Makespan minimization in a job shop with a batch processing machine

A job shop with one batch processing and several discrete machines is analyzed. Given a set of jobs, their process routes, processing requirements, and size, the objective is to schedule the jobs such that the makespan is minimized. The batch processing machine can process a batch of jobs as long as the machine capacity is not violated. The batch processing time is equal to the longest processing job in the batch. The problem under study can be represented as Jm:batch:Cmax. If no batches were formed, the scheduling problem under study reduces to the classical job shop scheduling problem (i.e. Jm:: Cmax), which is known to be NP-hard. This research extends the scheduling literature by combining Jm::Cmax with batch processing. The primary contributions are the mathematical formulation, a new network representation and several solution approaches. The problem under study is observed widely in metal working and other industries, but received limited or no attention due to its complexity. A novel network representation of the problem using disjunctive and conjunctive arcs, and a mathematical formulation are proposed to minimize the makespan. Besides that, several algorithms, like batch forming heuristics, dispatching rules, Modified Shifting Bottleneck, Tabu Search (TS) and Simulated Annealing (SA), were developed and implemented. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the proposed heuristics, and the results were compared to those from a commercial solver (i.e., CPLEX). TS and SA, with the combination of MWKR-FF as the initial solution, gave the best solutions among all the heuristics proposed. Their results were close to CPLEX; and for some larger instances, with total operations greater than 225, they were competitive in terms of solution quality and runtime. For some larger problem instances, CPLEX was unable to report a feasible solution even after running for several hours. Between SA and the experimental study indicated that SA produced a better average Cmax for all instances. The solution approaches proposed will benefit practitioners to schedule a job shop (with both discrete and batch processing machines) more efficiently. The proposed solution approaches are easier to implement and requires short run times to solve large problem instances.

Minimizing makespan for hybrid flowshops with batch, discrete processing machines and arbitrary job sizes

This research aims at a study of the hybrid flow shop problem which has parallel batch-processing machines in one stage and discrete-processing machines in other stages to process jobs of arbitrary sizes. The objective is to minimize the makespan for a set of jobs. The problem is denoted as: FF: batch1,sj:Cmax. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program. The commercial solver, AMPL/CPLEX, is used to solve problem instances to their optimality. Experimental results show that AMPL/CPLEX requires considerable time to find the optimal solution for even a small size problem, i.e., a 6-job instance requires 2 hours in average. A bottleneck-first-decomposition heuristic (BFD) is proposed in this study to overcome the computational (time) problem encountered while using the commercial solver. The proposed BFD heuristic is inspired by the shifting bottleneck heuristic. It decomposes the entire problem into three sub-problems, and schedules the sub-problems one by one. The proposed BFD heuristic consists of four major steps: formulating sub-problems, prioritizing sub-problems, solving sub-problems and re-scheduling. For solving the sub-problems, two heuristic algorithms are proposed; one for scheduling a hybrid flow shop with discrete processing machines, and the other for scheduling parallel batching machines (single stage). Both consider job arrival and delivery times. An experiment design is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed BFD, which is further evaluated against a set of common heuristics including a randomized greedy heuristic and five dispatching rules. The results show that the proposed BFD heuristic outperforms all these algorithms. To evaluate the quality of the heuristic solution, a procedure is developed to calculate a lower bound of makespan for the problem under study. The lower bound obtained is tighter than other bounds developed for related problems in literature. A meta-search approach based on the Genetic Algorithm concept is developed to evaluate the significance of further improving the solution obtained from the proposed BFD heuristic. The experiment indicates that it reduces the makespan by 1.93 % in average within a negligible time when problem size is less than 50 jobs.

Capacity planning methodology for concurrent engineer -to -order operations

This research focuses on developing a capacity planning methodology for the emerging concurrent engineer-to-order (ETO) operations. The primary focus is placed on the capacity planning at sales stage. This study examines the characteristics of capacity planning in a concurrent ETO operation environment, models the problem analytically, and proposes a practical capacity planning methodology for concurrent ETO operations in the industry. A computer program that mimics a concurrent ETO operation environment was written to validate the proposed methodology and test a set of rules that affect the performance of a concurrent ETO operation. ^ This study takes a systems engineering approach to the problem and employs systems engineering concepts and tools for the modeling and analysis of the problem, as well as for developing a practical solution to this problem. This study depicts a concurrent ETO environment in which capacity is planned. The capacity planning problem is modeled into a mixed integer program and then solved for smaller-sized applications to evaluate its validity and solution complexity. The objective is to select the best set of available jobs to maximize the profit, while having sufficient capacity to meet each due date expectation. ^ The nature of capacity planning for concurrent ETO operations is different from other operation modes. The search for an effective solution to this problem has been an emerging research field. This study characterizes the problem of capacity planning and proposes a solution approach to the problem. This mathematical model relates work requirements to capacity over the planning horizon. The methodology is proposed for solving industry-scale problems. Along with the capacity planning methodology, a set of heuristic rules was evaluated for improving concurrent ETO planning. ^

Avaliação da atenção humanizada ao abortamento em maternidade-escola, em Natal, Rio Grande do Norte

Unplanned pregnancy is experienced by millions of women worldwide. Such fact increases the risk of abortion-related morbimortality, which represents a serious public health problem. This study aims to evaluate the advances and challenges of the implementation of Humanized Abortion Care at the Maternity-School in Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte. The research was evaluative, was preceded by an Evaluative Study, and resulted in a Case Study. The intentional sample totaled 102 subjects (60 users, 39 professionals and 3 managers). The collection techniques included documental analysis, semi-structured interview and observation with a field diary. The documental analysis was descriptive, while the Content Analysis by Bardin was used for semi-structured interviews and field diary. The Evaluative Study observed that Humanized Abortion Care is an evaluative program with preparation and pact of the logical model, of the matrix of indicators and evaluative questions. The Case Study showed that users were satisfied with the problem-solving capacity and access to the service; however, is also showed that they pointed out inadequacy in terms of environment, qualified hearing and reproductive planning. Professionals reported that the inefficiency of service consists of infrastructure and environment, which are considered inefficient and inadequate to humanized care, especially regarding patient accommodation, the lack of hospital beds, the reduced number of rooms in the surgical center and the lack of laboratory inside the maternity. Moreover, reproductive planning does not consist of an institutionalized practice in the service, and integrality with other services or partnership with the community is not in place. The Maternity Board emphasizes that the excessive demand of patients is one of the reasons that hinders the appropriate implementation of the technical standard. We then conclude that although satisfied regarding problem-solving capacity in terms of service and ease of access, there is room for improvement in qualified hearing systems, in the creation of a system to promote team work, implementation of ombudsman and satisfaction surveys. The right of shared choice did not prevail among users and health professionals with regard to the option of uterine evacuation procedure. Environment was the most mentioned category as that requiring more changes, seeing as a limited factor for the development of humanized and welcoming practices. Health professionals do not establish a periodic routine of planning practices, and such practices are not aligned with the Technical Standard. Incorporation of guidelines and availability of a plurality of methods and possibilities of choices for family planning are required. There is no institutionalization of reference and counter-reference, or partnerships with the community, which makes integrality of care not viable. The Standard needs to be included in the action plans of managers as one of the priorities in the construction of care strategies for women's health, in order to enable, allied to other initiatives, the real integration among safe conduct service, primary care network and social organizations. As a result, respect for human rights and adequate humanized care, as a way of attention and prevention of abortion, can be secured.

História oral de vida de pessoas com úlcera venosa nos serviços de atenção primária à saúde

The Chronic Venous insufficiency is characterized as a set of physical changes including how most serious complication of venous ulcers, characterized by irregular and progressive loss of continuity of the skin. The occurrence of venous ulcers in people with chronic venous insufficiency generates dependence on them with health services, with long-term treatments that cause limitations and high-impact changes, affecting their quality of life, affecting the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual as an important public health problem. This study aimed to describe the experience of having a venous ulcer, in the scenario of primary health care services to Health, which includes Primary Care Units and Family Health Strategy in the city of Natal / RN, based on the life histories of users. This is a qualitative study, exploratory and descriptive, with the Oral History of Life as a methodological framework. From the ponto zero was the recruitment of participants who formed the network, totaling six employees, of both sexes and aged between 57 and 79 years. After approval by the Research Ethics Committee - UFRN under the Protocol 653 788/2014 and CAAE 30408014.0.0000.5537 was held data collection, between the months of July and August, through interviews, using identification and characterization of the instrument employees and open questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, transcriadas and returned to employees for a conference. The narratives were subjected to Content thematic analysis technique, according to Bardin, allowing the construction of three themes that encompass categories, namely: Axis I - Perspectives on the changes: the impact wound in social relations (changes with ulcer venous, venous ulcer and social and family relationships); Axis II - Brands in body and soul: the story of being hurt (conceptions of the body injured; therapeutic itinerary in primary care services); and Axis III - Reconstruction of being hurt: coping mechanisms (redefinition of the wounded body, resilience to chronic wound). The impact of having a chronic venous ulcer generates impact of physical, psychological and social order. As aspects related to changes after the appearance of venous ulcers, survey participants reported the presence of pain, physical limitations, psychological distress, social and emotional isolation, incapacity, aesthetic discomfort and dependency on health services; the family was the aspect thatshowed no significant change after the occurrence of wound for most participants, an ally in the therapeutic process as a support network. The redefinition of the body and the wound are the main coping mechanism of chronic condition. The services in the Primary Care Network play a fundamental role in the rehabilitation of patients with venous ulcers, although there are difficulties in accessing appropriate treatment and need for expanded services, with permanent professional training of health teams and providing the resources managers to strengthen the comprehensive care of people with venous ulcers in Health Primary Care.

Políticas públicas, desenvolvimento local e participação social nas instâncias de governança associadas ao turismo no Rio Grande do Norte

In contemporary dynamics, a change is observed in the institutional structure of the state, culminating in several policies for the tourist sector which promote a new management format. The from this view, the Tourism Regionalization Macro Program (TRP), considered a significant program to Ministry of Tourism, arose as an answer to this new reality, having as strategy a joint working of structuring and promotion turned at decentralization of actions, valuing the residents participation in the search of the permanent dialogue between peers and revaluation of places and territories, based in the regionalization process. Based on this bias, this study aims to examine the role of the Tourism State Council of Rio Grande do Norte, with regard to the tourism planning, trying to understand it and solve it as governance Instance, through the Tourism Regionalization Program interventions, given the participation context of its actors and agents. For purposes of this study is delimited as time frame the year 2007 at 2014, understanding that it was this time, there was greater council members accession, as well as different types of sectors representation of civil society, as a result of a tourism public policy based on principles of innovation and participation. In relation to the research problem, this study is conceptualized as a qualitative and the chosen method is the materialist dialectic. Still on the methodological options, utilize the Content Analysis. The results show that the institutionalization of governance instance as the Conetur does not contributes, ideally, in the planning and management process of participatory and integrated tourist activity, facing a fair direction of your space production. The research indicates that there are debates, discussions and guidelines (still in a timely and targeted form), but not reverberates practical effects, by act in a conjuncture that Is strategically designed for political and economic power game, setting the hegemonic actors performance, which uses this arena to instill personal desires and wishes, that are decided in absentia to the council.

Application of the nZEB methodology in the retrofitting of a typical Portuguese dwelling from the 60's.

Buildings and the whole built environment are in a key role when societies are mitigating climate change and adapting to its consequences. More than 50% of the existing residential buildings in EU-25 were built before 1970. Thus, these buildings are of significant importance in reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The existence of more nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) is a possible solution for this problem. This study aims to analyze the application of the nZEB methodology in the retrofitting of a typical Portuguese dwelling build in 1950. It was shown that the primary energy used can be reduced to a very low value (11,95 kWhep/m2.y) in comparison with the reference consumption (69,15 kWhep/m2.y), with the application of the best construction techniques together with the use of energy from on-site renewable sources.

A inclusão de crianças com PEA: Dificuldades dos professores do ensino básico

Dissertação de Mestrado em Ciências da Educação - Especialização em Educação Especial. Apresentada à Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti.

O regresso a casa : estudo sobre as vivências, sentimentos e expetativas dos familiares de utentes internados numa unidade de cuidados continuados face á alta

A crescente camada de população idosa que reside em Trás-os-Montes e no Douro e a prevalência de doenças crónicas e incapacitantes, conduz ao aumento do número de pessoas dependentes de cuidados, assim como de uma terceira pessoa que auxilie na satisfação das suas atividades de vida diária. A criação da Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados é uma mais-valia constituindo uma resposta adequada a pessoas que se encontram em situação de dependência, assim como aos seus familiares. Face à antevisão de alta da unidade e consequente regresso a casa, o cuidador familiar é, por vezes, assoberbado com múltiplas dúvidas e inseguranças, pelo que, merecem ser compreendidos. Com o objetivo de compreender vivências, sentimentos e expetativas que caraterizam o período que rodeia a alta do familiar da Unidade de Cuidados Continuados onde esteve internado desenvolveu-se o presente estudo que, face ao tipo de problemática a estudar, fez recurso da metodologia qualitativa, enveredando-se pela abordagem fenomenológica. Com base num guião de entrevista, inquiriram-se sete cuidadores informais que tinham, ou tiveram anteriormente, familiares internados numa Unidade de Cuidados Continuados. Perante a eminência da alta os cuidadores informais vivenciam um momento difícil que requer adaptação ao seu novo papel. A prestação de cuidados é uma tarefa exigente, contribuindo para uma ambivalência de sentimentos mencionada pelos participantes do estudo. Os sentimentos positivos traduzem-se em amor e gratificação, enquanto os sentimentos negativos estão relacionados com o medo, ansiedade e insegurança, face ao ato de cuidar. As redes de apoio informal/formal, manifestadas por apoio técnico, psicológico, financeiro e a necessidade de formação são fatores fundamentais, revelados pelos cuidadores informais do estudo. As expetativas referidas pelos participantes do estudo face às Unidades de Cuidados Continuados são: a adequação dos cuidados à situação da pessoa, promoção da autonomia e a humanização dos cuidados em saúde.

Prevalence, types and factors associated with echocardiographic abnormalities among newly diagnosed diabetic patients at Mulago Hospital.

Background: The prevalence of Diabetes mellitus (DM) is on a rise in sub-Saharan Africa and will more than double by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for up to 2/3 of all deaths in the diabetic population. Of all the CVD deaths in DM, 3/4 occur in sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Non invasive identification of cardiac abnormalities, such as Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic and systolic dysfunction, is not part of diabetes complications surveillance programs in Uganda and there is limited data on this problem. This study sought to determine the prevalence, types and factors associated with echocardiographic abnormalities among newly diagnosed diabetic patients at Mulago National referral hospital in Uganda. Methods: In this cross sectional study conducted between June 2014 and December 2014, we recruited 202 newly diagnosed adult diabetic patients. Information on patients\' socio-demographics, bio-physical profile, biochemical testing and echocardiographic findings was obtained for all the participants using a pre-tested questionnaire. An abnormal echocardiogram in this study was defined as the presence of LVH, diastolic and/or systolic dysfunction and wall motion abnormality. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association of several parameters with echocardiographic abnormalities. Results: Of the 202 patients recruited, males were 102(50.5%) and the mean age was 46±15 years. Majority of patients had type 2 DM, 156(77.2%) and type 1 DM, 41(20.3%) with mean HbA1C of 13.9±5.3%. Mean duration of diabetes was 2 months. The prevalence of an abnormal echocardiogram was 67.8 % (95% CI 60%-74%). Diastolic dysfunction, systolic dysfunction, LVH and wall motion abnormalities were present in 55.0%, 21.8%, 19.3% and 4.0% of all the participants respectively. In bivariate logistic regression analysis, the factors associated with an abnormal echocardiogram were age (OR 1.09 [95% CI 1.06–1.12], P <0.0001), type 2 DM (OR 5.8[95% CI 2.77-12.07], P<0.0001), hypertension (OR 2.64[95% CI 1.44-4.85], P=0.002), obesity (OR 3.51[955 CI 1.25-9.84], P=0.017 and increased waist circumference (OR 1.02[95% CI 1.00-1.04], P=0.024. On Multiple logistic regression analysis, age was the only factor associated with an abnormal echocardiogram (OR 1.09[95%CI 1.05-1.15], P<0.0001). Conclusion: Echocardiographic abnormalities were common among newly diagnosed adults with DM. Traditional CVD risk factors were associated with an abnormal echocardiogram in this patient population. Due to a high prevalence of echocardiographic abnormalities among newly diagnosed diabetics, we recommend screening for cardiac disease especially in patients who present with traditional CVD risk factors. This will facilitate early diagnosis, management and hence better patient outcomes.

Chatter avoidance in the milling of thin floors with bull-nose end mills: Model and stability diagrams

The milling of thin parts is a high added value operation where the machinist has to face the chatter problem. The study of the stability of these operations is a complex task due to the changing modal parameters as the part loses mass during the machining and the complex shape of the tools that are used. The present work proposes a methodology for chatter avoidance in the milling of flexible thin floors with a bull-nose end mill. First, a stability model for the milling of compliant systems in the tool axis direction with bull-nose end mills is presented. The contribution is the averaging method used to be able to use a linear model to predict the stability of the operation. Then, the procedure for the calculation of stability diagrams for the milling of thin floors is presented. The method is based on the estimation of the modal parameters of the part and the corresponding stability lobes during the machining. As in thin floor milling the depth of cut is already defined by the floor thickness previous to milling, the use of stability diagrams that relate the tool position along the tool-path with the spindle speed is proposed. Hence, the sequence of spindle speeds that the tool must have during the milling can be selected. Finally, this methodology has been validated by means of experimental tests.

Patología andina relacionada al uso de plantas medicinales en los mercados 10 de Agosto, el Arenal y 9 de Octubre, de la Ciudad de Cuenca, 2015

Antecedentes: en Cuenca el uso de plantas medicinales en patologías tradicionales según la cosmovisión andina se mantiene vigente, en los mercados es habitual ver personas que buscan esta medicina, haciendo importante un estudio de la problemática. Objetivo: estudiar las patologías andinas relacionadas al uso de plantas medicinales en los mercados 10 de Agosto, el Arenal y 9 de Octubre de la ciudad de Cuenca. Método: investigación cualitativa, enfoque narrativo e interpretativo, con participación de seis mujeres de sabiduría de los mercados de Cuenca. Las técnicas empleadas: observación directa y entrevistas semi-estructuradas, diario de campo, grabaciones y fotografías. Los datos se procesaron en categorías y diagramas en Atlas.ti, se presentan en narraciones y esquemas. Resultados: las patologías andinas tratadas comúnmente; en el recién nacido, el mal de ojo; lactantes, el espanto; escolares, el shungo; adolescentes y adultos los nervios. Etiologías: estación del año, ambientes desagradables, castigo divino y causas humanas. Sintomatología compromete el estado general: irritabilidad, llanto y decaimiento. Tratamiento: fe cristiana, ritual de limpia y herramientas complementarias. Para la limpia se usa un atado de plantas medicinales, las más utilizadas: chilchil, ruda, eucalipto y flor de guano. Conclusiones: La patología andina tiene leyes y principios propios, las enfermedades mayormente atendidas: el mal de ojo, espanto, mal aire y shungo. Sintomatología es de tipo general. El tratamiento se basa en el ritual con el atado de plantas medicinales y el huevo de gallina. Cada enfermedad se explica en base a una medicina de tipo mágico-religiosa.

Proposta de modelagem de qualidade ambiental em áreas metropolitanas, por meio de dados de sensoriamento remoto

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Geociências, Pós-Graduação em Geociências Aplicadas, 2016.

O corpo na dança - A dança no corpo

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada ao Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia Clínica.

Strategies to Promote Research and Logical Reasoning in the Teaching of Mathematics in the Schools

The purpose of this paper is to raise a debate on the urgent need for teachers to generate innovative situations in the teaching-learning process, in the field of Mathematics, as a way for students to develop logical reasoning and research skills applicable to everyday situations. It includes some statistical data and possible reasons for the poor performance and dissatisfaction of students towards Mathematics. Since teachers are called to offer meaningful and functional learning experiences to students, in order to promote the pleasure of learning, teacher training should include experiences that can be put into practice by teachers in the education centers. This paper includes a work proposal for Mathematics Teaching to generate discussion, curiosity and logical reasoning in students, together with the Mathematical problem solving study.