This paper proposes a new framework in addressing time-cost trade-off problem (TCTP) under uncertainty. First critical path analysis is carried out based on developing a new interval-valued fuzzy (IVF)-program evaluation and review technique (PERT) approach. Then, non-conformance risks that influence on execution quality of activities are identified and evaluated based on a new approach that considers probability of risk along with impacts on time, cost, and performance. Then, a new mathematical model under IVF uncertainty is presented to decrease project total time while considering time, cost and quality loss cost that is determined in form of rework or modification cost. Finally, the approach categorizes the activities in three groups based on their level of criticality. Outcome of this methodology is a scheduling that addresses time, cost and quality trade-offs in addition to categorizing activities in different groups based on being on the critical path. Therefore, the project manager not only gets a scheduling based on the TCTP with considering quality loss cost but also has a knowledge of activities that require extra attentions. To show the steps of this methodology, an existing application from the literature is adopted and solved.
Purpose: This study was designed to translate and assess the psychometric properties of Supports Intensity Scale among adults with intellectual and developmental disability in Ahvaz and Tehran, Iran.Method: The cross-sectional study was carried out in two stages. The first stage consisted of the forward-backward translation of Supports Intensity Scale - Adult Version) SIS-A(. In the second stage, 197 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were recruited in order to assess the internal consistency and test-retest reliability, concurrent and content validity of SIS-A. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to approve the seven-factor model of the instrument.Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient values varied between 0.85 and 0.99 (very good to excellent). All subscales of the SIS-A showed Cronbach’s alpha above 0.70. Correlation coefficient between SIS-A and Barthel index was about -0.65, which shows excellent concurrent validity of SIS-A. The findings showed SIS-A had high ability to discriminate between groups with different IQ (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between SIS-A and the age of participants (p>0.05). The result of CFA confirmed that the seven-factor model of SIS-A is the fittest pattern for SIS-A.Conclusion: The results indicated that the Persian version of SIS-A is a valid and reliable instrument to assess function and disability among people with intellectual and developmental disability.
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with frequent recurrence. The associated complications cause disturbance in patients' quality of life. In addition to treatment procedures, use of self-care behaviors can be considered a cost-effective and applicable method in improving the patients' symptoms. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a self-care program in promoting self-care behaviors of patients with psoriasis. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a self-care program in promoting self-care behaviors among patients with psoriasis. Methods: This quasi experimental, before-after study was carried out on 32 patients. The educational program was implemented face-to-face and in groups (in areas such as medicine, bathing, and clothing). The samples were examined once every 2 weeks for 3 months. Two questionnaires and 1 self-report checklist with a correlation coefficient of 92.5% were used in this study. The validity of the questionnaires was determined using content validity. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS. Results: The patients' demographics were as follows: mean age, 42.37%; males, 16 (55.2%) and females, 13 (44.8%); married, 21 (72.4%), single, 6 (20.7%), and widowed, 2 (6.9%); secondary school education, 13 (44.8%); average disease period, 9.03%; most self-employed and housewives (9, 31%); history of disease, 7 (24.1%); and physician-diagnosed disease, 29 (100%). The results showed that the mean medication adherence rate increased from 7% to 9.72% after the intervention, and comparison of self-care behaviors before and after the intervention showed that the frequency of most behaviors significantly increased.
Conclusions:The results showed that training could improve self-care behaviors. Use of simple, low-cost, and available programs for self-care behaviors is effective in reducing the patients' symptoms and improving their conditions.
To successfully finalize projects and attain their determined purposes, it is indispensable to control all success criteria of a project. The time–cost trade-off (TCT) is known as a prevalent and efficient approach applied when the planned finish date of a project is not admitted by stakeholders, and consequently, the project duration must be decreased. This paper proposes a new mathematical model under fuzzy uncertainty to deal with the project cost–risk–quality trade-off problem (CRQT) under time constraints. Because of the unique nature of projects and their uncertain circumstances, applying crisp values for some project parameters does not seem appropriate. Hence, this paper employs fuzzy sets to resolve these weaknesses. In this study, two approaches are presented to handle proposed fuzzy multi-objective mathematical model. First, fuzzy credibility theory and then goal attainment method are used. Secondly, the model is solved by a fuzzy method based on expected interval and value and augmented ɛ-constraint method. A project from the literature review is adopted and solved by the presented methodology. The results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the two proposed approaches for the introduced practical problem.
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