Resource Utilization Research Articles

Whale Optimized Distributed Computing Data Lake for Energy Storage

This paper presents the Whale Seahorse Optimization Distributed Computing (WSODS) algorithm, a novel approach that combines the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Seahorse Optimization Algorithm (SOA) within a distributed computing framework. WSODS aims to address complex optimization challenges across various domains, including power storage systems and data lake architectures. The algorithm's performance was evaluated based on key metrics such as data processing time, system throughput, resource utilization, and scalability. The evaluation results indicate that WSODS significantly enhances system performance. In the context of power storage systems, WSODS improves energy efficiency, storage capacity, charging and discharging rates, and round-trip efficiency. For data lake architectures, WSODS achieves lower data processing times, higher system throughput, and competitive resource utilization while demonstrating good scalability with increasing data loads. The evaluation results indicate that WSODS significantly enhances system performance. In the context of power storage systems, WSODS improves energy efficiency from 92% to 98%, storage capacity from 480 MWh to 500 MWh, charging rate from 45 MW to 55 MW, discharging rate from 55 MW to 64 MW, and round-trip efficiency from 88% to 94% over 100 iterations. For data lake architectures, WSODS achieves lower data processing times (450 seconds compared to 600 seconds for GA), higher system throughput (75 MB/s compared to 55 MB/s for GA), and competitive resource utilization (80% CPU and 65% memory), while demonstrating good scalability with processing time for a 2x data load at 920 seconds compared to 1250 seconds for GA. These findings suggest that WSODS is a versatile and robust optimization tool capable of driving advancements in energy efficiency, data analytics, and distributed computing. Further research and real-world applications are recommended to fully explore its potential and capabilities.

Experimental Research on the Performance of Recycled Waste Concrete Powder (RWCP) on Concrete.

Waste concrete is a large amount of solid waste produced in the process of urban construction and renewal in China. Its resource utilization is of great significance for saving mineral resources and improving urban environmental quality. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of mechanical grinding time on the particle size distribution and activity of recycled waste concrete powder (RWCP). Combined with unconfined compressive strength, slump, electric flux and chloride ion penetration resistance tests, the effects of RWCP on the mechanical properties, working performance and impermeability of concrete were analyzed, and the phase and microstructure of concrete containing RWCP were analyzed by XRD and SEM. The results showed that the RWCP is mainly composed of quartz, gismondine, C2S, cancrinite and portlandite. The optimum activity of RWCP obtained by ball milling for 45 min was 44.41%. RWCP can improve the fluidity of concrete and shorten the initial setting time of concrete. When the blast furnace slag in the concrete was replaced by the RWCP, the early strength and impermeability of the concrete decreased. When RWCP replaced blast furnace slag by 69.1%, the UCS of the concrete at 1, 3, 7, and 14 d decreased from 9.56, 22.1, 34.1, and 41.2 MPa to 5.9, 14.5, 22.7, and 33.2 MPa, respectively. While RWCP replaced fly ash, the normal strength of concrete increased with the increase in fly ash replacement amount. When RWCP completely replaced FA in concrete, the 28-day strength of the concrete increased from 45.2 MPa to 50.8 MPa. The impermeability results showed that the appropriate substitution of RWCP for fly ash was beneficial to increase the impermeability of concrete while excessive substitution reduced. Based on these results, the RWCP has the potential for large-scale application in the preparation of concrete.

PEMETAAN POTENSI SUMBER DAYA AIR UNTUK PERTANIAN LAHAN PRODUKTIF (STUDI KASUS: DESA KAMBUHAPANG DAN DESA KAMBATAWUNDUT)

Desa Kambuhapang and Desa Kambatawundut are villages located in the Lewa District of East Sumba Regency. This area is characterized by arid conditions and experiences an 8-month-long dry season. Most of the population in this region is engaged in agriculture, particularly dryland farming. The main water supply for agriculture in this area comes from low rainfall, resulting in limited water availability. The purpose of this study is to assess the water discharge potential in these two villages. Secondary data, including rainfall data, was obtained from two stations: the Waingapu meteorological station and the Lewa Paku rain station. Additionally, climatological data from 2012 to 2021 was used. ArcGIS 10.7 software was employed to map the area using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. The Modified Penman method was used to determine evapotranspiration, while the F.J. Mock method was applied to calculate the reliable discharge. The results showed that the average annual water availability, according to the F.J. Mock method, is 16.45 m³/s for the Lay Mbeda River and 16.54 m³/s for the Wai Wei River. The villages of Kambuhapang and Kambatawundut have sufficient water availability, with a total of 74.18% across an area of 63.12 km². The adequate water availability in these two villages is evident from the minimum discharge during the dry season, ranging from 6.60 to 7.12 m³/s. This indicates that the villages have sufficient water resources to support the expansion of productive agricultural land for the local community. The utilization of these water resources could be further optimized by providing supporting infrastructure to increase runoff storage, such as water reservoirs, small ponds, or retention basins.Keywords: mapping, water potential, water availability, waingapu, lewa paku

Simulating the exploration of the optimal irrigation of spring wheat in drought areas based on SWAP model

AbstractWater scarcity and low irrigation efficiency are the main factors causing yield losses in spring wheat in arid areas. To propose optimised irrigation scheduling for spring wheat in the arid areas of Ningxia, China, we first calibrated the SWAP (soil–water–atmosphere–plant) model and then utilised the well‐tested SWAP model during three typical rainfall years to evaluate the 542 irrigation schemes. The results showed that the model performed well in simulating the plant height, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass of spring wheat under different water stress conditions. The R2 values of the above three crop growth indicators were all greater than 0.89, and the normalised root mean square error (NRMSE) was less than 18% in the validation period. Additionally, the model achieved a high degree of accuracy in simulating the soil water content, evapotranspiration and yield, with RMSEs of 2%, 31 mm, and 326 kg/ha, respectively. The total irrigation amounts of 290, 320 and 350 mm with five, six and six irrigation times in the wet, average, and dry years, respectively, could achieve relatively high yields as well as improved water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). The results can provide useful information for the efficient utilisation of irrigation water resources in arid areas.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Pinus elliottii Germplasm Resources in Jiangxi Province

This study aimed to compare and assess the genetic diversity and trends among the introduced family provenance, first-cycle superior trees breeding provenance, and improved-generation superior trees breeding provenance of Pinus elliottii using EST-SSR markers. The goal was to provide a foundation for advanced genetic improvement and sustainable utilization of P. elliottii in Jiangxi Province. A total of 417 individuals were analyzed for their genetic diversity and population structure using 19 pairs of SSR markers. The analysis identified 103 alleles across all the samples, with an average of 5.421 alleles per locus. Compared to other coniferous species, P. elliottii exhibited a moderate to high level of genetic diversity (I = 0.862, He = 0.457). Analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 97.90% of the genetic variation occurred within provenances, consistent with a low genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst = 0.016 < 0.05) and high gene flow (Nm = 15.715) among provenances. In addition, analysis using STRUCTURE v. 2.3.4 software divided the 417 germplasm samples into two distinct groups, corroborating the results of the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic (UPGMA) clustering analysis. Overall, the germplasm resources of P. elliottii exhibited rich genetic diversity, with the majority of the genetic variation occurring within provenances. For the genetic improvement of high-resin-yielding slash pines, breeding programs should prioritize populations with high genetic diversity while carefully selecting superior individuals from within those populations. These findings provide a solid foundation for breeding high-resin-yielding varieties and for future research on the sustainable utilization of these valuable resources.

Editorial: Technologies for prospecting, extraction, and utilization of space resources

Editorial: Technologies for prospecting, extraction, and utilization of space resources

Factors associated with malnutrition in demented and non-demented elderly residing in the community of Korea: a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and compare factors associated with malnutrition according to the presence or absence of dementia in community-dwelling elderly people. Methods: Needs assessment data from 311 long-term care insurance (LTCI) recipients (dementia group 203; non-dementia group 108) that participated in the second pilot program of the integrated care model in community care settings under the Korean LTCI system were used. Descriptive statistical analysis, independent t-test, and analysis of variance were conducted on the sociodemographic characteristics, health and functional status, and nutritional status of the dementia and non-dementia groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with malnutrition in the dementia and non-dementia groups. Results: Malnutrition occurred in 33.5% and 26.9% of participants in the dementia and non-dementia groups, respectively. In the dementia group, living with family rather than living alone (odds ratio [OR]: 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–9.66; P = 0.031), increase in Korean Activities of Daily Living (K-ADL) score (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.17–1.55; P < 0.001), and increase in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire score (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03; P = 0.005) were associated with a higher risk of malnutrition. In the non-dementia group, the risk of malnutrition increased as the K-ADL score increased (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.04–1.39; P = 0.011) and in the depressed group (OR: 2.84; 95% CI: 1.04–7.74; P = 0.042).Conclusions: The study results confirmed the necessity of nutritional management for community-dwelling LTCI recipients. When developing a nutritional management program, considering the differences in factors related to malnutrition between the dementia and non-dementia groups is important. This study proposes policies for improving the LTCI system in terms of nutritional management and the utilization of community resources.

Discrete element modelling and mechanical properties and cutting experiments of Caragana korshinskii Kom. stems.

The forage crop Caragana korshinskii Kom. is of high quality, and the biomechanical properties of its plant system are of great significance for the development of harvesting equipment and the comprehensive utilisation of crop resources. However, the extant research on the biomechanical properties of Caragana korshinskii Kom. is inadequate to enhance and refine the theoretical techniques for mechanised harvesting. In this study, we established a discrete element model of CKS based on the Hertz-Mindlin bonding contact model. By combining physical experiments and numerical simulations, we calibrated and validated the intrinsic and contact parameters. The Plackett-Burman design test was employed to identify the significant factors influencing bending force, and the optimal parameter combination for these factors was determined through response surface analysis. When the shear stiffness per unit area was 3.56×109 Pa, the bonded disk scale was 0.93 mm, the normal stiffness per unit area was 9.68×109 Pa, the normal strength was 5.62×107 Pa, the shear strength was 4.27×107 Pa, the discrete element numerical simulation results for three-point bending, radial compression, axial tension, and shear fracture exhibited a maximum failure force error of 3.32%, 4.37%, 4.87% and 3.74% in comparison to the physical experiments. In the cutting experiments, a smaller radial angle between the tool edge and the stem resulted in less damage to the cutting section, which was beneficial for the smoothness of the stubble after harvesting and the subsequent growth of the stem. The discrepancy in cutting force between the physical and numerical simulations was 3.89%, and the F-x (force versus displacement) trend was consistent. The multi-angle experimental validation demonstrated that the discrete element model of CKS is an accurate representation of the real biomechanical properties of CKS. The findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying crop-machine interactions.

Lithic Procurement and Provisioning at the Lower Palaeolithic Site of Shishan Marsh 1 in the Azraq Basin, Jordan

Considerations of the landscape, the distribution and quality of resources, distances to outcrops, and proximity to other resources factor into the procurement decision-making by prehistoric foragers. However, the patterns of resource exploitation and utilisation are likely to vary by region, and those exhibited in marginal environments are not fully explored. This report focuses on the nature of lithic procurement and provisioning at the Lower Palaeolithic site of Shishan Marsh 1 in the Azraq Basin, Jordan. It draws upon several lines of evidence, including provenance and use-wear analyses performed on the biface assemblage. The results indicate raw material exploitation occurred at local and non-local distances to the site and the lithics were used for a variety of activities on medium-hard materials. Foragers moved toward the wetlands from significant distances on the surrounding landscape, likely bringing finished tools and, after use, discarding them in relatively good condition. The accumulation over time of ready-to-use tools at Shishan Marsh 1 points to a provisioning of the wetland margins for future needs.

Atom‐Efficient Synthesis of Trimethine Cyanines Using Formaldehyde as a Single‐Carbon Source

AbstractHerein, we present an innovative and atom‐efficient synthesis of trimethine cyanines (Cy3) using formaldehyde (FA) as a single‐carbon reagent. The widespread application of Cy3 dyes in bioimaging and genomics/proteomics is often limited by synthetic routes plagued by low atom economy and substantial side‐product formation. Through systematic investigation, we have developed a practical and efficient synthetic pathway for both symmetrical and unsymmetrical Cy3 derivatives, significantly minimizing resource utilization. Notably, this approach yields water as the by‐product, in alignment with sustainable chemistry principles. Moreover, the efficient one‐pot synthesis facilitates the detection of intracellular FA levels, utilizing the fluorescence signal of Cy3 in live cells. It is also possible to detect endogenous FA in the intestinal tissues. We observed a significant decrease in FA in the small intestine of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mice as compared to healthy mice. This methodological advancement not only enhances the scope of fluorescent dye synthesis but also contributes to sustainable practices within chemical manufacturing, offering a significant leap forward in the development of environmentally friendly synthetic strategies.

Atom-Efficient Synthesis of Trimethine Cyanines Using Formaldehyde as a Single-Carbon Source.

Herein, we present an innovative and atom-efficient synthesis of trimethine cyanines (Cy3) using formaldehyde (FA) as a single-carbon reagent. The widespread application of Cy3 dyes in bioimaging and genomics/proteomics is often limited by synthetic routes plagued by low atom economy and substantial side-product formation. Through systematic investigation, we have developed a practical and efficient synthetic pathway for both symmetrical and unsymmetrical Cy3 derivatives, significantly minimizing resource utilization. Notably, this approach yields water as the by-product, in alignment with sustainable chemistry principles. Moreover, the efficient one-pot synthesis facilitates the detection of intracellular FA levels, utilizing the fluorescence signal of Cy3 in live cells. It is also possible to detect endogenous FA in the intestinal tissues. We observed a significant decrease in FA in the small intestine of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mice as compared to healthy mice. This methodological advancement not only enhances the scope of fluorescent dye synthesis but also contributes to sustainable practices within chemical manufacturing, offering a significant leap forward in the development of environmentally friendly synthetic strategies.

Economic Burden of Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating retinal condition that affects more than 200 million people globally, with the severe late-stage forms-neovascular AMD (nAMD) and geographic atrophy (GA)-affecting more than 11 million people globally. However, much is unknown about the economic burden of the disease. To estimate the economic burden associated with late-stage AMD in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US at the societal level. This study used the prevalence approach cost-of-illness economic modeling to estimate costs attributable to late-stage AMD. Data on health care resource utilization, well-being, and productivity were obtained via primary data collection. Additional data required for the model were sourced from available published literature. Data were collected from January 2021 to March 2022, and analyzed from April to July 2022. Participants older than 50 years residing in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US who were diagnosed with late-stage AMD (nAMD or any form of GA) in 1 or both eyes and caregivers who care for people diagnosed with late-stage AMD were recruited through ophthalmological clinics in Bulgaria and Germany and via online newsletters and social media in the US. The main outcomes were direct medical costs (disease-related health care expenditures), indirect medical costs (care support and assistive technology), well-being cost (loss of well-being), and productivity cost (loss in productivity due to the diseases for both patient and caregivers). Of the 128 individuals with late-stage AMD in this study, 80 (62%) were female, and 120 (94%) were aged 60 years or older. Of the 61 caregivers, 43 (70%) were female and 55 (91%) were aged 45 years or older. Estimated per-annum total costs attributable to late-stage AMD were €449.5 million ($512.5 million) in Bulgaria, €7.6 billion ($8.6 billion) in Germany, and €43.2 billion ($49.4 billion) in the US. Across all countries, 10% to 13% of the total cost incurred was attributed to direct medical costs. In Germany and Bulgaria, the biggest contributor to the total economic burden was reduced well-being (67% and 76%, respectively), whereas in the US, loss of productivity (42%) was the biggest contributor. The findings of this study indicate a substantial burden of late-stage AMD on patients and caregivers in the US, Germany, and Bulgaria. Across the 3 countries, reduced well-being and loss of productivity were relatively large contributors to the total economic burden. Implementing measures to reduce AMD incidence, delay disease progression, and alleviate humanistic burden may help reduce the economic burden of late-stage AMD.

The administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors via an elastomeric pump versus conventional intravenous infusion: an economic perspective

BackgroundRecent studies have underscored the potential of innovative administration methods to mitigate the capacity burden on healthcare systems, without compromising the quality of care. This study assessed and compared the resource utilization and associated costs of two distinct administration modes of immune checkpoint inhibitors: the innovative elastomeric pump and conventional intravenous infusion. This comparison can inform sustainable healthcare practices and healthcare decision-making to optimize treatment efficiency in an era of escalating healthcare demands.MethodsIn this micro-costing study, data on resource use and time allocation for drug preparation and administration were collected using an observational, non-interventional study design. Data were registered at the oncology daycare unit and hospital pharmacy. Cost categories included drug acquisition, disposable materials, healthcare professional time for drug administration, drug preparation, and patient time spent at the oncology day care unit.ResultsDrug administration through the elastomeric pump resulted in substantially lower healthcare costs when compared to conventional infusion, particularly due to reduced labor and chair time. The elastomeric pump reduced the total chair time by 78% and nurse time by 55%. Total average costs (excluding drug costs) were €103,47 and €77.99 for conventional infusion and the elastomeric pump, respectively, showcasing potential savings of €25.48 (P < 0.001) per administration.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the elastomeric pump not only offers substantial cost savings but also enhances the treatment capacity of the oncology day care unit. These findings support the adoption of the elastomeric pump in clinical settings as a cost-saving and efficient alternative to conventional infusion.Trial registrationThis study has been registered in the National Trial Register (NTR), with the reference number NTR NL9473. Registration date: 05-05-2021.

SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF ENSURING SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECURITY OF ENTERPRISES IN THE CONDITIONS OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT

The article is aimed at defining and disclosing the scientific and methodological foundations for implementing the concept of ensuring socio-economic security of enterprises in the context of innovative development. The subject of the research in the article is the scientific and methodological principles of ensuring socio-economic security of enterprises in the context of innovative development. To achieve this goal, the following theoretical methods were used: analysis of the source base, comparison, systematisation and generalisation. The category of innovative enterprise development and socio-economic security has been identified. A number of indicators may be employed to evaluate the extent of social and economic security enjoyed by an enterprise. These may be classified according to their financial, social, innovative, operational or environmental impact. This paper considers the distinctive characteristics and principal consequences of the impact of innovative development on the social and economic security of enterprises. It has been established that the scientific and methodological principles of social and economic security comprise a set of theoretical and practical tools, methods and approaches that facilitate the identification, assessment and management of risks associated with innovative activities. In the context of outlining the scientific and methodological foundations, a number of principles for developing a system of socio-economic security for the enterprise were identified and expanded upon, and a list of scientific approaches for studying and providing socio-economic security for the enterprise was provided. The importance of a systemic approach in ensuring the socio-economic security of the enterprise in the context of its innovative development is demonstrated. It is determined that the methodological principles include the development and implementation of a system of indicators for assessing the level of socio-economic security, analysis of risks associated with innovation activities. The components of methodological support for the system of socio-economic security are proposed: monitoring, evaluation, risk management. The conclusions of the study are that the innovative development of enterprises determines the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of business. The socio-economic security of an enterprise can be defined as a dynamic state of stable functioning and development in the presence of external and internal threats. This encompasses the protection of the enterprise's economic interests, the assurance of financial stability, risk management, the optimisation of resource utilisation and the enhancement of production efficiency. The concept of the relevant scientific and methodological principles can be developed on the basis of the principal approaches to the study of the socio-economic security of the enterprise, as well as the principal principles of its development, which are presented in the article.

Optimizing Security and Cost Efficiency in N-Level Cascaded Chaotic-Based Secure Communication System

In recent years, chaos-based secure communication systems have garnered significant attention for their unique attributes, including sensitivity to initial conditions and periodic orbit density. However, existing systems face challenges in balancing encryption strength with practical implementation, especially for multiple levels. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a novel N-level cascaded chaotic-based secure communication system for voice encryption, leveraging the four-dimensional unified hyperchaotic system. Performance evaluation is conducted using various security metrics, including Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Percent Residual Deviation (PRD), and correlation coefficient, as well as Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) resource metrics. A new Value-Based Performance Metrics (VBPM) framework is also introduced, focusing on both security and efficiency. Simulation results reveal that the system achieves optimal performance at N = 4 levels, demonstrating significant improvements in both security and FPGA resource utilization compared to existing approaches. This research offers a scalable and cost-efficient solution for secure communication systems, with broader implications for real-time encryption in practical applications.

Waste Segregator: Waste Management Prototype

Smart Waste Dustbins utilize IoT, AI, and computer vision for efficient waste management. They feature multiple compartments, sensors, and automatic lid mechanisms for real-time waste sorting. Computer vision and AI algorithms accurately identify and segregate waste. Smart Waste Dustbins monitor fill levels and offer a user-friendly interface for public engagement. Sensors include ultrasonic, moisture, and metal sensors for proximity, moisture analysis, and metal item segregation. Smart Waste Dustbins revolutionize waste management, enhancing efficiency in segregation, recycling, and collection processes, leading to reduced environmental impact and improved resource utilization for sustainable communities.

The Utilisation of ICT Resources for Teaching and Learning Science in Rural Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers pedagogical approaches in science that may enhance engagement in STEM disciplines. It has emerged as a catalyst for quality education and job creation, imparting scientific knowledge and potentially enhancing educational standards for rural students, hence generating increased opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. This study aimed to explore research trends on the use of ICT in teaching and learning science in rural schools, using available big data on studies done in the past 10 years worldwide. A bibliometric analysis was used to analyse 171 journal articles and conference proceedings papers which were published or in press. These documents were obtained through the SCOPUS database. The keywords used were "ICT in teaching science” OR "rural schools". Data were organised into tables, graphs and visualisations obtained from VOSviewer, then analysed descriptively. Findings from the study revealed insufficient publications of documents in this area per year worldwide, citations and co-citations, poor collaborations and low total link strength for all documents published from 2013-2023. Whereas many studies have been conducted on the use of ICT or STEM education or rural education, few studies incorporated the three terms. Those who have embarked on these studies seem to be losing interest in doing more research in this area. Furthermore, there are insufficient collaborations between authors and countries in this research area. This study recommends that the amount of research and collaborations be increased on regarding the utilisation of ICT resources for teaching science in rural schools.

A Comparative Analysis of the Student Preferences for Digital and Physical Books in Library Usage

The study investigates student preferences for digital and physical library resources at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, Philippines, amidst the evolving landscape of educational technology integration. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from Senior High School and College students, the research identifies significant trends in resource utilization patterns and their impact on academic achievement. Results indicate a preference for digital resources, although some students still value physical materials. Statistical analyses reveal discipline-specific variations in resource utilization and a positive correlation between the frequency of accessing digital resources and academic performance. The study underscores the importance of aligning library services with student preferences to optimize learning outcomes and foster digital literacy. Recommendations are made for tailored interventions to enhance resource provision and promote equitable access across academic disciplines

Real world data on cervical cancer treatment patterns, healthcare access and resource utilization in the Brazilian public healthcare system.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the treatment patterns, time to start treatment, and healthcare resources utilization (HCRU) of cervical cancer (CC) patients within the Brazilian public health system (SUS). This is an observational retrospective study using SUS administrative database (DATASUS). Data from January-2014 to December-2020 was gathered from patients with the ICD-10 C53 codes. From 2014 to 2020, 206,861 women were included, among whom 90,073 (43.5%) had stage information. Of staged patients, 60.7% (54,719) had advanced disease (stages III and IV) and the most performed treatments were chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (41.6%), surgery + CRT (19.1%), radiotherapy (RT) only (16.8%) and chemotherapy (CT) only (13.3%). The proportion of patients submitted to CT in advanced stages was higher than in non-advanced stages (I and II), in contrast to RT, which was more frequent in stage I than stage IV. Median time to initiate treatment surpassed two months in approximately 30% of the cases, regardless of stage. Conization was the most performed surgical procedure. The hospitalization rate per patient per month for stage IV was twice as high as stage I (0.05 [95%CI 0.05-0.05] and 0.11 [0.11-0.11], respectively). The same trend was observed for outpatient visits (0.54 [95%CI 0.53-0.55] and 0.96 [0.93-0.98], respectively). This study demonstrated a high proportion of advanced CC at diagnosis in Brazil. The treatment pattern showed that chemoradiotherapy was the most frequent regimen overall and the use of chemotherapy and HCRU increased with staging. These results could provide information to improve public policies towards access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CC in Brazil.

An enhanced whale optimization algorithm for task scheduling in edge computing environments.

The widespread use of mobile devices and compute-intensive applications has increased the connection of smart devices to networks, generating significant data. Real-time execution faces challenges due to limited resources and demanding applications in edge computing environments. To address these challenges, an enhanced whale optimization algorithm (EWOA) was proposed for task scheduling. A multi-objective model based on CPU, memory, time, and resource utilization was developed. The model was transformed into a whale optimization problem, incorporating chaotic mapping to initialize populations and prevent premature convergence. A nonlinear convergence factor was introduced to balance local and global search. The algorithm's performance was evaluated in an experimental edge computing environment and compared with ODTS, WOA, HWACO, and CATSA algorithms. Experimental results demonstrated that EWOA reduced costs by 29.22%, decreased completion time by 17.04%, and improved node resource utilization by 9.5%. While EWOA offers significant advantages, limitations include the lack of consideration for potential network delays and user mobility. Future research will focus on fault-tolerant scheduling techniques to address dynamic user needs and improve service robustness and quality.