Background: Globally, HIV viral load suppression rate, which is an indirect measure of the efficacy of antiretroviral (ART) medication, is 47% and 52% in Africa. In Cameroon, the viral load (VL) suppression rate is 44...Background: Globally, HIV viral load suppression rate, which is an indirect measure of the efficacy of antiretroviral (ART) medication, is 47% and 52% in Africa. In Cameroon, the viral load (VL) suppression rate is 44.7% and poor adherence is widely documented as being responsible for the large gap in VL Suppression. Enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) sessions, and enrolment and participation in support groups are specific interventions to improve ART adherence and improve viral load suppression. Purpose: This study assesses the uptake and contribution of support groups and EAC sessions in the management of adolescents with unsuppressed VL results at Centre Hospitalier d’Essos, Yaounde. Methods: A retrospective correlational quantitative patient files review was conducted for 138 files of HIV positive adolescents aged between 10 - 19 years with HIV VL above 1000 copies/ml enrolled in care between January 2009 and December 2019. Data from the questionnaire was entered into CSPRO version 7.4. and analyzed by using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 138 participants (75 females and 63 males) with a mean age of 15 ± 3 years were included in our study. Sixty-nine (50%) participants were in World Health Organization (WHO) stage I;32.6% were in Stage II;13.0% and 4.3% were in stages III and IV, respectively. Thirty (21.7%) had a history of tuberculosis and 76% of the adolescents were being cared for primarily by their parents. The charts of the adolescents revealed that there was an association between completion of EAC sessions in adolescents with unsuppressed VL and eventual VL suppression (R.R = 2.5;CI 0.848 - 6.162;p = 0.033). However, there was no significant association between support group enrolment and active participation, and eventual VL Suppression. Furthermore, combining EAC and support group interventions was strongly associated with eventual VL Suppression in this group of initially unsuppressed adolescents (R.R = 7.5;C.I 2.544 - 22.360;p Conclusion: Suppression rates were good after completion of EAC sessions and participation in support group enrolment for adolescents with a high VL. As we move towards having 95% of ART-treated adolescents achieve and maintain viral suppression, there is a need to reinforce EAC sessions and support group enrolment in ART clinics targeting this priority group.展开更多
Value Management (VM) is a rigorous and systematic approach to improve the value and optimise the overall cost of a facility. It identifies opportunities to remove unnecessary costs while assuring that quality, reliab...Value Management (VM) is a rigorous and systematic approach to improve the value and optimise the overall cost of a facility. It identifies opportunities to remove unnecessary costs while assuring that quality, reliability, performance, and other critical factors will meet or exceed the customers’ expectations. It has been widely used in the construction industry in a number of countries. A recent survey, however, revealed several problems that hinder the wider use of this methodology in the industry. To overcome these problems, a feasibility study has been conducted to investigate whether or not a Group Support System (GSS) can support collaborative works in VM workshops. This paper introduces the development and structure of a prototype GSS which is designed to support the collaborative works of stakeholders in VM workshops. It begins with an introduction to the conceptual GSS framework and job plan, illustrating what GSS supports can be provided to VM workshops. This is followed by a detailed description of the GSS prototype system to demonstrate how these supports can be performed as an integrated computer system. The testing of the system is also discussed. The research findings provide strong evidence in supporting the notion of using GSS to improve VM implementation. The information support of GSS has been ranked to be the most useful GSS functions and most of the practitioners interviewed are highly interested in applying GSS to support VM workshops in the future.展开更多
Considering some drawbacks of the mainstream approach to environmental management (EM),the conception and basic idea of Participatory EM(PEM) are put forward.PEM possesses some main features and benefits that are supe...Considering some drawbacks of the mainstream approach to environmental management (EM),the conception and basic idea of Participatory EM(PEM) are put forward.PEM possesses some main features and benefits that are superior to the mainstream approach,but also faces the crucial constraint in decision-making.The dilemma can be effectively settled by applying an advanced decision-making support tool-group decision support system(GDSS).On the basis of recognizing the complex decision-making environment of PEM,this paper describes the components of GDSS for PEM(PEM-GDSS) and further discusses the basic requirement of PEM-GDSS.展开更多
The article focuses on sources of Brazilian sports journalism and demonstrates the role of organized soccer fan groups in Rio de Janeiro between the 1940s and 1980s, this is achieved through reports provided by the Br...The article focuses on sources of Brazilian sports journalism and demonstrates the role of organized soccer fan groups in Rio de Janeiro between the 1940s and 1980s, this is achieved through reports provided by the Brazilian newspaper Jornal dos Sports. From the beginning, there are biographical notes made about the most well-known fan leaders in Rio, such as Jaime de Carvalho, who founded the Charanga （1942）. The emergence of dissent among the fans, in the late 1960s, is then covered, which establishes itself within the organized fans in Rio with these individuals beginning to question the authority of the old fan group leaders. This is against the principle of giving unconditional support to the club and it is postulated that the fans have the right to criticize and protest against the club＇s management, even if this means using forceful tactics. Along with the journalistic narrative, there is a break-off by the ＂Young Fans＂ and a process of emancipation begins which occurs over the 1970s, this happens by means of the use of fan coaches and the invention of a lifestyle that is associated with soccer. Finally, the 1980s is marked by the constructive and destructive potential that is linked to fan groups. On the one hand, creating an Association of fans--Astorj--is pointed to in order to reach a mutual understanding, but it should be noted, on the other, that there are feuds, in a scenario of spiraling violence, in which fights, beatings, and even murders begin to be commonplace.展开更多
EHMO calculations and orbital analyses of fragment;;have been performed for the formation of oxygenates in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on the butterfly model for four different metal (Ni,Ru,Rh,Pd) catalysts supported on...EHMO calculations and orbital analyses of fragment;;have been performed for the formation of oxygenates in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on the butterfly model for four different metal (Ni,Ru,Rh,Pd) catalysts supported on SiO2.Calculations were made for the four processes,i.e.,CO-dissociation;Coupling of CO and H to produce CHO;Insertion of CO to M-CH3;insertion of CH2 to M-CH3 On the basis of comparing the degree of CO bonds activation and the energy barriers of the foregoing processes for these four catalysts,it is concluded that Ni/SiO2 can be used as the methanation catalyst.On Ru/SiO2 and Rh/SiO2 C2-oxygenated compound can be produced (acetaldehyde),especially Rh/SiO2 is the even better catalyst,and Pd/SiO2 is a methanol synthesis catalyst.展开更多
Sulfonate groups were introduced to the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by the radiation-induced graft polymerization of sodium 4-styrene sulfonate for the use as biosensor supports. Alcohol dehydrogenase was...Sulfonate groups were introduced to the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by the radiation-induced graft polymerization of sodium 4-styrene sulfonate for the use as biosensor supports. Alcohol dehydrogenase was immobilized onto a sulfonated nanotube-supporting electrode with tris（2,2＇-bipyridyl） ruthenium（II） complex to form an electrogenerated chemilluminesce sensor of alcohol. When it was used to detect alcohol in cyclic voltammetric measurements, the sensor showed the linearity over the range of 1.0 × 10^-4 M-5.0 ×10^-2 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.992 and a detection limit of 1.9 ×10^-6 M. In electrogenerated chemilluminesce detection, it showed linearity over 5.0 × 10^-4 M-1.0 × 10^-2 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.986 and a detection limit of 1.0 × 10^-6 M. The sensor was demonstrated to be able to detect ethanol in commercial drinks.展开更多
Recently we develop a new conceptual model for group decision support Systems. Themodel is based on the information communication theory, minority ducting theory and human physicaland mental limited theory described b...Recently we develop a new conceptual model for group decision support Systems. Themodel is based on the information communication theory, minority ducting theory and human physicaland mental limited theory described by Srinvasan & Sirkkal(1991)[1]. The new model tells how to reducethe noise and enhance the information communication and then enhance GDSS function; it tells howto provide the minority effect to enhance GDSS function; it tells how to reduce knowledge resourceconsumption and enhance knowledge resource and enhance GDSS ability. The authors developed thenew GDSS system in LAN and WAN environment.展开更多
In this paper, meta-synthesis system approach （MSA） is applied to a consulting project on exploring constructing comprehensive transportation system in China. Firstly, brief introduction about the concept of compreh...In this paper, meta-synthesis system approach （MSA） is applied to a consulting project on exploring constructing comprehensive transportation system in China. Firstly, brief introduction about the concept of comprehensive transportation is given to indicate that comprehensive transportation is an open complex giant system, which thus MSA is applied to exploring its constructing in China. A group argumentation environment （GAE） is applied to facilitate group divergent thinking process about what the concerned topics are in the project and acquire qualitative hypotheses for meta-synthetic system modeling. A multi-agent system model is constructed to analyze competitive relations of passenger transport between railway and highway as a demonstration of modeling by rule, one of 6 strategies of meta-synthetic system modeling. An evaluation support system is developed to integrate a variety of indicators and their related measure methods by a framework of input-output-outcome of comprehensive transportation to facilitate consultants to monitor current state of operation and management of transport system and generate alternatives of a set of indicators to evaluate efficiency or effectiveness of the whole system or its elements on demand.展开更多
Supporting group decision-making in ubiquitous contexts is a complex task that must deal with a large amount of factors to succeed. Here we propose an approach for an intelligent negotiation model to support the group...Supporting group decision-making in ubiquitous contexts is a complex task that must deal with a large amount of factors to succeed. Here we propose an approach for an intelligent negotiation model to support the group decision-making process specifically designed for ubiquitous contexts. Our approach can be used by researchers that intend to include arguments, complex algorithms, and agents' modeling in a negotiation model. It uses a social networking logic due to the type of communication employed by the agents and it intends to support the ubiquitous group decision-making process in a similar way to the real process, which simultaneously preserves the amount and quality of intelligence generated in face-to-face meetings. We propose a new look into this problem by considering and defining strategies to deal with important points such as the type of attributes in the multicriterion problems, agents' reasoning, and intelligent dialogues.展开更多
文摘Background: Globally, HIV viral load suppression rate, which is an indirect measure of the efficacy of antiretroviral (ART) medication, is 47% and 52% in Africa. In Cameroon, the viral load (VL) suppression rate is 44.7% and poor adherence is widely documented as being responsible for the large gap in VL Suppression. Enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) sessions, and enrolment and participation in support groups are specific interventions to improve ART adherence and improve viral load suppression. Purpose: This study assesses the uptake and contribution of support groups and EAC sessions in the management of adolescents with unsuppressed VL results at Centre Hospitalier d’Essos, Yaounde. Methods: A retrospective correlational quantitative patient files review was conducted for 138 files of HIV positive adolescents aged between 10 - 19 years with HIV VL above 1000 copies/ml enrolled in care between January 2009 and December 2019. Data from the questionnaire was entered into CSPRO version 7.4. and analyzed by using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 138 participants (75 females and 63 males) with a mean age of 15 ± 3 years were included in our study. Sixty-nine (50%) participants were in World Health Organization (WHO) stage I;32.6% were in Stage II;13.0% and 4.3% were in stages III and IV, respectively. Thirty (21.7%) had a history of tuberculosis and 76% of the adolescents were being cared for primarily by their parents. The charts of the adolescents revealed that there was an association between completion of EAC sessions in adolescents with unsuppressed VL and eventual VL suppression (R.R = 2.5;CI 0.848 - 6.162;p = 0.033). However, there was no significant association between support group enrolment and active participation, and eventual VL Suppression. Furthermore, combining EAC and support group interventions was strongly associated with eventual VL Suppression in this group of initially unsuppressed adolescents (R.R = 7.5;C.I 2.544 - 22.360;p Conclusion: Suppression rates were good after completion of EAC sessions and participation in support group enrolment for adolescents with a high VL. As we move towards having 95% of ART-treated adolescents achieve and maintain viral suppression, there is a need to reinforce EAC sessions and support group enrolment in ART clinics targeting this priority group.
文摘Value Management (VM) is a rigorous and systematic approach to improve the value and optimise the overall cost of a facility. It identifies opportunities to remove unnecessary costs while assuring that quality, reliability, performance, and other critical factors will meet or exceed the customers’ expectations. It has been widely used in the construction industry in a number of countries. A recent survey, however, revealed several problems that hinder the wider use of this methodology in the industry. To overcome these problems, a feasibility study has been conducted to investigate whether or not a Group Support System (GSS) can support collaborative works in VM workshops. This paper introduces the development and structure of a prototype GSS which is designed to support the collaborative works of stakeholders in VM workshops. It begins with an introduction to the conceptual GSS framework and job plan, illustrating what GSS supports can be provided to VM workshops. This is followed by a detailed description of the GSS prototype system to demonstrate how these supports can be performed as an integrated computer system. The testing of the system is also discussed. The research findings provide strong evidence in supporting the notion of using GSS to improve VM implementation. The information support of GSS has been ranked to be the most useful GSS functions and most of the practitioners interviewed are highly interested in applying GSS to support VM workshops in the future.
文摘Considering some drawbacks of the mainstream approach to environmental management (EM),the conception and basic idea of Participatory EM(PEM) are put forward.PEM possesses some main features and benefits that are superior to the mainstream approach,but also faces the crucial constraint in decision-making.The dilemma can be effectively settled by applying an advanced decision-making support tool-group decision support system(GDSS).On the basis of recognizing the complex decision-making environment of PEM,this paper describes the components of GDSS for PEM(PEM-GDSS) and further discusses the basic requirement of PEM-GDSS.
文摘The article focuses on sources of Brazilian sports journalism and demonstrates the role of organized soccer fan groups in Rio de Janeiro between the 1940s and 1980s, this is achieved through reports provided by the Brazilian newspaper Jornal dos Sports. From the beginning, there are biographical notes made about the most well-known fan leaders in Rio, such as Jaime de Carvalho, who founded the Charanga （1942）. The emergence of dissent among the fans, in the late 1960s, is then covered, which establishes itself within the organized fans in Rio with these individuals beginning to question the authority of the old fan group leaders. This is against the principle of giving unconditional support to the club and it is postulated that the fans have the right to criticize and protest against the club＇s management, even if this means using forceful tactics. Along with the journalistic narrative, there is a break-off by the ＂Young Fans＂ and a process of emancipation begins which occurs over the 1970s, this happens by means of the use of fan coaches and the invention of a lifestyle that is associated with soccer. Finally, the 1980s is marked by the constructive and destructive potential that is linked to fan groups. On the one hand, creating an Association of fans--Astorj--is pointed to in order to reach a mutual understanding, but it should be noted, on the other, that there are feuds, in a scenario of spiraling violence, in which fights, beatings, and even murders begin to be commonplace.
文摘EHMO calculations and orbital analyses of fragment;;have been performed for the formation of oxygenates in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on the butterfly model for four different metal (Ni,Ru,Rh,Pd) catalysts supported on SiO2.Calculations were made for the four processes,i.e.,CO-dissociation;Coupling of CO and H to produce CHO;Insertion of CO to M-CH3;insertion of CH2 to M-CH3 On the basis of comparing the degree of CO bonds activation and the energy barriers of the foregoing processes for these four catalysts,it is concluded that Ni/SiO2 can be used as the methanation catalyst.On Ru/SiO2 and Rh/SiO2 C2-oxygenated compound can be produced (acetaldehyde),especially Rh/SiO2 is the even better catalyst,and Pd/SiO2 is a methanol synthesis catalyst.
文摘Sulfonate groups were introduced to the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by the radiation-induced graft polymerization of sodium 4-styrene sulfonate for the use as biosensor supports. Alcohol dehydrogenase was immobilized onto a sulfonated nanotube-supporting electrode with tris（2,2＇-bipyridyl） ruthenium（II） complex to form an electrogenerated chemilluminesce sensor of alcohol. When it was used to detect alcohol in cyclic voltammetric measurements, the sensor showed the linearity over the range of 1.0 × 10^-4 M-5.0 ×10^-2 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.992 and a detection limit of 1.9 ×10^-6 M. In electrogenerated chemilluminesce detection, it showed linearity over 5.0 × 10^-4 M-1.0 × 10^-2 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.986 and a detection limit of 1.0 × 10^-6 M. The sensor was demonstrated to be able to detect ethanol in commercial drinks.
文摘Recently we develop a new conceptual model for group decision support Systems. Themodel is based on the information communication theory, minority ducting theory and human physicaland mental limited theory described by Srinvasan & Sirkkal(1991)[1]. The new model tells how to reducethe noise and enhance the information communication and then enhance GDSS function; it tells howto provide the minority effect to enhance GDSS function; it tells how to reduce knowledge resourceconsumption and enhance knowledge resource and enhance GDSS ability. The authors developed thenew GDSS system in LAN and WAN environment.
基金This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.79990583, 70221001 and Chinese Academy of Engineering. The original version was presented at the Congress of the IFSR2005.
文摘In this paper, meta-synthesis system approach （MSA） is applied to a consulting project on exploring constructing comprehensive transportation system in China. Firstly, brief introduction about the concept of comprehensive transportation is given to indicate that comprehensive transportation is an open complex giant system, which thus MSA is applied to exploring its constructing in China. A group argumentation environment （GAE） is applied to facilitate group divergent thinking process about what the concerned topics are in the project and acquire qualitative hypotheses for meta-synthetic system modeling. A multi-agent system model is constructed to analyze competitive relations of passenger transport between railway and highway as a demonstration of modeling by rule, one of 6 strategies of meta-synthetic system modeling. An evaluation support system is developed to integrate a variety of indicators and their related measure methods by a framework of input-output-outcome of comprehensive transportation to facilitate consultants to monitor current state of operation and management of transport system and generate alternatives of a set of indicators to evaluate efficiency or effectiveness of the whole system or its elements on demand.
基金supported by the COMPETE Programme(No.POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043)the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(Nos.UID/CEC/00319/2013,UID/EEA/00760/2013,and SFRH/BD/89697/2012)the ECSEL JU(No.662189)
文摘Supporting group decision-making in ubiquitous contexts is a complex task that must deal with a large amount of factors to succeed. Here we propose an approach for an intelligent negotiation model to support the group decision-making process specifically designed for ubiquitous contexts. Our approach can be used by researchers that intend to include arguments, complex algorithms, and agents' modeling in a negotiation model. It uses a social networking logic due to the type of communication employed by the agents and it intends to support the ubiquitous group decision-making process in a similar way to the real process, which simultaneously preserves the amount and quality of intelligence generated in face-to-face meetings. We propose a new look into this problem by considering and defining strategies to deal with important points such as the type of attributes in the multicriterion problems, agents' reasoning, and intelligent dialogues.
