any fairness violation in doubling metrics. In this paper, we consider the fair k-median problem in doubling metrics and general metrics. We provide the first QPTAS for the fair k-median problem based on the hierarchical decomposition and dynamic programming process in doubling metrics. For applying a dynamic programming process to solve this problem, the distances from portals to facilities cannot be directly enumerated since each client may not be assigned to its closest open facility. To overcome the difficulties caused by the fairness constraints, we construct an auxiliary graph and use minimum weighted perfect matching to get the cost between the portals of each block and the ones in its children. In order to satisfy the fairness constraints, we bound the fairness constraints of each open facility in the leaves of the split-tree based on the relation between the subproblem and the subproblems of its children. To obtain the assignment of the given instance and remove the fairness violation, we construct a new b-value min-cost max-flow model based on the set of open facilities. For the fair k-median problem in general metrics, we present a polynomial-time approximation algorithm with ratio O(log⁡k). Our approximation algorithm for the fair k-median problem in doubling metrics is the first result for the corresponding problem without any fairness violation in doubling metrics.

From the editors

Our settlements are under constant threat, struggling to keep up with a changing world, a world with everchanging demands, both from our citizens and our ideals of what a successful settlement should be. Specifically, geo-political forces and factors including migration, war and civil unrest, pandemics and the throes of climate change have come to affect human settlements in multiple ways. Professor Greg Clark (Future Cities and New Industries, HSBC), explains, “In the recent past, we thought a successful city was a city with a major cluster of office jobs in the centre, suburban housing on the fringes, and an attractive set of amenities, facilities, services and public space” (Goodman, 2023). However, the priorities of citizens and town and regional planners are changing, we are setting a new standard for our settlements, expecting more from it, for this living organism to deliver more, be more...

Влияние физкультурно-оздоровительной и спортивной среды города на здоровье жителей.

Recreation and sports environment is an essential part of the urban space, which is the most important factor in improving and maintaining health of the citizens, contributing to better mental health, cognitive functions, lower overall mortality, higher life expectancy, lower morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, better pregnancy and birth outcomes. Recreation and sports environment of the urban space includes the city’s greenery, recreational areas, areas for physical activities and sports, and waterfront areas. This study uses a correlation analysis to analyze impact of the recreation and sports environment of cities on health of the population of working and post-working ages. The study was conducted in 2019 on the example of large and huge urban cities of the Moscow region populated with more than 125,000 people. Based on the correlation analysis results, the authors have demonstrated the impact of the overall set of all sports facilities, sports structures, flat sports structures, swimming pools, sports halls, and public green spaces in cities on health of the post-working age. The study has also shown the impact of swimming pools, the overall set of all types of sports facilities, sports structures, flat sports structures, sports halls, and public green spaces in cities on health of the workingage population. The development and constant support of the city’s fitness and sports environment in a functional state is an important task of city administrations, the result of which is able to increase the physical activity of citizens and lead to a decrease in the morbidity of the urban population.

Developing and validating an abortion care quality metric for facility and out-of-facility settings: an observational cohort study in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Nigeria

Despite progress in assuring provision of safe abortion, substantial disparities remain in quality of abortion care around the world. However, no consistent, valid, reliable method exists to routinely measure quality in abortion care across facility and out-of-facility settings, impeding learning and improvement. To address this need, the Abortion Service Quality Initiative developed the first global standard for measuring quality of abortion care in low-income and middle-income countries. This prospective cohort study was conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Nigeria in 2020-2022. Participants included sites and providers offering abortion care, including health facilities, pharmacies, proprietary and patent medicine vendors (PPMVs), and hotlines, and clients aged 15-49 receiving abortion care from a selected site. 111 structure and process indicators were tested, which originated from a review of existing abortion quality indicators and from qualitative research to develop additional client-centred quality indicators. The indicators were tested against 12 clinical and client experience outcomes at the site-level (such as abortion-related deaths) and client-level (such as whether the client would recommend the service to a friend) that were expected to result from the abortion quality indicators. Indicators were selected for the final metric based on predictive validity assessed using Bayesian models to test associations between indicators and outcomes, content validity, and performance. We included 1915 abortion clients recruited from 131 sites offering abortion care across the three countries. Among the 111 indicators tested, 44 were associated with outcomes in Bayesian analyses and an additional 8 were recommended for inclusion by the study's Resource Group for face validity. These 52 indicators were evaluated on content validity, predictive validity, and performance, and 29 validated indicators were included in the final abortion care quality metric. The 29 validated indicators were feasibility tested among 53 clients and 24 providers from 9 facility sites in Ethiopia and 57 clients and 6 PPMVs from 9 PPMV sites in Nigeria. The median time required to complete each survey instrument indicated feasibility: 10min to complete the client exit survey, 16min to complete the provider survey, and 11min to complete the site checklist. Overall, the indicators performed well. However, all providers in the feasibility test failed two indicators of provider knowledge to competently complete the abortion procedure, and these indicators were subsequently revised to improve performance. This study provides 29 validated abortion care quality indicators to assess quality in facility, pharmacy, and hotline settings in low-income and middle-income countries. Future research should validate the Abortion Care Quality (ACQ) Tool in additional abortion care settings, such as telemedicine, online medication abortion (MA) sellers, and traditional abortion providers, and in other geographical and legal settings. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation.

Brexpiprazole for the Treatment of Agitation in Alzheimer Dementia

Agitation is a prevalent, distressing, and burdensome manifestation of Alzheimer dementia in need of an efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated treatment. To confirm the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brexpiprazole in patients with agitation in Alzheimer dementia. This randomized clinical trial was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, parallel-arm trial that ran from May 2018 to June 2022 at 123 clinical trial sites in Europe and the United States. Participants included patients with agitation in Alzheimer dementia in a care facility or community-based setting. Stable Alzheimer disease medications were permitted. In this 2-arm trial, patients were randomized to receive oral brexpiprazole or placebo (2:1 ratio) for 12 weeks. Within the brexpiprazole arm, patients were further randomized to receive fixed doses of 2 mg/d or 3 mg/d in a 1:2 ratio. The primary end point was change in Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total score (which measures the frequency of 29 agitated behaviors) from baseline to week 12 for brexpiprazole, 2 or 3 mg, vs placebo. Safety was assessed by standard measures, including treatment-emergent adverse events. A total of 345 patients were randomized to receive brexpiprazole (n = 228) or placebo (n = 117); completion rates were 198 (86.8%) for brexpiprazole and 104 (88.9%) for placebo. Mean (SD) age was 74.0 (7.5) years, and 195 of 345 patients were female (56.5%). Patients receiving brexpiprazole, 2 or 3 mg (n = 225), demonstrated statistically significantly greater improvement than those taking placebo (n = 116) in Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total score from baseline to week 12 (brexpiprazole baseline, 80.6, mean change, -22.6; placebo baseline, 79.2, mean change, -17.3; least-squares mean difference, -5.32; 95% CI, -8.77 to -1.87; P = .003; Cohen d effect size, 0.35). No treatment-emergent adverse events had an incidence of 5% or more with brexpiprazole and greater incidence than placebo. The proportion of patients who discontinued because of adverse events was 12 of 226 (5.3%) for brexpiprazole and 5 of 116 (4.3%) for placebo. In this study, patients with Alzheimer dementia who took brexpiprazole, 2 or 3 mg, showed a statistically significant improvement vs placebo in agitation over 12 weeks. Brexpiprazole was generally well tolerated over 12 weeks in this vulnerable patient population. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03548584.

Extravasation of Non-Cytotoxic Drugs in Older People.

Objective To describe the risk factors of extravasation, its impact on the pharmacokinetics of non-cytotoxic drugs, and management of extravasation in older individuals. Extravasation occurs when vesicants leak from blood vessels into surrounding tissue causing severe injury such as tissue necrosis while infiltration is caused by leakage of an irritant that causes injury but does not lead to tissue necrosis. Extravasation occurs in approximately 0.01% to 6% of patients, particularly with cytotoxic agents. However, there is limited documentation about extravasation of non-cytotoxic agents, particularly in older people. Data Sources A literature search of Pubmed and Medline was performed using the following search items: "extravasation," "infiltration," "elderly," and "non-cytotoxic drugs," as well as a combination of these terms. Conclusion It is important to recognize, identify, and manage extravasation early since it can have deleterious consequences for older people. It is more important to prevent extravasation than manage it using standardized evidence-based protocols, and this can be implemented in the nursing facility and acute care setting.

Detection of Superheated Steam during Sterilization Using Biological Indicators.

Saturated steam (SS) is used for sterilizing many medical devices. Exposure to SS for appropriate temperature/time combinations creates a microbicidal environment that renders product sterile. Superheated steam (SHS) has been heated beyond its saturation point and is less microbicidal, compromising process efficacy. Sterilization monitoring systems should detect SHS. One method is to use biological indicators (BIs; e.g., rapid-readout self-contained BIs [RRSCBIs]). The purpose of this study was to determine if RRSCBIs can detect SHS. Pressurizing the boiler to 4,700 mB, manifold to 4,000 mB, and chamber jacket to 3,600 mB and heating the viewing window to 150°C in a 10-L BI evaluation resistometer vessel allowed approximately 12°C and 4.5°C of superheat in a nominal 121.75 ± 0.25°C and 132.5 ± 0.25°C cycle, respectively, to be reproducibly achieved. Replicate tests using multiple RRSCBIs from different batches were exposed vertically (cap up), inverted (cap down), and horizontally to SS and SHS. RRSCBI viability was determined using a fluorescent readout method. RRSCBIs exposed to SS at 121.75 ± 0.25°C for 7 or 14 minutes were negative. A total of 135 type A RRSCBIs were exposed to SHS (12°C) at 121.75 ± 0.25°C for 14 minutes. Zero of 45 RRSCBIs mounted vertically showed a positive fluorescent result, 26 of 45 mounted inverted were positive, and 45 of 45 mounted horizontally were positive. A total of 135 type B RRSCBIs were exposed to SHS (12°C) at 121.75 ± 0.25°C for 7 minutes. Twenty-four of 45 mounted vertically were positive, 41 of 45 mounted inverted were positive, and 45 of 45 mounted horizontally were positive. RRSCBIs detected SHS, but this was orientation dependent. Further work is required to establish the application of these findings in healthcare facility settings.

Discrete-continuous model for facility location problem with capacity-cost relation constraints

The facility location problem (FLP) involves optimally locating a set of facilities that must satisfy the demands of a group of customers distributed in a planar area. Traditionally, various FLP models have been applied to find new facilities by considering already-existing facilities, and choosing new locations among a given set of discrete candidates. These are unreasonable because a limited set of candidates may not include the optimal locations. In this study, we developed a mathematical model based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) for FLP. In this model, the locations of existing facilities are known and categorized as discrete. On the other hand, the locations of new facilities to be found are categorized as continuous and discrete. In addition, the optimal number of new facilities is determined by a judgment formula. The cost of facilities is also considered, including fixed opening costs and variable capacity-related costs. To make the model closer to reality, the entire area is divided into several zones with varying costs. We developed a greedy multiphase location method for the proposed MILP (MPL-MILP) that efficiently determines the exact locations of new facilities in a stepwise manner. For large-scale problems, we developed a two-variable-based dynamic iterative partial optimization (TVB-DIPO) to obtain near-optimal solutions within a given time limit. Computational experiments were conducted to test the performance of the proposed MPL-MILP and TVB-DIPO. The results indicate that MPL-MILP is suitable for small- and medium-sized problems with exact solutions, while TVB-DIPO is more suitable for large-scale problems with higher solution efficiencies.

Multi-attribute two-echelon location routing: Formulation and dynamic discretization discovery approach

We study the two-echelon location-routing system under tight synchronization constraints, in addition to several other interacting attributes. Prompted, in particular, by city-logistics applications, the system we address concerns a two-echelon distribution layout composed of a set of platform facilities and a set of intermediate satellite facilities to deliver freight from supply zones outside the city to customers within. The problem setting includes time-dependent multicommodity demand, time windows, lack of storage capacity at intermediate facilities, and synchronization at these facilities of the fleets operating on different echelons. The problem requires the selection of facilities at both levels, the allocation of suppliers to platforms and of customers to satellites, and the routing and scheduling of vehicles at each echelon, in order to deliver the freight from platforms to customers, through the satellites. The lack of storage capacity of the shared facilities, the satellites, requires tight scheduling of the vehicle routes and demand itineraries, i.e., departure times from the platforms and satellites, and the synchronization of vehicle routes at satellites for efficient transshipment operations. We introduce the problem setting, present a mixed-integer programming formulation, and a dynamic discretization discovery-based exact solution method for the problem. We perform thorough analyses to assess the impact of the problem attributes and requirements on the system behaviour and algorithm performance.

Mentorship and self-efficacy are associated with lower burnout in physical therapists in the United States: a cross-sectional survey study.

This study investigated the prevalence of burnout in physical therapists in the United States and the relationships between burnout and education, mentorship, and self-efficacy. This was a cross-sectional survey study. An electronic survey was distributed to practicing physical therapists across the United States over a 6-week period from December 2020 to January 2021. The survey was completed by 2,813 physical therapists from all states. The majority were female (68.72%), White or Caucasian (80.13%), and employed full-time (77.14%). Respondents completed questions on demographics, education, mentorship, self-efficacy, and burnout. The Burnout Clinical Subtypes Questionnaire 12 (BCSQ-12) and self-reports were used to quantify burnout, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) was used to measure self-efficacy. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Respondents from home health (median BCSQ-12=42.00) and skilled nursing facility settings (median BCSQ-12=42.00) displayed the highest burnout scores. Burnout was significantly lower among those who provided formal mentorship (median BCSQ-12=39.00, P=0.0001) compared to no mentorship (median BCSQ-12=41.00). Respondents who received formal mentorship (median BCSQ-12=38.00, P=0.0028) displayed significantly lower burnout than those who received no mentorship (median BCSQ-12=41.00). A moderate negative correlation (rho=-0.49) was observed between the GSES and burnout scores. A strong positive correlation was found between self-reported burnout status and burnout scores (rrb=0.61). Burnout is prevalent in the physical therapy profession, as almost half of respondents (49.34%) reported burnout. Providing or receiving mentorship and higher self-efficacy were associated with lower burnout. Organizations should consider measuring burnout levels, investing in mentorship programs, and implementing strategies to improve self-efficacy.

Facility location games with ordinal preferences

In this paper we study a novel model of facility location games with ordinal preferences. There is a set of self-interested agents and a set of heterogeneous facilities. Each agent is located on a line and has an ordinal preference over the facilities. Our goal is to design strategyproof mechanisms that elicit true information (preferences and/or locations) from the agents and locate the facilities to minimize both maximum and total cost objectives as well as to maximize both minimum and total utility objectives. For the four possible objectives, we consider the 2-facility settings in which only preferences are private, or locations are private. For each possible combination of the objectives and settings, we provide lower and upper bounds on the approximation ratios of strategyproof mechanisms, which are asymptotically tight up to a constant. Furthermore, we extend some of the results to the multiple-facility setting. Finally, we discuss the generalization of our results when the agents can misreport both locations and preferences, and the case when the approximations are defined additively.

Not a Rare Disease Anymore? A Case of Ocular Syphilis at the Correctional Facility.

Los Angeles County has been facing a syphilis crisis since 2018. Cases of ocular syphilis have become increasingly identified and reported in the past few years, predominantly in HIV-positive men. Here we report a case of ocular syphilis in an otherwise healthy 49-year-old male in the Los Angeles County jail. This case study emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness of ocular syphilis so that it can be diagnosed promptly to prevent irreversible vision loss. Health care providers who work in the correctional facility setting need to be aware of this disease entity given that they serve a population with high risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This case study further stresses the importance of initial screening for sexual history and/or history of STDs within this population.

Trends in birth attendants in Sudan using three consecutive household surveys (from 2006 to 2014).

Improving maternal health and survival remains a public health priority for Sudan. Significant investments were made to expand access to maternal health services, such as through the training and deployment of providers with varying skills and competencies to work across the country. This study investigates trends in the coverage of different birth attendants and their relationship with the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Trend analyses were conducted using data from the 2006, 2010, and 2014 Sudan Household surveys. Three categories of birth attendants were identified: (1) skilled birth attendants (SBA) such as doctors, nurse-midwives, and health visitors, (2) locally certified midwives, and (3) traditional birth attendants (TBA). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine trends in SBAs (vs. locally certified midwives and TBAs), locally certified midwives (vs SBAs and TBAs), and SBAs and locally certified midwives by place of birth (health facility and home). The analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. An ecological analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between birth attendants by place of birth and MMR at the state level. Births by 15,848 women were analysed. Locally certified midwives attended most births in each survey year, with their contribution increasing from 36.3% in 2006 to 55.5% in 2014. The contributions of SBAs and TBAs decreased over the same period. In 2014 compared with 2006, births were more likely to be attended by a locally certified midwife (aOR: 2.19; 95%CI: 1.82-2.63) but less likely to be attended by a SBA (aOR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.37-0.56). The decrease in SBA was more substantial for births taking place at home (aOR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.12-0.23) than for health facility births (aOR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.31-0.65). In the ecological analysis 2014-2016, the proportion of births attended by SBA in health facilities correlated negatively with MMR at state level (rho -0.55; p: 0.02). This analysis suggests that although an improved coverage of maternal health with locally certified midwives has been observed, it has not provided the skill level reached by SBA. SBAs working in facility settings were a key correlating factor to reduced maternal mortality. Urgent action is needed to improve access to SBAs in health facilities, thereby accelerating progress in reducing maternal mortality.

Usage Behavior Intentions of Healthcare Consumers Using Healthcare Self-Service Technologies

Applications of Self-service technologies (SSTs) are changing the way healthcare organizations provide services to their patients. Although the use of SSTs has significantly changed service delivery and its use can satisfy patients' pursuit of efficient service, there is still a lack of adequate overview of research on how the use of SSTs affects healthcare consumers' experience in healthcare facility settings. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the usage intentions of healthcare consumers using healthcare self-service technologies. In this study, questionnaires were distributed in a regional hospital in Taiwan, and a total of 640 valid questionnaires were obtained. After relevant research and path analysis, it was found that the perceived usefulness of medical consumers to SSTs will affect their attitudes and behaviors. In addition, this study contributes to the literature on SSTs through the results of this study. Keywords: Self-Service Technologies, Technology Acceptance Model, Perceived usefulness, Perceived ease of use, Attitude, Usage intention

Evaluation of a biosecurity survey approach for contamination by Chlamydia pecorum in koala rehabilitation, field capture, and captive settings.

Transmission of Chlamydia pecorum between koalas is a potential risk in field capture or rehabilitation settings, where koalas are held in proximity to each other, or equipment is shared between animals. Given the impact of C. pecorum on koala welfare and population viability it is surprising that quarantine and disinfection protocols in a koala rehabilitation facility or capture settings have not previously been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate an approach, based on the detection of chlamydial DNA and cell viability, to determine the degree of environmental contamination within a koala care facility. Various fomite sites associated with koala care at a koala rehabilitation facility in New South Wales, Australia were identified as potential sources of chlamydial contamination, following exposure to koalas known to be infected with C. pecorum. Fomite sites were swabbed following exposure, and again after decontamination procedures were carried out. Samples were tested for the presence of chlamydial DNA using qPCR and viability using both RT-qPCR and cell culture. From a total of 239 sampling events, 30 tested qPCR positive for chlamydial DNA, with 19 and 11 samples corresponding to pre-decontamination and post-decontamination events respectively. Detection of chlamydial DNA appeared to be most common in the examination room, especially on fomite sites in direct contact with koalas. Physical removal of chlamydial DNA, or its degradation by the elements, appeared to be more common on outdoor enclosures, clothing, and hands. Based on the cell culture assay, of the pre-decontamination samples with chlamydial DNA, eight had viable chlamydial cells, two of these at low levels. Of the post-decontamination samples with chlamydial DNA, one had a moderate number, and one had a very low number of viable chlamydial cells. RT-qPCR was unsuccessful in determining cell viability due to low yields of RNA and high levels of contaminants from the environmental samples. The outcomes of this study provide a knowledge base for the design of future biosecurity evaluation guidelines in captive and koala rehabilitation facilities. The higher incidence of chlamydial DNA detection by qPCR than viable organism highlights the need to use viability assays in similar studies. However, further investment is still needed to optimise these methods and improve sensitivity for complex environmental samples.

Expansion planning of the transmission network with high penetration of renewable generation: A multi-year two-stage adaptive robust optimization approach

This paper addresses the multi-year two-stage expansion planning of the transmission network of a power system with high penetration of renewable generation modeling long-term uncertainty by using adaptive robust optimization. The multi-year nature of the problem is modeled by considering a comprehensive view of the planning horizon. A cardinality-constrained uncertainty set is used to model the future worst-case uncertainty realization of the peak power consumption of loads, along with the capacity and marginal production cost of generating units. Unlike previous works, we model certain features of the operation that are typically ignored in multi-year robust transmission network expansion planning problems, namely, the operational variability of renewable generating units, the operational flexibility of conventional generating units, and the non-convex operational feasibility sets of storage facilities. The solution procedure employed for this multi-year two-stage robust problem, which is formulated as a three-level problem, is based on the combination of the nested column-and-constraint generation algorithm with two exact acceleration techniques. We analyze the performance of the proposed model through the use of the IEEE 24-bus Reliability Test System and the IEEE 118-bus Test System. Numerical results show that the use of the multi-year approach leads to reductions in the total worst-case cost of up to 7% in comparison with the static and sequential static procedures. Moreover, an underestimation of the total worst-case cost of more than 8% is attained when ignoring certain operational constraints of conventional generating units and storage facilities. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis is presented in order to illustrate the impact of the maximum deviations of the uncertain parameters on the total worst-case cost.

Coordinated home and locker deliveries: An exact approach for the urban delivery problem with conflicting time windows

This paper proposes an urban delivery problem with conflicting time windows arising in the urban last-mile delivery. The problem is to find a minimum cost tour over a set of customers and facilities in which the customer not visited on the tour is assigned to a feasible facility on the tour. The objective is to minimize the delivery and self-pick-up costs with the constraints of conflicting time windows provided by customers. This work puts forward a mixed-integer linear programming model to formulate the problem and provides a branch-and-cut algorithm to solve the problem. Several valid inequalities are developed and separated to improve the convergence of the algorithm. Sets of instances are generated, and the number of available facilities, the coverage radius of self-pick-up service are varied, to assess the effectiveness of the proposed formulations and algorithm. Experimental results show that instances involving up to 150 vertices can be solved optimally within one hour.

Proposed Marketing Strategy to Increase Parents’ Enrollment for Inclusive School (Case Study: Alfa Centauri Primary School)

Education is essential for all human beings with noble goals individually, namely to increase the standard and quality of life, and collectively, to contribute socially to a more prosperous society. An important role is held by formal educational institutions with a set of facilities that they have for the quality of educational services provided to all their students. Elementary schools which are the first and main level of education need to ensure that the quality of services they provide from all aspects can contribute significantly to all students. The concept of inclusiveness which is a friendly service concept for all people is a trend and a special attraction in the world of education today. Educational institutions (including inclusive primary schools) that require financial stability require good business execution to survive facing competition in the market. Alfa Centauri Primary School, which is one of the players in the industry, feels the intense competition within it. For the last six years, Alfa Centauri Primary School has not been able to meet the quota of students they receive, so it can be said that their performance is still not optimal. It is necessary to improve, evaluate and form a good marketing strategy to be able to get consumers, where the actual consumers are parents of students. This study uses qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection and processing. The analysis boils down to two perspectives, internal analysis using marketing mix analysis, STP, and VRIO; as well as external analysis using competitor analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, PESTLE, and customer analysis. There are findings in the customer analysis that the school environment and school accessibility are two things that influence parents’ enrollment intentions in sending their children to inclusive private elementary schools. Optimizing social media, strategic collaboration, providing shuttle services, optimizing personalization-based learning, creating a comfortable learning environment, and utilizing activities outside the classroom are marketing strategies formulated in this study to increase the number of registrants from Alfa Centauri Primary School.