reza behmanesh

Nowadays, meta-heuristic optimization algorithms have become very popular in solving optimization problems. By using this group of algorithms, many engineering problems can be solved easily and away from complexity. The Nephron-2 Optimization Algorithm (NOA-2) is one of these algorithms that is the extension of the first version of Nephron Algorithm Optimization. This algorithm is inspired by the functioning of the nephron in the human kidney. The structure of the NOA-2 algorithm proposed in this article according to the behavior of the nephron consists of 4 parts: Separation, absorption, transpiration, and excretion. In order to evaluate the performance, the results of the NAO-2 algorithm and five other famous optimization algorithms on seven optimization problems have been investigated. In this evaluation, two measures of solution quality (objective function) and computational solution time are considered for evaluation and comparison. The results show that the NAO-2 algorithm found the best objective function in a certain time compared to other algorithms and also obtained the optimal solution of the seven studied problems in less time than other algorithms

This study includes the measurement of both kidneys and lumbar vertebrae (from L1 to L7) using radiography of 38 adult cats, including 22 male cats and 16 female cats in the ventrodorsal (VD) view. Radiographs were prepared in DICOM format. Then we obtained the ratio of the length of each of the right and left kidneys to each of the lumbar vertebrae. Two independent two-sample t-test and Pearson's test were used to check the relationship between the variables. The results showed that out of 38 cats included in this study, 16 cats, 42.1% of them were female and 22 cats, 57.9% of them were male. It was observed that among the vertebrae, on average, L1 had the shortest length and L5 had the longest length. The male and female groups had statistically significant differences in terms of the average length of the right and left kidney as well as the length of the L1 vertebra. The length of the left and right kidneys as well as the length of the L1 vertebra in male cats were significantly higher than in female cats. The average ratio of the length of the right kidney to the L1 to L7 vertebrae in male cats was significantly higher than these ratios in female cats. The two groups of male and female cats do not have a statistically significant difference in terms of the average ratio of the length of the left kidney to the L1 to L7 vertebrae. The length of the right and left kidneys has a direct and significant statistical relationship. It was also observed that the length of the right kidney in cats has a direct and significant statistical relationship with the length of the L1 vertebra.

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic problem in dogs. Medial luxation is more common than lateral luxation and is usually seen more in small breed dogs. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations of patellar instability. However, diagnostic imaging is required to assess the degree of bone deformation and then the most appropriate treatment. In this study, the problems and complications related to the stifle joint of dogs referred to small animal clinics in Tehran were investigated from a clinical and radiographic perspective.

Relevant data were collected over a one-year period and age, sex, type of involvement, side of involvement, and degree of luxation were recorded.

Of the 100 dogs studied, 28 were diseased (19 males and 9 females) and 72 were healthy (38 males and 34 females). Also, out of 100 dogs studied, 28 were sick (19 dogs aged 1 to 5 years, 5 dogs aged 5 to 10 years, and 4 dogs aged 10 to 15 years) and 72 were healthy (39 dogs aged 1 to 5 years, 19 dogs aged 5 to 10 years, and 14 dogs aged 10 to 15 years). Out of 28 dogs with patellar luxation, 19 dogs had medial luxation (11 dogs aged 1 to 5 years, 4 dogs aged 5 to 10 years, and 4 dogs aged 10 to 15 years) and 9 dogs had lateral luxation (8 dogs aged 1 to 5 years, 1 dog aged 5 to 10 years, and 0 dogs aged 10 to 15 years).

In the present study, it was determined that unilateral luxation were 82.1% and bilateral luxation were 17.9% in the dogs studied.

Osteoarthritis is a non-infectious and non-inflammatory disease that causes progressive degenerative changes in joints and gradually leads to joint dysfunction. The purpose of this research is to investigate the radiographic complications of osteoarthritis in different joints and to evaluate the influencing factors such as age, sex, race and location of the involved joint in dogs referred to East Tehran veterinary hospitals and clinics.

In carrying out this research, 100 adult dogs of both male and female sexes, which had disorders in clinical examinations and history taking, were used. After examining each animal and identifying the involvement in the target organ, some dogs were injected with a sedative and some were tied without injection, and radiographs was taken. After taking a radiograph of the involved organ and recording all the details the opinion of each animal has been examined. Finally, all the details and data were recorded and examined and analyzed statistically.

According to the statistical analysis conducted in these dogs, the probability of contracting this disease increases with age, and the average age of the affected dogs was 5.5 years. Also, this disease or complication is much more common in male and large dogs than in dogs. It appears female and small in size. It is also necessary to mention that according to the analyzes carried out in this research, the posterior organs are more susceptible to this complication.

In this research, it was concluded that the possibility of osteoarthritis in large dogs is much higher than in small dogs, and posterior limbs are much more involved in osteoarthrosis than anterior limbs. Also, the results showed that with increasing age, the probability of getting this condition increases in dogs.

Human resources are considered a competitive advantage in organizations, and according to the executive position of staff, the relative importance of the competitive advantage is enhanced so that the executive managers, and the senior staffs particularly in the production line, are of particular importance to company owners. Selecting competent and committed senior staff as well as maintaining them based on their satisfaction is one of the key factors in the success of organizations. Therefore, this paper aims to study the selection and assignment of senior staff problems so that they are selected based on their competency to manage the production workshops, and then they are assigned to the workshops based on their preferences. For this purpose, an integrated model of mathematical programming and Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MCDM) is developed to select competent senior staff and assign them to the workshops based on their preferences.

In this paper, some of the staff as potential options have been determined, and then, their preferences to manage all workshops have been calculated using the TOPSIS technique. Also, a multi-objective integer programming model has been developed to select competent senior staff among all potential options and to assign them to the workshops based on their preferences. In this paper, a multi-objective global criteria method has been proposed as an approach to solving the selection and assignment problem.

The required data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with potential options. Consequently, the results indicated that the proposed method (weighted global criteria) outperforms the simple global criteria approach as well as the traditional method based on the decision of the managers and experts.

Research limitations/implications:

 The results were limited to the case of production workshops in an appliances plant, and all data were deterministic. Respectively, some directions as opportunities for future research were suggested. The first suggestion is to apply the current model in other production systems, and the second suggestion is to use fuzzy logic for developing both the fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy mathematical programming model based on the expert’s knowledge.

Practical implications: 

Since the non-optimal assignment of the staff to the workplaces increases the costs, and assigning them disregarding their preferences leads to staff dissatisfaction, the production system would be affected. Therefore, the lifecycle of the organization can be threatened. Therefore, the optimal staff assignment problem can be one of the most critical management challenges in industries.

Originality/value: 

To the best of our knowledge, there is no research in the literature on the staff assignment problem that considers preferences and competencies simultaneously as studied in this paper. Therefore, the following contributions to the literature are underlined: - - Selecting and assigning senior staff to production workshops, considering a multi-objective problem - - Collecting the evaluation criteria of preferences for the problem from the literature to determine final preferences for selecting the workshop - Integrating the integer programming (IP) model and TOPSIS to extend the new model of staff assignment problem

Domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are an excellent model for cardiovascular research because the size of these animals is more suitable for study and experimentation than smaller animals. One of the most important diagnostic imaging methods is echocardiography, which is used today to evaluate the anatomical and functional cardiovascular system and is one of the most accurate and sensitive non-invasive methods for examining heart disease. Ventricular function indices can be assessed with cardiac imaging techniques. One of these important cardiac parameters is the ejection fraction (EF), which has a valuable place along with other involved parameters. EF is a measure of the percentage of blood that comes out of the heart with each contraction. For this study, 100 adult and young standard domestic rabbits, six months to one year old and in both sexes (50 female and 50 male rabbits) without anesthesia and sedation were used. In this study, the mean EF in domestic rabbits studied in males was 58.753 ± 6.889 and females 61.397 ± 6.530, which are comparable to the items mentioned in the valid books and the average size of EF measured in this study, there is no significant difference between this research and other research. There was no significant difference in the percentage of EF between most weight groups, but there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in weight groups (2161–2320 g and 2481–2640 g). Echocardiographic EF reference values for domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) non-anesthetized with are presented providing reference values for future studies.

Investment in the stock market requires decision-making and access to infor-mation on the future of the stock market. Given the importance of predicting stock returns, the present study aimed to discover the variables and indices that could predict stock returns. The prediction of stock returns has long been a 'hot topic' in advanced countries. While effective steps have been taken in this regard, the accu-rate prediction of stock returns remains a problem due to numerous issues. In this study, an accurate, applicable, and effective model was proposed for the predic-tion of stock returns. The statistical sample included 138 active companies of Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) during 2008-2017, which were selected by the systematic removal method. In total, 1,380 data years were selected for the re-search to evaluate the questions. Data analysis was performed using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), multi-gene genetic programming, and regression analysis. In addition, statistical tests were applied to evaluate the accu-racy of the model, implemented by MATLAB and GeneXproTools. According to the results, the hybrid metaheuristic method had a lower error rate compared to artificial neural network and regression analysis in terms of stock return predic-tion. Therefore, the proposed model could provide more accurate data within a shorter time to predict the stock market status since it makes predictions after selecting the most optimal input variables through ANFIS.

Devaluation of assets in the future is one of the most important investment concerns that has led investors to choose the set of assets that have the lowest risk and highest return. The present study deals with the problem of stock portfolio optimization according to the Conditional Value at Risk based on the new and intelligent fireworks algorithm and compares it with genetic algorithm with the historical simulation method using MATLAB software. The parameters of meta-heuristic algorithms were adjusted by Taguchi method using MINITAB software. Not suspended, used. For reliability of the study, generalized Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Prone test were used. To evaluate the accuracy of the Conditional Value at Risk model, the kupiec proportion of failure test, Christoffersen independence test and Conditional coverage test are used.  A comparison was also made between the models by Lopez test. Findings showed that at %95 and %99  confidence levels, the conditional risk value model using the fireworks algorithm has a suitable and reliable validity for measuring market risk and optimizing the stock portfolio.

The nature of business and investment activities is such that earning a return requires risk tolerance. Choosing a stock portfolio is a difficult and difficult task that the investor sees in the face of the many and varied choices that she must choose as one of the best methods. The present study deals with the problem of stock portfolio optimization according to the Value at Risk based intelligent fireworks algorithm and compares it with Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm with the historical simulation method using MATLAB software. The parameters of meta-heuristic algorithms were adjusted by Taguchi method using MINITAB software. Not suspended, used. For reliability of the study, generalized Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Prone test were used. To evaluate the accuracy of the Conditional Value at Risk model, the kupiec proportion of failure test, Christoffersen independence test and Conditional coverage test are used.  A comparison was also made between the models by Lopez test. The execution time of the Particle Swarm Optimization was less than that of the fireworks algorithm at all three levels of confidence, but the convergence speed of the fireworks algorithm was faster than that of the Particle Swarm Optimization at all levels. Findings showed that the Value at Risk model using the fireworks algorithm, despite the longer execution time due to better convergence speed and higher rank of Lopez test has a more appropriate validity for stock portfolio optimization.

Vertebral column injuries are very common and vary in severity and prognosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the spine for abnormal curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis and kyphosis and osteoarthritis of the intervertebral joints and the collapse (degeneration) of the discs between the bones of the spine and other abnormality in dogs.

In this study, the osteoarthrosis of the intervertebral joints and the collapse (degeneration) of the discs between the bones of the spine and spinal injuries, in radiographs of the vertebrae was examined. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between these injuries with age, sex and the breed of dogs referred to clinics and hospitals in Tehran during a period of 2 years (2020-2021). 

The incidence of spinal disorders in different age groups during the study period was 17.89% in the age group 0 to 5 years, 49.75% for age group 6 to 10 years and 32.36% for age group 11 to 15 years. The incidence of spinal disorders in different sexes during the study period was 39.80% in males and 60.20% in females.

This study revealed that the probability of suffering from primary vertebral injuries increased with the dog's age and the percentage of vertebral problems in females is higher than males.

Discussions about forecasting Stock returns in developed countries has long been regarded as one of the most interesting scientific topics.However,due to many problems,the correct prediction of stock returns has remained a matter of strengthTtherefore,the researcher seeks to provide an accurate,practical and effective model for predicting stock returns for investors.The statistics sampel of research is consist of 138 active companies in Tehran Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2017 wich are selected by the systematic removal method . ANFIS,MGGP, regresion and neural network and different statistics tests are used for data analysis. For impelement of these techniques MATLAB and GenXproTools software are used respectively.The result of the study showed that in oreder to predict stock returns.the use of a meta –heuristic Hybrid models is more accurate and faster than other meta huristic models.Because ,first the most optimal input variables are selected through the ANFIS technique and then predicted using theMGG meta heuristic model.Therefore,due to the correct choice of input variables,predicting stock returns is both more accurate and faster.In addition ,the mathematical model is used to predict.

Oryctolagus cuniculus are an excellent model for cardiovascular research because the size of these animals is more suitable for study and experimentation than smaller animals and are economical and cost-effective in research. One of the most important diagnostic imaging techniques is echocardiography, which is used today to perform anatomical and functional evaluation of the cardiovascular system and is one of the most accurate and sensitive non-invasive methods for examining heart diseases. Ventricular function indices could be assessed by cardiac imaging techniques. One of these important cardiac parameters is the ejection fraction, which has a valuable position along with other involved parameters. Ejection fraction is a measure of blood percentage that comes out of the heart with each contraction.

For this study, 100 six-month to one-year adult, standard and young Oryctolagus Cuniculus (in Iran) and in healthy   appearance of both sexes (50 female rabbits and 50 male rabbits) were studied without anesthesia and sedation.

In this study, the mean ejection fraction in the studied Oryctolagus cuniculus was 58.753±6.889 in male animals and 61.397±6.530 in females which indicates that the ejection fraction in the assessed male population was significantly higher than the female population.

The measured ejection fraction values were comparable to those mentioned in the authoritative books and there is no significant difference in the average size of ejection fraction measured in this study with the previous research.

In this paper, we address the surgical case scheduling problem in multi operating theater environment with uncertain service times in order to minimize makespan. In surgical case scheduling, not only the hospital resources are allocated to surgical cases but also the start time of performing surgeries is determined based on sequence of cases in a short-term time horizon. We consider fuzzy numbers for duration times of all stages and hereafter the problem called fuzzy surgical case scheduling. Since the operational environment in the problem is similar to no-wait multi-resource fuzzy flexible job shop problem, we consider constraints of that for formulating and solving problem. This problem is strongly an NP-hard optimization problem, hence we employ ant system algorithm to tackle problem. The proposed approach is illustrated by detailed examples of three test cases, and numerical computational experiments. Therefore, the performance of proposed algorithm is compared with a schedule constructed by first-come-first-service rule on all test instances. Also, a real case is provided from Isfahan’s hospital to evaluate proposed algorithm.  Consequently, computational experiments state that algorithm outperforms results obtained by hospital planning as well as fuzzy rule, and these indicate efficiency and capability of our algorithm for optimizing the makespan.

At present, most of Iran is free of bovine tuberculosis (TB). The strategy of control and eradication in Iran involves a tuberculation test and slaughter of reactors, a procedure transformed the present-day prevalence of TB into a sporadic occurrence. This paper describes the first report of bovine tuberculosis in a European fallow deer (Dama dama dama) in Iran. The deer was emaciated and found dead in the Hoveize Provincial Zoo Park. Post-mortem examinations revealed multifocal granulomatous and suppurative abscesses in the lungs and mesenteric lymph nodes. These post-mortem indicators led the authors to suspect TB, and the PCR test and bacteriology tests confirmed it as an infection by the Mycobacterium bovis. This survey discusses the important implications of such findings for wildlife, especially livestock, as well as for human TB disease control, because deer are often conserved in public zoos and humans often come into contact with them.

Development and management of human capital is an important task because it affects the performance of organization and hence the process improvements. However, it is necessary to deploy performance evaluation to prioritize improvable processes due to limited human resource, time and equipments. The objective of this research is to evaluate performance of the developed and managed human capital based upon the predetermined key performance indicators of American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) and to prioritize processes by Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) approach. As a case study, Esfahan Oil Refining Company (EORC) has been studied. In order to analyze hypotheses, the state of human resource has been determined through data extracting among the best practice industries, and hence the strengths and weaknesses of the EORC have been identified. Finally, fuzzy numbers have been assigned to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and then the processes have been measured using the average value of its related KPIs. Consequently, the importance of the developed and managed human capital processes could be determined using the five points Likert spectrum. The reliability of the questionnaire has been determined by the Cronbach's Alpha of higher than 0.7, which is satisfactory. Findings imply that 10 out of 35 HCM processes in needs of improvement are prioritized as managing employee performance; managing employee relations; managing employee orientation and deployment; developing and managing employee metrics; developing and training employees; managing employee communication; managing human resource information systems (HRIS); managing and maintaining employee data; managing employee inquiry process; and developing and managing time and attendance.

Energy, and the issues related to it, are among the most important topics in the European Union. Among the most central concerns in the European Union are the prospects for the provision and transfer of energy to Europe’s industries and economy. The existence of realities such as the increasing rate of energy consumption and the consequent rise in the Union’s dependence on fossil fuel imports, have all led to the European Union’s concerns regarding energy supply and security. Such a noteworthy dependence has drawn the attention of the European Union towards the adoption of common and long-term policies for reducing the risks and challenges surrounding energy security.
The European Union’s concerns regarding Russia’s economic and political hegemony over energy resources in Central Asia and the Caucasus, have resulted in the Union’s quest for diversifying the routs used for the transfer of its energy and gas. Therefore, the Nabucco project which is one of the European Union’s projects concerning the diversification of suppliers of gas to the Union’s members, should be examined in the framework of the mentioned discourse. The main question raised by this article is that why European Union have followed diversifying its energy resources in recent years? The article is based on this hypothesis that the EU concerns regarding Russian monopoly on energy resources of Central Asia and Caucasus has led this block to diversify its energy resources and Nabucco Pipeline is one of its recent projects and routes for fulfilling this goal and reducing the risks and challenges for energy security.