Minimum Percentage Change Research Articles

Assessment of Impact of Climate Change in the Western Ghats Region, India

Objectives: The current research assessed the patterns of precipitation and discharge in the Sagar and Kokkarne catchments in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Methods: Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to find the discharge at the outlets of the catchments. The yearly precipitation and discharge patterns of both the catchments were studied using data from observed data (1991 to 2020) and the projected data (2021-2050). Considering the IMD data (1991-2020) as the reference data, the percentage change in precipitation and discharge were calculated. Findings: For the Sagar catchment, the maximum percentage change in precipitation and discharge were projected to be 24.79 % and 53.71 %, and the minimum percentage change in precipitation and discharge were projected to be -20.29 % and -41.65 %. For the Kokkarne catchment, the maximum percentage change in precipitation and discharge were projected to be 31.30 % and 42.92 %, and the minimum percentage change in precipitation and discharge were projected to be -18.22 % and -16.98 %. In both the catchments, the increase or decrease in precipitation has led to corresponding changes in the discharge of the catchment. Novelty: This present work tries to project and compare the precipitation and discharge patterns in two catchments belonging to two varied river flow regimes in the Western Ghats of Karnataka to establish how the changing climate is affecting the hydrology of the catchments. As the precipitation varies in intensity throughout time and space and Indian agriculture relies heavily on precipitation, the present study can help in formulating water resource management techniques. Keywords: Western Ghats; Hydrological Cycle; IPCC; SWAT model; Lockdown; Vaccination

Integrating statistical correlation with discrete multi-criteria decision-making

This paper analyses two hypotheses that considers a correlation between the number of alternatives and the number of criteria considered in a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem with the minimum percentage change required in the lowest criterion weight to change the outcome of a method. Two MCDM methods are considered, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the preference ranking organisation method for enrichment of evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) were applied to the same sets of criteria weights and performance measures. More than two thousand randomly generated sets of criteria weights and performance measures are considered. The minimum percentage change in the lowest criterion weight required to change the outcome of a method is calculated. Pearson's r parametric test is used to test the hypotheses. Results from parametric test were statistically significant and shows a weak negative correlation for Hypothesis 1 and weak positive correlation for Hypothesis 2.

Integrating statistical correlation with discrete multi-criteria decision-making

This paper analyses two hypotheses that considers a correlation between the number of alternatives and the number of criteria considered in a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem with the minimum percentage change required in the lowest criterion weight to change the outcome of a method. Two MCDM methods are considered, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the preference ranking organisation method for enrichment of evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) were applied to the same sets of criteria weights and performance measures. More than two thousand randomly generated sets of criteria weights and performance measures are considered. The minimum percentage change in the lowest criterion weight required to change the outcome of a method is calculated. Pearson's r parametric test is used to test the hypotheses. Results from parametric test were statistically significant and shows a weak negative correlation for Hypothesis 1 and weak positive correlation for Hypothesis 2.

Selecting a discrete multiple criteria decision making method for Boeing to rank four global market regions

Abstract This work describes the creation of a new method to choose a suitable Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method for a Boeing strategic decision. The decision involved four global market regions being ranked based on their market attractiveness and competitive strength when risk and uncertainty were anticipated. Following an analysis of MCDM problems and methods, a new organized approach was created to provide a decision maker with a sub-group of suitable MCDM methods. Sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the robustness of the outputs from the various candidate methods. A MCDM method is recommended automatically. The recommended candidate method is the one that provided the most robust output (solution to the problem). Only methods that deal with a discrete set of choices were considered. In the Boeing strategic decision presented in this paper, two MCDM methods were compared and a recommendation was made after calculating the minimum percentage change in performance measures and criteria weights required to change the ranking of any two alternatives. An MCDM method was recommended based on a compromise between the minimum percentage change that was required in the inputs to change the ranking of alternatives. Some propositions are discussed based on general scenarios concerning MCDM problems.

Validation of Region of Interest Measurements for the Objective Assessment of Post-Contrast Enhancement of Renal Lesions on MRI.

The aim of this study was to validate the use of region of interest (ROI) measurements in MRI to objectively assess for enhancement in suspected solid renal masses and to determine a minimum threshold value for true enhancement. Contrast-enhanced renal MRI studies performed between January 2015 and December 2017 for patients with a known renal mass who had subsequent biopsy, or partial/radical nephrectomy were included. Two body imaging fellows independently measured the mean ROI values of renal masses, normal renal parenchyma, the ipsilateral psoas muscle and external air on the pre- and post-contrast sequences. The absolute and percentage changes in the mean ROI values were calculated. The readers were blinded to the pathology results. 104 patients were included in this study (mean age of 65 years; 58 males and 46 females). 74 patients (71%) had a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Pathology showed clear-cell RCC in 55%, papillary RCC in 22%, and other RCC subtypes in 23%. There were 30 non-RCC renal lesions (29%), including oncocytoma, renal papillary adenoma, and renal metastasis.The minimum percentage change in ROI values in the pre- versus post-contrast images for all pathology-proven RCCs was 23% (range: 23-437%, mean: 143%); this represents relative enhancement and was referred to as the Signal Intensity Index (SII). The percentage change for normal renal parenchyma ranged from 32-317%. The maximum percentage change in ROI values for pathology proven renal cysts was 13% (range: -5-13%, mean: 3.5%). There was excellent inter observer agreement between the two readers [Intra-class correlation coefficient (r) 0.81]. The percentage change in ROI values (SII) can be a helpful tool in the objective assessment of true enhancement of renal masses and can supplement subtraction images. The minimum threshold for enhancement in our study was 23%. Enhancement of a renal lesion can be determined using the objective tool of ROI measurements in the pre- and post-contrast MR images with a percentage change of 20% or above indicating enhancement. This is an additional objective tool, which in conjunction with the subtraction images may improve detection and appropriate diagnosis of renal lesions. It could also be helpful in cases where the subtraction images are degraded by motion artefact.

Selecting a discrete Multiple Criteria Decision Making method to decide on a corporate relocation

This paper considers a corporate relocation problem. The research considered an approach to decide on an appropriate Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method out of a subdivision of possible methods to rank five cities in the United States of America based on their suitability. Selecting the location of corporate real estate is key to optimizing an organization’s success. The new approach provides decision makers with a recommended group of potentially suitable methods. Sensitivity analysis is employed to explore the recommended group and to rate the robustness of their outputs when uncertainty and risk may be present. A suitable method is recommended that provides a robust solution. MCDM methods that can deal with a discrete set of alternatives were considered. A MCDM method was recommended based on a best compromise in the minimum percentage change required in both the evaluation criteria and performance scores of the cities with respect to the evaluation criteria to alter the ranking of the cities.

Selecting a Robust Decision Making Method to Evaluate Employee Performance

This paper investigates how to select a robust decision making method to evaluate employee performance. Two multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are considered for the evaluation of US coast guard officers. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to understand the nature of uncertainty in evaluation criteria and employee performance. Outcomes from this analysis provide an understanding of the most critical factors governing the evaluation. MCDM methods dealing with discrete sets of alternatives are considered. The stability of two MCDM methods' outcomes are compared and the method with the most stable outcome is recommended. The minimum percentage change in criteria weights and performance scores required to alter the outcome of the evaluation is calculated. An MCDM method is recommended based on a best compromise in minimum percentage change required in inputs to alter the outcome of a method.

Selecting a robust decision making method to evaluate employee performance

This paper investigates how to select a robust decision making method to evaluate employee performance. Two multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are considered for the evaluation of US coast guard officers. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to understand the nature of uncertainty in evaluation criteria and employee performance. Outcomes from this analysis provide an understanding of the most critical factors governing the evaluation. MCDM methods dealing with discrete sets of alternatives are considered. The stability of two MCDM methods' outcomes are compared and the method with the most stable outcome is recommended. The minimum percentage change in criteria weights and performance scores required to alter the outcome of the evaluation is calculated. An MCDM method is recommended based on a best compromise in minimum percentage change required in inputs to alter the outcome of a method.

Selection of discrete multiple criteria decision making methods in the presence of risk and uncertainty

This paper presents a new methodology to recommend the most suitable Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method from a subset of candidate methods when risk and uncertainty are anticipated. A structured approach has been created based on an analysis of MCDM problems and methods characteristics. Outcomes of this analysis provide decision makers with a suggested group of candidate methods for their problem. Sensitivity analysis is applied to the suggested group of candidate methods to analyze the robustness of outputs when risk and uncertainty are anticipated. A MCDM method is automatically selected that delivers the most robust outcome. MCDM methods dealing with discrete sets of alternatives are considered. Numerical examples are presented where some MCDM methods are compared and recommended by calculating the minimum percentage change in criteria weights and performance measures required to alter the ranking of any two alternatives. A MCDM method will be recommended based on a best compromise in minimum percentage change required in inputs to alter the ranking of alternatives. Different cases are considered and some new propositions are presented based on potential generalized scenarios of MCDM problems.

WITHDRAWN: Interventions for fatigue and weight loss in adults with advanced progressive illness.

WITHDRAWN: Interventions for fatigue and weight loss in adults with advanced progressive illness.

Storage longevity of passion fruit squash

The present investigation on the storage longevity of passion fruit squash was carried out in the Experimental laboratory of the Department of Pomology and Post Harvest Technology, Faculty of Horticulture, Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar during 2007-08. Four treatment combinations of both yellow and purple passion fruit squash with different concentrations of sugar and preservatives were evaluated for extending the storage life of squash. In yellow passion fruit squash T 3 (6.38 °Brix) and in purple passion fruit squash T 4 (8.23 °Brix) were found to have very less percentage change of TSS over initial value after six month of storage. The acidity value among various treatments, T 3 for yellow passion fruit squash and T 4 for purple passion fruit squash had recorded minimum percentage change in acidity over initial after six month of storage. The ascorbic acid content in different treatments for both yellow and purple passion fruit squash were found to decrease throughout the storage period. Considering mould count after six month of storage, T 3 was found best treatment both for yellow and purple passion fruit squash. The effect of KMS was better for suppressing mould growth than sodium benzoate. It was observed that hedonic score for yellow and purple passion fruit squash was decreased with increase in storage period. The yellow passion fruit squash prepared with 250 ml juice + 460 g sugar + 290 ml water + 1 g citric acid + 0.6 g KMS as preservative and the purple passion fruit squash prepared with 250 ml juice + 475 g sugar + 275 ml water + 2.5 g citric acid + 0.75 g sodium benzoate as preservative have been found to be the best treatment for the storage life.

Does pupil dilation influence subfoveal choroidal laser Doppler flowmetry?

The aim of this study was to assess (i) whether pupil dilation with tropicamide influences subfoveal choroidal blood flow, as assessed by continuous laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and (ii) if this is the case, whether the effect is due to a haemodynamic response of the drug-induced dilation. Following the instillation of one drop of 1% tropicamide in one eye of 18 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (age 20-25 years), the subfoveal choroidal LDF parameters (Vel, Vol and ChBF) were recorded during 30 min, at 3-min intervals under two paradigms: through an artificial pupil (4 mm diameter) placed in front of the cornea (P1) and without this artificial pupil (P2). Tropicamide increased the pupil diameter from 3.3 ± 0.4 mm (mean ± SD) to 8.3 ± .4 mm. Full dilation was reached at ~24 min. During this period of time, linear regression analysis demonstrated that none of the LDF parameters varied significantly (p > 0.05), either under P1 or P2. Based on a group of 12 subjects, the smallest (%) change in the mean value of ChBF (ChBFm ) that would be detectable (sensitivity of the method, S) was found to be 2% for P1 and 6% for P2. The average coefficient of variation of ChBFm based on eight measurements during dilation was greater for P2 than for P1 by a factor of approximately 2. Tropicamide had no significant influence on the subfoveal choroidal LDF parameters measured by continuous LDF during pupil dilation. Furthermore, pupil dilation did not affect ChBFm by more than the calculated minimum percentage change of 6% detectable with our method.

Tumor Burden Modeling Versus Progression-Free Survival for Phase II Decision Making

Randomized Phase II oncology trial endpoints for decision making include both progression-free survival (PFS) and change in tumor burden as measured by the sum of longest diameters (SLD) of the target lesions. In addition to observed SLD changes, tumor shrinkage and growth parameters can be estimated from the patient-specific SLD profile over time. The ability of these SLD analyses to identify an active drug is contrasted with that of a PFS analysis through the simulation of Phase II trials via resampling from each of 6 large, Phase II and III trials, 5 of which were positive and one negative. From each simulated Phase II trial, a P value was obtained from 4 analyses-a log-rank test on PFS, a Wilcoxon rank-sum test on the minimum observed percentage change from baseline in SLD, and 2 nonlinear, mixed-effects model analyses of the SLD profiles. All 4 analyses led to approximately uniformly distributed P values in the negative trial. The PFS analysis was the best or nearly the best analysis in the other 5 trials. In only one of the positive studies did the modeling analysis outperform the analysis of the minimum SLD. In conclusion, for the decision to start a Phase III trial based on the results of a randomized Phase II trial of an oncology drug, PFS appears to be a better endpoint than does SLD, whether analyzed through simple SLD endpoints, such as the minimum percentage change from baseline, or through the modeling of the SLD time course to estimate tumor dynamics.

Does Topical Phenylephrine, Tropicamide, or Proparacaine Affect Macular Blood Flow?

The acute effect of topical phenylephrine HCl 10%, tropicamide 1% and proparacaine HCl 0.5% on macular capillary blood flow was studied in six healthy human volunteers using the blue field simulation technique. This technique provides a method for quantifying the velocity of leukocytes flowing in one's own retinal macular capillaries. Patients adjusted the velocity of computer simulated leukocytes moving on a CRT screen to match that of their own entoptically perceived leukocytes before instillation of each of the tested preparations and for 35 minutes immediately thereafter. A 5% NaCl solution was used as a control. We found no significant difference in leukocyte velocity between the control drop and any of the tested drugs. With the six subjects tested, the calculated average minimum percentage change in leukocyte velocity detectable with this technique (P < 0.05, paired t-test) was 9%. None of the tested drugs affected macular leukocyte velocity, and presumably blood flow, by more than this amount.

Monitoring seabirds in Shetland

SynopsisThe programme for ornithological monitoring in Shetland has concentrated on selected species of cliffnesting seabirds and inshore waterfowl. Sample study sites throughout Shetland have been selected and standard counting methods derived. These have taken account of factors such as logistics and accessibility, the effects of weather and observer error and of the seasonal and diurnal variations in the numbers of birds.Changes in seabird and waterfowl numbers between 1975–79 have been observed. These, with the exception of the bird mortality following the Esso Bernicia oil spill, have been attributed to natural variation. From the scale and local differences between these as yet short-term observations, estimates are presented of the minimum percentage change required in either numbers of birds or their nests before such natural variation is exceeded.The problems of interpreting changes in numbers are discussed.The number of dead birds picked up in Sullom Voe after the Esso Bernicia spill corresponded closely to that estimated from the monitoring counts before and after the incident.

Differential Pitch Sensitivity of the Ear

Differential pitch sensitivity is defined as the minimum percentage change in frequency which can be detected by the ear. The value of this ratio was measured over a frequency range from 32 cycles to 11,600 cycles and from the thershold of audibility to a sensation level of 90 db. in the case of ten normal ears. A number of subsequent observations were made using binaural and bone conductions timuli. In a region above 1,000 cycles and above a 20 db. sensation level the minimum detectable variation Δ/f is approximately constant at a value of .003. Below 1,000 cycles the function Δf is approximately constant for any one sensation level. Binaural and bone conduction stimuli tend to increase the sensitivity of the ear to pitch changes in the general region below 500 cycles but above this region there is very little effect. The errors encountered in this type of measurement are discussed, together with the design and technique necessary to minimize such effects. A series of observations taken with modified apparatus show the effect of several such factors upon the results.