Severity classification for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by using fuzzy logic

OBJECTIVE: To set out a severity classification for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) based on the interaction of pulmonary function parameters with high resolution computed tomography (CT) findings. INTRODUCTION: Despite the contribution of functional and radiological methods in the study of IPF, there are few classification proposals for the disease based on these examinations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which 41 non-smoking patients with IPF were evaluated. The following high resolution CT findings were quantified using a semi-quantitative scoring system: reticular abnormality, honeycombing and ground-glass opacity. The functional variables were measured by spirometry, forced oscillation technique, helium dilution method, as well as the single-breath method of diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide. With the interaction between functional indexes and high resolution CT scores through fuzzy logic, a classification for IPF has been built. RESULTS: Out of 41 patients studied, 26 were male and 15 female, with a mean age of 70.8 years. Volume measurements were the variables which showed the best interaction with the disease extension on high resolution CT, while the forced vital capacity showed the lowest estimative errors in comparison to total lung capacity. A classification for IPF was suggested based on the 95% confidence interval of the forced vital capacity %: mild group (>92.7); moderately mild (76.9-92.6); moderate (64.3-76.8%); moderately severe (47.1-64.2); severe (24.3-47.0); and very severe (<24.3). CONCLUSION: Through fuzzy logic, an IPF classification was built based on forced vital capacity measurement with a simple practical application

Publishing Activities of Shiites and Democratization of Islamic Thought in Indonesia

This paper examines the pattern of publication in a mass Islamic organization that is a minority in Indonesia, namely those originating from the Shia Islamic School. The publication process itself is inseparable from the position of an organization which is one of the centers of Shia community activities in Indonesia in giving and receiving knowledge and information. The study on the Indonesian Ahlulbait Jamaat Association (IJABI) which was founded in Bandung uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, documentation studies, and literature studies. The results of the study show that there is a model of publication activity which is characterized by the presence of managers, participants, and supporters of publication activities based on the role of communication among the very dominant Shia citizens. This needs to be exemplified by other organizations, in order to strengthen the character, intelligence and skills of the community in facing the fast, effective and efficient development of the ag

Sharia and Democracy: Efforts to Synergize the Demands of Faith with the legal System in Indonesia

Since the fall of the New Order's authoritarian regime, Indonesia as a country with the largest Muslim population in the world is often praised as a country that has proven that Islam, democracy and modernity can grow and develop together. However, democracy in Indonesia does not escape the challenges associated with the return of the spirit of religion in political life. The problem is the return of religion to politics – and to public life in general – is a serious challenge to the rule of democratically enacted law and the civil liberties that go with it. Islamic activism or Islamism although they use freedom provided by democracy, actually rejects the principles of democracy and human rights which they see as contrary to the sharia and the absolute sovereignty of God. In the past thirteen years there has been a tendency for rising aspirations for Indonesia to be regulated by sharia law. The purpose of this research is to look for the meaning of sharia and democracy for Muslims, the theological foundations for Muslim to support democracy, and the challenges and alternative solutions that can be offered so that sharia can be transformed to Indonesia legal system. By assuming that sharia has a purpose and that Islamic law can change, evolve in line with developments and challenges of the times, the author argues that the synergy between sharia and democracy can occur in Indonesia as long as Muslims in Indonesia can accept plurality in understanding the sharia and are not bound to one model in understanding sharia. The author believes that sharia can be applied in democratic countries such as Indonesia, because the purpose of the sharia and the purpose of the state are the same, namely the achievement of social justice for all without discrimination