Multicriteria ranking using weights which minimize the score range

Various schemes have been proposed for generating a set of non-subjective weights when aggregating multiple criteria for the purposes of ranking or selecting alternatives. The maximin approach chooses the weights which maximise the lowest score (assuming there is an upper bound to scores). This is equivalent to finding the weights which minimize the maximum deviation, or range, between the worst and best scores (minimax). At first glance this seems to be an equitable way of apportioning weight, and the Rawlsian theory of justice has been cited in its support.We draw a distinction between using the maximin rule for the purpose of assessing performance, and using it for allocating resources amongst the alternatives. We demonstrate that it has a number of drawbacks which make it inappropriate for the assessment of performance. Specifically, it is tantamount to allowing the worst performers to decide the worth of the criteria so as to maximise their overall score. Furthermore, when making a selection from a list of alternatives, the final choice is highly sensitive to the removal or inclusion of alternatives whose performance is so poor that they are clearly irrelevant to the choice at hand

DNA fingerprinting of spore-forming bacterial isolates, using Bacillus cereus repetitive polymerase chain reaction analysis (Bc-Rep-PCR)

Bc-repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (Bc-Rep PCR) analysis was conducted on seven Bacillus thuringiensis isolates accessed from the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen (DSMZ) culture collection and on five local isolates of entomopathogenic spore-forming bacteria. The five isolates were three strains of B. thuringiensis, one strain of B. cereus and one strain of Brevibacillus laterosporus. All five isolates were distinguished from each other using Bc-Rep PCR analysis. The three B. thuringiensis isolates were closely related. The isolate of B. laterosporus was not related to any of the B. cereus group isolates. Serotyping was also conducted on the five local isolates. However, only one of these isolates could be identified with serotyping and was identified as B. thuringiensis subsp. kenyae.Keywords: Bc-repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction, Bacillus sp., serotypingAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(14), pp. 1598-160

Effects of Par1a Deletion on Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis in Folic Acid Mouse Models of Renal Injury

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 1 out of 7 adults in the United States and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and the accompanying loss of functional tubular cells, leads to CKD progression. The Notch signaling pathway is required for renal development, however, sustained Notch activation in adult mice induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Dual deletion of Par1a and Par1b, serine threonine kinases, in developing mouse kidneys impaired Notch activation and resulted in the formation of abnormal glomeruli and proximal tubules. Deletion of either Par1a or 1b does not affect kidney development.We hypothesize that Par1a or 1b deletion in mice would protect against folic acid (FA) induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis. FA models of renal fibrosis were induced in Par1a WT and Par1a KO mice with intraperitoneal injections of 250 mg/kg FA dissolved in 300 nM NaHCO3. Mice were examined 7 days after injection—the time of earliest fibrosis and peak Notch expression. Sirius red collagen staining was used to quantify the severity of fibrosis. Immunohistochemical staining for Notch signaling components and Par1a were performed. It was observed that Par1a expression was increased after FA injection. Par1a colocalized in tubules with increased Jag1 expression. Sirius red staining demonstrated less fibrosis in Par1a KO vs. WT mice. Together, our results suggest Par1a deletion may be protective against renal fibrosis. Par1-Notch interactions may be mediated by effects on Jag1. Par1-Notch signaling could be a novel target for therapeutic intervention and potentially attenuate CKD progression

Developing PG Students’ Learner Autonomy through the PAH-Continuum: A Case Study

To enhance the current postgraduate educational learning environment, this quasi-experimental case study examined the implementation of the Pedagogy-Andragogy-Heutagogy (PAH) Continuum as an instructional framework for developing basic competencies and learner autonomy among 50 postgraduate students. This is in response to the high attrition rates and students’ failure to graduate on time, afflicting the quality of postgraduate education in Malaysia. Data were collected via pre and post-tests, a questionnaire, and focus-group interviews. The findings revealed significant improvement in the students’ critical reading and research skills, while their learner autonomy level was moderate due to personal and cultural limitations.  Keywords: learner autonomy; PAH Continuum; postgraduate students eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i21.372

Outpatient Anticoagulation Management

Objectives Warfarin Management Anticoagulation Module in Epic Brief summary of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) Brief Perioperative Anticoagulation Tip