We have recently introduced a hyper-heuristic genetic algorithm (hyper-GA) with an adaptive length chromosome which aims to evolve an ordering of low-level heuristics so as to find good quality solutions to given problems. The guided mutation and crossover hyper-GA, the focus of this paper, extends that work. The aim of a guided hyper-GA is to make the dynamic removal and insertion of heuristic...

The challenge in shift scheduling lies in the construction of a set of work shifts, which are subject to specific regulations, in order to cover fluctuating staff demands. This problem becomes harder when multiskill employees can perform many different activities during the same shift. In this paper, we show how formal languages (such as regular and context-free languages) can be enhanced and u...

Evaluation Findings Evaluators found many examples of high-quality crosscurricular projects and, when those were not present, often an academic teacher had integrated technical concepts into lessons. Staff interviewed for the evaluation acknowledged the value of an integrated curriculum and a desire to develop more of it, but admitted that they lacked either the capacity or the time to collabor...

Queue scheduling will be one of the major modes of operation of the Gemini 8m telescopes in which scientific programs will be carried out on behalf of applicants by Gemini staff. Use of a substantial fraction of the available telescope time in this manner will permit access to the exquisite conditions of image quality and background which the telescopes are designed to exploit as well as matchi...

We develop a single artificial variable technique to initialize the primal support method for solving linear programs with bounded variables. We first recall the full artificial basis technique, then we will present the proposed algorithm. In order to study the performances of the suggested algorithm, an implementation under the MATLAB programming language has been developed. Finally, we carry ...

Problem-centric scheduling for heterogeneous computing systems This project addresses key scheduling problems in heterogeneous computing environments. Heterogeneous computing systems (HCSs) have received increased attention since the 1990s, particularly over the past 10 years with the popularity of grid computing systems. These computing environments consist of a variety of resources interconne...

The title furan-ocoumarin, C14H12O4 [systematic name: 9-hy-droxy-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-2,3-di-hydro-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one], crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. The two mol-ecules differ essentially in the orientation of the propenyl group with respect to the mean plane of the furan-ocoumarin moiety; the O-C(H)-C=C torsion angle is 122.2 (7)° in mol-...

We explored health professionals' views of implementing a systematic voiding program (SVP) in a multi-site qualitative process evaluation in stroke services recruited to the intervention arms of a cluster randomized controlled feasibility trial during 2011-2013. We conducted semi-structured group or individual interviews with 38 purposively selected nursing, managerial, and care staff involved ...

The pilot implementation of a Short Messaging Service (SMS) system for student-academic staff administrative information exchange in a higher education environment is described. Assessment results and related alerts were broadcast to students and access was provided to information relating to their subject schedules and assessment performance. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collect...

Patient safety leadership walkarounds (PSLWA) have been identified as an effective tool to improve patient safety culture. At Hamilton Health Sciences, after one year of monthly PSLWA in all clinical and service programs, 1,351 patient safety issues were identified, of which 64-80% have been resolved or have active improvement work in progress. Five hundred staff were invited to complete a proc...