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An adaptive approach to EWMA dispersion chart using Huber and Tukey functions

Random causes are vital part of every process in manufacturing and nonmanufacturing environments, and these do not affect the product features. Special causes, on the other hand, come because of some burden(s) in a process and requires special attention; otherwise, it ruins the products excellence. Special causes are categorized into small, moderate, and large shifts and are handled by statistical quality control charts. The Shewhart control chart is well known for large shifts, while the cumulative sum and exponentially weighted moving average are more effective in detecting small to moderate shifts. However, in practice, many processes require the simultaneous monitoring of both the small to the large shifts. In this study, we have designed an adaptive EWMA for dispersion parameter in connection with Huber and Tukey's bisquare functions. The performance measures used in this study include average run length, extra quadratic loss, relative average run length, and performance-comparison index. We have observed that the study proposals are good competitors to the other counter parts for an efficient monitoring of shifts of varying amounts. An illustrative example using real data is given to demonstrate the implementation of the study proposal

Expression of cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression

Cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) is a copper-binding, membrane-attached GPI-anchored glycoprotein characterized by a high degree of amino acid sequence conservation among mammals. PrP(c) expression has been demonstrated in neurons, microglia, lymphocytes, and keratinocytes. Recently, the concept that PrP(c) may be involved in the defense against oxidative stress was advanced. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry for PrP(c) to investigate 60 brains from the Stanley Neuropathology Consortium (15 controls, 15 patients with schizophrenia, 15 with bipolar disorder, and 15 with major depression). Rating scores as well as the numerical density of PrP(c)-positive and -negative neurons and glial cells were determined in the cingulate gyrus. All four groups showed a very high interindividual variation. PrP(c)-positive glial cells were significantly reduced in the white matter of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. A similar result was obtained for the white matter in bipolar patients using rating scales. From the confounding variables, use of medication (i.e. antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers) had a significant effect on the expression of PrP(c) by neurons and glial cells. PrP(c)-immunoreactivities were significantly reduced for white matter glial cells in all examined groups. However, the results are not indicative for the occurrence of oxidative stress in the brains of schizophrenic and bipolar patients. Since the effect of antipsychotic and antidepressant medication as well as of mood stabilizers on the expression of PrP(c) was significant, it needs further clarification in experimental models

Zooterapia popular na Chapada Diamantina: uma medicina incidental? Folk medicine using animals in the Chapada Diamantina: incidental medicine?

Este trabalho analisa o sistema zooterápico tradicional de uma população afrodescendente na Chapada Diamantina, Bahia. A pesquisa foi conduzida ao longo de oito meses de trabalho nos quais foram realizadas entrevistas livres e semi-estruturadas, registro fotográfico e identificação de espécies. Busca-se, além da apresentação de uma lista de produtos oriundos de animais e seus respectivos usos, iniciar uma discussão sobre as possíveis razões para crença no potencial terapêutico ou profilático das frações e produtos animais amplamente utilizados na medicina tradicional de populações brasileiras.<br>This study examines the traditional therapeutic use of animals or parts of animals by an Afro Brazilian population living in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The investigation was conducted over a period of eight months and consisted of open- and semi-structured interviews, photographic documentation and identification of species. Besides presenting a list of animal products and their respective use, we seek to stimulate a discussion about the possible existence of a rational basis for the belief in the therapeutic or prophylactic potential of the animal products used in the traditional medicine of Brazilian populations