Successful Operation Research Articles

Indoor Positioning Systems in Logistics: A Review

Background: Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) have gained increasing relevance in logistics, offering solutions for safety enhancement, intralogistics management, and material flow control across various environments such as industrial facilities, offices, hospitals, and supermarkets. This study aims to evaluate IPS technologies’ performance and applicability to guide practitioners in selecting systems suited to specific contexts. Methods: The study systematically reviews key IPS technologies, positioning methods, data types, filtering methods, and hybrid technologies, alongside real-world examples of IPS applications in various testing environments. Results: Our findings reveal that radio-based technologies, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth (BLE), are the most commonly used, with UWB offering the highest accuracy in industrial settings. Geometric methods, particularly multilateration, proved to be the most effective for positioning and are supported by advanced filtering techniques like the Extended Kalman Filter and machine learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks. Overall, hybrid approaches that integrate multiple technologies demonstrated enhanced accuracy and reliability, effectively mitigating environmental interferences and signal attenuation. Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights for logistics practitioners, emphasizing the importance of selecting IPS technologies suited to specific operational contexts, where precision and reliability are critical to operational success.

The Role of Aesthetics in Medical Device Design

This paper examines the importance of aesthetics in the design of medical devices, examining how aesthetic considerations contribute to improved usability, patient acceptance, and emotional well-being. Medical device manufacturers have increasingly integrated aesthetic elements that go beyond functionality to foster a personal connection between devices and users. The incorporation of aesthetic design promotes psychological comfort, enhances trust, and facilitates a sense of satisfaction, particularly in devices intended for long-term use. By analyzing various case studies and examining current methods of quantifying aesthetic factors in medical devices, this study reveals the implications of aesthetics on device effectiveness and user compliance. The paper argues that while aesthetic value in medical devices is subjective, its impact on user experience and operational success is substantial. Finally, challenges related to regulatory standards, cultural diversity, and the balance between form and function are discussed, underscoring the need for an interdisciplinary approach to creating aesthetically mindful medical devices. Keywords: Aesthetic Design, Medical Device Usability, Patient Compliance, Emotional Well-being, User Experience, Product Acceptance.

Identifying the onset and decay of quasi-stationary families of almost-invariant sets with an application to atmospheric blocking events.

Macroscopic features of dynamical systems such as almost-invariant sets and coherent sets provide crucial high-level information on how the dynamics organizes phase space. We introduce a method to identify time-parameterized families of almost-invariant sets in time-dependent dynamical systems, as well as the families' emergence and disappearance. In contrast to coherent sets, which may freely move about in phase space over time, our technique focuses on families of metastable sets that are quasi-stationary in space. Our straightforward approach extends successful transfer operator methods for almost-invariant sets to time-dependent dynamics and utilizes the Ulam scheme for the generator of the transfer operator on a time-expanded domain. The new methodology is illustrated with an idealized fluid flow and with atmospheric velocity data. We identify atmospheric blocking events in the 2003 European heatwave and compare our technique to existing geophysical methods of blocking diagnosis.

Adopting A “Red Teaming” Mentality To Streamline The Decision-Making Process In The Romanian Armed Forces

Abstract The failure of the Russians in the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict in 2022, amid faulty assumptions, has brought to the fore a less popular topic in the literature on operational planning, namely the influence of one’s own biases on the outcome of the process. Uncertainty, which is part of the nature of warfare, makes it impossible to predict exactly how events will unfold. For this reason, most of the operational planning products are based on assumptions. They are the result of the thought processes of those involved in the process and are therefore subject to human error. The ability to see things from different perspectives and to accept constructive criticism can go a long way towards confirming or invalidating these assumptions and thus increasing the chances of operational success. In this context, employing a qualitative research approach, the article brings the concept of ‘Red Teaming’ to the attention of Romanian military commanders and planners in order to ensure an optimal framework for operational planning and decision-making. Through documentary analysis, multidisciplinary examination, and comparative analysis research methods, the main objective of this article was to provide a thorough understanding the concept of ‘Red Teaming’ and its potential benefits, and to develop a practical framework that enhances decision-making by reducing planning errors. The study’s findings offer valuable insights and practical applications for military commanders throughout the operations planning process, highlighting the role of critical thinking in reducing planning errors and improving decision-making.

Analysis of Financial Statements to Assess the Profitability of PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk for the Period 2019-2023

In an ever-evolving business landscape, the ability to assess a company's financial health is becoming increasingly crucial. The company's ability to generate profits is one of the main indicators of operational success and attractiveness for investors. PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk, as one of the main players in the home and lifestyle retail industry in Indonesia, is interesting to study more deeply regarding its financial performance, especially from the aspect of profitability. Financial statement analysis is a key instrument in assessing the financial health and growth prospects of this company. This study comprehensively examines the financial statements of PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk over a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023. The analysis method used is financial ratio analysis with a focus on profitability ratios such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Net Profit Margin (NPM). The data used is sourced from the company's audited annual financial statements. The results of the study show that the profitability of PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk fluctuated during the period. There was a significant decline in 2020 due to the pandemic. This study concludes that PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk's financial performance, as measured by Net Profit Margin (NPM), Return on Asset (ROA), and Return on Equity (ROE), is still in the poor category.

Genetic evaluation of productive longevity in a multibreed beef cattle population.

Genetic selection for traits that have direct impact on profitability, such as productive longevity (PL), which blends cow longevity with regular reproductive performance, is fundamental for the economic success of beef cow-calf operations. The purpose of this study was to develop data screening strategy and a statistical model to predict genetic merit for PL in a multibreed beef cattle population. Pedigree (n = 1,352,765) and phenotype (n = 978,382) information were provided by Leachman Cattle of Colorado and genotypes (n = 26,342) were provided by the Zoetis commercial genotyping laboratory. A repeatability model (REP) including the systematic effects of age at first calving, year-season of progeny birth, pedigree-based retained heterosis, and parity number, as well as the random effects of additive genetic, permanent environment, contemporary group, and residual were fitted to adjust PL. In addition, a random regression model (RRM) was fitted to investigate PL considering the same effects, with the difference that random effects were regressed on parity. Estimated breeding value (EBV) were obtained by single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) and transformed to predict differences in number of calves through linear regression. Predictive performance was assessed in a group of 7,268 cows born in 2010. Heritability estimates for PL were relatively low, with values of 0.109 for REP and a decreasing trend for RRM with values ranging from 0.16 to 0.04. Repeatability for PL was of moderate magnitude, with values of 0.415 for REP and from 0.29 to 0.57 for RRM. Heritability estimates suggest that most of phenotypic variation was accounted for by environmental factors, but long-term genetic selection could still be effective. REP was more efficient than RRM, showing lower number of iterations and time to reach convergence with comparable solutions to RRM. Validation results showed that correlations between EBV and phenotypes (observed/pre-corrected) increased over the years ranging from 0.04 to 0.92. Repeatability values and the validation approach suggested that using a cow's first record (second parity success or failure) is a reasonably good indicator of posterior performance for PL. Therefore, the inclusion of PL in a multibreed genetic evaluation program, incorporation into selection indexes with existing economic traits, can enable more profitable selection and breeding decisions in beef cattle herds.

African elephant reintegration from captivity to wild living: quantifying the detailed behavioural changes

There is increasing evidence of compromised welfare for captive African savannah elephants managed in confined spaces. With the trend for zoos and captive facilities to close due to public pressure, reflecting ethical concerns, and thier limited capacity to manage 'difficult' behaviours, elephants will continue to require rehabilitation into free-ranging areas or living in the wild. During reintegration from captivity into a free-roaming system, conservation management methods need to be carefully considered to ensure the individual’s welfare. Elephants, have a sophisticated social life and exhibit complex body language employing a multitude of behavioural signals and gestures to demonstrate thier needs and feelings. These detailed signals could be valuable when assessing the welfare status of elephants as any large deviation in behaviour could indicate changes in elephant wellbeing. In this study, a group of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were monitored as they transitioned from captivity to a free-roaming system. To track the impact of reintegration on elephant welfare, we recorded frequencies of behaviours categorized as Ambivalent, Assessing, Frustrated, and Social, and ofspecific behaviours within each category, across four phases of reintegration into the wild (Stables, Boma, Release and Free). Significant differences in rates between reintegration phases were observed for several categories of behaviour and specific behaviours. Decreased frequencies of Frustrated behaviours and an increase in social behaviours when the elephants were Free were potentially indicative of improved welfare in wild settings. We conclude that monitoring of behaviours is important when assessing elephant welfare, and to establish the success of reintegration operations.

Investigating Organizational Loyalty in Maritime Companies among Generation X and Millennials Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equa-tion Modeling

This study aimed to study job security, social stimulation, and oppor-tunity to use one’s abilities as factors that influenced Gen X (ages 36-54) and Millennial (ages 21 to 35) employees’ organizational loyalty as part of a particular organization. Understanding organizational culture is cru-cial when examining loyalty among Gen X and Millennial seafarers in maritime companies. It has been recognized as a vital factor contributing to the success of business operations. Recently, many initiatives have been implemented to promote workforce development. Employers rec-ognize that their workforce directly affects financial performance, and understanding organizational loyalty across generations is crucial for ensuring this. Sixty seafarers from three Philippine Manning agencies were asked to answer surveys and participate in follow-up interviews as needed to investigate the variables. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) were used to analyze the gathered respondent data. The findings indicated that social stimulation and the opportunity to use one’s abilities were both groups' most significant predictors of loyalty. The subsequent PLS-MGA showed that job security was particularly a significant predictor for Gen X employees, while it was not a significant predictor for Millennials. The implications show that predictors of loyalty can change depending on the age of the seafarers. Therefore, it is recommended that leaders of the different Philippine manning agencies develop customized strategies for cultivating loyalty from Gen X and millennial employees. must ensure that employees understand a clear path for growth and development, and they should actively pursue these plans. Moreover, management can enhance social connections by forming partnerships and collaborating with maritime stakeholders. This approach can foster positive interac-tions among the various marine stakeholders.

Establishing and Managing an Ambulatory Surgery Center: Planning, Launching, Operating, and Sustaining Success.

Establishing and Managing an Ambulatory Surgery Center: Planning, Launching, Operating, and Sustaining Success.

Paradigms in periorbital scar management

Periocular scarring following surgery or trauma is of great aesthetic and functional concern and is difficult to predict. In today’s era, with increasing scientific knowledge and technological advances, both physicians and their patients are highly concerned with minimizing scar appearance as a rising number of patients feel disappointed with their scars and are frequently seeking help for functional and aesthetic improvement. Although various non-surgical and surgical treatment strategies are available it is still difficult to improve excessive scarring. Thus, the importance of thorough knowledge of eyelid anatomy and heal­ing mechanisms along with appreciation of wound closure techniques like placing the sutures at natural cosmetic subunit junctions and along relaxed skin tension lines (RSTLs) in order to achieve scar camouflage and to ensure decreased tension on the wound cannot be more emphasised. Periorbital area should be tackled by the oculoplasty surgeons in view of their distinct anatomy and close proximity to the eye.Scars are commonly treated with a combination of non-surgical techniques, including watchful waiting, scar massage, pressure therapy, silicone gel sheeting, topical or intralesional injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy or radiotherapy. Surgical approaches include pincushioning debulking, direct scar excision, broken line closure techniques, scar lengthening procedures (Z plasty, V-Y/Y-V advancement) and scar excision with lid reconstruction. Mastery of this content is essential for consistent operative success. For good cosmetic and functional outcomes, scar revision techniques should be thoughtfully tailored to the individual and scar subtype.

The Effect of Financial Literacy on Village Government Business Performance

This study was conducted to study the impact of financial literacy and financial management on the performance of Village government businesses (Village-Owned Enterprises) located in Lobuk Village, Bluto District, Sumenep Regency. As a village economic institution, Village government plays a strategic role in improving the progress and prosperity of the community. The level of financial literacy and effective financial management are considered to be able to influence the operational success of Village government, especially in making strategic decisions, optimizing the use of funds, and increasing profits. This study adopted a descriptive quantitative method involving all administrators, employees, and tenants of Pelangi Nusantara Village government kiosks in Lobuk Village as the population and sample. There are three variables studied, two of which are independent variables, namely Financial Literacy (X1) and Financial Management (X2), while the dependent variable is Village government Business Performance (Y). Data analysts use several techniques including data quality testing, multiple regression analysis and determination coefficient testing. Hypothesis testing was conducted through t-test (partial) and F-test (simultaneous) with the help of IBM SPSS software version 25. The research findings revealed that financial literacy does not affect Village Government Business Performance, financial management has a significant positive effect on Village Government Business Performance, financial literacy and financial management have a significant effect simultaneously on Village Government business performance.

Pendampingan Bendahara Sekolah di Lingkungan “Yayasan XXX Cabang Kota Jayapura” dalam Melatih Penyusunan Laporan Keuangan Nir Laba sesuai ISAK 35 Berbasis Microsoft MS Excel 2019

Public sector Financial Reporting has undergone changes in the standards used. Currently, ISAK 35 has been determined as a replacement for PSAK 45 which is oriented to the Non-Profit Entity Consortium Report. The XXX Foundation Jayapura City Branch is promoting computerization of financial reporting through MS Excel 2019. For this purpose, this community service is carried out to school principals and school treasurers (daily and BOS) in order to be able to produce computerized-based financial reports in accordance with ISAK 35 as a form of financial accountability and transparency within the XXX Foundation Jayapura City Branch. The results show that the Preparation of School Financial Statements through MS Excel 2019 Media has succeeded in achieving its main goal, which is to increase participants' understanding of ISAK 35 accounting standards and their practical application in compiling financial statements using MS Excel. This activity contributes in the form of increasing transparency and accountability in the preparation of reports, improving participants' ability to understand and implement accounting standards, and increasing public trust and supporting the school's operational and strategic success.

SURG-20. DEVELOPING ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION OF COLLOID CYSTS: A 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE IN 200 PATIENTS

Abstract Endoscopic resection is a legitimate treatment alternative for third ventricular colloid cysts. Increasing experience and the development of new surgical instruments and techniques have allowed this approach to reach clinical prominence. In this study, we review our 25-year experience with endoscopic resection of colloid cysts, assess factors predictive of operative success, and critically analyze our evolving clinical practice. Therefore, a prospective database was used to review all patients that had endoscopic removal of a third ventricular colloid cyst between 1995 and 2021. Demographics, imaging features, presenting symptomatology, operative approach, surgical outcomes, and complications were analyzed in 5-year intervals to determine changing patterns over time. Bivariate analyses were carried out to understand factors predisposing to outcome. Kaplan-Mayer curves were used to analyze time-to-recurrence. Over this 25-year continuum an increase in the proportion of treated patients who were asymptomatic (p < 0.001) was observed. The rate of recurrence and length of stay all decreased over time (p < 0.001) – now, with median length of stay of 1 day. The rate of complete cyst removal (CCR) increased (p < 0.001). Rate of major complications or need for postoperative CSF diversion remained low. Bivariate analyses indicated how incomplete cyst removal (ICR) was associated with recurrence. In conclusion, our 25-year experience posits endoscopic resection as an increasingly safe approach to third ventricular colloid cysts, with low recurrence rates and negligible complications. These results are attributed in-part to a continuous adaptation related to instrumentation, technique, perioperative strategy, and experience.

An empirical study of strategic professional orientation of personnel of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine

Introduction. The war in Ukraine emphasizes the importance of prompt determination of strategic professional orientations of command-level military personnel and the formulation of recommendations about the involvement of officers and non-commissioned officers in military operations. Aim: to study the strategic orientation of command-level military personnel of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine. Methods: a set of instruments to determine strategic orientation of command-level military personnel (Kirychevska, E.). Results. The majority of officers were shown to be highly oriented to the management of subordinates, while sergeants were mainly oriented to the development of military competence and making tactical decisions; more officers than sergeants had combined strategic orientations; both officers and sergeants had subordinate management as their dominant orientation. Conclusions. The research findings can be helpful in training officers and sergeants in developing necessary personal strategies to develop military skills and professionalism, which determine success of military operations.

ANALISIS PENYALURAN PEMBIAYAAN DAN MODEL PENGEMBANGAN KOPRASI IBNU AFFAN PATANI THAILAND

This study aims to examine the financing distribution system and the development model of the Ibnu Affan Cooperative in Thailand. A qualitative approach with descriptive methods was utilized, involving interviews and documentation as data collection techniques.Based on the analysis conducted, Koperasi Ibnu Affan applies Sharia principles with a focus on transparency. The transparency referred to involves the openness of information and decision-making processes carried out by the cooperative, where the cooperative is able to manage finances openly to both the management and all members, as well as the supervisory board. Furthermore, the welfare of the members is one of the cooperative's main programs aimed at improving the welfare of its members and the community in general. This is achieved through the use of a modern management model that focuses on the application of efficient and professional management principles while considering cooperative values based on democracy, transparency, and solidarity for operational success.

Prospective Evaluation of Outcomes and Complications in Ultra-Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Pediatric Nephrolithiasis: A Three-Year Study

Objective: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of Ultra-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (UM-PCNL) in pediatric patients with renal calculi over a three-year period (2021-2023). We assessed Stone-Free Rates (SFR), operative success and perioperative complications to determine the efficacy and safety of UM-PCNL in children. Methods: Seventy-eight pediatric patients (aged 1-17 years) underwent UM-PCNL for renal calculi larger than 10 mm. Preoperative imaging, including ultrasonography and computed tomography, was utilized to assess stone size and location. Surgical outcomes, including SFR, operative time and the need for second-look procedures, were evaluated. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: The mean stone size was 18.2 ± 5.4 mm and the overall SFR after a single UM-PCNL procedure was 78.2%. Clinical success (defined as either stone-free status or clinically insignificant residual fragments) was achieved in 89.7% of patients. The mean operative time was 67 ± 22 minutes. Second-look procedures were required in 11.5% of cases. The overall complication rate was 19.2%, with no major complications (Clavien grade III-V). Minor complications included transient fever (6.4%), hematuria (12.8%) and urinary leakage (5.1%). Conclusion: UM-PCNL is a safe and effective procedure for managing pediatric nephrolithiasis, offering high stone-free rates and low complication risks. The use of smaller instruments reduces renal trauma, bleeding and the need for blood transfusions. These findings support UM-PCNL as a first-line treatment option for larger renal stones in pediatric patients. Further studies with long-term follow-up are recommended to assess recurrence and long-term renal function outcomes.

Implementasi Vogel’s Approximation Method (VAM) dan Modified Distribution (Modi) untuk Minimasi Biaya Distribusi di PT Jimat Perkasa Farm

Efficient and effective distribution management is a key factor in the success of a company's operations. PT Jimat Perkasa Farm, which is engaged in the processing of seaweed waste for animal feed blends, faces significant challenges in minimizing distribution costs. This research aims to implement Vogel's Approximation Method (VAM) and Modified Distribution (MODI) to achieve an optimal solution in reducing distribution costs. The results show that the application of VAM as the initial solution and MODI as the optimal solution is able to produce significant distribution cost savings. The total distribution cost can be minimized from IDR 5,400,000 per month to IDR 5,275,000 per month, which shows a savings of IDR 125,000 / by 2.31% per month. This efficiency in distribution not only reduces operational costs but also improves the timeliness and reliability of delivery, which ultimately improves customer satisfaction and the company's competitiveness in the market

Management of Acquired Aural Atresia and Stenosis: A Case Series.

Background: Acquired aural atresia and aural stenosis have high recurrence rates, which are challenging for ear, nose, and throat surgeons. This study aimed to discuss the management of acquired aural atresia and aural stenosis to obtain favorable outcomes. Methods: Four representative cases of different etiologies are presented, and a related literature review was conducted. Results: Four patients aged 11 to 63 years were included in this study. Every patient with long-term follow-up (≥1 year) achieved favorable outcomes via pre- and postoperative management. Conclusion: Prevention in clinical practice is conducive to decreasing the incidence of acquired aural stenosis and aural atresia. Surgical techniques and postoperative management determine operative success. External auditory canal support is indispensable, and local corticosteroid injections in the early stage are beneficial for the management of restenosis.

A leadership and policy development model for driving operational success in tech companies

In the fast-evolving landscape of technology companies, leadership plays a critical role in shaping operational policies that align with long-term business goals. This review introduces a leadership and policy development model designed to drive operational success in technology-driven organizations. The model emphasizes the importance of visionary, collaborative, and data-driven leadership in developing and implementing operational policies that not only enhance day-to-day efficiency but also support sustainable growth and innovation. The framework is built around key leadership pillars, including visionary leadership that sets a clear operational direction, collaborative leadership that fosters cross-functional engagement, and data-driven leadership that leverages analytics to inform policy decisions. It highlights the process of policy creation and implementation, beginning with an assessment of existing operational challenges, followed by the development of scalable policies that align with business strategies. The model also incorporates agile leadership, which promotes adaptability in response to rapid technological advancements and market shifts, ensuring that policies remain relevant and effective. Moreover, the model focuses on promoting operational innovation by embedding policies that encourage research and development, cross-department collaboration, and continuous improvement. Leaders are encouraged to integrate Lean and Agile methodologies within policies to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall operational performance. Through real-world case studies and applications, this review demonstrates how technology companies can benefit from leadership that actively shapes policies to foster operational excellence. The proposed model serves as a strategic tool for tech leaders, helping them align operational policies with long-term objectives, drive innovation, and maintain competitive advantage in the global market. By adopting this leadership-driven policy approach, tech companies can enhance their ability to scale effectively and sustain operational success in an ever-changing environment.

Implementing AI-driven Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems: Enhancing customer experience in the retail industry of Thailand

This research explores the impact of AI-driven Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems on enhancing customer experience in Thailand's retail industry. However, quantitative data analysis was conducted to focus on the 'how' of AI technologies, such as chatbots, predictive analytics, and personalized marketing, to improve customer satisfaction, retention, and sales conversion rates. It also denotes from the analysis of customer transaction data, CRM interaction logs, and sales performance metrics that there has been a very significant improvement in operational efficiency and customer loyalty. The findings have shown that chatbots reduce response time and increase first-contact resolution rates; predictive analytics improve customer retention with accurate identification of at-risk customers; and a 30% increase in sales conversion through personalized marketing. These findings present a significant positive relationship between AI-CRM implementation and improved business performance, showing just how important AI can be in driving customer engagement and operational success for retailers. This empirical research supports the idea that AI-powered CRM systems have become imperative for maintaining competitive advantage by retailers within an increasingly digital marketplace.