A NOVEL RISK EVALUATION APPROACH FOR FREQUENTLY ENCOUNTERED RISKS IN SHIP ENGINE ROOMS

The purpose of this study is to evaluate risks which are frequently encountered in the engine room on-board. In this context, twenty common risks are assessed using the neutrosophic analytic hierarchy process (N-AHP) and trapezoidal fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TrF-TOPSIS). In maritime risk evaluation, since it is frequently required the linguistic assessment of decision-makers to achieve a robust risk assessment tool, neutrosophic sets and fuzzy sets are used together in this study. Neutrosophic sets represent real-world problems effectively by considering all aspects of decision-making situations, (i.e. truthiness, indeterminacy, and falsity). Therefore, AHP is integrated with neutrosophic sets to assign weights of risk parameters initially. Then, the encountered risks are prioritized by TrF-TOPSIS. Finally, preventative actions for the risks have been discussed. In conclusion of the study, it is shown that skin exposure to the fuels/oils, exposure to chemicals and exposure to high pressure and temperature liquids are the most important risks through the engine room on-board. This study both emphasizes the importance of preventing damage to crew in the risk assessment of ship engine rooms and aims to increase the level of safety control and minimize the potential environmental impacts of a ship\u27s damage

Inhibitory effects of benzimidazole containing new phenolic Mannich bases on human carbonic anhydrase isoforms hCA I and II

New phenolic mono and bis Mannich bases incorporating benzimidazole, such as 2-(aminomethyl)-4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol and 2,6-bis(aminomethyl)-4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol were synthesized starting from 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol. Amines used for the synthesis included dimethylamine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, N-methylpiperazine and morpholine. The CA inhibitory properties of these compounds were tested on the human carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms hCA I and hCA II. These new compounds, as many phenols show moderate CA inhibitory properties

Simulation modelling of a patient surge in an emergency department under disaster conditions

The efficiency of emergency departments (EDs) in handling patient surges during disaster times using the available resources is very important. Many EDs require additional resources to overcome the bottlenecks in emergency systems. The assumption is that EDs consider the option of temporary staff dispatching, among other options, in order to respond to an increased demand or even the hiring temporarily non-hospital medical staff. Discrete event simulation (DES), a well-known simulation method and based on the idea of process modeling, is used for establishing ED operations and management related models. In this study, a DES model is developed to investigate and analyze an ED under normal conditions and an ED in a disaster scenario which takes into consideration an increased influx of disaster victims-patients. This will allow early preparedness of emergency departments in terms of physical and human resources. The studied ED is located in an earthquake zone in Istanbul. The report on Istanbul’s disaster preparedness presented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), asserts that the district where the ED is located is estimated to have the highest injury rate. Based on real case study information, the study aims to suggest a model on pre-planning of ED resources for disasters. The results indicate that in times of a possible disaster, when the percentage of red patient arrivals exceeds 20% of total patient arrivals, the number of red area nurses and the available space for red area patients will be insufficient for the department to operate effectively. A methodological improvement presented a different distribution function that was tested for service time of the treatment areas. The conclusion is that the Weibull distribution function used in service process of injection room fits the model better than the Gamma distribution function

Usporedba performansi modela ARIMAX, ANN i hibridizacije ARIMAX-ANN u predviđanju prodaje za industriju namještaja

Manufacturing firms aim to increase their profits and reduce costs in a competitive and rapidly changing market. One of the most important ways to reach these goals is to forecast sales correctly. Furniture manufacturing, which is considered a prosperous and growing industry in Turkey, has an increasing trend related to the growth in construction and associated industries, increase in urban migration and increase in per capita income. Accuracy of sales forecasting in furniture industry is affected by external factors, such as consumer confidence index, producer price index, month of the year and number of vacation days as well as the time factor itself. This study aims to develop an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with external variables (ARIMAX) to forecast the total monthly sales of furniture products of a well-known manufacturer in Turkey. As a follow up study, a performance comparison between ARIMAX, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and ARIMAX-ANN hybridization is performed. In conclusion, results of performance measures demonstrate that hybrid model developed for each amount of product sales give better accuracy values than single methods. Overall, it is proved that using the ARIMAX and hybridization of this method with ANN are applicable for forecasting monthly sales of furniture products

Primjena umjetnih neuronskih mreža uz pomoć Bayesova pravila učenja u predviđanju prodaje za industriju namještaja

Most organizations in manufacturing environments aim to increase their profi ts and reduce costs against competitive and rapidly changing market conditions. Accuracy of sales forecasting is undoubtedly a successful way to reach the aforementioned goals. At the same time, this enables executives to improve customer satisfaction, reduce lost sales and plan production efficiently. As a growing industry in Turkey, furniture manufacturing has an increased product demand in relation to the recent growth in construction and related industries, increase in urban population and increase in person-level income. Therefore, accurate sales forecasting systems in this industry are more focused on the special and calendar factors, such as consumer confidence index, producer price index, time of the year and number of vacation days. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) based forecasting model is proposed by using MATLAB for processing total monthly sales data of a corporate furniture manufacturer located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The method is a component of ANN, namely Bayesian regularization. The proposed model is applied to monthly sales figures of a corporate furniture manufacturing company. In conclusion, the results of performance measures show that using the ANN model based on Bayesian rules training is an applicable choice for forecasting of monthly sales of the observed furniture factory.Cilj većine proizvodnih organizacija jest povećanje dobiti i smanjenje troškova u skladu s konkurentnim i promjenjivim tržišnim uvjetima. Točnost predviđanja prodaje nesumnjivo je uspješan način postizanja navedenih ciljeva. Istodobno, to povećava zadovoljstvo korisnika, učinkovito smanjuje izgubljenu prodaju i omogućuje bolje planiranje proizvodnje. U proizvodnji namještaja, industriji koja se u Turskoj sve jače razvija, bilježi se povećana potražnju proizvoda, u skladu s nedavnim rastom građevinskih i srodnih industrija, s povećanjem broja urbanog stanovništva i s rastom osobnih prihoda. Stoga precizni sustavi predviđanja prodaje u industriji namještaja više pozornosti usmjeravaju na posebne i kalendarske čimbenike poput indeksa povjerenja potrošača, indeksa proizvođačkih cijena, doba godine i broja dana odmora u godini. U ovom je radu predložen model predviđanja na temelju umjetne neuronske mreže (ANN) uz pomoć MATLAB-a za obradu podataka ukupne mjesečne prodaje proizvođača uredskog namještaja koji se nalazi u Crnomorskoj regiji u Turskoj. Metoda je komponenta ANN-a, tj. Bayesova regulacija. Predloženi se model primjenjuje na podatke o mjesečnoj prodaji tvrtke za proizvodnju uredskog namještaja. Zaključno, rezultati mjerenja uspješnosti pokazuju da je primjena ANN modela utemeljenoga na Bayesovim pravilima dobar izbor za prognoziranje mjesečne prodaje promatrane tvornice namještaja

Evaluation of hospital disaster preparedness by a multi-criteria decision making approach: The case of Turkish hospitals

Considering the unexpected emergence of natural and man-made disasters over the world and Turkey, the importance of preparedness of hospitals, which are the first reference points for people to get healthcare services, becomes clear. Determining the level of disaster preparedness of hospitals is an important and necessary issue. This is because identifying hospitals with low level of preparedness is crucial for disaster preparedness planning. In this study, a hybrid fuzzy decision making model was proposed to evaluate the disaster preparedness of hospitals. This model was developed using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)-fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL)-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solutions (TOPSIS) techniques and aimed to determine a ranking for hospital disaster preparedness. FAHP is used to determine weights of six main criteria (including hospital buildings, equipment, communication, transportation, personnel, flexibility) and a total of thirty-six sub-criteria regarding disaster preparedness. At the same time, FDEMATEL is applied to uncover the interdependence between criteria and sub-criteria. Finally, TOPSIS is used to obtain ranking of hospitals. To provide inputs for TOPSIS implementation, some key performance indicators are established and related data is gathered by the aid of experts from the assessed hospitals. A case study considering 4 hospitals from the Turkish healthcare sector was used to demonstrate the proposed approach. The results evidenced that Personnel is the most important factor (global weight = 0.280) when evaluating the hospital preparedness while Flexibility has the greatest prominence (c + r = 23.09

Casein fibres for wound healing

The name casein is given to a family of phosphoproteins which is commonly found in milk. Until recently, this was a constituent of milk that was commonly discarded; however today, it is widely used in health supplements all over the world. In this work, a high loading (50 wt%) of casein is mixed with a solution of polycaprolactone (PCL) to produce bandage-like fibres with an average fibre diameter of 1.4 ± 0.5 µm, which would be used to cover wounds in a series of tests with diabetic rats. Mouse fibroblast cell viability tests show that the casein-loaded fibres had little cytotoxicity with over 90% observed viability. A 14-day in vivo trial involving three groups of rats, used as control (no treatment), pure PCL fibres and casein-loaded fibres, showed that the casein within the fibres contributed to a significantly more extensive healing process. Histological analysis showed increased development of granulation tissue and follicle regrowth for the casein-loaded fibres. Further analysis showed that casein-loaded fibres have significantly lower levels of TNF-α, TGF-β IL-1β, NF-κB and IL-6, contributing to superior healing. The results presented here show an economical and simple approach to advanced wound healing

Recurrent pregnancy loss and metabolic syndrome

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components inpatients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was held including 115 patients with unexplained RPL who were referredto a tertiary center between December 2018 and December 2019. In the study, MetS was classified according to TheNational Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria on the basis of metabolic riskfactors. Frequency of MetS in the patients with unexplained RPL was investigated. The relationship between miscarriagerate and metabolic risk factors was also evaluated.Results: According to our study the percentage of MetS in patients with unexplained RPL was 24.4%. When evaluated accordingto different age groups, it was 18.4% in patients aged 20–29 years, and it was 27.8% in patients aged 30–39 years. Atleast having one of its components were high (82.6%) in all patients with unexplained RPL.Conclusions: The percentage of MetS or of at least having one of its components were high in patients with unexplainedRPL. Increased number of having MetS components were associated with increased miscarriage rate

Relaparotomia po pierwotnym leczeniu chirurgicznym w położnictwie i ginekologii: analiza 113 przypadków

Condensation: Even though relaparotomy is unavoidable in some cases, several measures such as careful surgical technique, meticulous hemostasis and aseptic conditions must be undertaken to prevent unnecessary interventions in obstetrics and gynecology. Objective: To assess the indications, procedures, risk factors and outcome for relaparotomy after obstetric and gynecological operations. Study Design: A retrospective observational study during a four-year period in a tertiary care center was performed. Demographics such as age, parity, and indications for relaparotomy as well as outcome measures in terms of complications and mortality rates were assessed in 113 patients who had undergone a relaparotomy after the initial obstetric or gynecological surgery. Results: The overall incidence of mortality after relaparotomy was 3.5%. Leading indications for the initial operation included placental abruption in 10 cases (8.8%), followed by the HELLP syndrome and previous cesarean section both in 5 cases (4.4%), and postpartum atonia in 4 (3.5%). The most common operations performed initially were cesarean section in 78 cases (69.0%) and 31 hysterectomies (27.5%). Principal indications for relaparotomy were bleeding and hematoma in 80 cases (70.8%) and abscess in 10 cases (8.8%). The most frequently performed procedures at relaparotomy were drainage and resuturing of hematomas (n=42, 37.1%), hypogastric artery ligation (n=32, 28.3%), hysterectomy (n=31, 27.5%), and drainage of abscess (n=7, 6.2%). A second relaparotomy was performed in 4 cases (3.5%). Complications were encountered in 4 patients and 4 cases ended up with mortality. Conclusion: Hemorrhagic and infectious complications were the main indications for relaparotomy after obstetric and gynecologic surgeries. Cases with a history of placental abruption, HELLP Syndrome and previous cesarean section were under risk for relaparotomy. Despite favourable outcome, preventive measures such as careful surgical technique, meticulous hemostasis and aseptic conditions should be undertaken.Chociaż relaparotomia jest w niektórych przypadkach nie do uniknięcia, powino się podjąć wszelkie środki, takie jak: dokładna technika operacyjna, skrupulatna hemostaza i warunki aseptyczne, aby zapobiec niepotrzebnym interwencjom w położnictwie i ginekologii. Cel: Ocena wskazań, procedur, czynników ryzyka i wyników leczenia relaparotomią po operacjach ginekologicznych i położniczych. Metoda: Przeprowadzono retrospektywne badanie obserwacyjne w ciągu 4 lat w ośrodku III stopnia referencyjności. Dane demograficzne, takie jak: wiek, rodność, wskazania do relaparotomii oraz jej wynik w postaci powikłań i śmiertelności, oceniono u 113 pacjentek operowanych ponownie po pierwotnej operacji położniczej lub ginekologicznej. Wyniki: Ogólna częstość zgonów po relaparotomii wynosiła 3,5%. Wiodącym wskazaniem do pierwotnej operacji było oddzielenia łożyska w 10 przypadkach (8,8%), następnie zespół HELLP i cięcie cesarskie w wywiadzie – oba po 5 przypadków (4,4%), oraz atonia poporodowa w 4 (3,5%). Najczęściej wykonaną pierwotną operacją było cięcie cesarskie – 78 przypadków (69%) i usunięcie macicy – 31 (27,5%). Głównym wskazaniem do relaparotomii było krwawienie i krwiak w 80 przypadkach (70,8%) oraz ropień w 10 przypadkach (8,8%). Najczęściej wykonywanymi procedurami podczas relaparotomii były: drenaż i ponowne założenie szwów na miejsca krwawiące (n=42, 37,1%), podwiązanie tętnicy podbrzusznej (n=32, 28,3%), usunięcie macicy (n=31, 27,5%), i ewakuacja ropnia (n=7, 6,2%). Ponowna relaparotomia była przeprowadzona w 4 przypadkach (3,5%). Powikłania dotyczyły 4 pacjentek i 4 pacjentki ostatecznie zmarły. Wnioski: Powikłania krwotoczne i infekcyjne były głównym wskazaniem do relaparotomii po pierwotnych operacjach ginekologicznych i położniczych. Przypadki z przedwczesnym oddzieleniem łożyska, zespołem HELLP i cięciem cesarskim w wywiadzie były związane z większym ryzykiem relaparotomii. Pomimo korzystnych wyników, powinno się podjąć środki zaradcze w postaci dokładnej techniki operacyjnej, skrupulatnej hemostazy oraz zapewnienie warunków aseptycznych

Carbonic anhydrase inhibition and cytotoxicity studies of Mannich base derivatives of thymol

Mannich bases of thymol were synthesized. The aminomethylation reaction was realised in the ortho position of the phenol for compounds 2 (dipropylamine), 3 (benzylamine), and 4 (dibenzylamine) while it was from para position for 1 (dimethylamine), 5 (piperidine), 6 (morpholine) and 7 (N-methylpiperazine). The carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitory effects of the compounds were asssessed against hCA I and hCA II. All compounds moderately inhibited hCA I and hCA II. The cytotoxicity of the compounds against four human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were compared those against three normal oral cells. Tumor specificity values were about 2 or slightly more for the compounds 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Compound 2 showed cytostatic activity against OSCC cell lines at 16 to 32-fold lower concentrations as compared with normal cells. This suggests that compound 2 can be considered as cytotoxicity enhancing drug candidate for further investigations