This work considers the application of a mathematical model using mixed-integer linear programming for the vehicle routing problem. The model aims at establishing the distribution routes departing from a distribution center to each customer in order to reduce the transport cost associated with these routes. The study considers the use of a fleet of different capacities in the distribution network, which presents the special characteristic of a star network and which must meet different efficiency criteria, such as the fulfillment of each customer's demand, the vehicle carrying capacity, work schedule, and sustainable use of resources. The intention is to find the amount of equipment suitable to satisfy the demand, thus improving the level of customer service, optimizing the use of both human and economic resources in the distribution area, and leveraging maximum vehicle capacity usage. The MILP mixed-integer linear programming mathematical model of the case study is presented, as well as the corresponding numerical study.

This paper proposes an integrated model of social-health resources management. The authors present the actual challenges for health care, in an environment characterized by longer life expectancy and an increase in the number of patients with chronic pathologies, in a scenario of both, economic and financial crises. Their presentation includes management and financial issues, and the technological trends –such as the development of personalized and regenerative medicine– which will lead to an increase in health spending. The task of facing these challenges, they explain, cannot be postponed, the goals should be to improve: the efficiency in the use of health resources, the quality of health care and the level of patient satisfaction. Finally, they present some concepts about the application of information and communications technologies in health, show its relationship with the chronic patient care and present both, the current management models for this type of patient and the new proposed model.