A New Method for Solving Fuzzy Linear Programs with Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers

Ganesan and Veeramani [Fuzzy linear programs with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, Annals of Operations Research 143 (2006) 305-315.] proposed a new method for solving a special type of fuzzy linear programming problems. In this paper a new method, named as Mehar's method, is proposed for solving the same type of fuzzy linear programming problems and it is shown that it is easy to apply the Mehar's method as compared to the existing method for solving the same type of fuzzy linear programming problems

Predictability of Morningstar Rating for Future Performance on Canadian Mutual Funds

This paper analyzes the predictability of Morningstar Rating for future performance of Canadian equity mutual fund by applying dummy variable regression analysis on three performance metrics - Sharpe Ratio, Jensen’s Alpha, and Two-index Alpha. The examination period is from May 2004 to April 2009. The results show that Morningstar Rating System can predict future performance of Canadian mutual fund. Specifically, the higher rated funds significantly outperform lower rated funds. Similar results are obtained irrespective of the reference group used for the dummy variable regression

A G-READY model to support subject design for software engineering

This paper contributes to Scholarship of Teaching and Learning by proposing a dynamic model to support subject design for Computer Science during the current Coronavirus pandemic. The proposed G-READY model borrows from the greedy algorithm, which can support quick and efficient transition of subject teaching from F2f to online mode and vice versa in the most economical and time efficient manner. This model aims to deliver adaptable, optimized learning experience to students within shortest possible time frame. The paper also offers a support repository of learning and teaching tools that can help the faculty with designing their subjects with minimal effort spent on exploration for resources. This open source repository is aimed to bring efficiency to the process of curating effective learning and teaching resources for computer science teaching and can be extended further. The G-READY model proposes a learning design that is insightful, reflective, dynamic and learning supportive

Old age or cognitive decline? Examining the usability of a mobile health app for older Australians

There is a growing literature on the role of mobile health applications (mHealth apps) in supporting older adults and the self-management of personal health. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the usability of a government-funded mobile health app amongst older Australians and to evaluate whether cognitive function and demographic characteristics (i.e. age, gender, education) are associated with usability. A total of 28 older adults living in a regional city in Australia took part in the study. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data collection instruments consisted of validated cognitive tests, task-based usability tests, and a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using non-parametric strategies. The findings of this study demonstrated that a government-funded, mHealth app was usable by older adults. Users were able to perform basic tasks in an effective and efficient manner. The hypothesis that elderly age would be significantly associated with performance on cognitive tests, as well as usability, was not supported. Performance on some cognitive tests was significantly and positively related to usability. Education and gender were not related to usability. The results suggest that traditional stereotypes surrounding aging and cognitive decline need to be reexamined

Sleep Patterns Analysis Using Polysomnography: A Comparison Between Active and Sedentary Male

While there is a rising focus on sleep issues among population, a notable gap exists in the comparative analyses of sleep patterns between Active and Sedentary Male. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare sleep patterns and polysomnography measures between active and sedentary men. Total ten male participants were randomly selected to fulfill the purpose of the study. All the participants were in the age group 18-25 only. The selected variable, i.e. Total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), sleep efficiency (SE) and wake after sleep onset (WASO) was measured by RMS Quest 24/32 channel polysomnography machine. The obtained data were analyzed by applying independent t-test to identify the significant difference. An α-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results indicate that significant difference were found in selected variables as total sleep time (TST) of active and sedentary male, as the p-value (000) was < 0.05, a significant difference in the sleep onset latency (SOL) of active and sedentary male, as the p-value (000) was < 0.05, a significant difference in the wake after sleep onset  (WASO) of active and sedentary male, as the p-value (000) was < 0.05, also a significant difference in the sleep efficiency (SE) of active and sedentary male, as the p-value (000) was < 0.05, at 5% level of significance

Design of Operational Transconductance Amplifier using Double Gate MOSFET

Operational Ttransconductance Amplifier is very popular in analog electronics industry due to its vast applications. Analog integrated circuits have been widely used for high frequency applications. OTA has number of applications like filters, analog multipliers and analog dividers. Double gate MOSFETs (DG-MOSFETs) are strong contenders for nano scale region due its better control over short channel effects. DG-MOSFET can be used in analog circuit applications as a four-terminal device. Back gate bias can be used for better tunability. The double gate based circuits provide additional gains in terms of area, power and speed. This paper presents double gate based OTA which has high gain over a wide bandwidth. The simulation results shows gain of 9.32 dB and bandwidth is 7GHz.The simulations are done using Tanner EDA Software Tool at 90nm technology. Keywords: DG MOSFETs, OTA, Analog tunable circuits, Gain, Wide bandwidth, CMOS Process, Double gates, Self cascode techniqu

PREVALENCE OF NEAR MISS AND MATERNAL DEATHS AND ITS MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine maternal mortality ratio (MMR), maternal near miss incidence ratio (MNM IR), MNM to mortality ratio (MNM: MD), and mortality index (MI) and to know the prevalence, demographic distribution, causes and feto-maternal outcome of maternal near miss and maternal deaths. Methods: A retrospective review of near miss and maternal mortality over a period of 20 months in a tertiary teaching hospital in Punjab. Results: MMR was 998 MNM IR was 24.20/1000 live births. Maternal near miss mortality ratio was 2.4:1. MI was 29.21%. The most common cause of maternal mortality was hypertension, which was seen in 14 (53.84%) women. Among near miss cases, the most common complication noted was hemorrhage, seen in 40 (63.49%) cases. Among maternal deaths, 7 (26.92%) women delivered vaginally, 6 (23.07%) women underwent emergency cesarean section. Among near miss cases, 20 (31.74%) women delivered vaginally, 13 (20.63%) women underwent cesarean section while 7 (11.11%) had cesarean hysterectomy. Laparotomy for ruptured ectopic pregnancy was done in 6 (9.52%) women, 7 (11.11%) women had dilatation and evacuation, 3 (4.76%) had exploration of Uterovaginal canal. Preterm birth has seen in 8 (12.69%) in maternal deaths and 23(36.50%) in maternal near miss. Intrauterine fetal demise occurred in 4 (6.34%) in maternal deaths and 2 (4.87%) in near miss. Conclusion: The review of near miss cases is important to identify response of health care system to medical emergencies and provides opportunities to improve the quality of service

Design of Second Order Low Pass and High Pass Filter using Double Gate MOSFET based OTA

OTA-C filters are one of the most widely used as continuous time filters. It is because they are fast active integrators, provides low-power operation and tuning of the filter characteristics at higher frequencies. At high frequencies, the OP AMP based active filters has limited performance. We cannot change the values of resistors and inductors but OTA-C filter provides ability to change their values by changing the transconductance of OTA. Second order low and high pass filter structures have widespread applications. The double gate MOSFETs show better performance in the nanometer range of operation. Because it has better control over short channel effects (SCE’s) and other scaling related problems like gate leakage, sub-threshold conduction. Double gate MOSFET is four terminal device and back gate can be used for biasing which can tune the characteristics of circuit. This will provide additional advantage of low power and reduced area. This paper presents second order low pass and high pass filter based on double gate OTA for VHF and UHF frequency applications. The proposed filter consists of two OTAs and two capacitors. This filter shows low sensitivity to passive components, low component count and ease in design.  The simulation results shows pass band frequency of 14MHz and power consumption of 153.4 µwatt. The simulations are done using Tanner EDA version 13.0 at 90nm technology. Keywords: DG MOSFETs; OTA-C; Analog tunable circuits; Gain; Bandwidth; Double gate; Self cascode technique; Low pass filter; High pass filter

Experience of loneliness on well‑being among young individuals: A systematic scoping review

A systematic scoping review was conducted to explore the current evidence on the A systematic scoping review was conducted to explore the current evidence on the experience of loneliness influencing well-being among youths. The electronic databases Scopus, APA PsycINFO, Emerald Insight and One Search were used to identify relevant studies, followed by an analysis of the text words contained in the title and abstract, and of the index terms used to describe the article. Reference lists of all shortlisted articles were searched for additional studies. 20 studies (quantitative, qualitative and mixed) published in the English language were identified for inclusion. Findings illustrate that the experience of loneliness is a complex, evolutionary process influenced by relational and environmental factors. Results from the studies identified factors that promote lower experience of loneliness and better well-being in future life stages. Future research can substantiate the issues related to young individuals being socially isolated from others for a prolonged duration

Rv1288, a Two Domain, Cell Wall Anchored, Nutrient Stress Inducible Carboxyl-Esterase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Modulates Cell Wall Lipid

Rv1288, a conserved hypothetical protein of M. tuberculosis (M.tb), was recently characterized as two-domain esterase enzyme by in silico study. In the present study, Rv1288 and its domains (Est and Lyt) were cloned individually from M.tb into E. coli for expression and purification. The purified rRv1288 and rEst proteins exhibited lipolytic activity with medium chain length esters as optimum substrates, while Lyt domain did not show enzymatic activity. However, presence of Lyt domain resulted in enhanced rate of protein aggregation at higher temperature. Both rRv1288 and rEst followed the similar patterns of substrate specificity, temperature and pH activity. Site directed mutagenesis confirmed the Ser-294, Asp-391 and His-425 as catalytic site residues. Rv1288 was found to be present in cell wall fraction of M.tb H37Ra. Peptidoglycan binding activity of Rv1288 and its domains demonstrated that the Lyt domain is essential for anchoring protein to the cell wall. Expression of rv1288 was up regulated in M.tb under nutrient starved condition. Over expression of rv1288 in surrogate host M. smegmatis led to change in colony morphology, enhanced pellicle and aggregate formation that might be linked with the changed lipid composition of bacterial cell wall. Cell wall of M. smegmatis expressing rv1288 had higher amount of lipids, with a significant increase in trehalose dimycolate content. Rv1288 also leads to increase in drug resistance of M. smegmatis. Rv1288 also enhanced the intracellular survival of M. smegmatis in Raw264.7 cell line. Overall, this study suggested that Rv1288, a cell wall localized carboxyl hydrolase with mycolyl-transferase activity, modulated the cell wall lipids to favor the survival of bacteria under stress condition