We apply a new corrected diffusion approximation for the Erlang C formula to determine staffing levels in cost minimization and constraint satisfaction problems. These problems are motivated by large customer contact centers that are modeled as an M/M/s queue with s the number of servers or agents. The proposed staffing levels are refinements of the celebrated square root safety staffing rule, ...

In this paper, we study the stochastic transportation-inventory network design problem involving one supplier and multiple retailers. Each retailer faces some uncertain demand. Due to this uncertainty, some amount of safety stock must be maintained to achieve suitable service levels. However, risk-pooling benefits may be achieved by allowing some retailers to serve as distribution centers (and ...

Since the publication of the Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) trial1 in April 2007, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received harsh scrutiny in both the scientific and lay press.2,3 The COURAGE investigators concluded that PCI did not reduce chances of death or myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with stable coronary artery di...

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that all people should have access to a safe food and water supply. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports science-based food and water regulations and recommendations that are applied consistently across all foods and water regulated by all agencies and incorporate traceability and recall to limit food- and waterborne outbre...

Much ink has been spilled and time spent over ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and national patient safety and quality improvement organizations have led the charge to help intensive care units (ICUs) rid themselves of VAP. Now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is proposing to add VAP to the list of “never events” subject t...

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the nation, involving more than 6 million children. This is a huge issue not only in the U.S. but also all around the world, specifically in areas with a high children population such as daycare centers. While daycare centers are considered to be relatively safe, these ...

background: studies show that about 90% of accidents occur because of unsafe behavior and human errors. even if workers do not have the right knowledge, attitude and behavior toward safety measures in a safe workplace, all efforts for an accident-free workplace will be in vain. this study aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and behavior of workers toward occupational health and s...