The study of the network design problems related to reverse supply chain and reverse logistics is of great interest for both academicians and practitioners due to its important role for a sustainable society. However, reverse logistics network design is a complex decision-making problem that involves several interactive factors and faces many uncertainties. Thus, in order to improve the reverse ...

In this study, we tested the distribution of 49 Lactobacillus strains in the mucus and mucosa of the intestine tissue of zebrafish. We observed a progressive change in the spatial distribution of Lactobacillus strains, and suggested a division of the strains into three classes: mucus type (>70% in mucus), mucosa type (>70% in mucosa) and hybrid type (others). The hybrid type strains were more efficient ...

Ficolins are a family of pattern recognition molecules that are capable of activating the lectin pathway of complement. A limited number of reports have demonstrated a protective role of ficolins in animal models of infection. In addition, an immune modulatory role of ficolins has been suggested. Yet, the contribution of ficolins to inflammatory disease processes remains elusive. To address this, ...

Nowadays, increasing number of companies incorporates the reverse logistics decisions into their supply chain design in order to cope with the enforced international and national legislation and improve the resource efficiency and public image. This paper investigates a new stochastic optimization model for designing a single-period multiproduct multi-level reverse logistics system under government ...

In order to survive in this competitive and ever changing market, manufacturers have to improve and enhance the competitiveness, flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability with the application of the cutting-edge technologies and innovative management methods. New concepts, i.e., Intelligent manufacturing, flexible manufacturing, agile manufacturing, network manufacturing, green manufacturing ...

Objectives: <br> With the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between menopausal hormone therapy (HT) and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). <br> Setting: <br> Cohort study based on the linkage of Norwegian population-based registries. <br> Participants: <br> We selected 466822 Norwegian women, aged 55–79, alive and residing in Norway as of 1 January 2004, and we followed ...

Background: Most fatal poisonings occur outside the hospital and the victims found dead. The purpose of this study was to determine the general pattern and patient demographics of fatal poisonings in Northern Finland. In particular, we wanted to analyze differences between pre-hospital and in-hospital deaths.<p> Methods: All fatal poisonings that occurred in Northern Finland in 2007–2011 were ...

Everyone needs to be served, and a service network provides a set of services and/or help to please the people involved. No matter who is the service provider, government or retailer, there always been a clash between them and customers. Service providers are trying their best to serve customers as many as possible with a limitation of cost, while the satisfaction of customer might be neglected at ...

This is an exploratory study of re-politicisation of municipal companies in one Norwegian municipality. Unlike re-municipalisation, which seems to imply the reversal of privatisation and out-contracting, and the reinstitution of municipal ownership, the Norwegian case demonstrates a continued adherence to the provision of certain public services through municipal companies. However, our study reveals ...

Background: <br> Sufferers from bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) underestimate the severity risk of their illness and, therefore, postpone seeking professional help for years. Moreover, less than one in five actually seek professional help and only 50% respond to current treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The impetus for the present trial is to explore a ...