A blood distribution system: an application to the Turkish Red Crescent

Date

2018

Author

Kurt, Atıl

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In this study, we consider the blood distribution system in Turkey and focus on Central Anatolian Regional Blood Center. Our problem differs from the classical distribution problems as it resides irradiation centers, urgent demands, vehicle availability and traveling time restrictions. In this study, we considered two problems. To address the first problem, we develop a mixed integer linear program with two objectives: maximizing the demand satisfaction and minimizing total time travelled by the vehicles. We propose two decomposition-based heuristic solution approaches. The results of our experiments have revealed that the model cannot solve even small sized instances in reasonable times; however, the heuristic solution approaches are appropriate for solving complex real life problems. Second problem proposes several demand satisfaction options by taking into account the irradiation centers, urgent demands, and product availability. To address the problem, we develop a mixed integer linear program with the objective of maximizing the weighted demand satisfaction, and propose a hybrid genetic algorithm. The results of our experiments have revealed that the model cannot solve even small sized instances in reasonable times; however, the hybrid genetic algorithm is appropriate for solving complex real life problems.  

Subject Keywords

Blood, Red Cross and Red Crescent

URI

http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12621823/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/27109

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis