Comparison of solution approaches for the train load planning problem in seaport terminals

In this paper the train load planning problem arising in a seaport container terminal is considered. This problem consists in determining the optimal assignment of containers to wagon slots in order to maximize the train utilization and, at the same time, to minimize unproductive operations in the terminal. Different solution approaches based on a mathematical programming model are compared. The best solution procedure, satisfactory both in terms of quality of the obtained solutions and for the computational times, is identified through extensive experimental tests. This procedure could be included in a planning tool to be used in real seaport terminals.     

浅谈投标文件编制的基本程序及方法技巧

投标工作是一项具有相当大挑战的工作,要编制出高水平的投标文件,必须努力提高自身管理水平和业务素质,认真细致的学习研究招标范本、定额、建设法规、施工规范及投标策略和技巧。本文就投标文件编制的基本程序及其方法技巧进行简单的分析探讨。     

Estimating the cost of an emergency room visit for migraine headache

SUMMARY

To provide a more comprehensive accounting of direct cost of treating headaches, it is imperative to quantify the cost of emergency room (ER) services specific to treating headaches. Published cost estimates for migraine-specific ER visits are currently not available. This study estimated the cost of treating migraine headaches in the ER from a payer's perspective, using ER discharge data for migraine from the 2000 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Costs were estimated using Medicare reimbursement rates. The total cost of an ER visit for migraine headache, defined as the ER visit and all additional services and procedures, was US$238.16. Based on the migraine prevalence of 9% to 27%, the annual estimate for total ER visit costs for migraine headache in the US in 2000 ranged from US$646 million to US$1.94 billion, which is substantial. ER costs for migraine may be much larger then previously estimated.     

Computer algebra in probability and statistics

This paper discusses the uses of computer algebra within statistics and probability. A distinction is drawn between the use of computer algebra packages to support investigations, by performing calculations, ankl their use to implement structure; to build in elements of a theory (such as stochastic calculus or the Taylor string theory of Barndorff Nielsen and others) as a preliminary to research investigations. Brief surveys are given of instances in the literature of use of computer algebra in probability and statistics. Two examples of implementations of structure are discussed, both drawn from the author's own work with the computer algebra package REDUCE. One is a simple demonstration using moments of the Poisson distribution. The other is itovsn3 , an implementation of the semimartingale stochastic calculus. It is described how itovsn3 may be used to derive the characteristic function of the Lévy stochastic area, following a proof due to S. Janson. Prospects for future work and for work in progress are discussed.     

Does Learning Matter for Knee Replacement Surgeries? Data Evidence from a German Hospital

In 2003, Germany will be the first country in the world to adopt a fully prospective payment system for the reimbursement of all inpatient hospital services. To face the increasing competition, hospitals can pursue either a specialization or a cost and quality leadership strategy. It stands to reason that organizational and individual learning will play an important role for both strategies. This paper raises the question, whether results from traditional learning curve theory can be applied to surgical procedures despite the latter's heterogeneity. We develop a theoretical model of surgical learning and test it using detailed operating room data from the first 601 total knee replacement surgeries of a small German hospital between 1994–2000. Our results suggest that classical learning curve theory can indeed be applied to this high cost high volume procedure.     

Organizational memory influences new product success

Prior research on the impact of organizational memory on new product success has divergent perspectives. Such inconsistency has accrued mainly from not considering memory's multifaceted aspects, which interact with specific project characteristics. This paper tries to sort out this paradox by proposing that project innovativeness moderates the relationship among variables of organizational memory and new product success. An empirical study of 169 NPD projects of Korean manufacturing firms finds that memory sharing and the use of external information and formal procedures enhance new product success, whereas organizational memory has no effect. Project innovativeness is found to moderate memory's effect, despite some tradeoffs. As innovativeness increases, the effect of organizational memory and use of external information become stronger whereas the effect of memory sharing and use of formal procedures weaken. This suggests that firms must activate organizational memory more carefully according to project characteristics and the memory level to maximize its positive effects.     

The need to improve the formation of the modern academic employment contract

Faculty policy and procedure manuals are an integral part of academic employment contracts. Yet their importance is underestimated by instructors and educational institutions alike. They are usually referred to in crisis situations only, when the relationship between an educator and a school has begun to deteriorate. It is at this point that faculty allege a violation of their rights and turn to written documentation to support their contention. Colleges and universities, who as the drafters of these documents are thoroughly familiar with their contents, are forced to respond by using the handbooks as shields against legal claims. An academic's failure to review faculty manuals at the outset of employment experience leaves himself uninformed as to his rights as an employee and vulnerable to attacks regarding his responsibilities as a professional.     

Reduction in hospital costs and resource consumption associated with the use of advanced topical hemostats during inpatient procedures

Abstract

Objective:

The use of hemostatic agents has increased over time for all surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the newer topical absorbable hemostat products Surgicel Fibrillar and Surgicel SNoW (Surgicel advanced products, abbreviated as SAPs) compared to the older product Surgicel Original (SO) with respect to healthcare resource use and costs in procedures where these hemostats are most commonly used.     

快速城镇化背景下的土地征收程序研究

当前我国城镇化进程迅猛发展,但是我国土地征收程序存在诸多缺陷,如征收前征收目的无具体程序可循,审批机制不健全;征收中,农民的知情权被减化,参与权和话语权被剥夺;征地后,补偿难以实现到位,救济制度滞后。主要原因是“公共利益“的法律界定不明确,政府职能混同,程序违法成本低廉。亟需建立“公共利益”的认定程序,改革审批程序,完善公告制度和听证程序,明确补偿费用的分配程序等。