R-Norm Information Measure with Applications in Multi Criteria Decision Making Technique under Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set Environment

The main aim of this research article is to define a new information measure for quantifying fuzziness in the intuitionistic fuzzy set environment. For this purpose, we present R-norm intuitionistic fuzzy measure that quantifies the amount of vagueness or fuzziness of a particular fuzzy set. We prove that this measure is a valid measure of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy by making it satisfy essential properties. Also, some mathematical properties are used to check the validation of the measure. In the end, a practical example of decision-making is illustrated in terms of Multi Criteria Decision Making problem that presents the application of the proposed measure

Potential of NTFP-based bioeconomy in livelihood security and income inequality mitigation in Kashmir Himalayas

The contribution of non timber forest products (NTFPs) has been acknowledged globally for their role in conservation, income generation, livelihood improvement and rural development. The potential of a NTFP-based bioeconomy has given a new dimension to the forest sector, and NTFPs are now considered favourably by the resource rich developing economies. The actual contribution of NTFPs has never been adequately estimated due to lack of sufficient baseline information on extraction, consumption patterns and traded quantities in Kashmir, India. Complicated management frameworks and fragmented value chains have eclipsed their diverse social life cycle in Kashmir. Therefore the present study investigates the bioeconomic transformation, livelihood contribution, income inequality mitigation and determinant socioeconomic factors of NTFP extraction in the Kashmir Himalayas. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to collect data through participatory household-based surveys from different villages. Data were collected through structured in-depth interviews, non-participant observation and focussed group discussions. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. The Lorenz curve and Gini index were used to evaluate the influence of household NTFP incomes on income inequality mitigation, and econometric models were developed to identify key factors that influence the level of household income from NTFPs to determine their potential for supporting livelihood security and bioeconomy in the region

Efficacy of combined phenotypic methods for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus detection and antibiotic susceptibility

Background: The main aim of our study is to demonstrate comparative evaluation of oxacillin disc diffusion (ODD), oxacillin screen agar (OSA), CHROM agar (CA) with cefoxitin disc diffusion (CDD) method for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus obtained from various clinical samples.Methods: This prospective study was conducted to detect Methicillin resistance among staphylococcus aureus by four phenotypic methods isolated from various clinical samples received in the Department of microbiology MMIMSR, Mullana.Results: The data was statistically analyzed, compiled in form of tables, graphs, percentage and test of significance will also be done wherever necessary (using Microsoft Excel, 2008 version) CDD+ODD+OSA+CA proved to be 100% followed by ODD+OSA+CA and CDD+OSA+CA 82.07% and CDD+ODD+OSA 80.1%.Conclusions: Combined phenotypic methods are better in evaluating and studying MRSA infections in hospitals as compared to tests done in isolation for proper diagnosis and timely treatment of infections

Computed tomographic scanning measurement of skull bone thickness: a single center study

Background: Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) can be useful for the measuring the calvarial thickness in human beings. This could help in identifying the racial and the gender variations in calvarial thickness in a population. The data obtained about calvarial thickness study in human population may be useful for researchers, anatomists, anthropologists, surgeons and manufacturers of surgical screws.Methods: This was an observational study carried out on 104 subjects, with a normal computerized tomography CT scan of the head. Any subject with a skull fractures or an underlying intracranial lesion were excluded from study. A total of 52 males and 52 females who presented in the radiology department for CT head were studied in a consecutive manner. The thickness of skull bone was measured on console (Somatom, Siemens 16 slice).Results: Our study population consisted of 52 male and 52 female subjects. The mean age for males was 48.03 (Range 18-70) years and while as the mean age of females was 47.37 (Range 18-73) years. We did not find any difference in the thickness of the frontal bone at upper third, middle third and lower third between the two sexes. However, the posterior third parietal bone, the anterior and middle third occipital bone was significantly thicker in females when compared to males.Conclusions: Our study suggests that the anterior third of the parietal bone has a more calvarial thickness on the right side than on the left side in both males and females. However, the female calvarium has a significantly thicker calvarium at the posterior third parietal; anterior and middle third occipital bones when compared to male counterparts showing a sexual dimorphism in our study population

Oscillatory behaviour of isomers of hydroxybenzoic acid with and without catalyst

The present work establishes and compares the oscillatory behaviour of mono-, di- and trihydroxybenzoic acids as organic substrates in acidic bromate (1.0 mol L-1 H2SO4) without catalyst and in the presence of Mn2+ ion as the main catalyst. The oscillations are also affected by other catalyst such as Fe2+ ion. Further, the oscillations start diminishing in mixed catalyst systems. The experimental parameters were obtained potentiometrically and the results have been interpreted on the basis of FKN mechanism

Development and design of the first structured clinic-based program in lower resource settings to transition emerging adults with type 1 diabetes from pediatric to adult care

Introduction Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing in young people worldwide and more children in resource limited settings are living into adulthood. There is a need for rigorous testing and reporting of evidence-based and stakeholder-informed strategies that transition individuals with T1D from pediatric to adult care. We present the development of and design of the first structured transition program in Delhi, India, to inform similar efforts in India and resource limited settings. Methods The intervention development team included clinicians and researchers with expertise in T1D and the implementation context. To select intervention outcomes, establish intervention targets, and design session modules, we drew upon formative research conducted at prospective intervention implementation sites, consensus guidelines, and previous care transition and behavior change research conducted in developed settings. We used the Template for Intervention Description and Replication and GUIDance for the rEporting of intervention Development checklists to report the intervention and development process. Results The 15-month program (“PATHWAY”) includes five quarterly ~30 minute sessions delivered predominantly by diabetes educators at pediatric and adult clinics, which coincide with routine care visits. Primary program components include educational and behavioral sessions that address psychosocial drivers of clinic attendance and self-management, diabetes educators as transition coordinators and counselors, and a one-year “overlap period” of alternating visits between pediatric and adult providers. Conclusions We followed a systematic and transparent process to develop PATHWAY, which facilitated rich description of intervention context, guiding principles, targets, and components. Dependence on previously published program examples to design PATHWAY may have introduced challenges for program feasibility and effectiveness, underscoring the importance of input gathering from prospective intervention actors at multiple points in the development process. This detailed report in combination with future evaluations of PATHWAY support efforts to increase rigorous development and testing of strategies to improve outcomes among emerging adults with T1D

Recent Eco-Friendly Developments in Personal Protective Clothing Materials for Reducing Plastic Pollution: A Review

Due to the industrialization increase in the 20th century, the level of hazards for public health and the demand for personnel protective clothing (PPC) have increased. The area of PPC has been steered to high tech equipment made from plastic-based materials, which are derived from non-renewable sources and have a long life cycle expanding from hundreds to thousands of years, after their end of useful life. This paper reviews the information related to conventional plastic-based fibers, their properties, advantages, disadvantages, and applications in the battlefield, industry, automobiles, etc. This paper provides a basis for the selection of natural fibers and the replacement of conventional plastic-based fibers to reduce the plastic content in protective clothing or other composites. A comparative analysis of technological, environmental, economic and legal aspects of plastic-based and environment-friendly natural fibers is presented. Natural fiber-based composite protective clothing is found to be environment-friendly and considered to have prospects for the future due to its comparative technological, environmental, economic and legal advantages

Scavenger receptor B1 facilitates the endocytosis of \u3ci\u3eEscherichia coli\u3c/i\u3e via TLR4 signaling in mammary gland infection

SCARB1 belongs to class B of Scavenger receptors (SRs) that are known to be involved in binding and endocytosis of various pathogens. SRs have emerging role in regulating innate immunity and host–pathogen interactions by acting in co-ordination with Toll-like receptors.Query Little is known about the function of SCARB1 in milk-derived mammary epithelial cells (MECs). This study reports the role of SCARB1 in infection and its potential association in TLR4 signaling on bacterial challenge in Goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs). The novelty in the establishment of MEC culture lies in the method that aims to enhance the viability of the cells with intact characteristics upto a higher passage number. We represent MEC culture to be used as a potential infection model for deeper understanding of animal physiology especially around the mammary gland. On E.coli challenge the expression of SCARB1 was signifcant in induced GMECs at 6 h. Endoribonuclease-esiRNA based silencing of SCARB1 affects the expression of TLR4 and its pathways i.e. MyD88 and TRIF pathways on infection. Knockdown also affected the endocytosis of E.coli in GMECs demonstrating that E.coli uses SCARB1 function to gain entry in cells. Furthermore, we predict 3 unique protein structures of uncharacterized SCARB1 (Capra hircus) protein. Overall, we highlight SCARB1 as a main participant in host defence and its function in antibacterial advances to check mammary gland infections

Improving benchmarking by using an explicit framework for the development of composite indicators: an example using pediatric quality of care

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The measurement of healthcare provider performance is becoming more widespread. Physicians have been guarded about performance measurement, in part because the methodology for comparative measurement of care quality is underdeveloped. Comprehensive quality improvement will require comprehensive measurement, implying the aggregation of multiple quality metrics into composite indicators.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To present a conceptual framework to develop comprehensive, robust, and transparent composite indicators of pediatric care quality, and to highlight aspects specific to quality measurement in children.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We reviewed the scientific literature on composite indicator development, health systems, and quality measurement in the pediatric healthcare setting. Frameworks were selected for explicitness and applicability to a hospital-based measurement system.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We synthesized various frameworks into a comprehensive model for the development of composite indicators of quality of care. Among its key premises, the model proposes identifying structural, process, and outcome metrics for each of the Institute of Medicine's six domains of quality (safety, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centeredness, timeliness, and equity) and presents a step-by-step framework for embedding the quality of care measurement model into composite indicator development.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The framework presented offers researchers an explicit path to composite indicator development. Without a scientifically robust and comprehensive approach to measurement of the quality of healthcare, performance measurement will ultimately fail to achieve its quality improvement goals.</p