Search

This paper develops Lárraga and Alvarez-Icaza (LAI) cellular automata model which is based on safe human reaction. Vehicles are moving at two single-lane streets with periodic boundary condition and pass from intersection point via yielding mechanism avoiding collision. The model characteristics and fundamental diagrams have been obtained by Monte Carlo simulations. Our results suggest that LAI model with yielding mechanism is able to reproduce the realistic acceleration and deceleration capabilities, which are desired parameters. Moreover, the plateau region in total current illustrates the hardness of the yielding mechanism and limited speed strategy, which is applied near the intersection point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent years, determining supplier selection in the supply chain has become very important as a core competency for organizations. Trying to establish an effective and long term communication and cooperation with suppliers can play an important role in strengthening and balancing of supply chain. However, the nature of supplier selection is a complex multi-criteria problem that includes both quantitative and qualitative factors. These factors may be in conflict and may also be uncertain and it needs adequate methods to be evaluated. This process is becoming more complex when a group of decision makers have to make some controversial decisions. In this paper, we tried to utilize a fuzzy programming method to determine the order size from each supplier and apply different criteria that are in contrast with each other. For solving this problem we first determined the related weight of each variable in the objective function by utilizing a fuzzy VIKOR method. In VIKOR model we assumed that compromising is acceptable for conflict resolution and decision makers want a solution that is the closest to the ideal solution, and the alternatives are evaluated according to all established criteria. Also linguistic values are used to assess the ratings and weights for these factors. These linguistic ratings can be expressed in fuzzy numbers. After obtaining weights of variables by Fuzzy VIKOR, constraints were determined. Then with contribution of fuzzy VIKOR prioritization, the weight of each alternative (supplier) is calculated. Then we put each alternative with its weight in a multiple objectives model to determine order size of each alternative. Solving the fuzzy multiple objectives model leads us to each supplier's order size. Finally for solving the Fuzzy MODM (Multiple Objective Decision Making) we apply α-cuts and calculated different results in relation to every α-cut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various reasons accounted for the infection of infants kept at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Expressed breast milk may be regarded as a source of infection in infants. This study investigated the source of bacterial contamination and the impact of educational interventions on the contamination of mothers' expressed breast milk (EBM) level whose infants are hospitalized at NICU. Methods: Fifteen mothers used to express breast milking their infants admitted at NICU, involved in this study was conducted during October 2011-March 2012. Samples taken from hands, breast, pumps, breast milk, and milk storage containers and therefore 244 samples were prepared by sterile cotton swab and cultured on Blood Agar and EBM. After presenting enough training to mothers, cultures of the same positions were carried out again. Only those samples proved infected that number of their bacterial colonies exceeded 104 cfu / ml or even there was a growth of pathogenic organism. Results: Before intervention 80% of mothers had infected by at least one sample that reduced to 36% after the intervention. Before intervention 25.4% of samples were contaminated; however after intervention, it reduced to 8.2%. The main source of contamination was milk containers and pumps; moreover, Pseudomonas, E-coli, and Klebsiella were among the most common bacteria of samples' contamination. Conclusion: The possibility of EBM contamination was relatively high but educational interventions might reduce the risk of prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various reasons accounted for the infection of infants kept at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Expressed breast milk may be regarded as a source of infection in infants. This study investigated the source of bacterial contamination and the impact of educational interventions on the contamination of mothers' expressed breast milk (EBM) level whose infants are hospitalized at NICU., Methods: Fifteen mothers used to express breast milking their infants admitted at NICU, involved in this study was conducted during October 2011-March 2012. Samples taken from hands, breast, pumps, breast milk, and milk storage containers and therefore 244 samples were prepared by sterile cotton swab and cultured on Blood Agar and EBM. After presenting enough training to mothers, cultures of the same positions were carried out again. Only those samples proved infected that number of their bacterial colonies exceeded 104 cfu / ml or even there was a growth of pathogenic organism., Results: Before intervention 80% of mothers had infected by at least one sample that reduced to 36% after the intervention. Before intervention 25.4% of samples were contaminated; however after intervention, it reduced to 8.2%. The main source of contamination was milk containers and pumps; moreover, Pseudomonas, E-coli, and Klebsiella were among the most common bacteria of samples' contamination., Conclusion: The possibility of EBM contamination was relatively high but educational interventions might reduce the risk of prevalence.