A new genetic algorithm for the cell formation problem in group technology

Cellular Manufacturing System (CMS) is considered as a competent strategy for batch type production. The motive behind using CMS is to reduce lead time and increase machine utilization. Zero-one machine part incidence matrix based on the machine part routing information is frequently used to form machine cells. In this study, a genetic algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve the Cell Formation (CF) problem considering the machine part incidence matrix. The algorithm is tested by using two different fitness functions on 35 problems from the literature and its performance is benchmarked with the outcomes of the three recent studies. Results are promising in both fitness score perspectives. The algorithm is then applied to datasets obtained from two supplier companies

Which patellofemoral joint imaging features are associated with patellofemoral pain? Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To review the association between patellofemoral joint (PFJ) imaging features and patellofemoral pain (PFP). Design: A systematic review of the literature from AMED, CiNAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, PEDro, EMBASE and SPORTDiscus was undertaken from their inception to September 2014. Studies were eligible if they used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US) or x-ray (XR) to compare PFJ features between a PFP group and an asymptomatic control group in people < 45 years of age. A pooled meta-analysis was conducted and data was interpreted using a best evidence synthesis. Results: Forty studies (all moderate to high quality) describing 1,043 people with PFP and 839 controls were included. Two features were deemed to have a large standardised mean difference (SMD) based on meta-analysis: an increased MRI bisect offset at 0° knee flexion under load (0.99; 95% CI: 0.49, 1.49) and an increased CT congruence angle at 15° knee flexion, both under load (1.40 95% CI: 0.04, 2.76) and without load (1.24; 95% CI: 0.37,2.12). A medium SMD was identified for MRI patella tilt and patellofemoral contact area. Limited evidence was found to support the association of other imaging features with PFP. A sensitivity analysis showed an increase in the SMD for patella bisect offset at 0° knee flexion (1.91; 95% CI: 1.31,2.52) and patella tilt at 0° knee flexion (0.99; 95% CI: 0.47,1.52) under full weight bearing. Conclusion: Certain PFJ imaging features were associated with PFP. Future interventional strategies may be targeted at these features

How do nurses and teachers perform breast self-examination: are they reliable sources of information?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare knowledge, behavior and attitudes among female nurses and teachers concerning breast self-examination (BSE).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Two-hundred and eighty nine women working in Aydin, Turkey (125 nurses and 164 teachers) were included in the study. The data were collected using a questionnaire designed to measure the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the groups. Analysis involved percentiles, χ²tests, <it>t </it>tests and factor analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The knowledge of nurses about BSE was higher than that of teachers (81.5% versus 45.1%; p < 0.001). BSE practice parameters (i.e. age groups, indications, frequency) were similar (p > 0.05), whereas skills in performing self-examination were higher in nurses (p < 0.001). Fear of having breast cancer is the most frequent reason for performing BSE. Among nurses, the reasons for failure to perform BSE were the absence of prominent breast problems (82%) and forgetting (56.4%). The teachers who did not perform BSE said that the reasons were lack of knowledge on how to perform self-examination (68.9%) and absence of problems (54%). Both groups had unacceptable technical errors in the performance of BSE.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that nurses and teachers should be supported with information enabling them to accomplish their roles in the community. To improve BSE practice, it is crucial to coordinate continuous and planned education.</p

SURGICAL AND RADIOLOGIC ANATOMY

To investigate the morphometry of patellar tendon with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to reveal the relation between patellar tendon properties and anterior knee pain (AnKP). Twenty-three patients with AnKP and nine healthy individuals were included in the study. Patients with knee anomaly that may cause AnKP were excluded from the study. The patellar tendon examination was performed on sagittal and coronal sections of MRI. Freehand technique was used to frame the area of tendon and calculations were done by generic software. There were 23 patients in AnKP (+) and 9 individuals in AnKP (-) group. The morphometric results were not different among groups (p = 0.2). Higher body mass index was correlated with increased patellar tendon surface area in women (R (2) = 0.37). Patellar tendon length, thickness and surface area do not seem as a significant parameter to explain the aetiology of AnKP. Given the well-defined role of patellar tendon to support knee kinetics, the clinical value of tendon morphometry is to be determined

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND ANALYTICAL MEDICINE

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on the renal injury resulting from radiocontrast media and myoglobinuria in male Wistar albino rats. Material and Method: 50% glycerol at equal amounts was intramuscularly administered to both hind legs of all animals under ether anesthesia at the dose of 10 mg/kg. Three hours later, the groups were administered the following: Group I (number: 7): Iopromide(Ultravist -300 (R)) at the dose of 2 ml/kg (intracardiac); Group II (number: 7): Iopromide(Ultravist -300 (R)) and intraperitoneally administered Melatonin at the dose of 10 mg/kg (Melatonin was dissolved in 7.5% absolute ethanol and further dilutions were made in saline.); and Group III (number: 7): 2 ml/kg of sterile physiologic saline (Control group). The levels of Uurea, Ccreatinine and Ccystatin C were studied on the blood samples collected. The renal samples were evaluated by 2two distinct pathologists who did not know the protocol. Results: There was no difference in the values of Creatinine and cystatin c between Groups 2 and 3 (p=0.9; 0.2). Discussion: In conclusion, we evaluated the possible prevention of contrast-induced oxidative stress in the kidney with using melatonin. However, additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate the role of preventive melatonin treatment in humans