bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Approach to Multi-attribute Group Decision Making with Trapezoidal Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets and Application to Teaching Quality Assessment
Authors: Jiang Hongren 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTrapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy sets (TIT2FSs) are a special kind of type-2 fuzzy sets. TIT2FSs are useful in dealing with fuzziness inherent in decision data and the decision-making process. For multi-attribute group decision-making problems in which the attribute values and attribute weights are TIT2FSs, a new decision-making approach is proposed. On the basis of the concept of barycenters, a new approach to ranking TIT2FSs is given. Four kinds of geometric aggregation operators for TIT2FSs are developed, including the TIT2FS weighted geometric average operator, TIT2FS ordered weighted geometric average operator, TIT2FS hybrid weighted geometric average operator, and extended TIT2FS hybrid weighted geometric average operator. The individual comprehensive values of alternatives are derived through the extended TIT2FS weighted geometric average operators. Using the TIT2FS hybrid weighted geometric average operator and the expert weights, the individual comprehensive values of alternatives are integrated into the collective ones, which are used to rank the alternatives. The practicability and effectiveness of the developed method are illustrated with a teaching quality assessment example.
Spigelian Port-site Hernia, a Complication after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - a Clinical Case Report
Authors: C Molnar , C Tîlvescu , Vi Neagoe , Vo Butiurca , Cv Molnar , C Copotoiu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroduction: Spiegelian hernias are rare entities in abdominal wall pathology (2%). They occur in the semilunar line described by Adriaan van den Spiegel. Klinklosch (1764) defined it as a congenital or acquired defect of the transverse abdominal aponeurosis junction with the Douglas arch. Port-site hernias due to wrong placement of laparoscopic trocars in the right abdominal flank are rare, but possible complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case presentation: Our observation shows diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in a patient with port-site Spigelian hernia post laparoscopic cholecystectomy admitted in Surgical Clinic 1, County Emergency Clinical Hospital Tîrgu Mureș in the 28.01.2013 - 30.01.2013 period. Following surgery performed using an open approach, postoperative evolution was favorable, with no signs of recurrence at 9 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Spigelian port-site hernia post laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very rare entity, iatrogeny being a certainty in its development
Quantitative Determination of Arsenic in Bottled Drinking Water Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Maria Guţu Claudia , D Bălălău , Mihaela Ilie , Nicoleta Purdel Carmen , Miriana Gubandru 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Background: Many studies have been performed in the past few years, to determine arsenic speciation in drinking water, food chain and environment, arsenic being a well-recognized carcinogenic and toxic agent mainly in its inorganic species. The instrumental techniques used for arsenic determination, such as hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), can provide a great sensitivity only on the total amount. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple and rapid method and to analyze the concentration of total inorganic arsenic in bottled drinking water. Methods: Total arsenic was determined in samples from six different types of commercially available bottled drinking water using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal or hydride generation vaporisation. All drinking water samples were acidified with 0.1M nitric acid to match the acidity of the standards. Results: The method was linear within the studied range (1-5 μg/L, R = 0.9943). The quantification limits for arsenic determination were 0.48 μg/L (HGAAS) and 0.03 μg/L (GFAAS). The evaluated arsenic content in drinking water was within the accepted limits provided by law. Conclusions: A simple and sensitive method for the quantification of arsenic in drinking water using atomic absorbtion spectroscopy was described, which can be further used in toxicological studies. As an additional advantage, the system is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly
Using Abdominal CT Data for Visceral Fat Evaluation
Authors: M Pop , Raluca Pop 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Background: Quantitative assessment of body fat is important for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to obesity, Computed tomography (CT) becoming the standard procedure for measuring the abdominal fat distribution. Material and method: The retrospective study included 111 inpatients, who underwent routine abdominal CT exams in the Radiology Laboratory of SCJU Tg.Mures (2013). MPR MDCT (SOMATOM AS 64) data was processed using a custom written MATLAB R2009b software, ImageJ being used for tracing of the visceral fat area (VFA). Patient data (including blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides) were analyzed using MO Excel and GraphPad Inprism5. Results: Visceral Fat percentage varied in population from 14.59-68.69 (SD = 11.83) with significant difference between sexes (male vs. female, 46.98 vs. 31.62, p <0.05). Cholesterol values >220 mg% and triglycerides >150 mg% are significantly associated with the VF percent (p <0.05). Overall there is a weak correlation between the lab variables and the measured fat, the strongest one being between triglycerides and the VFA (r = +0.23) and between age and VFA percentage (certain samples). Conclusions: The technique used should decreases the human error in marking of the fat areas providing a better estimation of the VF/VF percentage. CT measured VF relates with certain lab tests. Further analysis, is required for a better use of CT in obesity related pathology diagnosis and treatment
Evaluation of the Skeletal Maturation Using Lower First Premolar Mineralisation
Authors: Krisztina Mártha I. , A Ogodescu , Réka Gyergyay , Zsuzsa Burján 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Background: Dental age assessment is very useful in the pediatric dentist’s and orthodontist’s everyday practice. The eventual lack of correlation between dental age, skeletal maturation and chronological age can influence treatment procedures regarding mostly their application time. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between dental age based on the calcification stages of the first lower premolar (PM1i) and skeletal maturity stages using cervical vertebrae (C2, C3, C4) among Romanian individuals and to determine the clinical value of the first premolar as a growth evaluation index. Material and methods: In a sample of 30 patients (13 males, 17 females) ranging in age from 9 to 15 years (mean age 11.2 years) we examined the orthopantomography radiographs (OPT) and lateral cephalometric radiographs of each case. Results: The biological development of girls is about 1.5 years more advanced than in boys. When the Demirjian Index was at stage F, then CVS was at stage 3.4, which means that in developmental stage “F” (according to Demirjian index) premolars are indicators of the optimal time for orthodontic treatment. We found a significant correlation (R = 0.871, p <0.001) between CVM and Demirjian's index. Conclusions: The correlation shown in this study will allow clinicians to use mandibular first premolar as an adjunctive tool to assess adolescent growth spurt, combined with the evaluation of the cervical vertebrae. The results also show the usefulness of the assessment of the development of dental status as a simple diagnostic test to determine the biological age of the population
On rising Sun von mises and rising Sun wrapped cauchy circular models
Authors: Radhika A.J.V. , Girija S.V.S. , Rao A.V. Dattatreya 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
By applying wrapping (Dattatreya Rao et al (2007)), offsetting (Girija et al (2013 and Radhika et al (2013)) and stereographic projection (Phani et al (2012)) have constructed circular models. Further the circular models based on the Rising Sun function are motivated by purely mathematical considerations as a smoothing function and possible application. This work takes a further step in this direction using several mathematical tools such as Real Analysis along with MATLAB and are applied to enlarge the horizon of Mathematical Statistics. Here an attempt is made to construct new circular models using the Rising Sun function and also the circular rising sun lemma is proposed
Axioms for (α, β, γ)-entropy of a generalized probability scheme
Authors: Kumar Satish , Ram Gurdas , Gupta Vishal 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this communication, we characterize a measure of information of type (α, β, γ) by taking certain axioms parallel to those considered earlier by Harvda and Charvat along with the recursive relation (1.7). Some properties of this measure are also studied. This measure includes Shannon information measure as a special case
A one-dimensional model for the heat conduction in ring-like body
Authors: Ecsedi István , Baksa Attila 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
A one-dimensional model based on the Fourier’s theory of heat conduction is developed for ring-like bodies. The ring-like body is an incomplete or complete torus with arbitrary cross section. The thermal properties of considered rings are independent of the polar angle. Examples illustrate the application of model presented
Developing a strategy for the protection of traditional agricultural landscapes based on a complex landscape-ecological evaluation (the case of a mountain landscape in Slovakia)
Authors: Špulerová Jana , Dobrovodská Marta , Izakovičová Zita , Kenderessy Pavol , Štefunková Dagmar , Petrovič František 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Traditional agricultural landscapes (TALs) in Slovakia are mosaics of small-scale arable fields and permanent agricultural cultivations resulting from continuous succession over centuries. The objective in this paper is to develop a strategy for the protection and management of TAL in the Liptovská Teplička cadastral area, which has mountainous arable land and grassland TALs. Driving forces, threats and other trends related to these TALs were identified, based on the valuation of land-use changes, socioeconomic and demographic phenomena and on biodiversity and sociological research. The strategy was oriented towards optimal multi-functional utilization and management of the investigated landscapes
Short waves of supermarket diffusion in Turkey
Authors: Franz Martin , Appel Alexandra , Hassler Markus 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In order to categorize the global diffusion of supermarkets, the metaphor of waves is often used. This is a simplification, however, which obscures the fact that developments in the countries experiencing these waves of innovation are much more nuanced. This case study on the development of the Turkish grocery retail sector since the 1950s, shows how this development can be divided into different phases. Furthermore, it demonstrates that state retail chains paved the way for private actors, while most studies about the modernization of the retail sector have a focus on private companies or - even more specifically - on transnational corporations
Integrating Addiction and Mental Health Treatment within a National Addiction Treatment System: Using Multiple Statistical Methods to Analyze Client and Interviewer Assessment of Co-Occurring Mental Health Problems
Authors: Lundgren Lena , Wilkey Catriona , Chassler Deborah , Sandlund Mikael , Armelius Bengt-Åke , Armelius Kerstin , Brännström Jan 
Published: March 2014

Aims For a Swedish national sample of 12,833 individuals assessed for a substance use disorder (SUD) (2002-2008) in the Swedish welfare system, client self-report and clinical staff Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment data were used to assess mental health problem severity and needs. Methods Analysis of client self-report data using regression methods identified demographic characteristics associated with reporting significant mental health problems. Clinical staff assessment data from the ASI Interviewer Severity Rating (ISR) score were used to develop a K-means cluster analysis with three client cluster profiles: Narcotics (n=4795); Alcohol (n=4380); and Alcohol and Psychiatric Problems (n=3658). Chi-square and one-way ANOVA analyses identified self-reported mental health problems for these clusters. Results 44% of clients had a history of using outpatient mental health treatment, 45% reported current mental health symptoms, and 19% reported significant mental health problems. Women were 1.6 times more likely to report significant mental health problems than men. Staff assessed that 74.8% of clients had current mental health problems and that 13.9% had significant mental health problems. Client and staff results were congruent in identifying that clients in the Alcohol profile were less likely (5%) to report having significant mental health problems compared to the other two profiles (30% each). Conclusions About 19% of clients with SUDs reported significant mental health problems, need integrated addiction and mental health treatment, and these clients are clustered in two population groups. An additional 25% of the addiction treatment population report current mental health symptoms and have at some point used mental health treatment. This national level assessment of the extent and severity of co-occurring disorders can inform decisions made regarding policy shifts towards an integrated system and the needs of clients with co-occurring disorders.
Potassium phthalimide-catalysed one-pot multi-component reaction for efficient synthesis of amino-benzochromenes in aqueous media
Authors: Kiyani Hamzeh , Ghorbani Fatemeh 
Published: March 2014

Abstract2-Amino-4-aryl-4H-benzo[h]chromenes and 3-amino-1-aryl-1H-benzo[f]chromenes were prepared by treating cyano-methylene compounds (malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate), substituted aromatic aldehydes, and naphtholic compounds in the presence of potassium phthalimide as a green, mild, efficient, and commercially available organocatalyst in aqueous media. The procedure was readily conducted and affords remarkable advantages such as safety, short reaction times, environmentally benign milder reaction conditions, no organic solvent required, and high yields.
Right choice of a method for determination of cut-off values: A statistical tool for a diagnostic test
Authors: Sharma Balkishan , Jain Ravikant 
Published: March 2014

Objective: The clinical diagnostic tests are generally used to identify the presence of a disease. The cutoff value of a diagnostic test should be chosen to maximize the advantage that accrues from testing a population of human and others. When a diagnostic test is to be used in a clinical condition, there may be an opportunity to improve the test by changing the cutoff value. To enhance the accuracy of diagnosis is to develop new tests by using a proper statistical technique with optimum sensitivity and specificity. Method: Mean±2SD method, Logistic Regression Analysis, Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Discriminant Analysis (DA) have been discussed with their respective applications. Results: The study highlighted some important methods to determine the cutoff points for a diagnostic test. The traditional method is to identify the cut-off values is Mean±2SD method. Logistic Regression Analysis, Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Discriminant Analysis (DA) have been proved to be beneficial statistical tools for determination of cut-off points.Conclusion: There may be an opportunity to improve the test by changing the cut-off value with the help of a correctly identified statistical technique in a clinical condition when a diagnostic test is to be used. The traditional method is to identify the cut-off values is Mean ± 2SD method. It was evidenced in certain conditions that logistic regression is found to be a good predictor and the validity of the same can be confirmed by identifying the area under the ROC curve. Abbreviations: ROC-Receiver operating characteristics and DA-Discriminant Analysis. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 30-34 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9296
Clinical management of drug resistant tuberculosis: A comprehensive review
Authors: Jain Sonal , Kumar Arun 
Published: March 2014

Despite the introduction 40 years ago of the inexpensive and effective four-drug (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) treatment regimen, tuberculosis (TB) continues to cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. This is because of development of drug resistance in tuberculosis strains, usually called as MDR/XDR-TB. Consequently, novel drugs and regimens for management of these drug resistant TB forms are emerging. Such regimens probably utilize both repurposed drugs and new chemical drugs. This article covers current concepts and recent advances in TB drug discovery and development. An updated review of the mechanisms of action and resistance of the main old and new anti-tuberculosis agents has been described. The consensus statements from RNTCP for management of MDR/XDR-TB have also been discussed.Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 1-9DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9698
Durability of Lopinavir/Ritonavir Monotherapy in Individuals with Viral Load ≦50 Copies/Ml in an Observational Setting
Authors: Monforte Antonella d'Arminio , Gianotti Nicola , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Pinnetti Carmela , Andreoni Massimo , di Perri Giovanni , Galli Massimo , Poli Andrea , Costantini Andrea , Orofino Giancarlo , Maggiolo Franco , Mazzarello Giovanni , Celesia Benedetto Maurizio , Luciani Filippo , Lazzarin Adriano , Sighinolf Laura , Rizzardini Giuliano , Bonfanti Paolo , Perno Carlo Federico , Antinori Andrea ,   the ICONA Foundation Cohort
Published: March 2014

Background The main objective is to evaluate the efficacy and durability of lopinavir-ritonavir monotherapy (LPV/r-MT) in virologically controlled HIV-positive individuals switching from combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods Criteria to be included in this observational study were to have initiated for the first time LPV/r-MT after ≥2 consecutive HIV RNA≤50 copies/ml achieved on a ≥3-drug-including regimen. The main end points were time to virological rebound (VR; defined in two ways: time of first of two consecutive viral load [VL]>50 and >200 copies/ml), time to discontinuation/intensification and time to experience either a single VL>200 copies/ml or discontinuation/ intensification (treatment failure [TF]). Individuals’ follow-up accrued from the date of starting LPV/r-MT to event or last available VL Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were used. Results A total of 228 individuals were included: median age 46 years (IQR 40–50), 36% females, 36% intravenous drug users and 25% HCV-coinfected. Median CD4+ T-cell count at nadir was 215 cell/mm3 (IQR 116–336) and at baseline was 615 cell/mm3 (IQR 436–768). By 36 months after switching to LPV/r-MT, the proportion of individuals with VR (confirmed VL>200 copies/ml) was 11% and with TF was 35%. In the multivariable Cox model the factors associated with a lower risk of TF was the duration of viral suppression <50 copies/ml prior to baseline (ARH=0.92; 95% CI 0.85, 0.99; P=0.024, per 6 months longer) and having LPV/r as part of last cART (ARH=0.45; 95% CI 0.21, 0.95; P=0.037). Conclusions In daily clinical practice, we confirm a relatively safe approach of treatment simplification to LPV-MT in a selected population with long-lasting virological control.
Changes to Antiretroviral Drug Regimens during Integrated TB–HIV Treatment: Results of the Sapit Trial
Authors: Naidoo Anushka , Naidoo Kogieleum , Yende-Zuma Nonhlanhla , Gengiah Tanuja N , Padayatchi Nesri , Gray Andrew L , Bamber Sheila , Nair Gonasagrie , Karim Salim S Abdool 
Published: March 2014

Background Frequency of drug changes in combination antiretroviral therapy among patients starting both tuberculosis (TB) and HIV therapy, as a result of treatment-limiting toxicity or virological failure, is not well established. Methods Patients in the Starting Antiretroviral Therapy at Three Points in Tuberculosis (SAPiT) trial were randomized to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) either early or late during TB treatment or after completion of TB treatment. Drug changes due to toxicity (defined as due to grade 3 or 4 adverse events) or virological failure (defined as viral load >1,000 copies/ml on two occasions, taken ≥4 weeks apart) were assessed in these patients. Results A total of 501 TB–HIV-coinfected patients were followed for a mean of 16.0 months (95% CI 15.5, 16.6) after ART initiation. The standard first-line antiretrovirals used were efavirenz, lamivudine and didanosine. Individual drug switches for toxicity occurred in 14 patients (incidence rate 2.1 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 1.1, 3.5), and complete regimen changes due to virological failure in 25 patients (incidence rate 3.7 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 2.4, 5.5). The most common treatment limiting toxicities were neuropsychiatric effects ( n=4, 0.8%), elevated transaminase levels and hyperlactataemia ( n=3, 0.6%), and peripheral neuropathy ( n=2, 0.4%). Complete regimen change due to treatment failure was more common in patients with CD4+ T-cell count <50 cells/mm3 ( P<0.001) at ART initiation and body mass index >25 kg/m2 ( P=0.01) at entry into the study. Conclusions Both drug switches and complete regimen change were uncommon in patients cotreated for TB–HIV with the chosen regimen. Patients with severe immunosuppression need to be monitored carefully, as they were most at risk for treatment failure requiring regimen change.
Psychiatric Morbidity among Street Children in Duhok
Authors: Taib Nezar Ismet , Ahmad Abdulbaghi 
Published: March 2014

Background Due, in part, to family constraints in dealing with the economical burden of raising a family, a wave of street children is sweeping the developing world. Such children are prone to both somatic and mental illnesses. This is the first ever study that has been conducted to explore the psychopathology among street children in the Duhok Governorate. Methods The study was conducted between March 2004 and May 2005 in Duhok City among street children who attended the Zewa Center—the only center for street children in the region at the time of the study. Among a total of 107 eligible children, 100 agreed to participate (93% response rate). A modified family map (genogram) was used to obtain demographic data from the children and their caregivers through semi-structured interviews. In addition, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID) structured interviews were conducted with the children. Results The study found that 98% of children worked on the street because of the economic need and pressure on their families. There was high rate of parental illiteracy (90% of fathers and 95% of mothers), and 61% of respondents were shown to have at least one psychiatric disorder. A high percentage (57%) of these children suffered from anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorders (29%). Ten percent had depression, and 5% had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion Street children in Duhok seem to be working children due to their families’ needs.