60 research outputs found

    Dynamic weighted idle time heuristic for flowshop scheduling

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    The constructive heuristic of Nawaz, Enscore and Ham (NEH) has been introduced in 1983 to solve flowshop scheduling. Many researchers have continued to improve the NEH by adding new steps and procedures to the existing algorithm. Thus, this study has developed a new heuristic known as Dynamic Weighted Idle Time (DWIT) method by adding dynamic weight factors for solving the partial solution with purpose to obtain optimal makespan and improve the NEH heuristic. The objective of this study are to develop a DWIT heuristic to solve flowshop scheduling problem and to assess the performance of the new DWIT heuristic against the current best scheduling heuristic, ie the NEH. This research developed a computer programming in Microsoft Excel to measure the flowshop scheduling performance for every change of weight factors. The performance measure is done by using n jobs (n=6,10 and 20) and 4 machines. The weight factors were applied with numerical method within the range of zero to one. Different weight factors and machines idle time were used at different problem sizes. For 6 jobs and 4 machines, only idle time before and in between two jobs were used while for 10 jobs and 20 jobs the consideration of idle time was idle time before, in between two jobs and after completion of the last job. In 6 jobs problem, the result was compared between DWIT against Optimum and NEH against Optimum. While in 10 jobs and 20 jobs problem the result was compared between DWIT against the NEH. Overall result shows that the result on 6 and 10 jobs problem the DWIT heuristic obtained better results than NEH heuristic. However, in 20 jobs problem, the result shows that the NEH was better than DWIT. The result of this study can be used for further research in modifying the weight factors and idle time selections in order to improve the NEH heuristic

    Factors influencing behavioral intention to use m-learning and the mediation role of user satisfaction

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    The rapid development of mobile technologies has resulted in a phenomenal growth in the number of youth using the mobile devices for their learning in Malaysia. An understanding on the influence of mobile technologies and its intention to use for learning are crucial. However, there is still a lacking of attention being given by researchers related to this area. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing intention to use m-learning among students at Malaysian technical universities. The research model has been adopted by combining two related theoretical models, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), and the IS success model. A total of 400 sets of data were collected from four Malaysia technical universities using purposeful structured random sampling and self-administrated survey questionnaire. The SPSS AMOS software has been used to test the model of its goodness of fit and the relationships between the variables. The results revealed that the performance expectancy, perceived playfulness, and self-management of learning have a positive significant influence to predict behavioral intention to use m-learning, while social influence and effort expectancy show a negative impact on the behavioral intention. The performance expectancy, self-management of learning and effort expectancy are positively significantly related to user satisfaction while the social influence, and perceived playfulness are negatively significantly related to user satisfaction. It was also found that user satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention to use m-learning, and the relationship between factors influencing learning and behavioral intention to use m-learning. However, user satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between effort expectancy and behavioral intention to use m-learning

    A Review of Strategies to Prevent On-Site Construction Waste

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    One of the most important concerns that improves building profitability is the implementation of a positive approach to minimize construction waste. This paper will discuss the roots of construction waste, current waste reduction strategies, and lastly the possible use of waste management. Furthermore, the key environmental priority for this issue should be to control and mitigate construction waste generation. The purpose of this study is to provide prevention measures, and the rising tide of public awareness is all conspiring to modify the face of waste management. Clients, contractors, suppliers, and designers Architects & Engineers all have opportunities and duties to reduce construction waste. The outcomes of this study will assist academics in furthering their research into important management strategies for reducing on-site building waste

    Estimation of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advances for Short Duration and High Yielding Rice Genotypes

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    The goal of the study was to find genotypes of 18 different rice varieties that would yield a lot of rice in a short amount of time. With this in mind, the study genotypes' field performance as well as the relationships between various morpho-physiological and yield-contributing traits among the genotypes was assessed. The experiments were conducted from July to December 2018 at the Agronomy Field, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajshahi University. In genotype BRRI dhan 51, the maximum number of days to 50% flowering was discovered. The genotype BRRI dhan 56 had the lowest number of days required for 50% flowering. Genotypes showed a wide range of days to maturity (92.00–109.00), with an average of 98.96 days. The genotypes DRR 46, BINA 7, and DRR 44 are followed by the genotypes BRR1 dhan 66, BRR1 dhan 56, and BRR1 dhan 57, which have shorter maturity periods (i.e., 92.00 days), indicating earliness. The traits investigated in this study showed high heritabilities, with estimates ranging from 67.00 to 96.00 percent. Days to flowering and unfilled grain panicle-1 had the highest heritability among the traits (96.00%).The presence of high heritability values suggests that the expression of the traits under study is less influenced by the external environment. The unfilled grain panicle-1 had the highest genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (144.80%), while panicle length had the lowest genetic advance (10.48%) among the traits that affected yield. View Article DOI: 10.47856/ijaast.2022.v09i10.00

    The Study of Genetic Divergence in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Genotypes with Grain Yield and Different Morpho-Physiological Traits using Mahalanobis’ D2 Analysis

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    The current study attempted to study genetic divergence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes with grain yield and different morpho-physiological traits among 18 rice varieties using Mahalanobis' D2 analysis. Keeping this in mind, the performance of the studied genotypes, as well as the association between various morpho-physiological and yield contributing traits among the genotypes, were evaluated in the field. The experiments were conducted from July to December 2018 at the Agronomy Field, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajshahi University. In terms of grain yield and other morpho-physiological traits, the genotypes differed significantly. The genotypes were classified into five clusters using Mahalonobis' D2 statistics and Tocher's method (Table 3). Cluster IV was the smallest of the clusters. Cluster l is the largest, with six genotypes. Clusters II and lV each contained three and two genotypes. The pattern of genotype distribution among various clusters reflected the significant genetic variability present in the genotypes, which may be due to adaptation of these genotypes to specific environmental conditions. Genotypes from different clusters are expected (inter-cluster). The intra (bold) and inter-cluster distances from D2 analysis (Table 4). Cluster I has the greatest intra cluster distance (0.956), while Cluster IV has the smallest (0.3583). The greatest inter-cluster distance is observed between cluster IV and (8.190), while the smallest inter-cluster distance is observed between cluster II and IV (2.924). In both vectors, the average inter-cluster distances were greater than the average intra-cluster distances, indicating the presence of greater genetic diversity among genotypes from different clusters than those from the same cluster. These findings indicated that these five traits contributed the most to the divergence among the eighteen rice genotypes. The results revealed that the clusters were remarkably distinct for the majority of the traits, indicating proper clustering. The most effective tiller, grain panicle, effective grain panicle, and days to maturity were found in Cluster V. The intra-cluster mean for grain yield was the lowest in this cluster. Cluster III had the lowest grain yield per acre. This was the cluster with the lowest initial grain yield. The intra-cluster mean for effective tiller and days to maturity was highest in this cluster. Cluster II had the smallest grain yield and the second smallest thousand grain weight. Cluster V had the shortest panicle length intra-cluster. View Article DOI: 10.47856/ijaast.2022.v09i10.00

    Open defecation practice among households with latrines in rural communities of Ararso District, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia

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    BackgroundOpen defecation contributes to the spread of different feco-oral diseases. Therefore, access to a latrine is strongly recommended, as it considerably reduces the risks. Even though provision of latrine facilities alone does not guarantee the desired health benefits, they should be integrated with behavior change. In Ethiopia, efforts have been made to increase the coverage of latrine facilities. However, evidence on how consistently households use it is limited. Most prior studies focused on latrine utilization among households, and limited evidence is available about open defecation practices among households with latrines and associated factors. Thus, this study is critical for developing effective intervention approaches to prevent open defecation among households with latrines.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the open defecation practice and associated factors among households with latrines in rural communities of Ararso District, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2023.MethodA community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed among households with latrines in the district. A total of 632 households latrines were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. The questionnaire was designed in KoboTool box, Humanitarian Response software, and the data were collected using the Kobo Collect version 2023.2.4 mobile application. The data were downloaded from the server in the Microsoft Excel format for data cleaning before being exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between outcome and independent variables. Odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals were utilized to assess the association between the outcome and the predictor variables. A P-value of <0.05 was used as the threshold point for statistical significance.ResultIn this study, the prevalence of open defecation practice among households with latrines was 32.4% (95% CI: 28.1, 35.9). Sex of the household (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.4), educational status (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.53), family size (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.78), the presence of under-5-year-old children in the house (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.75), the need for latrine maintenance (AOR = 2.37.95% CI: 1.62, 3.48), current status of the latrine (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.48), and latrine cleanness status (being unclean) (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.81) were significantly associated with open defecation practice among households with latrine.ConclusionThe study concluded that open defecation was significantly practiced by households with latrines. This revealed that the presence of a latrine alone was insufficient to considerably reduce open defecation. To alleviate this problem, the government and health workers, in collaboration with the health bureau, should promote frequent sanitation and hygiene education in the communities

    A systematic literature review of skyline query processing over data stream

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    Recently, skyline query processing over data stream has gained a lot of attention especially from the database community owing to its own unique challenges. Skyline queries aims at pruning a search space of a potential large multi-dimensional set of objects by keeping only those objects that are not worse than any other. Although an abundance of skyline query processing techniques have been proposed, there is a lack of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on current research works pertinent to skyline query processing over data stream. In regard to this, this paper provides a comparative study on the state-of-the-art approaches over the period between 2000 and 2022 with the main aim to help readers understand the key issues which are essential to consider in relation to processing skyline queries over streaming data. Seven digital databases were reviewed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) procedures. After applying both the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 primary papers were further examined. The results show that the identified skyline approaches are driven by the need to expedite the skyline query processing mainly due to the fact that data streams are time varying (time sensitive), continuous, real time, volatile, and unrepeatable. Although, these skyline approaches are tailored made for data stream with a common aim, their solutions vary to suit with the various aspects being considered, which include the type of skyline query, type of streaming data, type of sliding window, query processing technique, indexing technique as well as the data stream environment employed. In this paper, a comprehensive taxonomy is developed along with the key aspects of each reported approach, while several open issues and challenges related to the topic being reviewed are highlighted as recommendation for future research direction

    Progress and experiences of implementing an integrated disease surveillance and response system in Somalia; 2016–2023

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    IntroductionIn 2021, a regional strategy for integrated disease surveillance was adopted by member states of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region. But before then, member states including Somalia had made progress in integration of their disease surveillance systems. We report on the progress and experiences of implementing an integrated disease surveillance and response system in Somalia between 2016 and 2023.MethodsWe reviewed 20 operational documents and identified key integrated disease surveillance and response system (IDSRS) actions/processes implemented between 2016 and 2023. We verified these through an anonymized online survey. The survey respondents also assessed Somalia’s IDSRS implementation progress using a standard IDS monitoring framework Finally, we interviewed 8 key informants to explore factors to which the current IDSRS implementation progress is attributed.ResultsBetween 2016 and 2023, 7 key IDSRS actions/processes were implemented including: establishment of high-level commitment; development of a 3-year operational plan; development of a coordination mechanism; configuring the District Health Information Software to support implementation among others. IDSRS implementation progress ranged from 15% for financing to 78% for tools. Reasons for the progress were summarized under 6 thematic areas; understanding frustrations with the current surveillance system; the opportunity occasioned by COVID-19; mainstreaming IDSRS in strategic documents; establishment of an oversight mechanism; staggering implementation of key activities over a reasonable length of time and being flexible about pre-determined timelines.DiscussionFrom 2016 to 2023, Somalia registered significant progress towards implementation of IDSRS. The 15 years of EWARN implementation in Somalia (since 2008) provided a strong foundation for IDSRS implementation. If implemented comprehensively, IDSRS will accelerate country progress toward establishment of IHR core capacities. Sustainable funding is the major challenge towards IDSRS implementation in Somalia. Government and its partners need to exploit feasible options for sustainable investment in integrated disease surveillance and response

    Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

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    Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

    Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol

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    High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries(1,2). However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world(3) and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health(4,5). However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol-which is a marker of cardiovascular riskchanged from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million-4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.Peer reviewe
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