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We study quantum advantage in one-step rendezvous games on simple graphs analytically, numerically, and using noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) processors. Our protocols realise the recently discovered (Mironowicz 2023 New J. Phys. 25 013023) optimal bounds for small cycle graphs and cubic graphs. In the case of cycle graphs, we generalise the protocols to arbitrary graph size. The NISQ processor experiments realise the expected quantum advantage with high accuracy for rendezvous on the complete graph K _3 . In contrast, for the graph $2K_4$ , formed by two disconnected 4-vertex complete graphs, the performance of the NISQ hardware is sub-classical, consistent with the deeper circuit and known qubit decoherence and gate error rates.

The International Journal of Production Research (IJPR) first issue was published in 1961. This year commemorates the journal's 55th year anniversary. In celebration of its anniversary, this article aims to comprehensively review the journals overall existence (1961–2017), per decade, by a longitudinal analysis of the literature through a main path analysis, and a bibliometric and social network overview. This paper differentiates from previous IJPR's studies conducted by focusing on the journal's social network analysis (SNA) by decades and overall period. This research article classifies leading bibliographic material by using the total number of publications, citations, authors per work, country, author's affiliation, funding agencies, keywords, co-authorship and the top-10 cited papers (with objectives and contributions), over the previous five decades. In conjunction with utilising SNA, major findings indicate remarkable improvement on authors' publication due to a strong social network. Furthermore, the results suggest that the improvement of Asian universities on the IJPR is not only a result of a strong social network among authors, but also an active support from national research funding agencies. The collaboration between researchers appears to be evidently rising by an increasing percentage of articles penned by three or more authors and the average number of authors per article published. The main path analysis identifies the 30 milestone papers which constitute the backbone of the knowledge published in the overall IJPR history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multi-stage manufacturing systems, optimisation of part quality inspection planning (PQIP) problem means to determine the optimal time, place and extent of inspection activities for assessing the significant quality characteristics of products while maximising the system efficiency. An inspection activity is capable of detecting the produced defects partially and accordingly prevents further processing of them in downstream and more importantly avoids them to reach customers. In this paper, the existing researches on the optimisation of the part quality inspection are surveyed from the viewpoint of the considered production system characteristics; the applied modelling approaches and solution methodologies. This review found that although numerous works have been already done on the PQIP, the development of multi-objective optimisation frameworks considering real production constraints under parameters uncertainty is necessary. Also, by the Industry 4.0 trend, the creation of integrated models aiming to plan the inspection, maintenance and production activities simultaneously, seems to be an important potential future research direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite material usage in aircraft has been rising since the 1990s, with significant increases in manufacturing productivity and repeatability due to automation in the production of aeronautic parts made of composite materials, becoming a strong driver for widespread adoption of composites in this industry. Automated Tape Layup (ATL) and Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) are two of the most important automated manufacturing technologies within aeronautics composites, although their cost implications and economic comparison have not been widely studied. This paper presents an economic evaluation of ATL and AFP technologies. Using process-based cost models, the manufacturing process of a horizontal stabiliser is modelled, determining for each technology the associated consumption and use of resources and their implications towards the part final cost. Results show that ATL is less expensive than AFP, due to lower material costs, although with less material efficiency and slower cycle time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive model that captures significant strategic decisions involved in designing or redesigning high-performance supply chains from the perspective of the manufacturer. The problem considers deterministic demand by multiple clients, for multiple products, over the periods of a long-term horizon. The design decisions involve selection of suppliers, establishment or resizing of production facilities and distribution centres, possible subcontracting of related activities, and selection of transportation modes and routes. The problem is formulated by a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model. Its objective is to minimise the overall costs associated with procurement, production, inventory, warehousing, and transportation over the design horizon. Appropriate constraints model the complex relationships among the links of the supply chain. The proposed model has been applied to a large case study of a global manufacturing firm, providing valuable insights into the transformation of the firm's current supply chain network, as well as into the potential of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support the short food supply chain development in cities, we propose a diverse vegetable farm design model to maximise the farm revenue in response to clients' daily demands in local fresh fruits and vegetables. The model supports decision in creating or adapting farms within or around cities with viable business models. To the best of our knowledge, our model is a first attempt to integrate strategic and tactical decisions on multi-techniques, multi-products and multi-clients production systems. Integrating strategic and tactical decisions, we obtain new solutions that could not be obtained by separating the two decision levels, due to product short-time perishability constraints: on-plot and cold-room storage, loss functions and price reduction. We define a specific formulation of the production methods in the model to consider both cultivation and harvest tasks that compete for limited and expensive labour resource. This paper presents the mixed integer linear programme we develop, as well as graphical and computational results. We have been able to find relevant solutions on a real farm case study that demonstrates the interest of using short time-paces for the strategic sizing of a farm growing fresh perishable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new variant of Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) and its first resolution. In literature there is not any research work that has presented the TSP under pentagonal fuzzy neutrosophic environment yet. TSP is a critical issue for manufacturing companies where all cities need to be visited only once except the starting city with a minimal cost. In real life, information provided (cost, time … etc.) are generally uncertain, indeterminate or inconsistent that’s why in this paper parameters of the TSP are presented as neutrosophic pentagonal fuzzy numbers. To solve this problem, the novel heuristic Dhouib-Matrix-TSP1 (DM-TSP1) is applied using a ranking function in order to transform the fuzzy set to crisp data and range function to select cities. To prove the efficiency of the proposed DM-TSP1 in solving the new variant of TSP, we create novel benchmark instances. Then, a stepwise application of DM-TSP1 is illustrated in detail.

This paper aims to find the actuarial tables that best represent the occurrences of mortality and disability in the Brazilian Armed Forces, thus providing a better dimensioning of the costs of military pensions to be paid by the pension system. To achieve this goal, an optimization software was developed that tests 53 actuarial tables for the death of valid military personnel, 21 boards for entry into the disability of assets, and 21 boards for mortality of invalids. The software performs 199 distinct adherence tests for each table analyzed through linear aggravations and de-escalations in the probabilities of death and disability. The statistical–mathematical method used was the chi-square adherence test in which the selected table is the one with the null hypothesis "observed data" equal to the "expected data" with the highest degree of accuracy. It is expected to bring a significant contribution to society, as a model of greater accuracy reduces the risk of a large difference between the projected cost and the cost observed on the date of the year, thus contributing to the maintenance of public governance. Additionally, the unprecedented and dual nature of the methodology presented here stands out. As a practical contribution, we emphasize that the results presented streamline the calculation of actuarial projections, reducing by more than 90% the processing times of calculations referring to actuarial projections of retirees from the armed forces. As a limitation of the study, we emphasize that, although possibly replicable, the database was restricted only to the Brazilian Armed Forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The registration of individuals with designated primary medical care institutions (PMCIs) is a key step towards their empanelment with these PMCIs, supported by the Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka. We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess the extent of registration at nine selected PMCIs and understand the challenges therein. By June 2021, 36,999 (19.2%, 95% CI-19.0–19.4%) of the 192,358 catchment population allotted to these PMCIs were registered. At this rate, only 50% coverage would be achieved by the end of the project (December 2023). Proportions of those aged <35 years and males among those registered were lower compared to their general population distribution. Awareness activities regarding registration were conducted in most of the PMCIs, but awareness in the community was low. Poor registration coverage was due to a lack of dedicated staff for registration, misconceptions of health care workers about individuals needing to be registered, reliance on opportunistic or passive registration, and lack of monitoring mechanisms; these were further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, there is an urgent need to address these challenges to improve registration coverage and ensure that all individuals are empaneled before the close of the project for it to have a meaningful impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To implement a Flexible Operational Research Training (FORT) course within the Fistula Care Plus Project, Democratic Republic of Congo, from 2017 to 2021. Methods: A descriptive study using design and implementation (process and outcome) data. Two to four members of medical teams from three supported sites were selected for the training based on their research interests and level of involvement in the program. Results: Two courses (13–14 months each) involving nine facilitators and 17 participants overall were conducted between 2017 and 2021. Most participants in both courses were medical doctors (67% and 71%, respectively) from the supported hospitals (83% and 77%, respectively). About half were women. In addition to classic face‐to‐face didactic modules, the courses integrated online platforms to cope with the changing contexts (Ebola virus and COVID‐19). Most participants reported having gained new skills in developing research protocols, collecting, managing, and analyzing data, and developing research manuscripts. The two courses resulted in six scientific manuscripts and three presentations at international conferences. Participants subsequently published five papers from their research after the first course. The total direct costs for both courses were representing a cost of $3669 per participant trained. Conclusion: The FORT model proved feasible, efficient, and successful. However, scaling up will require more adaptation efforts from programs and participating sites. Synopsis: Integration of operational research capacity building in fistula care programs using the FORT model was feasible and successful. However, scaling up will require adaptation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: This study was aimed at estimating the proportion among sputum smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients diagnosed at a tertiary care centre in India, who did not undergo universal drugsusceptibility testing (UDST), assessing the sociodemographic and morbidity-related factors associated with it, ascertaining the reasons for not getting tested and estimating the proportion with any drug resistance (DR). Methods: TB Notification Register and TB Laboratory Register, maintained in Designated Microscopy Centre and Intermediate Research Laboratory, respectively were used to obtain the patient details and information regarding UDST and DR-TB status. Under UDST, the TB patients had undergone rapid molecular tests to check for any DR. TB patients who dropped out of this strategy (those who did not submit a sputum sample for DR testing even after being instructed) were telephonically contacted and asked regarding reasons for not getting themselves tested. Results: Of the 215 patients, 74 [34.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 28.1-41.2] did not undergo UDST. Of these 74 participants, 60 per cent reported the reason that they were not informed regarding the drug-susceptibility test. Among the 141 patients who underwent UDST, six (4.3%, 95% CI: 1.58-9.03) had DR. Non-UDST patients were significantly more in percentage among TB patients who were aged <30 years (adjusted prevalence ratio 2.36; 95% CI: 1.19-4.68) compared to >60 years. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings point towards a need to sensitize healthcare workers and TB patients to improve UDST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates Small-Medium Banks' (SMBs) business plans in accordance with the structure of Additional Funds Needed (AFN) model. The Key Profitability Variables (KPVs) are the size and structure of deposits, loans, and their interest rates. This study employs a Genetic Algorithm (GA) problem with hard constraints, to point out the limits to changes in the structure of deposits and loans and the effects of those changes on the P&L of a banking institution. After examining 10,000 iterations with Evolver, an innovative optimization software that uses GA, OptQuest, and linear programming, the alternations, have been narrowed down to 3700 which satisfy both, a) constraints and b) maximization of profits. Having also the distributions, this paper concludes that it is a useful methodology that must be further exploited by applying risk weights, mainly for credit risk, to the structural components of the Balance Sheet, and to other competitive institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cyber-attacks grow worldwide, companies have begun to realize the importance of being protected against malicious actions that seek to violate their systems and access their information assets. Faced with this scenario, organizations must carry out correct and efficient management of their information security, which implies that they must adopt a proactive attitude, implementing standards that allow them to reduce the risk of computer attacks. Unfortunately, the problem is not only implementing a standard but also determining the best way to do it, defining an implementation path that considers the particular objectives and conditions of the organization and its availability of resources. This paper proposes a methodological approach for selecting and planning security controls, standardizing and systematizing the process by modeling the situation (objectives and constraints), and applying optimization techniques. The work presents an evaluation of the proposal through a methodology adoption study. This study showed a tendency of the study subjects to adopt the proposal, perceiving it as a helpful element that adapts to their way of working. The main weakness of the proposal was centered on ease of use since the modeling and resolution of the problem require advanced knowledge of optimization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical models of demand forecasting are increasingly used tools for companies to better manage their resources and seek competitive advantages. Therefore, it is essential to identify the model that best fits the data, in order to make the result more accurate and, at the same time, facilitate decision making. This study aims to apply demand forecasting methods in a company that operates in the industrial sector on imported items. We sought to compare the Exponential Smoothing, ARIMA and Artificial Neural Networks with optimized parameters. This comparison aimed to show a difference between the prediction errors of each method. With the application of mathematical models on the historical database of a company of the mechanical metal industry, it was observed that the optimized RNA model presented the lowest error percentage in most case analyzed, providing greater reliability for practical applications. Performance evaluation and comparative methods were based on MAPE and MAE data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, the consumer goods and services sectors in Brazil sought to meet the growing demand virtually. E-commerce in the country grew 47%, corresponding to the highest increase in 20 years. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the feasibility of applying the Superiority and Inferiority Ranking Method for selecting the best website hosting service company, among several alternatives and criteria. It should be noted that there is a wide variety of companies in this segment, making the selection complex when without the aid of a decision-making method. A hybrid multicriteria decision support method was used, the Simple Aggregation of Preferences Expressed by Ordinal Vectors -Multi Decision Makers (SAPEVO-M) and the Superiority and Inferiority Ranking (SIR). The SAPEVO-M assists in determining the weight vector and the SIR favors the ordering of the alternatives. The alternatives and criteria were selected based on relevance and importance, respectively, for the authors. The solution found was satisfactory, since the most preferred company, LocaWeb, has the highest value for the preference criterion, storage, however, there is a great disparity between the best and worst alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has been implementing active case-finding (ACF) for TB among marginalised and vulnerable (high-risk) populations since 2017. The effectiveness of ACF cycle(s) is dependent on the use of appropriate screening and diagnostic tools and meeting quality indicators. To determine the number of ACF cycles implemented in 2021 at national, state (n = 36) and district (n = 768) level and quality indicators for the first ACF cycle. In this descriptive study, aggregate TB program data for each ACF activity that was extracted was further aggregated against each ACF cycle at the district level in 2021. One ACF cycle was the period identified to cover all the high-risk populations in the district. Three TB ACF quality indicators were calculated: percentage population screened (≥10%), percentage tested among screened (≥4.8%) and percentage diagnosed among tested (≥5%). We also calculated the number needed to screen (NNS) for diagnosing one person with TB (≤1538). Of 768 TB districts, ACF data for 111 were not available. Of the remaining 657 districts, 642 (98%) implemented one, and 15 implemented two to three ACF cycles. None of the districts or states met all three TB ACF quality indicators' cut-offs. At the national level, for the first ACF cycle, 9.3% of the population were screened, 1% of the screened were tested and 3.7% of the tested were diagnosed. The NNS was 2824: acceptable (≤1538) in institutional facilities and poor for population-based groups. Data were not consistently available to calculate the percentage of i) high-risk population covered, ii) presumptive TB among screened and iii) tested among presumptive. In 2021, India implemented one ACF cycle with sub-optimal ACF quality indicators. Reducing the losses between screening and testing, improving data quality and sensitising stakeholders regarding the importance of meeting all ACF quality indicators are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the workload and lack of a critical mass of trained operational researchers within their ranks, health systems and programmes may not be able to dedicate sufficient time to conducting operational research (OR). Hence, they may need the technical support of operational researchers from research/academic organisations. Additionally, there is a knowledge gap regarding implementing differentiated tuberculosis (TB) care in programme settings. In this 'how we did it' paper, we share our experience of implementing a differentiated TB care model along with an inbuilt OR component in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. This was a health system initiative through a collaboration of the State TB cell with the Indian Council of Medical Research institutes and the World Health Organisation country office in India. The learnings are in the form of eleven tips: four broad principles (OR on priority areas and make it a health system initiative, implement simple and holistic ideas, embed OR within routine programme settings, aim for long-term engagement), four related to strategic planning (big team of investigators, joint leadership, decentralised decision-making, working in advance) and three about implementation planning (conducting pilots, smart use of e-tools and operational research publications at frequent intervals). These may act as a guide for other Indian states, high TB burden countries that want to implement differentiated care, and for operational researchers in providing technical assistance for strengthening implementation and conducting OR in health systems and programmes (TB or other health programmes). Following these tips may increase the chances of i) an enriching engagement, ii) policy/practice change, and iii) sustainable implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To understand how replacement of decision-makers (DMs) serving as principal investigators (PI) or co-PIs on research teams may affect the feasibility and value of embedded implementation research (EIR) used to improve health policies, programs, and services in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods. This was a descriptive qualitative study based on 39 semistructured interviews with 13 embedded research teams selected by financing agencies to explore team composition, interaction among members, and research results. Interviews were conducted at three points during the study period from September 2018 to November 2019; data were analyzed from 2020 to 2021. Results. Research teams were found to be operating in one of three situations: (i) permanent core team (no change) with either active DM or inactive DM participation; (ii) replacement of DM--PI or co-PI that did not affect EIR research; and (iii) replacement of DM--PI that affected EIR. Conclusions. To ensure EIR continuity and stability, research teams should include high-level DMs together with more technical staff performing essential implementation activities. This structure could improve collaboration among professional researchers and ensure greater embeddedness of EIR to strengthen the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Colistin is an antibiotic of last resort for treating serious Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, the misuse of colistin, especially as an animal growth promoter, has contributed to increasing antimicrobial resistance, mediated mainly through plasmid transfer of the mcr-1 gene. This study assessed the prevalence of phenotypic and molecular colistin resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Ecuador in healthy humans and their chickens and pigs. Methods. Fecal samples were collected from humans and their chickens and pigs in two rural coastal and Amazon regions between April and August 2020. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified using conventional techniques. Phenotypic resistance was determined using the broth microdilution technique, and the mcr-1 gene was detected using conventional polymerase chain reaction. Results. A total of 438 fecal samples were obtained from 137 humans, 147 pigs and 154 chickens. The prevalence of E. coli isolates was 86.3% (378/438) and K. pneumoniae, 37.4% (164/438). Overall, the mcr-1 gene was found in 90% (340/378) of E. coli isolates, with higher prevalences found in isolates from coastal regions (96.5%, 191/198), humans (95.6%, 111/116) and chickens (91.8%, 123/134); for K. pneumoniae, the gene was found in 19.5% (32/164) of isolates, with equal distribution between regions and hosts. Only four isolates, two E. coli and two K. pneumoniae, showed phenotypic resistance: mcr-1 was present in both E. coli strains but absent in the K. pneumoniae strains. Conclusions. Despite a low prevalence of phenotypic resistance to colistin, the high prevalence of the mcr-1 gene in E. coli is of concern. Ecuador's ban on using colistin in animal husbandry must be enforced, and continual monitoring of the situation should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Primary Healthcare System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka focuses on improving noncommunicable disease (NCD) care provision at primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess completeness of screening for NCD risk, linkage to care, and outcomes of diabetes/hypertension care at nine selected PMCIs, as well as to understand reasons for gaps. Against a screening coverage target of 50% among individuals aged ≥ 35 years, PMCIs achieved 23.3% (95% CI: 23.0–23.6%) because of a lack of perceived need for screening among the public and COVID-19-related service disruptions. Results of investigations and details of further referral were not documented in almost half of those screened. Post screening, 45% of those eligible for follow-up NCD care were registered at medical clinics. Lack of robust recording/tracking mechanisms and preference for private providers contributed to post-screening attrition. Follow-up biochemical investigations for monitoring complications were not conducted in more than 50% of diabetes/hypertension patients due to nonprescription of investigations by healthcare providers and poor uptake among patients because of nonavailability of investigations at PMCI, requiring them to avail services from the private sector, incurring out-of-pocket expenditure. Primary care strengthening needs to address these challenges to ensure successful integration of NCD care within PMCIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of disciplines are directing their methods and tools to help address the challenges of healthcare. Chief among these are design and operational research (OR). Though they have much in common, these two disciplines have existed in isolation for most of their history and there is currently a gulf between the two research communities. In this position paper, we rapidly review the contributions of design and OR in healthcare. We then identify similarities and complementarities between the two disciplines and communities when they consider healthcare systems. Finally, we propose practical steps to enable better collaboration. Our focus is on finding ways in which the two disciplines complement each other. When applying design to healthcare services, designers may wish to learn from OR, which has a long history of supporting improvements in healthcare organisation and services, particularly using quantitative data and analysis and modelling methods. In return, design has distinctive qualities that could augment the OR approach, such as its emphasis on wide and creative search for potential solutions, and iterative co-production and prototyping of solutions with clients. Better collaboration will require a coordinated effort but could yield a more comprehensive and effective approach to improving healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of pharmacovigilance data is important for guiding medicine safety and clinical practice. In baseline and follow-up studies after introducing interventions to improve the quality of reporting of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) in Sierra Leone, we compared (a) timeliness and completeness of reporting and (b) patient outcomes classified as ‘recovering’. Methods: Baseline (January 2017–December 2021) and follow-up (June 2022–April 2023) studies of ICSRs in the national pharmacovigilance database. Interventions introduced following recommendations from the baseline study included: updating standard operating procedures and guidelines, setting performance targets follow-up of patient outcomes, and training. Results: There were 566 ICSRs in the baseline study and 59 in the follow-up study. Timelines (reporting < 30 days) improved by five-fold (10% at baseline to 47% in follow-up). For the completeness of variables in ICSRs (desired threshold ≥ 90%),this was 44% at baseline and increased to 80% in the follow-up study. ‘Recovering’ outcomes reduced from 36% (baseline study) to 3% (follow-up study, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant improvements in timeliness, completeness, and validation of ICSRs were observed following operational research in Sierra Leone. While enhancing pharmacovigilance and patient safety, this study highlights the important synergistic role operational research can play in improving monitoring and evaluation systems.