71 research outputs found

    A Proposal On Creating a System Which Aims to Aid the Process of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to Choose an Appropriate Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Method Which Exists Within a Group Decision Support System (GDSS).

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    This paper presents a proposal on a system which explores MCDA methods, it discusses the different aspects pertaining to the subject matter which revolves around PLM, GDSS and finally MCDA. There is an overall view of how MCDA methods impact PLM systems and if they are pertinent to its functionality. This research was informed by a case study on the decision making process which pertain specifically to a large organisation and the decision on the introduction of a new product. This is an activity that falls within the PLM context and the design followed the analysis of a GDSS and how it provides a backbone function for a PLM system. This study could be particularly useful to the selection an adequate multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method for new product entry context, and explores the process with which this can be achieved. This paper design follows a systematic review of relevant literature, qualitative analysis of data gathered during review and proposal on system idea. This system idea could be applicable to PLM systems as discussed, but could likely accommodate several other contexts. The variable and requirements necessary to choose an MCDA method is fully explored within the confines of product lifecycle management

    Health workers’ perspectives, knowledge and skills regarding community case management of childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia: a qualitative inquiry for an implementation research project “Nigraan” in District Badin, Sindh, Pakistan

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    BACKGROUND: Pakistan\u27s Lady Health Worker Programme aims to provide care to children sick with pneumonia and diarrhoea, which continues to cause 27 % under-five mortality in Pakistan. The quality of supervision received by Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in the programme influence their knowledge and skills, in turn impacting their ability to provide care. METHODS: This study is part of an implementation research project titled Nigraan (an Urdu word meaning supervisor), and explores LHW and Lady Health Supervisor (LHS) perspectives regarding the role of supervision in improving LHWs performance and motivation in district Badin, Sindh, Pakistan. Their knowledge and skills regarding integrated community casemanagement (iCCM) of diarrhoea and pneumonia were also assessed. Fourteen focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews were conducted as part of this qualitative inquiry. Analysis was done using QSR NVivo version 10. RESULTS: Most LHWs and LHSs identified pneumonia and diarrhoea as two major causes of death among children under-five. Poverty, illiteracy, poor hygiene and lack of clean drinking water were mentioned as underlying causes of high mortality due to diarrhoea and pneumonia. LHWs and LHSs gaps in knowledge included classification of dehydration, correctly preparing ORS and prescribing correct antibiotics in pneumonia. Lack of training, delayed salaries and insufficient medicines and other supplies were identified as major factors impeding appropriate knowledge and skill development for iCCM of childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia. LHWs considered adequate supervision and the presence of LHSs during household visits as a factor facilitating their performance. LHWs did not have a preference for written or verbal feedback, but LHSs considered written individual feedback to LHWs to be more useful than group and verbal feedback. CONCLUSION: LHWs have knowledge and skill gaps that prevent them from providing effective care for diarrhoea and pneumonia. Enhanced supportive feedback from LHSs could improve LHWs skills and performance

    Metastatic Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma In 10 Years Old Boy; A Rare Case Report

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    OBJECTIVES Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma is an infrequent vascular neoplasm of intermediate malignant potential oddly affecting children. It is primarily noted in soft tissues, the stomach, breast, spleen, brain, and liver. No definite risk factor is identified in children. However, following WWTR1-CAMTA1 and YAP1-TFE3 gene fusions are frequently seen in these tumours. We present a case of very rare childhood Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the liver in a ten-year-old boy. A 10-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain, mild weight loss, and abnormal liver function tests. Radiologically, hepatic, pulmonary, and bony lesions are noted. The biopsy report showed Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma confirmed by an Immunohistochemical panel. Due to the lack of facilities in our centre, palliative treatment was given to the patient. Surgical resection, liver transplant, and radiofrequency ablation were impossible due to widespread hepatic and pulmonary disease. The patient was resistant to any medical treatment. The patient died at the seventh-month follow-up. HEHE is a scarcely seen tumour with no definite management protocol. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for resectable tumours. In non-resectable extensive bifocal tumours, like in our case, the preferred treatment is radio-frequency ablation and hepatic transplant. The overall survival is trivial due to the non-compliant nature of the disease

    Stress-strength reliability estimation for the inverted exponentiated Rayleigh distribution under unified progressive hybrid censoring with application

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    In this paper, we studied the estimation of a stress-strength reliability model (R = P(X>Y)) based on inverted exponentiated Rayleigh distribution under the unified progressive hybrid censoring scheme (unified PHCS). The maximum likelihood estimates of the unknown parameters were obtained using the stochastic expectation-maximization algorithm (stochastic EMA). The asymptotic confidence intervals were also created. Under squared error and Linex and generalized entropy loss functions, the Gibbs sampler together with Metropolis-Hastings algorithm was provided to compute the Bayes estimates and the credible intervals. Extensive simulations were performed to see the effectiveness of the proposed estimation methods. Also, parallel to the development of reliability studies, it is necessary to study its application in different sciences such as engineering. Therefore, droplet splashing data under two nozzle pressures were proposed to exemplify the theoretical outcomes

    Planarity in cubic intuitionistic graphs and their application to control air traffic on a runway

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    Fuzzy modeling plays a pivotal role in various fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. In comparison to conventional models, fuzzy models offer enhanced accuracy, adaptability, and resemblance to real-world systems and help researchers to always make the best choice in complex problems. A type of fuzzy graph that is widely used in medical and psychological sciences is the cubic intuitionistic fuzzy graph, which plays an important role in various fields such as computer science, psychology, medicine, and political sciences. It is also used to find effective people in an organization or social institution. In this research endeavor, we embark upon elucidating the innovative notion of a cubic intuitionistic planar graph, delving into its intricate properties and attributes. Additionally, we unveil the novel concept of a cubic intuitionistic dual graph, thus enriching the realm of graph theory with further profundity. Furthermore, our exploration encompasses the elucidation of other pertinent terminologies, such as cubic intuitionistic multi-graphs, along with the categorization of edges into the distinct classifications of strong and weak edges. Moreover, we discern the concept of the degree of planarity within the context of CIPG and unveil the notion of strong and weak faces. Additionally, we delve into the construction of cubic intuitionistic dual graphs, which can be realized in cases where the initial graph is planar or possesses a degree of planarity ≥0.67. Notably, we furnish the exposition with a comprehensive discussion on noteworthy findings and substantial results pertaining to these captivating topics, contributing valuable insights on the field of graph theory. Last, we shall endeavor to exemplify the practical relevance and importance of our research by presenting an illuminating real-world application, thus demonstrating the tangible impact and significance of our endeavors in this research article

    Heat and mass transfer analysis of nonlinear mixed convective hybrid nanofluid flow with multiple slip boundary conditions

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    The current study focuses on the 3D nonlinear mixed convective boundary layer flow of micropolar hybrid nanofluid in the presence microorganism and multiple slip conditions across the slendering surface. The concentration and energy equations are developed in the occurrence of activation energy and joule heating effect. The aim of this research is to consider the Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which are favored materials in the manufacture of electrochemical devices because of their mechanical and chemical stability, good thermal and electrical conductivities, physiochemical consistency, and featherweight. By keeping such extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes in mind, we investigate the flow of hybrid nanofluid having MWCNT (multi-wall carbon nanotubes) and SWCNT (single-wall carbon nanotubes). Using an appropriate similarity variable, the flow model (PDEs) are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The bvp4c approach is utilized to tackle the coupled differential equations. The impact of emerging parameter on temperature distribution, velocity field, concentration distribution, and microorganism field are presented graphically. It is noted the stronger values of wall thickness parameter and Hartmann number produces retardation effect, as a result fluid velocity declines for both SWCNT (single-wall carbon nanotubes) and MWCNT (multi-wall carbon nanotubes) hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the transport rate of heat and mass improves by the higher values of for φ2 both simple and hybrid nanofluid.</p

    Clinicopathological features of different Histopathological Subtypes and Stages of Wilms Tumor

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    Introduction: Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal neoplasm. Following preoperative therapy, various histological subtypes, risks and clinical stages are determined as per following SIOP 2001 protocol. To determine the clinicopathological features of different histopathological subtypes and stages of Wilms tumor after completing course of preoperative as well as postoperative chemotherapy following SIOP 2001 protocol. Methodology: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study and sample size calculated by non-probability technique. Ninety-three patients with abdominal masses in the Hematology/Oncology Department were included. After radiological and histopathological diagnosis, four weeks of preoperative chemotherapy, given to patients, followed by partial and radical nephrectomies by surgical team. Specimens received in Histopathology Department grossed and microscopically examined for different post chemotherapy histological subtypes. Further risk categorization and clinicopathological staging in accordance with SIOP 2001, done after completion of treatment. Patients called for yearly follow up for the next five years. Categorical variables are presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Mean age of ninety-three children was 44.4 months + 30.92with predominance of males (55.9%) and more common in right sided kidney (55.9%). Majority patients completed the entire course of treatment (77.4%). Majority were intermediate risk tumors (76.3%) and most common histological subtype was Mixed Tumor subtype (23.4%). In our study majority, tumors were stage III (48.3%) and patients died due to febrile neutropenia (9.6%) Conclusion: In our study the majority of patients completed the entire course of treatment and relapse was fairly less. Patients lost to follow up after nephrectomy and deaths at home caused by febrile neutropenia were our major challenges.
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