Abstract
AbstractIn the pallet building problem, we aim at loading a given set of items into one or more pallets, by satisfying specific constraints and minimizing the number of pallets used. In this paper, we address a practical case of this problem that originates from a real-world robotized application, subject to some non-trivial operational constraints. In practice, items are grouped into families and must be packed into horizontal layers. To facilitate loading/unloading operations, items of the same type packed into the same layer should be contiguous and at least one of them should be visible from the outside. We present a formal mathematical description for layer and pallet creation subproblems and then we propose heuristic, metaheuristic, matheuristic algorithms to solve the overall problem. The performance of the algorithms is assessed through extensive computational tests on real-world instances.

Abstract

Abstract
To remain competitive, companies must continuously improve the processes at hand, be they administrative, production, or logistics. The objective of the study described in this paper was to develop a decision-making tool based on a simulation model to support the production of knits and damask fabrics. The tool was used to test different control strategies for material flow, from the raw material warehouse to the finished product warehouse, and thus can also be used to evaluate the impacts of these strategies on the productivity. The data upon which the decision support tool was built were collected from five sectors of the plant: the raw material warehouse, knit production, damask production, finishing work, and the finished product warehouse. The decision support tool met the objectives of the project, with all five strategies developed showing positive results. Knit and damask production rates increased by up to 8% and 44%, respectively, and a reduction of 75% was observed in the waiting time on the point of entry to the finishing work area, compared to the company's existing system.

Abstract
The so-called fourth industrial revolution brought a disruptive change in the way that communication technologies, distributed systems, intelligent data management, analytics and computational capability and other technologies are integrated to enable new functions and enhance capabilities not only to production systems, but also in many other domains such as education. Mobile Health (m-Health) education is one of these, where the number of applications and tools for m-Health education is extensive. The SARS-Cov2 (Covid-19) pandemic brought to life immense challenges towards education, technology, and the symbiosis with medicine. This paper introduces 31 of the current state-of-the-art m-Health education applications and analyses the results of an an inquiry to students and junior doctors during the confinement, designed to understanding their knowledge, use and trust regarding these apps. The results show that several applications are well perceived by their users and deserved their trust and confirms a good relation between use and trust on the applications analysed. This analysis open doors to a deeper study to evaluate at which extent improving m-Health education means not only to transmit knowledge but also to developing skills and better practices.

Abstract

Abstract
This research addresses the benefits of ISO 9001 to understand the reasons behind its worldwide adoption. By applying principal component analysis to the results of a survey encompassing 526 valid responses (24.4% response rate), a more business-oriented scale than the traditional internal/external type of motivation with three main categories of benefits is proposed: operational improvement benefit (regarded as the most relevant), profitability and, market. The internal benefits related to the operational improvement are the benefits most felt by organizations, highlighting the contribution of ISO 9001 to improve learning processes and knowledge generation. Concerning the organization size, medium-sized organizations attribute greater importance to the market and competitiveness. However, there are no statistical differences in the reporting of benefits felt in operational improvement and profitability. In relation to the year of certifcation, organizations certified before the year 2000 report higher market benefits when compared to those certified later. The investigation of ISO 9001 within Industry 4.0 and digital processes are suggested for future research.