Integral zeroes of Krawtchouk polynomials

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Krawtchouk polynomials appear in many various areas of mathematics starting from discrete mathematics (e.g., in coding theory), association schemes, and in the theory of graph representations. The existence/non-existence of integral zeroes of these polynomials is crucial for the existence/non-existence of combinatorial structures in the Hamming association schemes. The integer zeroes of Krawtchouk polynomials for k = 4; 5; 6 and 7 have been found using some very recent results on solvability of polynomial diophantine equations. Our aim is two-fold: Firstly, to verify these results using extensive computer calculations. This requires the solution of some of Pell’s equations and the use of the symbolic mathematics software mathematica. Secondly, we numerically investigate a conjecture dealing with the integer zeroes of the Krawtchouk polynomials Pm2 (m^2) (x) and provide confirmation of the conjecture using a combination of approaches up to m <= 1000, i.e., for the polynomials up to degree of about half a million

On the Integer Zeros of Krawtchouk Polynomials of Degree 8

Krawtchouk polynomials plays very important role in many different areas of mathematics such as discrete mathematics, coding theory, association schemes and graph theory. The issue of existence of integer zeros of Krawtchouk polynomials is crucial for the existence of combinatorial structures in the Hamming schemes. In this Paper our goal is to investigate the integer zeros of the modified Krawtchouk polynomials of the 8th order

On geometric moment invariants

In this paper we study the geometric moments invariants. We describe an image in terms of features which are invariant to some sort of transformations i.e mentioned translation, rotation and scaling change in exposure, brightness etc. Our aim is to check the performance of components for feature vectors

Willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among healthcare workers: an online survey in 10 countries in the eastern Mediterranean region

BACKGROUND: Willingness of healthcare workers to be vaccinated is an important factor to be considered for a successful COVID-19 vaccination programme. This study aims to understand the willingness of health workers to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and its associated concerns across 10 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2021 among healthcare workers in EMR using an online survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. RESULTS: A total of 2806 health workers (physicians, nurses and pharmacists) completed and returned the informed consent along with the questionnaire electronically. More than half of the respondents (58.0%) were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, even if the vaccination is not mandatory for them. On the other hand, 25.7% of respondents were not willing to take COVID-19 vaccine while 16.3 % were undecided. The top three reasons for not willing to be vaccinated were unreliability of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials (62.0%), fear of the side effects of the vaccine (45.3%), and that COVID-19 vaccine will not give immunity for a long period of time (23.1%). CONCLUSION: Overall, the study revealed suboptimal acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among the respondents in the EMR. Significant refusal of COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare professionals can reverse hard-won progress in building public trust in vaccination program. The findings suggest the need to develop tailored strategies to address concerns identified in the study in order to ensure optimal vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers in the EMR

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.]

Signals in the Soil: An Introduction to Wireless Underground Communications

In this chapter, wireless underground (UG) communications are introduced. A detailed overview of WUC is given. A comprehensive review of research challenges in WUC is presented. The evolution of underground wireless is also discussed. Moreover, different component of UG communications is wireless. The WUC system architecture is explained with a detailed discussion of the anatomy of an underground mote. The examples of UG wireless communication systems are explored. Furthermore, the differences of UG wireless and over-the-air wireless are debated. Different types of wireless underground channel (e.g., In-Soil, Soil-to-Air, and Air-to-Soil) are reported as well

Forgery detection using Krawtchouk moments

In this paper, we propose a method for processing image forgery detection using the Krawtchouk moments. The proposed method detects copy move forged regions of images by using Krawtchouk moments. Krawtchouk moments are used to extract features from the images to be used to identify the similar patches

Saudi Expert Consensus-Based Autism Spectrum Disorder Statement: From Screening to Management

Background: There is a large gap between the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the currently available services in Saudi Arabia. Services are often difficult to access, inconsistent in quality, incomplete, unsatisfactory, and costly. As such, there is a national need for expert consensus on the appropriate standards for the assessment and management of children on the autism spectrum. Methodology: A guideline development group (GDC) was formed by professionals representing all related specialties and institutions involved in the management of individuals on the autism spectrum in Saudi Arabia. They met on a regular basis over 21 months. The guideline development process consisted of five steps starting from reviewing existing guidelines and ending with discussing and writing this manuscript. A formal voting process was utilized and recommendations were discussed until a consensus was reached. Results: There was consensus on the following: A specialized diagnostic assessment needs to be carried out by an experienced multidisciplinary team for children referred to assess for ASD. They should be assessed for medical etiology, their behavioral history carefully reviewed, and symptoms directly observed. Longitudinal assessments are encouraged to reflect the effects of symptoms on the individual’s ability to function while with their family, among peers, and in school settings. An additional formal assessment of language, cognitive, and adaptive abilities as well as sensory status is essential to complete the diagnostic process. Interventions should be individualized, developmentally appropriate, and intensive, with performance data relevant to intervention goals to evaluate and adjust interventions. Target symptoms must be identified to address and develop monitoring systems to track change. Conclusion: ASD is a complex condition with widely varying clinical manifestations, thus requiring evaluation and intervention by a range of professionals working in coordination. Behavioral and environmental interventions are the key to optimal outcomes, in conjunction with medications when indicated for specific symptoms. Parental involvement in interventions is vital to sustaining therapeutic gains