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This paper studies a continuous-review stochastic replenishment model for a multi-component system with regular and emergency orders. The system consists of N parallel and independent components, each of which has a finite life span. In addition, there is a warehouse with a limited stock of new components. Each broken component is replaced by a new component from the stock. When no component is available, an emergency supply is ordered. The stock is managed according to an ((s , S) , (0 , Q e)) policy, which is a combination of an (s , S) policy for the regular order and a (0 , Q e) policy for the emergency order. The regular order is delivered after an exponentially distributed lead time, whereas the emergency order is delivered immediately. We study three sub-policies for emergency orders, which differ from each other in size and in relation to the regular order. Applying the results from queueing theory and phase-type properties, we derive the optimal thresholds for each sub-policy and then compare the economic benefit of each one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a major public health emergency, the Chinese government adopts pandemic prevention and control measures such as home quarantine in order to block the strong contagiousness of the virus. In order to solve the problem of distribution difficulties due to the limited transportation resources brought by the pandemic and to guarantee the demand of fresh agricultural products for the isolated residents, this study takes the emergency supply as the main objective, and designs three distribution modes, namely, single distribution center, multi-vehicle model based on the classification of temperature zones, and multi-distribution center for isolated communities of different sizes, with the objectives of minimizing the number of vehicles in use, minimizing the average response time, and minimizing the risk of viral infections. A multi-objective optimization model was constructed as the objectives. Then the genetic algorithm is improved by adding destruction operator, repair operator and greedy operation, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified through empirical research, and the advantages of the algorithm in convergence speed are compared and analyzed. Finally, different distribution methods are suggested for the number of communities of different sizes. This study can provide a scientific basis for government departments to formulate an optimized decision-making plan for the emergency supply and distribution of fresh agricultural products under public health emergencies.

This paper studies a continuous-review stochastic replenishment model for a multi-component system with regular and emergency orders. The system consists of N parallel and independent components, each of which has a finite life span. In addition, there is a warehouse with a limited stock of new components. Each broken component is replaced by a new component from the stock. When no component is available, an emergency supply is ordered. The stock is managed according to an ((s,S),(0,Qe)) policy, which is a combination of an (s,S) policy for the regular order and a (0,Qe) policy for the emergency order. The regular order is delivered after an exponentially distributed lead time, whereas the emergency order is delivered immediately. We study three sub-policies for emergency orders, which differ from each other in size and in relation to the regular order. Applying the results from queueing theory and phase-type properties, we derive the optimal thresholds for each sub-policy and then compare the economic benefit of each one.

Objectives: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are a well-known cause of emergency department (ED) visits. The objective of the FARM-URG project was to assess the prevalence of DRPs using an annual cross-sectional registry. Herein we report results of the first 3 years, indicating the prevalence of DRPs, drugs involved, and patient characteristics. Methods: A point-prevalence multicenter study was conducted across EDs of hospitals in Spain. A specified day and hour was assigned to collect data from all adult patients attending the ED due to DRPs during three consecutive years. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, with data recorded in REDCap. Key findings: Overall, 4752 patients were evaluated at 32 centres, of which 366 (7.7%) visited the ED due to DRPs, with a prevalence ranging from 0 to 16.7%. Antithrombotic drugs accounted for the highest number of DRPs, responsible for 96 (26.8%) episodes. Falls (n = 29; 8.0%) were the most frequent DRPs, followed by haemorrhage (n = 26; 7.12%). Furthermore, 198 (54.2%) reported DRPs were unrelated to medication errors, 80 (21.2%) were overdose errors, and 40 (11.0%) were attributed to poor treatment adherence. Of 366 DRPs-related visits, 54 (14.8%) were due to inappropriately prescribed drugs according to the STOPP-START criteria. Overall, 86 (23.5%) patients revisited the ED within 30 days of discharge, with 34 (9.4%) returning to the ED for new DRPs. Conclusions: DRPs are frequently responsible for ED visits and are associated with a considerable percentage of post-discharge visits. The goal of the FARM-URG project is to periodically gather data to design and implement preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic now affects the entire world and has many major effects on the global economy, environment, health, and society. Focusing on the harm COVID-19 poses for human health and society, this study used system dynamics to establish a prevention and control model that combines material supply, public opinion dissemination, public awareness, scientific and technological research, staggered work shifts, and the warning effect (of law/policy). Causal loop analysis was used to identify interactions between subsystems and explore the key factors affecting social benefit. Further, different scenarios were dynamically simulated to explore optimal combination modes. The main findings were as follows: (1) The low supervision mode will produce a lag effect and superimposed effect on material supply and impede social benefit. (2) The strong supervision mode has multiple performances; it can reduce online public opinion dissemination and the rate of concealment and false declaration and improve government credibility and social benefit. However, a fading effect will appear in the middle and late periods, and over time, the effect of strong supervision will gradually weaken (but occasionally rebound) and thus require adjustment. These findings can provide a theoretical basis for improving epidemic prevention and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo explore the role of pharmacists and innovation of pharmacy interventions for COVID-19 patients in China.MethodsWe comprehensively searched PubMed and Chinese databases Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify articles reporting pharmacist interventions and pharmacy services for COVID-19 patients using a predefined search strategy. The search period was from inception to April 7th 2020. We also manually searched the reference list of included articles and websites of important journals with special issues for COVID-19.ResultsA total of 156 articles were identified by applying the search criteria. After screening, 91 articles, with the majority are literature reviews (n = 77, 84.62%) published in Chinese (n = 83, 91.2%), were included. Pharmacist interventions for COVID-19 patients most commonly related to guidelines or consensus development for the treatment of disease and practice procedure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (n = 10, 10.98%), the supply of medicines to treat patients with severe respiratory or systematic symptoms related to COVID-19 (n = 10, 10.98%), formulating infections prevention and control strategies related to COVID-19 for pharmaceutical personnel/pharmacy staff (n = 14, 15.39%), new way of delivery pharmacy services and the implementation of new pharmacy services for COVID-19 outbreak (n = 14, 15.39%), routine pharmacy services under the restrict limit of COVID-19 outbreak (n = 39, 42.86%), and case series analysis of treatment regimens using existing, routinely collected data (n = 4, 4.40%).ConclusionPharmacy services have a role in the COVID-19 pandemic control, and there were many rapid changes in response to the pandemic.

Objective: To explore the role of pharmacists and innovation of pharmacy interventions for COVID-19 patients in China. Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed and Chinese databases Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify articles reporting pharmacist interventions and pharmacy services for COVID-19 patients using a predefined search strategy. The search period was from inception to April 7th 2020. We also manually searched the reference list of included articles and websites of important journals with special issues for COVID-19. Results: A total of 156 articles were identified by applying the search criteria. After screening, 91 articles, with the majority are literature reviews (n = 77, 84.62%) published in Chinese (n = 83, 91.2%), were included. Pharmacist interventions for COVID-19 patients most commonly related to guidelines or consensus development for the treatment of disease and practice procedure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (n = 10, 10.98%), the supply of medicines to treat patients with severe respiratory or systematic symptoms related to COVID-19 (n = 10, 10.98%), formulating infections prevention and control strategies related to COVID-19 for pharmaceutical personnel/pharmacy staff (n = 14, 15.39%), new way of delivery pharmacy services and the implementation of new pharmacy services for COVID-19 outbreak (n = 14, 15.39%), routine pharmacy services under the restrict limit of COVID-19 outbreak (n = 39, 42.86%), and case series analysis of treatment regimens using existing, routinely collected data (n = 4, 4.40%). Conclusion: Pharmacy services have a role in the COVID-19 pandemic control, and there were many rapid changes in response to the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse supply chain network management (SCNM) in the context of emergency preparedness management (EPM). The results of this study revealed that civil-military relations are essential for EPM to function as a coordinated approach to safety and security, and are necessary to respond effectively to complex emergencies and mitigating threats to developed countries. Civil-military relations are still a concern in the context of communication, the exercise of authority, and the coordination of emergency supplies (ES) to emergency operations. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study is based on field observations, with attention focused on the EPM of Sweden, Finland, and Poland. The analysis of a broader SCNM through EPM was supported by semi-structured interviews among civil-military actors in Sweden, information collected from informal conversations known as “hanging out”, and secondary materials. Empirically, the analysis included a variety of civil-military relationships and identified implications for management, policy, and planning that are applicable to developed countries. Findings – The management of civil-military relations is a meaningful resource when used as an overall approach for safety and security. The integration of civil-military relations in EPM in the planning of ES is a long-standing and complex matter. The management of Swedish civil-military relations in EPM is recognising that implications for management are imbedded in continuous policy changes in, for example, the Swedish policy history. Civil-military relational complications that arise in the field of operations are impossible to anticipate during emergency planning, as those complications are grounded in policy changes. Originality/value – Escalating threats to developed countries are highlighted. The study underlines the primary measures used in studying military involvement in EPM. An understanding of SCNM as a choice for management can be obtained in future research that focuses on a broader role of the military in EPM. Sweden has emphasised a clearer role for the military by reactivating total defence planning and by evolving common practices and processes with civil actors in civil defence. Meanwhile, Poland and Finland are increasing their focus on supporting the management of civil-military policies on safety and security regarding communication, authority, and developing coordination. Consistent with findings from previous reports on SCNM, civil-military relations are essential for EPM. This study confirmed the importance of civil-military coordination, the management and practice of authority, and shared forms of communication.

This paper investigates the benefits of using the on-board energy storage devices (OESD) and wayside energy storage devices (WESD) in light rail transportation (metro and tram) systems. The analysed benefits are the use of OESD and WESD as a source of supply in an emergency metro scenario to safely evacuate the passengers blocked in a metro train between stations; the use of OESD for catenary free sections, the benefits of using the WESD as an energy source for electrical car charging points and tram traction power supply; the benefits of using a central communication system between trams, cars, WESD and electrical car charging points. The authors investigated the use of: OESD with batteries for a catenary free section for different scenarios (full route or a catenary free section between two stations); the charge of OESD between stations (in parallel with tram motoring) to decrease the charging dwell time at stations and to help in achieving the operational timetable; the thermal effect of the additional load on the overhead contact system (OCS) when the tram is charging between stations; the sizing of OESD and WESD for emergency feeding in a metro system. The authors investigated the use of the WESD as a source of energy for the electrical car charging points to reduce the car pollution and carbon emissions. Presented in the paper is the enhanced multi train simulator with WESD prepared for the analyses conducted. The paper describes the DC electrical solver and WESD control method. A validation of the software has been conducted in regard to the substation voltage, WESD energy balance and WESD control.

Background: The past decade has seen a rapid change in the climate system with an increased risk of extreme weather events. On and following the 3rd of January 2013, Tasmania experienced three catastrophic bushfires, which led to the evacuation of several communities, the loss of many properties, and a financial cost of approximately AUD$80 million.Objective: To explore the impacts of the 2012/2013 Tasmanian bushfires on community pharmacies.Method: Qualitative research methods were undertaken, employing semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of seven Tasmanian pharmacists. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and two different methods were used to analyze the text. The first method utilized Leximancer® text analytics software to provide a birds-eye view of the conceptual structure of the text. The second method involved manual, open and axial coding, conducted independently by the two researchers for inter-rater reliability, to identify key themes in the discourse.Results: Two main themes were identified - 'people' and 'supply' - from which six key concepts were derived. The six concepts were 'patients,' 'pharmacists,' 'local doctor,' 'pharmacy operations,' 'disaster management planning,' and 'emergency supply regulation.'Conclusion: This study identified challenges faced by community pharmacists during Tasmanian bushfires. Interviewees highlighted the need for both the Tasmanian State Government and the Australian Federal Government to recognize the important primary care role that community pharmacists play during natural disasters, and therefore involve pharmacists in disaster management planning. They called for greater support and guidance for community pharmacists from regulatory and other government bodies during these events. Their comments highlighted the need for a review of Tasmania's three-day emergency supply regulation that allows pharmacists to provide a three-day supply of a patient's medication without a doctor's prescription in an emergency situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The submitted paper proposes the possible use of integrated semi-quantitative risk assessment of groundwater resources. There are risks resulting from both natural and anthropogenic hazard sources. Activation of these types of hazard sources can cause damage to, or destruction of, particular hydrogeological structures and technological equipment of selected groundwater resources suitable for the emergency drinking water supply of the population. The process of risk assessment is based on the described register of hazards, including semi-quantitative assessment of the frequency with which the assessed sources of hazards are activated, the register of sensitivity together with the semi-quantitative sensitivity assessment of selected threatened elements of the assessed water resource and the determination of their criticality. The semi-quantitative risk assessment should become one of the important criteria for classifying groundwater resources which have been proposed for emergency water supply. The classification carried out on the basis of the above-mentioned principle can contribute to faster selection and effective use of groundwater resources, as well as to the enhancement of emergency and crisis planning systems when the public system is either damaged or destroyed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Recent years have witnessed the pervasive supply disruptions and their impacts on supply chain performance. It is significant for enterprises to adopt comprehensive measures to cope with supply disruptions. The purpose of this study is to investigate how BI insurance makes up the shortage of emergency supply and affect the expected profit of enterprises. Design/methodology: This study develops the penalty cost function on the basic of the financial costs caused by the interruption losses, introduces variables of BI insurance and operational measures, establishes the profit model with BI insurance or not. Findings: Through the proof and analysis, it is demonstrated that BI insurance can mitigate the adverse effect of the increasing cost for expected profit. And this study finds that the value of BI insurance is higher when interruption probability is lower and penalty coefficient is higher. Originality/value: In this study, it is investigated that the impact of business interruption (BI) insurance on supply disruptions and its complementary value against the higher purchase cost of emergency sourcing strategy. BI insurance is an efficient measure for supply interruption and should be adopted correctly to play a role in managing supply disruption risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely supply of vital materials to disaster hit areas plays a critical role in emergency relief. The problem involves warehouse selection, fleet routing, and scheduling so as to meet demand in the strict time window. The problem is NP-hard, in general, and extremely difficult to solve. The congestion caused by heavy traffic further aggravates the problem. To obtain a scalable solution, a new method based on successive subproblem solving in Lagrangian Relaxation (LR) framework is developed. The route capacity and location selection constraints are relaxed by Lagrange multipliers, and the problem is converted into a two-level optimization problem. The subproblems at the lower level are solved successively in dual iterations with convergence assurance so that the indecomposable location constraints can be incorporated. A systematic method is developed to obtain a feasible solution by adding the once relaxed constraints back into the dual problem successively in feasibility iterations. Convergence proof of the new method and its properties are presented. Numerical results show that the new method is effective and efficient, and can be applied to large-scale problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a two-echelon multi-item spare parts inventory system in which supply flexibility through both lateral transshipments and direct deliveries are used in response to stock-outs. We develop a simple heuristic to determine the stocking levels for each type of spare part at the central warehouse and local warehouses minimizing the expected total system cost subject to a target level for the average waiting time across items at each local warehouse. Numerical comparisons between the heuristic's objective function values and lower bounds obtained by applying Lagrangian relaxation techniques show that the heuristic performs well. A study to evaluate the relative merits of a two-echelon system as opposed to a single-echelon system is also presented. We find that the presence of lateral transhipment improves the performance of the single-echelon system considerably. A two-echelon system is only worth implementing when lateral transhipments are not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a single-echelon inventory system consisting of a number of parallel local warehouses facing compound Poisson demand. There are standard holding and backorder costs as well as ordering costs at all warehouses. Normally, the warehouses replenish from an outside supplier. However, lateral transshipments between the warehouses are also possible. Such transshipments take no time but incur additional costs. When a demand occurs at a warehouse, the question is whether the whole demand or part of it should be covered by a lateral transshipment from another warehouse. Given a set of alternative decisions, our decision rule minimizes the expected costs under the assumption that no further transshipments will take place. This rule is then used repeatedly as a heuristic. A simulation study illustrates how the suggested technique performs under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]