Integrated quadratic assignment and continuous facility layout problem

In this paper, an integrated layout model has been considered to incorporate intra and inter-department layout. In the proposed model, the arrangement of facilities within the departments is obtained through the QAP and from the other side the continuous layout problem is implemented to find the position and orientation of rectangular shape departments on the planar area. First, a modified version of QAP with fewer binary variables is presented. Afterward the integrated model is formulated based on the developed QAP. In order to evaluate material handling cost precisely, the actual position of machines within the departments (instead of center of departments) is considered. Moreover, other design factors such as aisle distance, single or multi row intra-department layout and orientation of departments have been considered. The mathematical model is formulated as mixed-integer programming (MIP) to minimize total material handling cost. Also due to the complexity of integrated model a heuristic method has been developed to solve large scale problems in a reasonable computational time. Finally, several illustrative numerical examples are selected from the literature to test the model and evaluate the heuristic

Complete / Incomplete Hierarchical Hub Center Single Assignment Network Problem

In this paper we present the problem of designing a three level hub center network. In our network, the top level consists of a complete network where a direct link is between all central hubs.  The second and third levels consist of star networks that connect the hubs to central hubs and the demand nodes to hubs and thus to central hubs, respectively. We model this problem in an incomplete network environment. In this case, the top level is an incomplete network where the direct link between all central hubs is not necessary and may lead to lower transportation costs. We propose mixed integer programming model for these problems and conduct a computational study for these two developed models by using the CAB data

Investigating the classical problem of pursuit, in two modes

The pursuit problem is a historical issue of the application of mathematics in physics, which has been discussed for centuries since the time of Leonardo Da Vinci, and its applications are wide ranging from military and industrial to recreational, but its place of interest is nowhere but nature and inspiration from the way of migration of birds and hunting of archer fish. The pursuit problem involves one or more pursuers trying to catch a target that is moving in a certain direction. In this article, we delve into two modes of movement: movement on a straight line and movement on a curve. Our primary focus is on the latter. Within the context of movement on a straight line, we explore two methods and compare their respective results. Furthermore, we investigate the movement of two particles chasing each other and extend these findings to N particles that are chasing each other in pairs. By leveraging these two modes of movement, we present a novel relationship for two-particle and N-particle systems in pursuit. Lastly, we analyze the movement of moths around a lamp and evaluate their motion in relation to two-particle and N-particle systems in pursuit. The results of this analysis are carefully examined

A Rare case of Aphallia

.Aphallia (total absence of penis) is an extremely rare abnormality that can be part of the urorectal septum malformation sequence.We are reporting a 40-day-old boy who was referred to our nephrology clinic due to the absence of the penis and urinating through the rectum. He was born to a 17-year-old mother and a 24-year-old father, and was delivered term via normal vaginal delivery.The pregnancy was uncomplicated with no maternal toxin or medication exposure. Both parents were healthy and there was no family history of congenital abnormality. The parents were also unrelated.  Physical examination revealed agenesis of the penis, a normal scrotum, and bilateral normally positioned testises. Moreover, the heart, lungs, abdomen, head and neck, and spinal column were all normal on examination. The karyotype was 46XY and the gender was male. Initial ultrasonography one week after birth revealed moderate bilateral hydronephrosis but the last ultrasonography 45 days later revealed only mild fullness of both kidneys.Keywords: Aphallia; Gender; penile agenesis

The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Perception of Job Performance among Nurses in North West of Iran

Emotional intelligence skills help nurses to cope with the emotional demands of healthcare environment. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between emotional intelligence and perception of job performance among nurses. Using a correlational descriptive design with stratified random sampling, 338 registered nurses from teaching hospitals in North West of Iran were surveyed. Emotional intelligence and perception of job performance were measured using validated self-report measures. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential methods using SPSS/13. The mean of nurses’ emotional intelligence and their perception of job performance was, respectively, 235.83±37.98 and 157.63±33.23. There was no significant relationship between nurses’ emotional intelligence and their perception of job performance. Although there was a significant relationship between intrapersonal subscale of emotional intelligence and job performance, there was none with other subscales. In order to get rid of the physical and psychological effects of stressful work in wards, it seems that nurses just do routine activities and refuse working closely with the patients. It seems that fitting the patient to nurse ratio, dividing work between nurses, and supporting each other are necessary

A Study of Life Skill Components in Clients Referred to Health and Counseling Centers

Background: Life skills include a set of abilities to increase the power of adaptability and positive behavior. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of ten life skill components and their related factors among individuals referring to veterans' health and counseling centers in the city of Tehran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants over the age of 20. The sample size was estimated based on the Morgan table and Cochran sampling formula. The present study utilized the shortened life skills scale including 10 subscales.  Data were analyzed using statistical t-test, Pearson correlation, and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The total mean of life skills was significantly higher among women (P value=0.01). Age had a significant direct correlation with total life skills (r=0.19). There were significant differences between the three educational levels in 8 out of 10 components. The decision-making power had a significant correlation with "problem solving" and "creative thinking". "Critical thinking" had a high correlation with "effective communication", "coping with stress" and "attracting social support". "Coping with emotion" had a direct and high correlation with "coping with stress" and "self-awareness" but its correlation was reversed with "creative thinking". Conclusions: The mean score of life skills among clients of veteran`s health and counseling centers was slightly higher than the average population; while the rate of enjoyment of life skills was different in this subpopulation. The results implicate an urgent need to improve life skills, especially for highly educated people. Keywords:  Life skills, Veterans, Cross-sectional study, Iran

Comparing the Effect of Two Methods of Distraction on the Pain Intensity Venipuncture in School-age Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Children undergo painful procedures during care and treatment. This study aimed to determine the effect of distractionon the intensityof pain in children aged 6 to 12 years old. Materials and Methods This clinical trial was conducted on the school-age children, who referred to Imam Hossein Hospital, Iran, Heris city, East Azarbaijan province (Iran) in 2017. In total 48 patients were selected through convenience sampling technique and were randomly divided into three groups of 16 cases.  In all three groups, pain was measured using the Oucher  self-report scale, 3 minute before and after the venipuncture. One minute before venipuncture, in the "deep breathing with blowing paper whirligigs" groups after spinning the paper whirligigs and exhalation, in the "deep breathing" groups after exhalation, numbers were counted up to 10 spins or 10 breaths. In the control group, no intervention was performed. The data analysis was performed in the SPSS software (version 13.0). Results: The results showed that "deep breathing with blowing paper whirligigs" (Mean + standard deviation [SD]: 2.69±0.79) and "deep breathing" (Mean + SD: 2.63±1.31) reported less pain intensity than the control group (Mean + SD: 5.25±1.00), and the "deep breathing with blowing paper whirligigs" method had the least pain intensity. The results of ANOVA test showed that there was a significant difference among the groups in terms of pain intensity after intervention (P ≥0.001). Conclusion The findings showed that both methods of distraction in this study (deep breathing with blowing paper whirligigs and deep breathing) can effectively decrease the venipuncture pain

Is D-penicillamine Safe in Management of Little Children with Kidney Cystine Stones? A Case Series

Nephrolithiasis is quite common in children. It sometimes has a genetic basis and can lead to serious complications like urinary obstruction, multiple surgical interventions, or even renal insufficiency if left treated. Cystinic stones and cystinuria account for approximately 8% of the cases of nephrolithiasis in children. We studied seven pediatric patients, 1 to 3 years old (mean age: 20.5 months), with cystinic urinary stones receiving D-penicillamine plus other drugs to dissolve the stone. All of them tolerated the treatment very well and did not show any serious complication. All of our cases were managed with D-penicillamine that was initiated at a low dose and then increased progressively. We used low dose D-penicillamine, maximim15 mg/kg/day, which was beneficial without any specific side effects. D-penicillamine can be used safely in little children. Gradual induction and close observation with CBC, urine analysis, BUN, creatinine, and liver function tests may be required. D-penicillamine can prevent new stone formation and resolve the present cystinic calculi. Low dose D-penicillamine may be sufficient in treating cystinic calculi in children. We suggest more evaluations on the advantage of low dose D-penicillamine in cystinuria.Keywords: D-Penicillamine; Cystinuria; Nephrolithiasis; Complications 

A Study of Life Skill Components in Clients Referred to Health and Counseling Centers

Background: Life skills include a set of abilities to increase the power of adaptability and positive behavior. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of ten life skill components and their related factors among individuals referring to veterans' health and counseling centers in the city of Tehran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants over the age of 20. The sample size was estimated based on the Morgan table and Cochran sampling formula. The present study utilized the shortened life skills scale including 10 subscales.  Data were analyzed using statistical t-test, Pearson correlation, and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The total mean of life skills was significantly higher among women (P value=0.01). Age had a significant direct correlation with total life skills (r=0.19). There were significant differences between the three educational levels in 8 out of 10 components. The decision-making power had a significant correlation with "problem solving" and "creative thinking". "Critical thinking" had a high correlation with "effective communication", "coping with stress" and "attracting social support". "Coping with emotion" had a direct and high correlation with "coping with stress" and "self-awareness" but its correlation was reversed with "creative thinking". Conclusions: The mean score of life skills among clients of veteran`s health and counseling centers was slightly higher than the average population; while the rate of enjoyment of life skills was different in this subpopulation. The results implicate an urgent need to improve life skills, especially for highly educated people. Keywords:  Life skills, Veterans, Cross-sectional study, Iran

Spouse Maintenance according to the Law approved in Iran and England

Cost of maintenances is one of the most important discussions in family law, which contains the essential factors for proper life. In this research, the above subject based on the comparison between the family right in Britain and Iran has been studied. There are many differences and similarities between these two systems, which are taken from habits, religions, and the government points of view in Iran and England. Regarding the criterion of cost of maintenance, some legislators emphasize the wives’ life before marriage while others pay attention to the conditions of life after marriage. In England the rights due to cost of maintenance have been changed noticeably since 1950. Regarding the comparison of cost of maintenance in Iran it is compulsory and it is not an agreement one but in England it is complementary and based on an agreement one. In this research, we can point to some important subjects such as the nature of wife right in cost of maintenance, the special features of cost of maintenance, the wife cost of maintenance after marriage dissolution, confirmation of cost of maintenance and its guaranty. The legislator in Iran’s right system has added some special conditions which, in comparison to other right systems of other countries, are unique