Fluid-based Slotting Optimization for Automated Order Picking System with Multiple Dispenser Types

Slotting strategy heavily influences the throughput and operational cost of automated order picking system with multiple dispenser types, which is called the complex automated order picking system （CAOPS）. Existing research either focuses on one aspect of the slotting optimization problem or only considers one part of CAOPS, such as the Low-volume Dispensers, to develop corresponding slotting strategies. In order to provide a comprehensive and systemic approach, a fluid-based slotting strategy is proposed in this paper. The configuration of CAOPS is presented with specific reference to its fast-picking and restocking subsystems. Based on extended fluid model, a nonlinear mathematical programming model is developed to determine the optimal volume allotted to each stock keeping unit （SKU） in a certain mode by minimize the restocking cost of that mode. Conclusion from the allocation model is specified for the storage modules of high-volume dispensers and low-volume dispensers. Optimal allocation of storage resources in the fast-picking area of CAOPS is then discussed with the aim of identifying the optimal space of each picking mode. The SKU assignment problem referring to the total restocking cost of CAOPS is analyzed and a greedy heuristic with low time complexity is developed according to the characteristics of CAOPS. Real life application from the tobacco industry is presented in order to exemplify the proposed slotting strategy and assess the effectiveness of the developed methodology. Entry-item-quantity （EIQ） based experiential solutions and proposed-model-based near-optimal solutions are compared. The comparison results show that the proposed strategy generates a savings of over 18% referring to the total restocking cost over one-year period. The strategy proposed in this paper, which can handle the multiple dispenser types, provides a practical quantitative slotting method for CAOPS and can help picking-system-designers make slotting decisions efficiently and effectively.

ORDER-PICKING OPTIMIZATION FOR AUTOMATED PICKING SYSTEM WITH PARALLEL DISPENSERS

Based on the characteristics of parallel dispensers in automated picking system, an order-picking optimization problem is presented. Firstly, the working principle of parallel dispensers is introduced, which implies the time cost of picking each order is influenced by the order-picking sequence. So the order-picking optimization problem can be classified as a dynamic traveling salesman problem （TSP）. Then a mathematical model of the problem is established and an improved max-min ant system （MMAS） is adopted to solve the model. The improvement includes two aspects. One is that the initial assignment of ants depends on a probabilistic formula instead of a random deployment; the other is that the heuristic factor is expressed by the extra picking time of each order instead of the total. At last, an actual simulation is made on an automated picking system with parallel dispensers. The simulation results proved the optimization value and the validity of improvement on MMAS.

H_2 Output Feedback Control for Airborne Dispenser Uncertain Generalized System

The problem of H2 output feedback control for generalized system with structural uncertainties is studied using linear matrix inequality approach. A sufficient condition Of linear matrix inequality is presented such that the closed-loop system is stable and satisfies H2 performance for all admissible uncertainties. Furthermore, the solution of the controller is given. An H2 output feedback controller is designed in the airborne dispenser pitch channel, and the simulation results show that the controller is effective.

Jetting-based bioprinting:process,dispense physics,and applications

Jetting-based bioprinting facilitates contactless drop-on-demand deposition of subnanoliter droplets at well-defined positions to control the spatial arrangement of cells,growth factors,drugs,and biomaterials in a highly automated layer-by-layer fabrication approach.Due to its immense versatility,jetting-based bioprinting has been used for various applications,including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine,wound healing,and drug development.A lack of in-depth understanding exists in the processes that occur during jetting-based bioprinting.This review paper will comprehensively discuss the physical considerations for bioinks and printing conditions used in jetting-based bioprinting.We first present an overview of different jetting-based bioprinting techniques such as inkjet bioprinting,laser-induced forward transfer bioprinting,electrohydrodynamic jet bioprinting,acoustic bioprinting and microvalve bioprinting.Next,we provide an in-depth discussion of various considerations for bioink formulation relating to cell deposition,print chamber design,droplet formation and droplet impact.Finally,we highlight recent accomplishments in jetting-based bioprinting.We present the advantages and challenges of each method,discuss considerations relating to cell viability and protein stability,and conclude by providing insights into future directions of jetting-based bioprinting.

The Impact of Jams on the Vending Robot

This study aims to identify the causes of sensor jams and its impact on the operation of vending machines. The vending machine is a machine that automatically dispenses products such as drinks, tickets, sandwiches and biscuits, by inserting change or credit card into the machine. This technological feat is due to the advent of sensors. A sensor is a part of the measurement chain, it receives the quantity to be measured and provides information directly linked to this quantity. However, these vending robots are faced with malfunctions linked to sensor jams. The identification of the jam phenomenon was possible thanks to the inspection and monitoring of the various sensors installed on the vending robot. And Cadence software was used to model, control and locate the jammed sensor(s). The various tests were carried out by setting the robot in motion to better understand the causes of the phenomenon. The jam is therefore the phenomenon which triggers the sensors permanently, which causes the automatic vending robot to stop functioning. And this jam was due to the presence of water droplets on the sensor or dirt. This presence of water droplets on the sensor is linked to an increase in temperature. Controlling the temperature and locating the jammed sensor has made it possible to considerably reduce jamming and its harmful effects on the vending machine robot.

Exploration of Teaching Reform of TCM Dispensing Technology in Higher Vocational Colleges Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Skills Competition

This paper aims to thoroughly explore the teaching reform of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)dispensing technology in higher vocational colleges,with a focus on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Skills Competition.By analyzing the current teaching status and main challenges of TCM dispensing technology,and aligning with the requirements of the skills competition,a series of detailed and practical teaching reform measures are proposed.These measures are designed to comprehensively improve the teaching quality of TCM dispensing technology in higher vocational colleges,enhance students’practical skills and professional qualities,and ultimately meet the demand for high-quality,skilled talents in the field of TCM.

RUN TO RUN CONTROL OF TIME-PRESSURE DISPENSING SYSTEM

In electronics packaging the time-pressure dispensing system is widely usedto squeeze the adhesive fluid in a syringe onto boards or substrates with the pressurized air.However, complexity of the process, which includes the air-fluid coupling and the nonlinearuncertainties, makes it difficult to have a consistent process performance. An integrated dispensingprocess model is first introduced and then its input-output regression relationship is used todesign a run to run control methodology for this process. The controller takes EWMA scheme and itsstability region is given. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed run to runcontrol method for dispensing process.

An automated dispensing system for improving medication timing in the emergency department

BACKGROUND:Numerous medical conditions require timely medication administration in the emergency department(ED).Automated dispensing systems(ADSs)store premixed common doses at the point-of-care to minimize time to administration,but the use of such automation to improved time to medication administration has not been studied.Since vancomycin is a commonly used empiric antimicrobial,we sought to quantify the effect of using an ADS on time to drug delivery in patients presenting to the ED.The study aimed to determine the efficacy of utilizing an ADS to improve time to administration of vancomycin and determine any negative effects on dosing appropriateness.METHODS:The institional review board approved the retrospective quality improvement study took place in a single,urban academic tertiary care ED with an annual census of 80 000.Study subjects were all patients receiving vancomycin for the management of sepsis between March 1 to September 30,2008 and the same time period in 2009.The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received vancomycin within one hour of bed placement and the secondary outcome was dosing appropriateness.RESULTS:Sixty-three patients had weight and dosing information available(29 before and 34after intervention)and were included in the study.Before intervention,no patient received vancomycin in less than 60 minutes,while after intervention 14.7%of the patients received it in less than 60minutes(difference in proportions 14.7%,95%CI 0.39%-30.0%,P=0.04).A similar proportion of the patients received correct dosing before and after intervention(44.8%vs.41.2%,difference in proportions 3.7%,95%CI-20.0%-26.7%,P=0.770).CONCLUSION:The use of an ADS may improve the timing of medication administration in patients presenting to the ED without affecting dosing appropriateness.

ACCELERATED LIFE TEST STUDIES OF NEW COATED DISPENSER CATHODES

The life of impregnated Ba-W cathodes with a new construction have been evaluated using an accelerated life test at three different temperatures (1170℃,1130℃,1090℃) and constant current density (2A/cm^2).According to the relationship of life with operating temperatures,an accelerated equation has been set up.The cathode life at normal operating temperature is deducted based on the accelerated equation.The results show that life of the novel cathode exceeds 190,000 hour at a current density of 2A/cm^2.

Return on Investment after Implementation of a Centralized Automated Storage System in a Hospital Pharmacy

An ADS （automated dispensing system） was implemented in our hospital pharmacy in 2008 to optimize and secure the medication process. The main objective of this study was to compare the projected and the real ROI （return on investment）, after seven years of use. ROI was calculated annually （from 2008 to 2015）, by deducting the cost of investment （ADS buying and implementation, maintenance, repairs and ADS upgrade） from the cost saving （drugs stock reduction and decrease of pharmacy staff dedicated to global dispensing）. In 2015, total costs saving （＋$1,141,987） were divided between decreasing drug stock value and reduction of pharmacy staff. Total costs of investment （-$978,656） were acquisition, maintenance, repairs and an unplanned upgrade costs. Finally, the real ROI was ＋$163,331 after seven years of use. In 2008, projected ROI was ＋$410,786. The real payback period has been increased by approximately two years （six years of use, instead of four years as expected）. Despite their cost, ADSs are a worthwhile investment, leading to a ROI within a few years. These economic considerations should be put into perspective with optimization of drugs stock management, greater efficiency of the global dispensing process, securitization of medication process and redeployment of pharmacy staff.

A NEW Ba-W DISPENSER CATHODE IMPREGNATED WITH BARIUM YTTERBATE

A new kind of Ba-W dispenser cathode impregnated with barium ytterbate has been deve-loped.It has good properties;high coefficient of secondary emission,strong ability of resisting oxygenpoisoning,high thermionic emission current density and more uniform emission on the cathode surface.The cathode is suitable for using as an electron emitter for microwave tubes,especially magnetrons.

RCS Reduction of Airborne Dispenser

The radar cross section (RCS) of dispenser and its components is computed by graphical electromagnetic computing (GRECO) method, which bases on physical optics (PO) method. A satisfied agreement is gotten between computed and measured results outdoor. The results show that the main scattering source of the dispenser is the mirror reflecting of the body; in the most crucial nose-on region, the nose mirror reflecting plays important role; the corner reflecting is important to the fins' RCS. The corresponding measures to reduce dispenser's RCS are proposed. It is indicated that to reduce RCS, shaping should be adopts first, while aerodynamic characteristics and stealth characteristics should be considered synthetically during the design of dispenser.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DISPENSER CATHODE WITH Re AS A MIDDLE LAYER

A new type of dispenser cathode with dual-layer (Os-W/Re) is developed. The cathode coated with Os-W/Re shows better emission performance than the cathode coated with Os-W alloy. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) spectra demonstrate that ternary alloy coating (Os-W-Re) formed on the surface of the cathode with dual-layer (Os-W/Re) after full activation is the major reason why it has better emission than the cathode with Os-W alloy. The surface of each variety of the cathode is characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) before and after activation: the emitting surface of the cathode with Os-W alloy after ageing appeared non-adherence (flaking) in localized areas, which is one of the reasons for non-uniform emission. However, the surface of the cathode with dual-layer (Os-W/Re) does not present film peeling under the same conditions. Thus it ensures better emission uniformity and functional reliability for the dispenser cathode.

SENSITIVITY OF THE CONCENTRATION CHANGE OF DYE DISPENSING USING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

This paper employs computer colour generation,and match prediction systems and aims tofind the most critical change of dye concentration corresponding to changes of Hue,or Chroma,orLightness of 1 unit just visible colour difference,thus investigating the required accuracy level fordyeing dispensing.This leads to the selection of one critical colour-difference dimension of threefrom CMC (1:c) measurement.The results reveal that the concentration change in dye dispensing ismost critical for change of Hue in a computer controlled system.The formula describing the rela-tionship Of △E and △H in CMC (2:1) measurement is selected for further investigation.

HIGH EMISSION PERFORMANCE IMPREGNATED DISPENSER CATHODE

In order to obtain higher emission performance than that of a traditional M-type cathode, we have developed a new type impregnated dispenser cathode. The new cathode is impregnated with a new active substance with molar ratio of 26BaO·29SrO·8Sc2O3 ·7CaO·Al2O3 . This paper introduces the emission performance, surface active material, and work function of the new cathode. At 1100℃B , the DC current density and pulse current density are 30.6±1.0 A/cm2 and 171.6±2.8 A/cm2 , respectively, 2.1 and 5.4 times of that of an M-type cathode. The work function of the new cathode is 1.668± 0.002 eV. High concentration O-Al-Sc-Sr-Ba and O-Al-Sc-Ba are found in the pores and at pore edges, respectively. By comparing the emission performances and surface characteristics of as-polished and as-cleaned cathodes, it is proposed that, the emission around pore ends forms the major part of the total emission for the new cathodes.

Impact of Training of Dispensers on Case Management of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections at Community Pharmacies in Pakistan

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of training of dispensers on the process of case management of ARI at community pharmacies in context to history taking and provision of advice working at community pharmacies in Islamabad, Pakistan. Method: A randomized, controlled, blinded intervention study was designed and implemented. Before the implementation of intervention, a baseline study was performed to assess the process of case management for ARI at community pharmacies. The study population included all community pharmacy outlets in Islamabad. After data collection, data was analyzed. The result of the study revealed that the overall process of disease management of ARI at community pharmacies in Pakistan is not satisfactory. Pharmacies of Islamabad which were visited in pre intervention phase (118) were divided into two geographical regions A (intervention) and B (control). From which thirty pharmacies were selected randomly from each region. The targeted group of the interventions was drug sellers. Keeping in view the results of the base line study an educational intervention was designed to improve the case management of ARI at community pharmacies in Pakistan. Results: No significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was seen in the process of history taking and advice provision in case of ARI management at community pharmacies between pre and post control groups. On the other hand significant difference in the process of history taking and provision of advice for ARI was observed in the intervention group before and after training. Conclusion: The study has highlighted that improvements in the current dispensing practices at community pharmacies are possible through appropriate educational interventions. The dispensers have the potential to provide fast and low cost healthcare to the masses in the country where the presence of doctors and qualified pharmacist is low;to date they are an untapped and underutilized source in the country.

Reliability Design of Ice-Maker System Subjected to Repetitive Loading

Parametric Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) was used to improve the reliability of ice-maker system with a fractured helix upper dispenser in field. By using bond graphs and state equations, a variety of mechanical loads in the assembly were analyzed. The acceleration factor was derived from a generalized life-stress failure model with a new load concept. To reproduce the failure modes and mechanisms causing the fracture, new sample size equation was derived. The sample size equation with the acceleration factor also enabled the parametric accelerated life testing to quickly reproduce early failure in field. Consequently, the failure modes and mechanisms found were identical with those of the failed sample. The design of this testing should help an engineer uncover the design parameters affecting the reliability of fractured helix upper dispenser in field. By eliminating the design flaws, gaps and weldline, the B1 life of the redesign of helix upper dispenser is now guaranteed to be over 10 years with a yearly failure rate of 0.1% that is the reliability quantitative test specifications (RQ).

Microcapillary cell extrusion deposition with picolitre dispensing resolution

Extrusion-based cell deposition has become a prominent technique for expanding bioprinting applications.However,the associated print resolution in the order of nanolitre or above has been a limiting factor.The demand for improving print resolution towards the scale of a single cell has driven the development of precision nozzle extrusion,although the benefits gained remain ambiguous.Here,aided by in situ imaging,we investigated the dynamics of cell organisation through an extrusion-based microcapillary tip with picolitre precision through in-air or immersion deposition.The microcapillary extrusion setup,termed‘Picodis’,was demonstrated by generating droplets of colouring inks immersed in an immiscible medium.Next,using 3T3 fibroblast cells as an experimental model,we demonstrated the deposition of cell suspension,and pre-aggregated cell pellets.Then,the dynamic organisation of cells within the microcapillary tip was described,along with cell ejection and deposition upon exiting the tip opening.The vision-assisted approach revealed that when dispersed in a culture medium,the movements of cells were distinctive based on the flow profiles and were purely driven by laminar fluid flow within a narrow tip.The primary process limitations were cell sedimentation,aggregation and compaction,along with trapped air bubbles.The use of picolitre-level resolution microcapillary extrusion,although it provides some level of control for a small number of cells,does not necessarily offer a reliable method when a specified number of cells are required.Our study provides insights into the process limitations of high-resolution cell ink extrusion,which may be useful for optimising biofabrication processes of cell-laden constructs for biomedical research.

Knowledge,attitude,and practices related to medication errors among nursing professionals:a questionnaire-based study in a tertiary care hospital

Objective:To evaluate the level of understanding(knowledge),beliefs(attitude),and behavior(practice)of staff nurses toward medication errors(MEs).Methods:Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to nursing professionals who had at least 1 year of work experience.Each questionnaire contained 19 items assessing“knowledge,”“attitude,”and“practice”attributes toward MEs.Results:Responses from 47 nursing respondents were included for the final analysis.The mean knowledge score was 3.8±1.1(out of 6);66%and 79%of the respondents had awareness of medication repor ting systems and interventions in preventing MEs,respectively.Lack of adequate knowledge in recognizing MEs(P=0.003),or presuming MEs are not as important enough to be reported(P=0.002),was considered as the major reason for under-repor ting of MEs.Nurses with higher knowledge score were against administration of medication through a different route than that prescribed by the physician(P=0.023),and tried to rectify an ME(P=0.020)and stayed with the patient until an oral medication had been swallowed(P=0.037).Conclusions:The nursing professionals were aware of the ME repor ting system and methods to prevent the occurrence of MEs.They also exhibited a positive attitude and followed optimal practices in controlling MEs.

Control for Intelligent Manufacturing： A Multiscale Challenge

The Made in China 2025 initiative will require full automation in all sectors, from customers to production. This will result in great challenges to manufacturing systems in all sectors. In the future of manufacturing, all devices and systems should have sensing and basic intelligence capabilities for control and adaptation. In this study, after discussing multiscale dynamics of the modern manufacturing system, a five-layer functional structure is proposed for uncertainties processing. Multiscale dynamics include： multi-time scale, spacetime scale, and multi-level dynamics. Control action will differ at different scales, with more design being required at both fast and slow time scales. More quantitative action is required in low-level operations, while more qualitative action is needed regarding high-level supervision. Intelligent manufacturing systems should have the capabilities of flexibility, adaptability, and intelligence. These capabilities will require the control action to be distributed and integrated with different approaches, including smart sensing, optimal design, and intelligent learning. Finally, a typical jet dispensing system is taken as a real-world example for multiscale modeling and control.