Mercedes González

Solving a multiobjective location routing problem with a metaheuristic based on tabu search. Application to a real case in Andalusia

In this work we present a multiobjective location routing problem and solve it with a multiobjective metaheuristic procedure. In this type of problem, we have to locate some plants within a set of possible locations to meet the demands of a number of clients with multiple objectives. This type of model is used to solve a problem with real data in the region of Andalusia (Spain). Thus, we study the location of two incineration plants for the disposal of solid animal waste from some preestablished locations in Andalusia, and design the routes to serve the different slaughterhouses in this region. This must be done while taking into account certain economic objectives (start-up, maintenance, and transport costs) and social objectives (social rejection by towns on the truck routes, maximum risk as an equity criterion, and the negative implications for towns close to the plant).

How to use sustainability indicators for tourism planning: The case of rural tourism in Andalusia (Spain)

This paper proposes an indicators system to analyse the sustainability of tourist activity at rural destinations in countries with a consolidated tourism sector. The proposed system aims at providing tourist managers and policy-makers with information to better understand the transition to sustainability at specific destinations and to encourage them to carry out corresponding policy and management responses. To illustrate how indicators can be quantified, we create a practical guideline on how to use the statistical information available. Likewise, we suggest a method for obtaining sustainability indexes by aggregation that reduces the subjectivity associated with the composite indicator. This procedure is based on the combination of principal component analysis and distance to a reference point. Together with the definition of sustainable tourism indicators, we explain how to use these systems and sustainability indexes to fulfil three practical uses in tourism sector planning: the comparison and characterisation of destinations, the definition of benchmarking practices, and the quantification of sustainable tourism objectives. Each practical use is illustrated using the case of rural zones in a consolidated destination such as Andalusia.

Multiple objectives decomposition-coordination methods for hierarchical organizations

Abstract In this paper, the integration of goal programming models and hierarchical programming models is analyzed. The systems under study are assumed to consist of interconnected subsystems with multiple goals in each. Three possible cases regarding the number of decision makers will be considered: (1) one decision maker for the overall goals and one decision maker for each subsystem, (2) conflicting decision makers who are interested in their subsystems, and (3) just one decision maker for the overall system. Next, conditions are stated under which the problem of obtaining satisfying solutions for problems (1) and (3) can be reduced to the problem of obtaining satisfying solutions for the case (2). In order to determine such solutions, hierarchical techniques which exploit the structure of a decomposable system are analyzed. The empirical implementation of the two algorithms proposed shows their efficiency in terms of processing time.

Using Box Indices in Supporting Comparison in Multiobjective Optimization

Because of the conflicting nature of criteria or objectives, solving a multiobjective optimization problem typically requires interaction with a decision maker who can specify preference information related to the objectives in the problem in question. Due to the difficulties of dealing with multiple objectives, the way information is presented plays a very important role. Questions posed to the decision maker must be simple enough and information shown must be easy to understand. For this purpose, visualization and graphical representations can be useful and constitute one of the main tools used in the literature. In this paper, we propose to use box indices to represent information related to different solution alternatives of multiobjective optimization problems involving at least three objectives. Box indices are an intelligible and easy to handle way to represent data. They are based on evaluating the solutions in a natural and rough enough scale in order to let the decision maker easily recognize the main characteristics of a solution at a glance and to facilitate comparison of two or more solutions in an easily understandable way.

An Algorithmic Package for the Resolution and Analysis of Convex Multiple Objective Problems

The aim of this paper is to describe an algorithmic package which allows us to cany out a complete treatment of a general multiple objective convex problem. It includes the generalisation of many of the algorithms used in the linear case, as well as some others developed specially for our problem. This treatment can be divided into two main blocks: • Generation of efficient solutions: both the weighting and the constraint method are developed, through an automatic generation of weights in the former, and of bounds in the latter. • Goal Programming: We include two versions of the traditional lexicographic algorithms, adapted to the convex case under study, and we also allow the possibility to generate the set of solutions which are satisfying and efficient at the same time. Finally, we also cany out a post-optimal analysis on the target values, so as to find whether they can be improved or not. This analysis, which takes the form of an interactive method, can even lead to an efficient, as well as satisfying, solution for the original problem.

CASE STUDY The use of computer‐assisted therapy in anomia rehabilitation: A single‐case report

Background: Research has shown there are three different recognised levels of processing involved in spoken word production: the semantic level, the lexical level, and the phonological level. All of these influence the naming performance of anomic patients. However, there is disagreement regarding the most appropriate strategies for the treatment of anomic problems (repetition, lexical‐phonological cueing, semantic cueing, or a combination of all three). The use of computers seems to offer considerable advantages for the daily work of speech therapists, however there is still discussion as to whether or not computers can help patients achieve goals in therapy, and whether computers really can assist therapists in helping their patients to reach their full potential. Aims: This report describes the Computer‐assisted Anomia Rehabilitation Program (CARP) designed to be used by a speech therapist working with anomic patients. The program uses semantic, phonological, written, and semantic/phonological cueing procedures to promote the naming of objects and actions. A single‐case study is described in an attempt to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. We hoped to increase naming ability and help the patient internalise these strategies and apply them to untreated items in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment. Methods & Procedures: This is a single‐case report using ABA design, in which a pre‐treatment naming baseline was obtained followed by a computer‐assisted intervention procedure over a 12‐day period. Post‐treatment evaluation was conducted a month later to determine the extent of the improvement in the subjects denomination performance. We compare the results to control measurements (PALPA Oral Picture Naming test, Ravens Progressive Matrices, and Yesavage Geriatric Scale). Outcomes & Results: Comparison of pre‐ vs post‐treatment results of the practised words indicated improvement in target naming from 53% to 70% correct responses, when tested 30 days after the end of treatment. In addition, significant improvement was also found in an untrained PALPA Oral Picture Naming test (pre: 13/40; post: 26/40). Results in the generalisation group of stimuli can be related to the patients internalisation of strategies provided during treatment and its application to untreated items. On the other hand, no significant gains were observed in other areas of cognition taken as control (IQ measured by the Ravens Matrices). Conclusions: This report shows the effectiveness of the Computer‐assisted Anomia Rehabilitation Program (CARP) in this single case. It suggests that computer‐based programmes can be valid in the treatment of anomic disorders, and proposes further study and development of these systems in clinical practice.

Sustainable tourism composite indicators: a dynamic evaluation to manage changes in sustainability

ABSTRACT This paper introduces an approach to assessing the sustainability of tourism that takes into account the progress made towards greater sustainability, as well as the current level of sustainability. The Vectorial Dynamic Composite Indicator is based on the goal programming technique. This composite indicator has two components (static and dynamic). The first provides a static assessment of the destination in terms of its strengths and weaknesses. The second allows us to analyse the evolution recorded by the destination from a period taken as a reference to the measurement period. In order to facilitate the use of the vectorial indicator, we define a graphical tool: the Sustainable Tourism Evaluation Chart. The definition of the composite indicator is completed by setting guidelines for its use obtained from a comparative empirical study focused on some of the main European destinations.

Disponibilidad y fluidez oral de palabras por categorías semánticas: un estudio prospectivo en adultos de más de 55 años con diferente nivel de escolarización

Este estudio presenta las diferencias obtenidas en un grupo de sujetos sanos considerando su edad, sexo y nivel de escolarizacion al analizar su disponibilidad semiespontanea de produccion oral (fluidez de palabras). Los participantes debian evocar durante 1 minuto de tiempo el mayor numero posible de palabras de una categoria solicitada. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto una significativa mayor capacidad de los adultos de rango de edad menor (55–65) y de mas nivel de escolarizacion en la produccion de palabras validas, en las 9 categorias exploradas. No se aprecian diferencias significativas por sexo. Asimismo, un corpus basico de vocabulario perteneciente a las distintas categorias, segun la frecuencia obtenida y la disponibilidad oral del grupo de participantes evaluados se describe al final de este trabajo (Apendice).

Planning federal public investment in Mexico using multiobjective decision making

AbstractThe scope of this article is showing how multicriteria decision making can be an efficient tool to manage public investment planning in complex situations. For this aim, we will analyse the problem in all its aspects: building the model from data using econometrical tools, solving the resulting highly complex model using modern efficient techniques (multiobjective meta-heuristics) and helping the decision maker to introduce his preferences in order to achieve the most preferred solution. This holistic approach let us provide an efficient solution to a complex public investment planning situation, improving the current state of the country relating not only economical aspects, but also social and human development aspects. The real situation studied is focused on Mexico, where, in recent decades, has undergone remarkable improvements in terms of economic growth, which has not been matched by significant improvements in several other basic aspects of human development, nor by reductions in regional inequalities. This suggests the need to establish policies aimed at improving these aspects and reducing inequalities. Federal public investment is an important tool in regional policy to promote and improve these aspects; so we introduce a multiobjective programming problem for planning federal public investment in Mexico. This model will focus on improving national levels in four main dimensions of human development (economic growth, education, health and housing), and on reducing regional inequalities for those dimensions.

Equilibrium Policies among University Departments

A Dynamic Goal Programming model is proposed to determine the extra budget assignment to the departments of the University of Malaga, in order to ease an initial highly unbalanced situation.