CHARACTERIZATION AND ESTIMATION OF TRANSMUTED KUMARASWAMY DISTRIBUTION

In this article, a generalization of the Kumaraswamy distribution so-called transmuted Kumaraswamy distribution is proposed and studied. We will use the quadratic rank transmutation map (QRTM) in order to generate a flexible family of probability distributions taking Kumaraswamy distribution as the base value distribution by introducing a new parameter that would offer more distributional flexibility. We provide a comprehensive description of the mathematical properties of the subject distribution along with its reliability behavior. Keywords: Kumaraswamy distribution, Reliability Function, Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Order Statistic

An Advanced Weighted Levy Distribution: Statistical Properties and Application

In order to model price variations in market, finance engineers may employ the concept of Levy distribution. The slow fall off of  the Levy  distribution model is a good match after price changes. In this paper, a new weighted model is introduced which would be obtained by assigning weights to Levy distribution. This work provides an insight to some basic distributional properties of this distributions such as Moments, moment generating function, Skewness, kurtosis, Shannon’s entropy etc. Maximum likelihood estimation and method of moments are employed to estimate the model parameters. For the purpose of illustration the proposed model would be applied to the real data set. Keywords: Levy distribution, weighted distribution, Maximum likelihood estimation and Shannon’s entropy

Transmuted Inverse Rayleigh Distribution: A Generalization of the Inverse Rayleigh Distribution.

In this article, we generalize the Inverse Rayleigh distribution using the quadratic rank transmutation map studied by Shaw et al. (2007) to develop a transmuted inverse Rayleigh distribution. The properties of this distribution are derived and the estimation of the model parameters is performed by maximum likelihood method. Keywords: Inverse Rayleigh Distribution, Transmutation Map, Hazard Rate Function, Reliability Function, Order Statistics, Parameter Estimation

Lindley Approximation Technique for the Parameters of Lomax Distribution

The present study is concerned with the estimation of shape and scale parameter of Lomax distribution using Bayesian approximation techniques (Lindley's Approximation). Different priors viz gamma, exponential and Levy priors are used to obtain the Bayes estimates of parameters of Lomax distributions under Lindley approximation technique. For comparing the efficiency of the obtained results a simulation study is carried out using R-software

Factors affecting use of ICTs for Rational Decision-making in Healthcare Organizations of Developing Countries (DCs)

The increasing pressure of business environment of the information age is forcing the organizations of the entire world to adopt and use Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in decision making. It is well reported that private sector organizations are using information system for achieving strategic advantages and gaining financial and business benefits more than its public counterpart. The literature nevertheless offers limited understanding in regard of the impacts of ICTs on public and private health sector organization in Pakistani context. This study aims to investigate the adoption and use of ICTs in decision making of both the public and private health organizations to figure out existing differences. Factors like human and organization; three enabling technologies (TPS, MIS and EIS) and three decision-making phases (intelligence, design and choice) have been used in designing the framework of the study. Data analyses reveal that organization is the strongest factor for the success of IT. Literature also highlights that Decision making process and enabling technologies are significantly positively related with effective decision making with enabling technologies as significant factor. The finding of the study reveals that the public health organizations are far behind in using ICTs in decision making than their private counterpart. The executives of public organizations neither take interest in the adoption and use of ICTs nor have awareness and experience to solve their problems. It is worth mentioning that the Government of Pakistan is moving towards digitization.   Key words: IT-usage factors (human & organization), Enabling Technologies (EIS, MIS, TPS), Decision-making process (intelligence, design, choice) and Effective decision

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures analysis and assessment with artificial neural networks (ANNs)

This project aims to develop a radically new stable, robust and computationally efficient structural analysis procedure capable of realistically and objectively predicting the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This procedure will be suitable for both research and practical applications and will be capable of effectively solving design optimization and reliability problems which require extensive parametric studies. For this purpose, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are employed which require significantly less computational resources compared to more traditional approaches of structural analysis based on the non-linear finite element analysis (NLFEA). The procedure is based on the simulation of the nonlinear behaviour of each RC element (ranging from which include typical beams and column) through the use of a model which consist of a finite element incorporating an ANN the latter predicting brittle modes of failure and the associated load-carrying capacity. For this purpose, databases consisting of test data obtained from experiments carried out on a range of simple (determinate) structural configurations (e.g.; Beam, Column, T-beam and Slab) are developed. Subsequently the published test data is used for training the ANN models. The predictions obtained from the trained ANN models are then compared to the predictions of the relevant design codes and alternative assessment methods concerning specific aspects of RC structural behaviour at the ultimate limit state (ULS). For validation of these ANN models, limited nonlinear finite-element analyses are also conducted. These models are then used to form ANN-FEA models to simulate more intricate RC structural configurations consisting of more than one structural elements. In the latter ANN-FE models, ANNs are essentially used as a failure criteria when conducting non-linear static push over analysis. The stability and robustness of the proposed structural analysis method, as well as the validity and objectivity of its predictions, is ensured through a comparative study of the predicted behaviour of RC frames under static loads with its experimentally and numerically established counterparts. The predictions obtained from ANN-FE models are compared to their counterparts obtained from professional and research analysis packages for the case of a number RC structures. The proposed procedure employs the ANNs as failure criteria defining the loadbearing capacity and mode of failure exhibited by the individual RC beams and columns during the pushover analysis. The results show that the ANN-FE model predicts the structural response of RC at ULS with more accurately as compared to industrial tools (i.e., SAP 2000) and in less amount of time without requiring the high computational resources as compare to research tools (i.e., ABAQUS)

Improving the Aging Resistance of Asphalt by Addition of Polyethylene and Sulphur

With the increase in demand of flexible pavements, due to their various advantages over rigid pavements, there is a need to improve the aging properties of the bitumen in order to enhance its resistance against different types of distresses such as rutting, fatigue cracking. This research focus on the use of one polymeric additive Polyethylene (PE) and one non polymeric additive Sulphur (S) to enhance the aging resistance of asphalt. These modifiers are evaluated for their effect on the aging mechanism in comparison with the unmodified bitumen. Aging of the original and modified bitumen is realized by the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV). Physical properties of the aged and unaged asphalt binders are evaluated through empirical testing like penetration, ductility and softening point test. Optimum content of the modifiers is obtained by comparing the results of conventional properties before and after aging. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) are performed to bring out the chemical and morphological changes in the modified binder. Rheological properties of modified asphalt are evaluated with the help of a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). Results indicate improvement in physical properties of the modified asphalt even after the aging. Penetration index increased which shows less temperature susceptibility of the modified binders. Carbonyl and sulfoxide index are used as aging indicators which shows reduction in case of modified samples. Decrease in the sulfoxide and carbonyl index indicates better oxidation resistance of the modified samples. Morphological analysis proves good compatibility of the modifiers with asphalt binders. DSR results indicate improved viscoelastic properties of the modified binders. Hence it can be concluded that Polyethylene and Sulphur are good options to improve the aging resistance of asphalt in terms of their cost effectiveness and environment friendly nature

A review of groundwater fluoride contamination in Pakistan and an assessment of the risk of fluorosis

This study was conducted with the financial support of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, and the University of Peshawar, Pakistan. We greatly acknowledge with deep gratitude this financial supportPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Rosai-Dorfman disease of the paranasal sinuses and orbit

Rosai-Dorfman disease, also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a benign indolent disorder, characterized by enlarged lymph nodes filled with histiocytes. Extranodal involvement is uncommon. The disease rarely affects the nose and paranasal sinuses. We report a case that presented with a right nasal mass, extending into all the paranasal sinuses and right orbit without any accompanying lymphadenopathy. Because of the absence of lymphadenopathy it posed a diagnostic challenge until the pathology was confirmed on histopathological examination