Modern systems for information retrieval, fusion and management need to deal more and more with information coming from human experts usually expressed qualitatively in natural language with linguistic labels. In this...Modern systems for information retrieval, fusion and management need to deal more and more with information coming from human experts usually expressed qualitatively in natural language with linguistic labels. In this paper, we propose and use two new 2-Tuple linguistic representation models （i.e., a distribution function model （DFM） and an improved Herrera-Martinez＇s model） jointly with the fusion rules developed in Dezert-Smarandache Theory （DSmT）, in order to combine efficiently qualitative information expressed in term of qualitative belief functions. The two models both preserve the precision and improve the efficiency of the fusion of linguistic information expressing the global expert＇s opinion. However, DFM is more general and efficient than the latter, especially for unbalanced linguistic labels. Some simple examples are also provided to show how the 2-Tuple qualitative fusion rules are performed and their advantages.展开更多
Background: The majority of breast cancer patients in Tanzania present with advanced disease, and a significant proportion has metastatic breast cancer (MBC) on presentation or develops it during the course of their f...Background: The majority of breast cancer patients in Tanzania present with advanced disease, and a significant proportion has metastatic breast cancer (MBC) on presentation or develops it during the course of their follow-up. With few treatment options to choose from, such patients often benefit from empathic support and access to information to help them make treatment decisions based on their individual circumstances and needs. Patients with MBC have been shown to present with unique physical, social and psychological needs that require additional time, counselling and availability of health care providers in addition to the routine options available to other patients. In resource-limited settings, the needs of such patients are often unknown and unaddressed, which adds to the anxiety associated with the diagnosis and its treatment. Materials and methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted using 3 focus group discussions with a total of 17 participants with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) attending Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were purposively selected for the study from outpatient clinics and inpatient wards. A semi-structured FGD guide was used to moderate discussions and analysis was done using a thematic approach. Results: The median age of participants was 51 (range 33 - 81 years) with an average of 4 months (range 1 - 12 months) from diagnosis of BC to the interview. 4 (24%) were diagnosed with MBC on first presentation (denovo). Participants spoke about the importance of accurate BC-related information in allowing timely referral and treatment both in the community and within the health system. They recognized the role of mass and social media in increasing awareness about BC and identified myths surrounding cancer treatment especially mastectomy. Correct and timely information at points of care, through media platforms and via ambassadors/patient support groups was perceived as a means to avoiding delays and securing early and effective treatment. Co展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.60804063supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under GrantNo.60804063one subproject of Jiangsu Province Science and Technology Transformation Project under Grant No.B3A2007058
文摘Modern systems for information retrieval, fusion and management need to deal more and more with information coming from human experts usually expressed qualitatively in natural language with linguistic labels. In this paper, we propose and use two new 2-Tuple linguistic representation models （i.e., a distribution function model （DFM） and an improved Herrera-Martinez＇s model） jointly with the fusion rules developed in Dezert-Smarandache Theory （DSmT）, in order to combine efficiently qualitative information expressed in term of qualitative belief functions. The two models both preserve the precision and improve the efficiency of the fusion of linguistic information expressing the global expert＇s opinion. However, DFM is more general and efficient than the latter, especially for unbalanced linguistic labels. Some simple examples are also provided to show how the 2-Tuple qualitative fusion rules are performed and their advantages.
文摘Background: The majority of breast cancer patients in Tanzania present with advanced disease, and a significant proportion has metastatic breast cancer (MBC) on presentation or develops it during the course of their follow-up. With few treatment options to choose from, such patients often benefit from empathic support and access to information to help them make treatment decisions based on their individual circumstances and needs. Patients with MBC have been shown to present with unique physical, social and psychological needs that require additional time, counselling and availability of health care providers in addition to the routine options available to other patients. In resource-limited settings, the needs of such patients are often unknown and unaddressed, which adds to the anxiety associated with the diagnosis and its treatment. Materials and methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted using 3 focus group discussions with a total of 17 participants with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) attending Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were purposively selected for the study from outpatient clinics and inpatient wards. A semi-structured FGD guide was used to moderate discussions and analysis was done using a thematic approach. Results: The median age of participants was 51 (range 33 - 81 years) with an average of 4 months (range 1 - 12 months) from diagnosis of BC to the interview. 4 (24%) were diagnosed with MBC on first presentation (denovo). Participants spoke about the importance of accurate BC-related information in allowing timely referral and treatment both in the community and within the health system. They recognized the role of mass and social media in increasing awareness about BC and identified myths surrounding cancer treatment especially mastectomy. Correct and timely information at points of care, through media platforms and via ambassadors/patient support groups was perceived as a means to avoiding delays and securing early and effective treatment. Co
