Predictive heuristics to generate robust and stable schedules in single machine systems under disruptions

The present paper examines the problems of stable and robust scheduling under disruptions with uncertain processing times. In order to handle such problems, in addition to exact solution approaches, a general predictive two-stage heuristic algorithm is proposed. In the first stage of the algorithm, the optimal robust schedule is generated by only considering the uncertain job processing times and forgoing the breakdown disruptions. In the second stage, adequate additional times are embedded in job processing times to enhance stability. Extensive computational experiments are carried out to test the performances of the proposed methods. The achieved results show the superiority of the proposed general predictive heuristic approach over the common methods in the literature.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY SKILLS TO REDUCTION IN DIFFICULTY IN EMOTION REGULATION AMONG STUDENTS

Secondary Burial Ground in the Pyramid Complex of King Djedkare: A Preliminary Report on Burials with Grave Goods

The exploration of the pyramid complex of King Djedkare at south Saqqara in 2018 revealed a large number of secondary burials. These burials were found between the north part of the king’s funerary precinct and in the south part of his queen’s precinct in an area which had not been previously excavated. This brief preliminary study presents the archaeological frame together with the results of the osteological examination of a small group of burials which contained grave goods. This study shows that at this burial ground, grave goods were associated mostly with immature individuals, and in a smaller number of cases with adult women, while no adult male burial with grave goods was documented in this group.

Cervical Spine Spondylitis with an Epidural Abscess in a Patient with Brucellosis: A Case Report

Human brucellosis, the most prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide, is a systemic infection which can involve several organs. Among musculoskeletal complaints, spondylitis is the most frequent complication of brucellosis and primarily affects the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. The involvement of the cervical spine is infrequent.

Influenza vaccination and Guillain–Barré syndrome: Reality or fear

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disorder and an acute immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy that causes reduced signal transmissions, progressive muscle weakness, and paralysis. The etiology of the syndrome still remains controversial and uncertain. GBS can be initiated and triggered by respiratory tract infections such as influenza, and intestinal infections such as Campylobacter jejuni . In addition, there is considerable evidence suggesting links between influenza vaccination and GBS. As reported previously, the incidence of GBS in individuals receiving swine flu vaccine was about one to two cases per million. Despite the influenza vaccine efficacy, its association with an immune-mediated demyelinating process can be challenging as millions of people get vaccinated every year. In this review we will discuss the association between influenza infection and vaccination with GBS by focusing on the possible immunopathological mechanisms.

Intergenerational Ambivalence Among Iranian Refugee Families in Finland

Conductivity change with needle electrode during high frequency irreversible electroporation: a finite element study

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a process in which the cell membrane is damaged and leads to cell death. IRE has been used as a minimally invasive ablation tool. This process is affected by some factors. The most important factor is the electric field distribution inside the tissue. The electric field distribution depends on the electric pulse parameters and tissue properties, such as the electrical conductivity of tissue. The present study focuses on evaluating the tissue conductivity change due to high-frequency and low-voltage (HFLV) as well as low-frequency and high-voltage (LFHV) pulses during irreversible electroporation. We were used finite element analysis software, COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0, to calculate the conductivity change of the liver tissue. The HFLV pulses in this study involved 4000 bipolar and monopolar pulses with a frequency of 5 kHz, pulse width of 100 µs, and electric field intensity from 100 to 300 V/cm. On the other hand, the LFHV pulses, which we were used, included 8 bipolar and monopolar pulses with a frequency of 1 Hz, the pulse width of 2 ms and electric field intensity of 2500 V/cm. The results demonstrate that the conductivity change for LFHV pulses due to the greater electric field intensity was higher than for HFLV pulses. The most significant conclusion is the HFLV pulses can change tissue conductivity only in the vicinity of the tip of electrodes. While LFHV pulses change the electrical conductivity significantly in the tissue of between electrodes.

The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety and Their Lifestyle Determinants in a Large Sample of Iranian Adults: Results from a Population Based Cross-Sectional Study

Association of lifestyle-related factors and mental health has been less studied in Middle Eastern countries. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of two common mental health problems, i.e., depression and anxiety, and their lifestyle determinants in a large sample of Iranian population. This study was conducted within the framework of SEPAHAN population based cross-sectional study (N=4763(. The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and the Iranian-validated version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to screen for anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used as the main statistical method for data analysis by SPSS version 16.0. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The risk of anxiety and depression was 2.5 (OR=2.56,95% CI: 1.97-3.33) and 2.21(1.83-2.67) times higher in women than men, respectively. With every one-year increase in the age, the risk of anxiety decreased by 2% (OR=0.98,95% CI:0.97-0.99). Individuals with higher education had 56% lower risk of anxiety (OR=0.44,95% CI: 0.36-0.55) and 46% depression (OR=0.54,95% CI: 0.46-0.64) than the undergraduate group, and the risk of depression in the inactive (less than one hour of activity per week) group was 27% higher than the active group (OR=1.27,95% CI: 1.06-1.51). The risk of anxiety in the non-smoker group was 65% (OR=0.35,95% CI: 0.20-0.59) and depression was 64% lower than among smokers (OR=0.34,95% CI:0.22-0.53). In the ex-smoker group, the risk of anxiety was 60% (OR=0.40,95% CI:0.19-0.85) and depression was 59% lower than for the smoker group (OR=0.41,95% CI: 0.24-0.73). This current study’s results demonstrated significant associations between unhealthy lifestyle factors and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Hence, special attention must be paid to preventive intervention programmes aiming to enhance healthy lifestyle among at-risk populations.

Risk Factors of Esophageal Bleeding in Children with Various Etiologies of Liver Cirrhosis – A Single-Center Report from Iran

Esophageal bleeding is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. In thee present study, our aim was to divulge major factors predicting esophageal bleeding in Iranian children with liver cirrhosis. This was a cross-sectional study including 101 children < 18 years old referred to the Pediatric Endoscopy Unit of Nemazee Teaching Hospital of Shiraz from 2014 until 2016. Children with esophageal varices were included. The patients were divided into two groups including those with and without history of esophageal bleeding. Statistical methods were performed in SPSS 16 software. There were 49 boys and 52 girls. The mean age was 7.74±5.26 years old. A history of esophageal bleeding was observed in 53 (52.4%). In univariate analyses, significant relationships were found between esophageal bleeding and varices size (P=0.001), Child-Pugh score (P=0.01), age of bleeding initiation (P<0.001), serum creatinine (P=0.01), and serum sodium (P=0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean of PELD/MELD score among children with (12.34±12) and without (14.61±17.51) history of esophageal bleeding (P=0.5). Among various etiologies of cirrhosis, a significant association was observed between autoimmune hepatitis and the history of esophageal bleeding (P=0.01). Regarding the clinical importance of esophageal bleedings in children with liver cirrhosis, it is recommended to further divulge the risk factors pre-disposing to this event.

UTILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REFLECTION IN DISTINCT TYPES OF ENGINEERING COURSES

Reflective writing or exam wrappers appear to be a valuable exercise that may benefit students. This notion was evaluated in parallel within five engineering classrooms of different size and subject matter. The improvement or quantifiable impact of the reflective writing exercise differed from class to class. Despite this, overall results suggest that exam wrappers lend themselves well to improving learning, both for the students and instructors in the context of engineering classrooms.