Traffic Flow Prediction Using MI Algorithm and Considering Noisy and Data Loss Conditions: An Application to Minnesota Traffic Flow Prediction

Traffic flow forecasting is useful for controlling traffic flow, traffic lights, and travel times. This study uses a multi-layer perceptron neural network and the mutual information (MI) technique to forecast traffic flow and compares the prediction results with conventional traffic flow forecasting methods. The MI method is used to calculate the interdependency of historical traffic data and future traffic flow. In numerical case studies, the proposed traffic flow forecasting method was tested against data loss, changes in weather conditions, traffic congestion, and accidents. The outcomes were highly acceptable for all cases and showed the robustness of the proposed flow forecasting method

Comparison of Standard Triple Therapy Regimen with Sequential Therapy Regimen Containing Levofloxacin Used for The Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Gastrointestinal Infection Caused by Helicobacter Pylori

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare standard triple therapy regimen with sequential therapy regimen containing levofloxacin used for the eradication of H. pylori in patients with gastrointestinal infection caused by H. pylori. Methods: This single blind clinical trial study was conducted on 96 patients with positive Rapid Urease Test (RUT) who were referred to the Endoscopy center of Hajar Hospital in Shahrekord city, located in southwest of Iran. The patients were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: sequential therapy regimen and triple therapy regimen. The patients in the first group received sequential therapy regimen including omeprazole, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and tinidazole; the second group of patients received a triple therapy regimen consisting of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. Four weeks after the end of the treatment, using H. pylori Stool Antigen (HpSA), a test was performed to prove the eradication of H. pylori. The influences of patients’ age, gender and eradication level were also investigated. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and education. While H. pylori eradication rate was 67.3% in the sequential therapy regimen, it was 66% in standard triple therapy regimen. In addition, among patients receiving triple therapy regimen, being aged older than 40 years had a significant relationship with eradication. Moreover, in patients receiving sequential therapy regimen, education level had a significant relationship with eradication. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the two therapy groups in terms of H. pylori eradication rate. However, given the low rates of H. pylori eradication in both sequential and triple therapy regimens observed in the present study, it seems that it is necessary to conduct further research on the bacterial resistance to the prescribed antibiotic

A comprehensive framework for sustainable closed-loop supply chain network design

Many companies face challenges in reducing their supply chain costs while increasing sustainability and customer service levels. A comprehensive framework for a sustainable closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network is a practical solution to these challenges. Hence, for the first time, this study considers an integrated multio-bjective mixed-integer linear programming (MOMILP) model to design sustainable CLSC networks with cross-docking, location-inventory-routing, time window, supplier selection, order allocation, transportation modes with simultaneous pickup, and delivery under uncertainty. An intelligent simulation algorithm is proposed to produce CLSC network data with probabilistic distribution functions and feasible solution space. In addition, a fuzzy goal programming approach is proposed to solve the MOMILP model under uncertainty. Eight small and medium-size test problems are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model with the simulated data in GAMS software. The results obtained from test problems and sensitivity analysis show the efficacy of the proposed model

Aurora A Functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Correlates With Clinical Outcome in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors Treated With Alisertib, an Investigational Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor

BACKGROUND: Alisertib (MLN8237) is an investigational, oral, selective Aurora A kinase inhibitor. Aurora A contains two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; codon 31 [F/I] and codon 57 [V/I]) that lead to functional changes. This study investigated the prognostic and predictive significance of these SNPs. METHODS: This study evaluated associations between Aurora A SNPs and overall survival (OS) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The Aurora A SNPs were also evaluated as predictive biomarkers for clinical outcomes to alisertib in two phase 2 studies (NCT01045421 and NCT01091428). Aurora A SNP genotyping was obtained from 85 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving single-agent alisertib and 122 patients with advanced recurrent ovarian cancer treated with alisertib plus weekly paclitaxel (n=62) or paclitaxel alone (n=60). Whole blood was collected prior to treatment and genotypes were analyzed by PCR. FINDINGS: TCGA data suggested prognostic significance for codon 57 SNP; solid tumor patients with VV and VI alleles had significantly reduced OS versus those with II alleles (HR 1.9 [VI] and 1.8 [VV]; p<0.0001). In NCT01045421, patients carrying the VV alleles at codon 57 (n=53, 62%) had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) than patients carrying IV or II alleles (n=32, 38%; HR 0.5; p=0.0195). In NCT01091428, patients with the VV alleles at codon 57 who received alisertib plus paclitaxel (n=47, 39%) had a trend towards improved PFS (7.5months) vs paclitaxel alone (n=32, 26%; 3.8months; HR 0.618; p=0.0593). In the paclitaxel alone arm, patients with the VV alleles had reduced PFS vs modified intent-to-treat (mITT) patients (3.8 vs 5.1months), consistent with the TCGA study identifying the VV alleles as a poor prognostic biomarker. No significant associations were identified for codon 31 SNP from the same data set. INTERPRETATION: These findings suggest that Aurora A SNP at codon 57 may predict disease outcome and response to alisertib in patients with solid tumors. Further investigation is warranted

Cooled radiofrequency denervation for treatment of sacroiliac joint pain: two-year results from 20 cases

Sacroiliac joint pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain. Different techniques for radiofrequency denervation of the sacroiliac joint have been used to treat this condition. However, results have been inconsistent because the variable sensory supply to the sacroiliac joint is difficult to disrupt completely using conventional radiofrequency. Cooled radiofrequency is a novel technique that uses internally cooled radiofrequency probes to enlarge lesion size, thereby increasing the chance of completely denervating the sacroiliac joint. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cooled radiofrequency denervation using the SInergy™ cooled radiofrequency system for sacroiliac joint pain

Effects of 12-week moderate aerobic exercise on ROCK2 activity, hs-CRP and glycemic index in obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance

Background: : Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory state that is related to prediabetes, increased Rhoassociated kinase 2 (ROCK2) activity and concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Therefore, the study was conducted to investigate the effects of 12-week moderate aerobic exercise on ROCK2 activity, hs-CRP, glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and glycemic index in obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Methods: : In a quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test, 42 obese men with prediabetes [mean±SD, age: 44.73 ± 3.30 years, body mass index (BMI): 33.22 ± 2.05 kg/m2 , HbA1c: 6.29% ± 0.75] were allocated into two randomized homogeneous groups: Aerobic training group (AT, n = 22) or control group (C, n = 20). Exercise group performed a moderate aerobic exercise program three sessions per week, 60 min per session for 12 weeks. Body mass, BMI, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-B); HbA1c, hs-CRP, or ROCK2 activity were measured before and after the study period. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA 2 × 2 and paired sample t-test at a significant level of p < 0.05. Results: : AT caused a significant reduction in body mass (p ≤ 0.001), BMI (p = 0.04), HOMA-B (p = 0.003), serum levels of FBG (p = 0.002), HbA1c (p = 0.039), hs-CRP (p ≤ 0.0001), and ROCK2 activity (p = 0.001). In contrast, in the same group, a significant increase was observed in VO2max (p = 0.04). Conclusion: : The results of this study showed that moderate aerobic exercise was an effective and safe method to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in obese men with prediabetes by improving glucose metabolism, reduction of body mass, ROCK2 activity and serum levels of hs-CRP.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Intrathecal analgesia in patients with cancer pain--an audit in a tertiary institution

Cancer pain is one of the most frequently encountered pain syndromes. With the application of the World Health Organization analgesic ladder, adequate analgesia is achieved in 75% to 90% of patients. The remaining patients suffer from intractable pain requiring intrathecal analgesia. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the pain intensity before and after intrathecal analgesia and review the complications associated with the implantation and the care of the intrathecal device. Materials and Methods: We reviewed medical records of all cancer patients whose pain were managed by intrathecal catheter implants in our centre from February 2005 to August 2008. The pain intensity, medication and complications related to intrathecal catheter insertion or drug delivery were reviewed at the time before starting the intrathecal analgesia (T0) and time of discharge from the hospital/time prior to death during their stay in the hospital (Tdsc). Results: Twenty-nine patients were included. Out of these 29 patients, 86.2% had metastatic cancer. The most common indication was poor pain control. Pain intensity was reduced signifi cantly at the time of discharge from hospital (P <0.001). The number of patients with side effects from opioids decreased after intrathecal treatment. We found 4 patients with short-term catheter complications e.g. kinked or displaced catheter and catheter-related infection. Conclusion: Intractable cancer pain could be managed effectively by intrathecal analgesia with a signifi cant decrease in pain intensity and reduced opioid-related side effects. The side effects due to intrathecal opioids and complications from intrathecal catheter were minimal

Preparation of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Composite Incorporated with Collagen-Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Green Tire Application

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a synthetic polymer primarily used in the tire industry, due to its good collaborative properties with additives and fillers. In the present work, we aim to synthesize an SBR composite reinforced with graphene oxide filler to be made biodegradable. In composite preparation, we fabricated styrene-butadiene rubber/graphene oxide/collagen (SBR/GO/COL) composites by adding a biodegradable biomolecule of elastin collagen fillers at 1.5 wt% and 2.5 wt%. Those prepared SBR/GO/COL composites, along with pure SBR and SBR/GO as control samples, were characterized using advanced analysis techniques, and their biodegradability was also evaluated. From microscopy examination results, the morphology of pure SBR had been improved after the addition of GO for SBR/GO composite by revealing a compact structure with a smoother surface. As for the SBR/GO/1.5COL sample, the 1.5 wt% COL filler was found to be effectively embedded in the SBR/GO matrix. However, the 2.5 wt% COL amount led to the formation of an aggregated structure in the SBR/GO/2.5COL sample due to the unreacted interface between COL filler and SBR/GO. The porosity had also been improved for SBR/GO/1.5COL sample, imparting it with a surface area suitable for tires in the automobile industry. From elemental analysis, the presence of nitrogen was detected for the collagen-filled SBR composite, proving the successful incorporation of collagen fibrils. The physicochemical analysis also detected a trace of graphene oxide and collagen functional groups in the SBR composite. In addition, the thermal analysis revealed those collagen-filled composites had stable heat tolerance behavior, which is suitably used in extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the SBR/GO/1.5COL sample exhibited good characteristics in both mechanical and biodegradable properties. Thus, the product of SBR/GO/1.5COL could be regarded as a promising composite for green tires in the auto industry in the future

Anxiety and examination stress in statistics among postgraduate students

Knowledge on statistics is essential not only in the academic world but also in many careers in the social sciences, pure science and engineering field. However, many students are facing difficulty in learning statistics which eventually heightens the feeling of anxiety towards the course and also the feeling of stress when it comes to assessment situation. A study was conducted with the aim to describe the statistics anxiety level and examination stress of postgraduate students. In addition, it also investigates the difference of statistical anxiety and examination stress across gender. The quantitative research involved 36 postgraduate students enrolled in a statistics course. This paper presents the results. It was found that the level of statistics anxiety was moderate while the level of examination stress among postgraduate Master's Degree students was high. Meanwhile, inferential statistics showed there is a significant difference in the statistics anxiety level but no significant difference in the level of examination stress among the postgraduate students across gender. This present study contributed to the understanding on the statistics anxiety and examination stress in the context of higher education learners