Fuzzy Robust Optimization in Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network Model for Hazardous Products (Lead-Acid Battery)

Purpose: This paper models a closed-loop supply chain network problem for hazardous products in the face of demand uncertainty and variable costs. The designed model includes a set of suppliers, production centers, distribution, recycling, disposal, collection and end customers in which strategic and tactical decisions are made simultaneously. Among the decisions made in this paper is the location of production, distribution and collection centers and determining the optimal amount of product flow between the levels of the supply chain network. Methodology: In this paper, the Epsilon constraint method is used to solve a multi-objective model in GMAS software. This article also uses uniform data to solve the problem. Findings: The results of solving the model with fuzzy robust optimization method show that with increasing the uncertainty rate and also reducing the transfer time of hazardous products, the total network costs as well as the amount of greenhouse gas emissions have increased. Also, the study of Pareto front to optimize the total design costs and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions shows that by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the network, the costs related to location and routing increase. Originality/Value: In this paper a fuzzy robust optimization is used in closed-loop supply chain network model for hazardous products (Lead-Acid Battery)

Prioritizing lean manufacturing practices in small to medium enterprises by applying TOPSIS in fuzzy environment

Due to the globalization most of the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are faced with a lot of pressure to survive. To overcome these pressures, Lean Production System could be very helpful to SMEs. In this research we want to highlight how it can help SMEs, identify limitations to implement lean manufacturing in SMEs and finally prioritize lean practices for implementing in SMEs. For this aim, TOPSIS method in fuzzy environment was applied. Twenty two lean practices which identified by Shah and Ward in 2003 [10] is used as the most suitable lean practices for implementing lean production. Then the barriers of implementing lean production in SMEs identified. An example is provided to illustrate finding of this study. In this study, the barriers of implementing lean production in SMEs were highlighted. It has strived to illustrate the applicability of Multi Criteria Decision Making method in lean production and SMEs. Finally, the result which is the ranked practices of lean production could help managers of SMEs to choose the most suitable practices of lean associated with less risk

A Novel Solution for the Glauert-Jet Problem by Variational Iteration Method-Padé Approximant

We will consider variational iteration method (VIM) and Padé approximant, for finding analytical solutions of the Glauert-jet (self-similar wall jet over an impermeable, resting plane surface) problem. The solutions are compared with the exact solution. The results illustrate that VIM is an attractive method in solving the systems of nonlinear equations. It is predicted that VIM can have a found wide application in engineering problems

Arsenic intakes from spices and sheep tail (Donbeh) in a high oesophageal cancer area: Pilot study from Iran

Arsenic is a carcinogenic and toxicant element widely found in the environment and might be part of causation web of Oesophageal Cancer (OC), which has one of the highest incidence rates in Golestan Province, Northeast Iran. In this pilot study, we collected 10 Sheep tail (donbeh) and 9 mixed spices samples, as widely consumed foods in the region, from main counties in the province and analyzed for arsenic concentrations using AOAC atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Findings showed that arsenic levels in all samples were less than the safe level of 1 ppm. Total arsenic intake from sheep tail and mixed spices sources were estimated at 4.68 and 4.24 µg/day in men and women, respectively. Therefore, the study suggests that arsenic intake from these commonly consumed foods do not seem as a major hazard for OC etiology

Comparison of three malnutrition screening tools prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that malnutrition before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with poor patient prognoses. There is inconsistency among studies on which nutritional status screening tool is appropriate for malnutrition diagnosis before allo-HSCT. The present study aimed to compare nutritional screening tools in patients with leukemia before allo-HSCT.MethodsAn observational, cross-sectional, and single-center study was conducted in Tehran, Iran. One hundred four adults allo-HSCT candidates aged 18-55 years with leukemia were selected sequentially. Malnutrition assessment was done using three tools, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) criteria. The agreement between malnutrition assessment tools was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa.ResultsThe agreement between GLIM and NRS-2002 was perfect (κ = 0.817, p < 0.001), while the agreement between GLIM and ESPEN was fair (κ = 0.362, p < 0.001). The agreement between NRS-2002 and ESPEN was fair (κ = 0.262, p < 0.001). We also found a moderate agreement for all tools (κ = 0.489, p < 0.001).ConclusionNRS-2002 is an accepted tool for screening malnutrition in hospitalized patients. In the current study, the GLIM criterion perfectly agreed with the NRS-2002. Further studies in the HSCT setting are needed to introduce a valid tool