scholarly journals Nearest solution to references method for multicriteria decision-making problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 111-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Aytekin ◽  
Hasan Durucasu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Maker ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Making ◽  
Decision Problems ◽  
Mixed Data ◽  
Ranking Problem ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
Mcdm Method ◽  
Ratio Scales

In MCDM problems, the decision maker is often ready to adopt the closest solution to the reference values in a choice or ranking problem. The reference values represent the desired results as established subjectively by the decision maker or determined through various scientific tools. In a criterion, the reference value could be the maximum value, the minimum value, or a specific value or range. Also, the acceptances degrees of ranges outside the reference may differ from each other in a criterion. Furthermore, measurements in a criterion may have been obtained with any of the nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales. For the decision problems, including qualitative criteria, the solution cannot be achieved without scaling of criteria with the existing MCDM methods. The purpose of this study is to propose the Nearest Solution to References (REF) Method, a novel reference-based MCDM method, for the solution of decision problems having mixed data structure where references can be determined for criteria.

Pedo-geochemical baseline content levels and soil quality reference values of trace elements in soils from the Mediterranean (Castilla La Mancha, Spain)

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimundo Ballesta ◽  
Paz Bueno ◽  
Juan Rubi ◽  
Rosario Giménez
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Soil Profiles ◽  
Geochemical Baseline ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
La Mancha ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractTo evaluate trace element soil contamination, geochemical baseline contents and reference values need to be established. Pedo-geochemical baseline levels of trace elements in 72 soil samples of 24 soil profiles from the Mediterranean, Castilla La Mancha, are assessed and soil quality reference values are calculated. Reference value contents (in mg kg−1) were: Sc 50.8; V 123.2; Cr 113.4; Co 20.8; Ni 42.6; Cu 27.0; Zn 86.5; Ga 26.7; Ge 1.3; As 16.7; Se 1.4; Br 20.1; Rb 234.7; Sr 1868.4; Y 38.3; Zr 413.1; Nb 18.7; Mo 2.0; Ag 7.8; Cd 4.4; Sn 8.7; Sb 5.7; I 25.4; Cs 14.2; Ba 1049.3; La 348.4; Ce 97.9; Nd 40.1; Sm 10.7; Yb 4.2; Hf 10.0; Ta 4.0; W 5.5; Tl 2.3; Pb 44.2; Bi 2.2; Th 21.6; U 10.3. The contents obtained for some elements are below or close to the detection limit: Co, Ge, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Tl and Bi. The element content ranges (the maximum value minus the minimum value) are: Sc 55.0, V 196.0, Cr 346.0, Co 64.4, Ni 188.7, Cu 49.5, Zn 102.3, Ga 28.7, Ge 1.5, As 26.4, Se 0.9, Br 33.0 Rb 432.7, Sr 3372.6, Y 39.8, Zr 523.2, Nb 59.7, Mo 3.9, Ag 10.1, Cd 1.8, Sn 75.2, Sb 9.9, I 68.0, Cs 17.6, Ba 1394.9, La 51.3, Ce 93.5, Nd 52.5, Sm 11.2, Yb 4.2, Hf 11.3, Ta 6.3, W 5.2, Tl 2.1, Pb 96.4, Bi 3.0, Th 24.4, U 16.4 (in mg kg−1). The spatial distribution of the elements was affected mainly by the nature of the bedrock and by pedological processes. The upper limit of expected background variation for each trace element in the soil is documented, as is its range as a criterion for evaluating which sites may require decontamination.

scholarly journals From evidence to practice: development of web-based Dutch lipid reference values

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. S. Nurmohamed ◽  
D. Collard ◽  
J. W. Balder ◽  
J. A. Kuivenhoven ◽  
E. S. G. Stroes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Plasma Lipids ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
Cascading Style Sheets ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Introduction In the Netherlands, the total number of yearly measured lipid profiles exceeds 500,000. While lipid values are strongly affected by age and sex, until recently, no up-to-date age- and sex-specific lipid reference values were available. We describe the translation of big-cohort lipid data into accessible reference values, which can be easily incorporated in daily clinical practice. Methods Lipid values (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) from all healthy adults and children in the LifeLines cohort were used to generate age- and sex-specific percentiles. A combination of RStudio, Cascading Style Sheets and HyperText Markup Language was used to interactively display the percentiles in a responsive web layout. Results After exclusion of subjects reporting cardiovascular disease or lipid-lowering therapy at baseline, 141,611 subjects were included. On the website, input fields were created for age, sex and all main plasma lipids. Upon input of these values, corresponding percentiles are calculated, and output is displayed in a table and an interactive graph for each lipid. The website has been made available in both Dutch and English and can be accessed at www.lipidtools.com. Conclusion We constructed the first searchable, national lipid reference value tool with graphical display in the Netherlands to use in screening for dyslipidaemias and to reduce the underuse of lipid-lowering therapy in Dutch primary prevention. This study illustrates that data collected in big-cohort studies can be made easily accessible with modern digital techniques and preludes the digital health revolution yet to come.

scholarly journals Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil of Industrial Area, Zirani, Savar, Dhaka

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Rahaman ◽  
F Nessa ◽  
MM Hoque ◽  
M Rehnuma ◽  
MS Islam
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Heavy Metal Concentration ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Total N ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recommended Level

Zirani of Savar is an important industrial area of the country which provides wide range of potentiality for economic development. The purpose of the study was to observe the nutrient status and heavy metals concentration of the soil in Zirani, Savar, Dhaka. Nine soil samples were collected and analyzed through different methods for analyzing pH, OC, N, K, P, S and the heavy metals including Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb, were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) technique. The analyzed result revealed the soil surrounding the dumping site was slightly acidic which is not harmful for agricultural production. The highest value of OC was recorded 2.14% at point 3 and the lowest value was 1.92% which was found in point 2 that is greater than the reference value. Except total N concentration, the amount of available P, K, and S were greater than their recommended level. In addition the result showed that the concentration of Cu and Pb were much higher than their recommended level and the maximum value of Cu was 0.09 ppm and 0.762 ppm was the maximum concentration of Pb. and the concentration of Zn and Cd were within tolerable limit. Zn at point 3 showed higher concentration which was 3.05 ppm. The maximum value of Cd was 0.09 ppm that was found at station 1 under point 3.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(1): 65-68 2015

scholarly journals Assessment of oxygen-uptake efficiency slope in healthy children and children with heart disease: Generation of appropriate reference values for the OUES variable

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos AC Hossri ◽  
Isabela PM Alves de Souza ◽  
Joana ST de Oliveira ◽  
Luiz E Mastrocola
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Body Surface ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope

Background Oxygen-uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is an objective measure of functional capacity that does not require a maximal effort but is considerably dependent on anthropometric variables and requires the generation of an appropriate reference value in children. This study aimed to establish normal reference values for OUES/kg in children with and without congenital heart diseases. Besides that, reference values are presented secondarily for OUES per body surface area (OUES/BSA). Design Cross-sectional. Methods Six hundred and seventy-six children and adolescents performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (305 healthy controls and 371 individuals with congenital heart defect), between four and 21 years old (481 males and 195 females, with a mean age of 12 years). Results The OUES reference value for the classification of children and adolescents with normal functional capacity (>80% of predicted maximum oxygen uptake) was 34.63 (sensitivity 77% and specificity 83%, p < 0.05). Regarding the body surface area, considering healthy patients and those with heart disease, the cutoff value of the OUES/BSA was 1151 with sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 79%. Conclusions OUES/kg may be an important marker tool in the differentiation between preserved or abnormal functional capacity in children and adolescents with and without congenital heart disease, even at the submaximal level of exercise.

scholarly journals Role of scenario planning and probabilities in economic decision problems – literature review and new conclusions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Gaspars-Wieloch
Keyword(s):  
Probability Distribution ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Spare Parts ◽  
Economic Modeling ◽  
Newsvendor Problem ◽  
Decision Problems ◽  
Numerical Examples

Purpose – scenario planning is very helpful when the decision maker deals with uncertain issues. Probabilities are also frequently applied to such problems. In the paper, we examine the correctness of combining probabilities with scenario planning in economic decisions which are usually made under uncertainty. The goal of the article is to find and discuss cases where the use of probabilities in scenario planning is appropriate and cases where such an approach is not desira-ble. Research methodology – in order to achieve this target, we first make a concise literature review of existing approaches concerning the application of probabilities to scenario planning. Then, we investigate and compare diverse decision mak-ing circumstances presented by means of numerical examples and differing from each other with regard to the nature of the decision problem (way of payoff estimation, novelty degree of the problem, access to historical data etc.) and the de-cision maker’s objectives and preferences (one-shot or multi-shots decisions, attitude towards risk). We explore the newsvendor problem, the spare parts quantity problem, the project selection problem and the project time management with scenario-based decision project graphs. Findings – the work contains both recommendations already described in the literature and suggestions formulated by the author. We get to the point that scenario planning is unquestionable support for decision making under uncertainty, however, the use of probabilities as an accompanying tool may be necessary and justified in some specific cases only. Their significance depends for instance on (1) the number of times a given variant is supposed to be executed; (2) the de-cision maker’s knowledge about the considered problem; (3) the novelty degree of the problem; (4) the decision maker’s conviction that the probability values really reflect his/her attitude towards risk. The analysis of numerical examples leads us to the conclusion that scenario planning should not be linked with the likelihood (1) for one-shot decisions problems; (2) for decision problems related to different kinds of innovation; (3) in the case of lack of certainty which type of proba-bility definition ought to be applied to a given situation; (4) if the decision maker anticipates new future factors not in-cluded in historical data. Research limitations – in the paper we mainly analyse one-criterion problems and payoff matrices with data precisely de-fined. Further conclusions can be obtained after investigating multi-criteria cases and examples with interval payoffs. We limit our research to selected probability definitions. Nevertheless, a wider review can lead to new interesting observa-tions. Practical implications – the aforementioned findings are crucial in such domains as economic modeling and decision the-ory. The results of the research can be used in planning, management, and decision optimization. They provide valuable guidelines for each decision maker dealing with an uncertain future. Originality/Value – authors of previous papers related to this topic have already formulated many significant conclusions. However, this contribution examines the problem from a new point of view since it concentrates on novel decisions, con-cerning unique, innovative or innovation projects (products). It encourages the decision makers to treat problems usually called in the literature “stochastic problems” (i.e. with known probability distribution) as “strategic problems” (i.e. with unknown probability distribution). This is especially the case of the newsvendor problem and the spare parts quantity problem

A model for the effect of bias for cholesterol on the population at risk.

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 2256-2259 ◽  
Author(s):  
M H Kroll ◽  
M Ruddel ◽  
R J Elin
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Gaussian Distribution ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
The Body ◽  
Methodological Bias ◽  
The Mean

Abstract The location of the Reference Value for an analyte within the population distribution affects the magnitude of error due to methodological bias. Using the gaussian distribution, we evaluated the effects of systematic and proportional biases of the method (positive and negative), mean value, and standard deviation on the magnitude of error. We chose four Reference Values for cholesterol as a model. For a population with a mean of 2.0 and SD of 0.36 g of cholesterol per liter, a 3% positive proportional bias causes sixfold more error at the 50th percentile than at the 97.5th. In general, the error for a given bias (proportional or systematic) is greater for a Reference Value within the body than at the tails of the distribution. Further, the magnitude of the error varies as a function of the mean and standard deviation of the population.

scholarly journals Evaluation of sediment contamination by trace elements and the zooplankton community analysis in area affected by gold exploration in Southeast (SE) of the Iron Quadrangle, Alto Rio Doce, (MG) Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-157
Author(s):  
Cláudia de Lima e Silva ◽  
Adivane Terezinha da Costa ◽  
Giovanni Guimarães Landa ◽  
Herton Fabrício Camargos Fonseca ◽  
Aléssio Silveira
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Zooplankton Community ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Community Analysis ◽  
Major And Trace Elements ◽  
Geochemical Composition ◽  
Gold Exploration ◽  
Local Reference ◽  
High Concentrations

AIM: The aim was to verify the geochemical composition of sediments samples (riverbed and bank) and the relationship of the following elements: Al, As, Cd. Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn with the zooplankton community. METHODS: Bank and riverbed sediments were collected in four sampling points along the studied area, in June/2010 (dry season) and March/2011 (rainy season). Three types of analysis were performed: granulometric, mineralogical (by X-Ray diffractometer) and geochemical (by ICPOES), where for the last two types, only a fraction of silt/clay (<0.062 mm) was used, and the results were compared with the following reference values: Local Reference Value (Costa et al., 2010), Quality Reference Values (São Paulo, 2005), PEC and TEC values (MacDonald et al., 2000). For identification of the zooplankton community, riverbed and bank samples were collected in polyethylene bottles, suspended with deionized water (bank sample only), stained with Rose Bengal and preserved in formalin at 4%. RESULTS: As concentrations at Col sampled point were 18 times greater than the Local Reference Value (3.84 mg.kg-1). Cd concentrations were greater than the values established by the QRV (<0.5 mg.kg-1) and PEC (4.98 mg.kg-1) in almost all the sampled points, regarding seasonality. The following zooplanktonic species were identified: Arcella costata (Ehrenberg, 1847), Arcella discoides (Ehrenberg, 1843), Arcella vulgaris (Ehrenberg, 1830), Centropyxis aculeata (Ehrenberg, 1838), Centropyxis ecornis (Ehrenberg, 1841), Difflugia sp., Difflugia acuminata (Ehrenberg, 1838), Euglypha laevis (Perty, 1849), Trynema enchelys (Ehrenberg, 1938), Asplanchna priodonta (Gosse, 1850), and Bedelloida, with, approximately 81% belonging to the Protozoa group. CONCLUSIONS: The studied area, with the exception of the Tripuí point, was found to be impacted by historical gold exploration in the region, as well as by the growing urbanization. Within the elements considered to be the most toxic to the biota, As and Cd violated all their reference values. In spite of high concentrations of major and trace elements encountered at downstream points, testacea species were identified, suggesting that this group has the capacity to adapt to adverse situations.

scholarly journals Revised Reference Values for Potassium Intake

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 118-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Strohm ◽  
Sabine Ellinger ◽  
Eva Leschik-Bonnet ◽  
Friederike Maretzke ◽  
Helmut Heseker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Potassium Excretion ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Potassium Intake ◽  
Breastfed Infants ◽  
Urinary Potassium

Background: The nutrition societies of Germany, Austria and Switzerland have revised the reference values for potassium intake in January 2017. Methods: For adults, the estimated value was based on the 24-h urinary potassium excretion and on preventive considerations regarding hypertension and stroke. The estimated values for children and adolescents were extrapolated from the adult estimated value considering differences in body mass. For infants aged 0 to under 4 months, the estimated value was set based on the potassium intake via breast milk. From this reference value, the estimated value for infants aged 4 to under 12 months was also derived by extrapolation. The estimated value for lactating women takes into account the potassium loss via breast milk. Results: The estimated values for potassium intake are set at 400 mg/day for breastfed infants aged 0 to under 4 months, 600 mg/day for infants aged 4 to under 12 months, 1,100-4,000 mg/day for children and adolescents, 4,000 mg/day for adults and pregnant women and 4,400 mg/day for lactating women. Conclusions: The consumption of potassium-rich foods should be generally increased. Supplemental intake beyond the estimated values has no health benefit and is therefore not recommended.

scholarly journals Revised D-A-CH Reference Values for the Intake of Vitamin B6

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
Alexandra Jungert ◽  
Jakob Linseisen ◽  
Karl-Heinz Wagner ◽  
Margrit Richter ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Allometric Exponent ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Adult Females

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The Nutrition Societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the joint editors of the “D-A-CH reference values for nutrient intake” have revised the reference values for vitamin B<sub>6</sub> in summer 2019. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> For women, the average requirement (AR) for vitamin B<sub>6</sub> intake was derived on the basis of balance studies using a pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) plasma concentration of ≥30 nmol/L as a biomarker of an adequate vitamin B<sub>6</sub> status. The recommended intake (RI) was derived considering a coefficient of variation of 10%. The RIs of vitamin B<sub>6</sub> for men, children, and adolescents were extrapolated from the vitamin B<sub>6</sub> requirement for women considering differences in body weight, an allometric exponent, growth factors as appropriate, and a coefficient of variation. For infants aged 0 to under 4 months, an estimated value was set based on the vitamin B<sub>6</sub> intake via breast feeding. The reference value for infants aged 4 to under 12 months was extrapolated from the estimated value for infants under 4 months of age and the average vitamin B<sub>6</sub> requirement for adults. The reference values for pregnant and lactating women consider the requirements for the foetus and the loss via breast milk. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> According to the combined analysis of 5 balance studies, the AR for vitamin B<sub>6</sub> to ensure a plasma PLP concentration of ≥30 nmol/L is 1.2 mg/day for adult females and the extrapolated AR for adult males is 1.3 mg/day. The corresponding RIs of vitamin B<sub>6</sub> are 1.4 mg/day for adult females and 1.6 mg/day for adult males, independent of age. For infants, the estimated value is 0.1 mg/day and 0.3 mg/day, depending on age. The AR of vitamin B<sub>6</sub> for children and adolescents ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/day, and the RI is between 0.6 mg/day and 1.6 mg/day. During pregnancy, the AR is 1.3 mg/day in the first trimester and 1.5 mg/day in the second and third trimesters; the RI is 1.5 mg/day in the first trimester and 1.8 mg/day in the second and third trimesters. For lactating women, the AR is 1.3 mg/day and the RI is 1.6 mg/day.

scholarly journals Hippuric acid in urine: reference values

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Elisa PB Siqueira ◽  
Maria José N Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Hippuric Acid ◽  
Smoking Habit ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for hippuric acid (HA) excreted in the urine, and to evaluate the impact of age, gender, alcohol, and tobacco, on these levels in a population nonexposed to toluene. METHODS: Reference values for hippuric acid in urine were determined in 115 toluene nonexposed healthy volunteers, from Alfenas city, Southeastern Brazil. A questionnaire was applied to each volunteer and data on occupational and personal habits were collected. Biochemical and hematological analyses were used to confirm the volunteers' good health condition. Reference values were expressed in g HA/g urine creatinine, as mean ± standard deviation (x ± SD), median, 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 95th percentile, and upper reference value (URV, mean +2 SD). RESULTS: Reference values of hippuric acid in urine were: mean ± standard deviation =0.18±0.10; median =0.15; 95% confidence interval =0.16±0.20; 95th percentile = 0.36 and upper reference value (URV, mean +2 SD) =0.38. Statistically significant differences in urinary HA (Wilcoxon - Mann/Whitney, p<0.05) were observed for different genders and age groups. Alcohol ingestion and smoking habit did not significantly affect the results. CONCLUSIONS: The reference values of hippuric acid in urine can be used in biomonitoring programs of workers occupationally exposed to toluene, especially in the southern region of the state of Minas Gerais. Age and gender may affect the HA reference values.

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