Application of Fuzzy-AHP extent analysis for supplier selection in an apparel manufacturing organization

A supplier selection is inherently a multi-criterion decision making problem. It must be systematically considered as it is a decision of strategic importance of companies. Lots of models have been developed to find an optimum solution of this complex and unstructured decision making problem. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP), which is a synthetic extension of classical AHP, is one of the best method for deciding among the complex structure at different levels. In this paper an extent analysis of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been applied to evaluate and select the best supplier firm providing most satisfaction. The evaluation criteria are developed particularly for an apparel manufacturing organization and used successfully in the proposed model. A detailed step-by-step implementation method is presented in this paper and finally the best supplier was selected to prove the validity of the method

University teachers' interactions with their online students at an Australian university

This chapter focuses on teacher-student interactions in the context of the use of digital technologies for online teaching and learning in an Australian university using thematic analysis and focus group discussion data. Cotemporary scholars agree that the factors influencing teacher-student interactions in online environments are diverse and multiple and are framed by a complex set of historically grounded and socially mediated forces. One potentially fruitful way to interrogate these factors and forces is to draw on aspects of affordance theory, by examining the kinds of relationships that are (and are not) afforded by particular digital technologies in those online environments. More broadly, affordance theory emerges as a useful conceptual lens for understanding the influences on and the impacts of teacher- student interactions using digital technologies in online environments. Those influences and impacts in turn are crucial to (re-)visioning digital futures in the context of students' learning outcomes in tertiary education, and to advancing critical thinking in higher education

Designing human–machine interfaces for naturalistic perceptions, decisions and actions occurring in emergency situations

Humans experience emotional arousal, when threat to life and limb is imminent, such as in high stakes, emergency situations that occur in sociotechnical systems like fire fighting, aviation, combat, etc. Emotional arousal has both advantages and disadvantages. On the downside, it introduces perceptual distortions and biases and inability to process symbolic information and alters motor abilities. As emergency human–machine interfaces (HMIs) will be used to bring a system under control, i.e. to avoid or minimise losses, they should be designed to accommodate the human capacities that have been altered by danger-induced emotional arousal. A model called direct perception–action coupling (DPAC) that combines direct perception and embodied cognition, which is not predicated on higher cognitive functions, has been developed to describe the available capacities of an operator under stress. Finally, the conceptual application of human performance theories under stress, through the DPAC model, to design emergency HMIs is discussed with examples

Additional file 1: of Assessment of survival of pathogenic bacteria in fresh vegetables through in vitro challenge test

Growth decay and survival capacity of the test isolates in “Chilli, Onion, Capsicum and Coriander”. (DOC 69 kb

Disaster preparedness and response in older adults: what it means for you

The objective of this study was to identify the level of acceptance and value the individual emergency care providers (physicians and mid level providers) place on the integration of ultrasound into their assessment process

Point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department: Patient characteristics

The objective of this study was to identify patient characteristics to date after ultrasound was incorporated into the Emergency Department assessment process

Measuring progress and projecting attainment on the basis of past trends of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in 188 countries: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Background The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are grounded in the global ambition of “leaving no one behind”. Understanding today's gains and gaps for the health-related SDGs is essential for decision makers as they aim to improve the health of populations. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2016 (GBD 2016), we measured 37 of the 50 health-related SDG indicators over the period 1990–2016 for 188 countries, and then on the basis of these past trends, we projected indicators to 2030. Methods We used standardised GBD 2016 methods to measure 37 health-related indicators from 1990 to 2016, an increase of four indicators since GBD 2015. We substantially revised the universal health coverage (UHC) measure, which focuses on coverage of essential health services, to also represent personal health-care access and quality for several non-communicable diseases. We transformed each indicator on a scale of 0–100, with 0 as the 2·5th percentile estimated between 1990 and 2030, and 100 as the 97·5th percentile during that time. An index representing all 37 health-related SDG indicators was constructed by taking the geometric mean of scaled indicators by target. On the basis of past trends, we produced projections of indicator values, using a weighted average of the indicator and country-specific annualised rates of change from 1990 to 2016 with weights for each annual rate of change based on out-of-sample validity. 24 of the currently measured health-related SDG indicators have defined SDG targets, against which we assessed attainment. Findings Globally, the median health-related SDG index was 56·7 (IQR 31·9–66·8) in 2016 and country-level performance markedly varied, with Singapore (86·8, 95% uncertainty interval 84·6–88·9), Iceland (86·0, 84·1–87·6), and Sweden (85·6, 81·8–87·8) having the highest levels in 2016 and Afghanistan (10·9, 9·6–11·9), the Central African Republic (11·0, 8·8–13·8), and Somalia (11·3, 9·5–13·1) recording the lowest. Between 2000 and 2016, notable improvements in the UHC index were achieved by several countries, including Cambodia, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Laos, Turkey, and China; however, a number of countries, such as Lesotho and the Central African Republic, but also high-income countries, such as the USA, showed minimal gains. Based on projections of past trends, the median number of SDG targets attained in 2030 was five (IQR 2–8) of the 24 defined targets currently measured. Globally, projected target attainment considerably varied by SDG indicator, ranging from more than 60% of countries projected to reach targets for under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, maternal mortality ratio, and malaria, to less than 5% of countries projected to achieve targets linked to 11 indicator targets, including those for childhood overweight, tuberculosis, and road injury mortality. For several of the health-related SDGs, meeting defined targets hinges upon substantially faster progress than what most countries have achieved in the past. Interpretation GBD 2016 provides an updated and expanded evidence base on where the world currently stands in terms of the health-related SDGs. Our improved measure of UHC offers a basis to monitor the expansion of health services necessary to meet the SDGs. Based on past rates of progress, many places are facing challenges in meeting defined health-related SDG targets, particularly among countries that are the worst off. In view of the early stages of SDG implementation, however, opportunity remains to take actions to accelerate progress, as shown by the catalytic effects of adopting the Millennium Development Goals after 2000. With the SDGs' broader, bolder development agenda, multisectoral commitments and investments are vital to make the health-related SDGs within reach of all populations. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation