A discrete firefly algorithm to solve a rich vehicle routing problem modelling a newspaper distribution system with recycling policy

A real-world newspaper distribution problem with recycling policy is tackled in this work. In order to meet all the complex restrictions contained in such a problem, it has been modeled as a rich vehicle routing problem, which can be more specifically considered as an asymmetric and clustered vehicle routing problem with simultaneous pickup and deliveries, variable costs and forbidden paths (AC-VRP-SPDVCFP). This is the first study of such a problem in the literature. For this reason, a benchmark composed by 15 instances has been also proposed. In the design of this benchmark, real geographical positions have been used, located in the province of Bizkaia, Spain. For the proper treatment of this AC-VRP-SPDVCFP, a discrete firefly algorithm (DFA) has been developed. This application is the first application of the firefly algorithm to any rich vehicle routing problem. To prove that the proposed DFA is a promising technique, its performance has been compared with two other well-known techniques: an evolutionary algorithm and an evolutionary simulated annealing. Our results have shown that the DFA has outperformed these two classic meta-heuristics

Teaching the Academic Word List in Foreign Language Speaking Classes

WOS: 00043485270039

Analysis of volatility feedback and leverage effects on the ISE30 index using high frequency data

In this study, we employ the techniques of Malliavin calculus to analyze the volatility feedback and leverage effects for a better understanding of financial market dynamics. We estimate both effects for a general semimartingale model applying Fourier analysis developed in Malliavin and Mancino (2002) [10]. We further investigate their joint behaviour using 5 min data of the ISE30 index. On the basis of these estimations, we look for the evidence that volatility feedback effect rate can be employed in the stability analysis of financial markets

Infections Related To Granulicatella Adiacens: Report Of Two Cases And Review Of Literature

Infections due to nutritionally variant streptococci are diagnosed rarely due to difficulties encountered during identification and isolation. Mortality rate in these infections is high therefore appropriate supplemented media and reliable detection systems should be implemented to isolate these fastidious organisms. Here, we describe two cases of Granulicatella adiacens infections. All microbiologic identifications were made with MALDI-TOF Vitek MS (BioMerieux, France), and the results confirmed by 16S ribotyping.WoSScopu

Diyabetik Bir Hastada Sarcophaga Spp. Larvalarinin Neden Olduǧu Kutanöz Miyazis

ScopusTr-Dizi

The effect of data set characteristics on the choice of clustering validity index type

Clustering techniques are widely used to give insight about the similarities/dissimilarities between data set items. Most algorithms require the user to tune parameters such as number of clusters or threshold for cut-off point in a dendrogram. Such parameters also affect the clustering quality. In a good quality cluster, the intra-cluster similarity should be high, whereas the inter-cluster similarity should be low. To determine the optimal cluster number, several cluster validity methods have been proposed. However, there is no guideline with respect to which clustering validity methods can be used in conjunction with which clustering algorithms. In this paper, Dunn and SD validity indices were applied to Kohonen self organizing maps, k-means and agglomerative clustering algorithms and their limitations were shown empirically

Refractory Giardiasis in an Immunosuppressed Patient in Turkey

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis. In immunocompetent patients the infection is usually self-limited and no treatment may be needed. Immunodeficiency, however, is a predisposing factor for the development of severe Giardia infection. In this report, a case of recurrent giardiasis refractory to nitroimidazoles and nitazoxanides presented. A 28-year-old male patient with hypogammaglobulinemia admitted to our hospital because of chronic diarrhoea. Microscopic examination of stool revealed a high number of Giardia trophozoites and cysts. Treatment with higher doses and a longer course of metronidazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ornidazole and albendazole failed. Administration of nitazoxanide, which has been reported to be effective against Giardia duodenalis refractory to nitroimidazoles, was commenced, but his symptoms persisted and stool samples demonstrated Giardia trophozoites and cysts again.WoSScopu

A Case of Extensive Wound Myiasis Caused By Lucilia Sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a Patient with Maxillary Sinus Squamous Cell Carcinoma, in Turkey

The larvae causing myiasis can lead extensive tissue destruction, invasion into deep tissues and secondary infections. Poor hygiene, low socioeconomic condition and presence of open wounds are the most important predisposing factors. This case report describes destructive wound myiasis in a 58-year-old male patient diagnosed with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma who lives in a rural area in Ankara, Turkey. Approximately 200 larvae were collected and identified as Lucilia sericata by morphological examination. Myiasis should be considered especially when the patient has open extensive lesions such as malignant wounds.Wo

Graphene/SrTiO3 hetero interface studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The present paper focuses on study of graphene and strontium titanate (SrTiO3 or STO) interface. An ambient pressure chemical vapour deposition (AP-CVD) setup is used to grow graphene on STO (110) substrates in the presence of methane, argon and hydrogen gases at 1000 °C for 4 h. Raman spectroscopy measurements confirm the presence of graphene on STO substrates due to the existence of typical D and G peaks referring to graphene. These characteristic peaks are missing in the spectrum for bare substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is carried out for elemental analysis of samples, and study their bonding with STO substrates. We employed the valence band spectrum to calculate the valence band offset (VBO) and conduction band offset (CBO) at the G-STO interface. Also, we present an energy band diagram for Bi-layer and ABC (arranging pattern of carbon layers) stacked graphene layers