A linear programming-based method for job shop scheduling

We present a decomposition heuristic for a large class of job shop scheduling problems. This heuristic utilizes information from the linear programming formulation of the associated optimal timing problem to solve subproblems, can be used for any objective function whose associated optimal timing problem can be expressed as a linear program (LP), and is particularly effective for objectives that include a component that is a function of individual operation completion times. Using the proposed heuristic framework, we address job shop scheduling problems with a variety of objectives where intermediate holding costs need to be explicitly considered. In computational testing, we demonstrate the performance of our proposed solution approach

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Is More Effective than Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Injekce plazmy obohacené destičkovým koncentrátem je efektivnější než kyselina hyaluronová v léčbě gonartrózy

ABSTRAcT PURPOSE OF THE STUDy There is increasing use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in orthopaedics as it is a simple, cheap and minimally invasive technique. This study aimed to compare the effects of the use of PRP and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections in the knee of patients diagnosed with and being followed-up for degenerative arthritis. MATERIALS AnD METHODS This prospective study included 90 patients with complaints of knee pain with findings of mild or moderate degenerative arthritis. In the PRP group (n = 45), one intra-articular injection was applied and in the HA group (n = 45), three doses of intra-articular injection were applied. Clinical evaluation was made by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a visual pain scale. RESULTS no severe adverse events was observed. Statistically significant better results in the KOOS score and visual pain scale was determined in PRP group than HA group at 3 months and 6 months follow up. The cost of the application for the PRP group was lower than that of the HA group. COnCLUSIOn The results of this study have shown the application of single dose PRP to be a safe, effective and low-cost method for treating OA. However, further studies are required for a more clear result

Cracking cryptic species: external characters to distinguish two recently recognized banded newt species (Ommatotriton ophryticus and O. nesterovi)

Animal science

Küreselleşen kültür ve değişen yerleşik siyasal konumlar

This article argues that the modernization process has created standardization in different areas of life, while culture has been relatively and independently preserved during this process. Nevertheless, it is difficult for societies to sustain independent compartments in the cultural area while employing standardized techniques, institutions, and principles in the areas of economics, politics, and technology. This article explores the reflections of members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) on cultural globalization, since the TGNA is the main policy maker in Turkey. Although the perceptions of TGNA members generally differ, according to whether they are members of the AKP (Justice and Development Party) the CHP (Republican People's Party), their approaches do not depart greatly from that expected from general theoretical discussions. The approaches of the members of parliament (MPs) do not pertain to Turkey only

The Implementation Of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies And Its Impact On The Performance Of Turkish Manufacturing Firms

The implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) and its relationship with firms’ manufacturing and business performance have been the subject of active research in recent years. However, the findings of almost all studies are based on data collected in developed countries. This study examines investments in AMT and its relationship with firms’ manufacturing and business performance, using survey responses from 28 manufacturing firms in Turkey, a developing country. Four major conclusions are drawn from this research. First, the implementation of all individual AMTs increased significantly during the five-year research horizon (1996- 2001) in the Turkish manufacturing firms. Moreover, among 12 AMTs, CAD, CNC, CAM and MRPII are the most frequently used, while robotics, automated diagnosis and material handling systems are the least used. Second, environmental dynamism has a significant effect on the implementation of AMT. Third, correlation analysis indicates that there are significant positive correlations between the importance that firms place on each objective and the level of satisfaction with the achievement of that objective. Finally, the results of correlation analysis clearly indicate that there is a significantly positive relationship between AMT and both manufacturing and business performance.Publisher's Versio