Experimental Evaluation of Interchangeability in Soft CSPs

In [8], Freuder defined interchangeability for classical Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs). Recently [2], we extended the definition of interchangeability to Soft CSPs and we introduced two notions of relaxation based on degradation # and on threshold # ( neighborhood interchangeability ( NI )and # neighborhood interchangeability (#NI )). In this pae

A GRASP FOR REAL LIFE INVENTORY ROUTING PROBLEM: APPLICATION TO BULK GAS DISTRIBUTION

International audienc

Network design for cylinder gas distribution

Purpose: Network design of the supply chain is an important and strategic aspect of logistics management. In this paper, we address the network design problem specific to packaged gases (cylinder) supply chain. We propose an integrated framework that allows for the determination of the optimal facility locations, the filling plant production capacities, the inventory at plants and hubs, and the number of packages to be routed in primary and secondary transportation. Design/methodology/approach: We formulate the problem as a mixed integer program and then develop a decomposition approach to solve it. We illustrate the proposed framework with numerical examples from real-life packaged gases supply chain. The results show that the decomposition approach is effective in solving a broad range of problem sizes. Findings: The main finding of this paper is that decomposing the network design problem into two sub-problems is very effective to tackle the real-life large scale network design problems occurring in cylinder gas distribution by optimizing strategic and tactical decisions and approximating the operational decisions. We also benchmark the results from the decomposition approach by solving the complete packaged gases network design model for smaller test cases. Originality/value: The main contribution of our work is that it integrates supply chain network design decisions without fixing the fillings plant locations with inventory and resource allocation decisions required at the plants. We also consider the transportation costs for the entire supply chain including the transhipment costs among different facilities by deciding the replenishment frequency.Peer Reviewe

Study Regarding the Importance of Sensory Assessment Applied to Traditional Romanian Cheeses

The sensory analysis by point scale method had the total average result scores, as follows: “urda†cheese type 15.60 points, bellows cheese-type 17.33 points, “telemea†cheese 18.87 points and for “cas†smoked cheese -type 18.51 points. Both pair method and triangular method confirmed that the sample 1 gained the unanimity preferences of cheese tasters participating in the evaluation

Acral Melanoma in an Elderly Patient with Congenital Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyoses are a heterogeneous group of skin disorders featuring erythro- derma and generalized scaling. The relationship between ichthyosis and melanoma has not been well-characterized. Herein we present a unique case of acral melanoma of the palm developing in an elderly patient with congenital ichthyosis vulgaris. Biopsy revealed a superficially spreading melanoma with ulceration. To the best of our knowledge, no acral melanomas have been reported so far in patients with congenital ichthyosis. Nev- ertheless, considering the potential for invasion and metastasis, patients with ichthyosis vulgaris should undergo regular clinical and dermatoscopic screening for melanoma

Effectiveness and tolerability of treatment for isolated actinic keratoses: A retrospective comparison between cryotherapy, CO2 laser and 5-fluorouracil 0.5%/salicylic acid 10

Actinic keratoses (AK) have been described as either intraepithelial keratinocytic dysplasia that can evolve into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or as in situ SCC that can progress into an invasive form. A retrospective study was conducted to compare outcomes of three different topical therapies for patients with single AK (<4): cryotherapy, CO2 laser and 5-fluorouracil 0.5%/salicylic acid 10%. We included 72 patients who presented at the Dermatology Clinic of Maggiore Hospital of Trieste between 1 November 2019 and 31 January 2020 for the treatment of AKs. All treatments led to a significant reduction in the average diameter of AK. Pain felt by patients was significantly lower after 5-FU 0.5%/SA 10%. Side effects appeared similarly distributed among the three groups, with erythema and crusts being the most frequent. Aesthetic outcomes were highest in the 5-FU 5%/SA 10% group, as evaluated by both the patient and the operator. Cryotherapy, CO2 laser and 5-FU 5%/SA 10% were all effective, with no significant efficacy differences among them. Additionally, 5-FU 5%/SA 10% was proved to have the best aesthetic result and to cause the least pain, while necessitating long-term administration. This should be taken into account for patients with low pain tolerance and low treatment adherence. Cryotherapy and CO2 laser have the advantage of requiring a single session, which might be more suitable for uncooperative patients

Impact of immunotherapy with pseudomonas serotip xv etanolic extract (Cantastim) on local recurrence and survival at 3 and 5 years in operated rectal cancer

Although most recurrences (approximately 80%) occur in the first three years after a curative resection, a recurrence of CRC can occur even ten years after the initial curative resection (dormant spread of cancer cells). Immunotherapy is an emerging therapy with high potential. The immune system plays a major role in the development of CRC. This has led to innovative new therapies, such as cancer vaccines and T-cell stimulation therapies. Cantastim belongs to the class of nonspecific immunostimulators or immunomodulators, most of which are of bacterial origin and are used as mono- or polymicrobial suspensions. Cantastim is an ethanolic extract obtained from a pathogenic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype XV. The beneficial effect of immunotherapy with Cantastim was more pronounced for the local developmental stages (I and II) than for the later stages

Histo-Anatomical Studies in Allium saxtile, a species with ornamental potential

[EN] The current paper presents some characteristics of the anatomy of vegetative organs (adventive root and leaf ) of Allium saxatile M. Bieb., a species rare in the Romanian flora, which have not been described before in the literature. Histo-anatomical studies performed on Allium saxatile plants sampled from three local populations identified in the Dobrogea area, complete already existing data from other species of this genus, and represent the beginning of future studies on ecological anatomy, taxonomy and ex situ conservation strategies. Some of the obtained results confirm data from literature, but additional observations have been made that show features not reported previously for any specie of the Allium genus , such as the presence of colenchymatized cells in the internal mesophyll at the lamina level; or the presence, at sheath level, of epidermal cells with uniformly lignified and thick walls.This work was supported by UEFISCDI, project number PNII – IDEI 1233/2008Draghia, L.; Ivanescu, L.; Chelariu, EL.; Boscaiu Neagu, MT.; Paraschiv, NL. (2013). Histo-Anatomical Studies in Allium saxtile, a species with ornamental potential. NOTULAE BOTANICAE HORTI AGROBOTANICI. 41(2):348-354. https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha4129005S34835441

Acne and diet: a review

Acne is one of the most frequent dermatological afflictions especially for people in their first 30 years of age. Several studies have shown that nutrition is one of the key factors involved in acne pathogenesis. Data show that a high glycemic index diet may be a trigger in acne pathogenesis, while patients with a low glycemic index diet have fewer acne lesions. Milk and chocolate are also involved in the exacerbation of acne. However, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines with therapeutic effect. Additionally, docosapentaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid have demonstrated improved acne lesions. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the association between acne and diet with special attention to the most frequently discussed factors involved in its pathogenesis: milk, chocolate, omega-3 fatty acids, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinism, and IGF-1