Multi-level Multi-objective Quadratic Fractional Programming Problem with Fuzzy Parameters: A FGP Approach

The motivation behind this paper is to present multi-level multi-objective quadratic fractional programming (ML-MOQFP) problem with fuzzy parameters in the constraints. ML-MOQFP problem is an important class of non-linear fractional programming problem. These type of problems arise in many fields such as production planning, financial and corporative planning, health care and hospital planning. Firstly, the concept of the -cut and fuzzy partial order relation are applied to transform the set of fuzzy constraints into a common crisp set. Then, the quadratic fractional objective functions in each level are transformed into non-linear objective functions based on a proposed transformation. Secondly, in the proposed model, separate non-linear membership functions for each objective function of the ML-MOQFP problem are defined. Then, the fuzzy goal programming (FGP) approach is utilized to obtain a compromise solution for the ML-MOQFP problem by minimizing the sum of the negative deviational variables. Finally, an illustrative numerical example is given to demonstrate the applicability and performance of the proposed approach

Some Features of Joint Confidence Regions for the Parameters of the Inverse Weibull Distribution

In this paper, we will study the joint confidence regions for the parameters of inverse Weibull distribution in the point of view of record values. One of the applications of the joint confidence regions of the parameters is to find confidence bounds for the functions of the parameters. Joint confidence regions for the parameters of extreme value distribution are also discussed. In this way we will discus some numerical examples with real data set and simulated data, to illustrate the proposed method. A simulation study is performed to compare the proposed joint confidence regions. Keywords: The joint confidence regions, confidence bounds; inverse Weibull distribution, extreme value distribution

Pattern and severity of childhood unintentional injuries in Ismailia city, Egypt

In 2009, more than 746 000 injury cases were registered in the Ministry of Health hospitals in Egypt, with an injury rate of 1 004/100 000 population. Around 38% of all injuries occur among children and young adults less than 20 years of age. Furthermore, more than 20 000 people lose their lives to injuries every year (27/100 000). However, these data lack information on injury pattern, severity, provided care and outcome of injuries, which are essential data for planning injury control programmes.The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, nature and risk factors of childhood injuries in the Suez Canal University Hospital Emergency Department.The study included a total of 551 children of 12 years of age. The most common causes of injuries among those children were falls (60%), road traffic injuries (15%) and burns (7%). The most commonly sustained injuries were fractures (23%), cuts or open wounds (21%), sprains (20%) and burns (13%). Overall injury severity scores (ISSs) were low across all injury types, except road traffic injuries (RTIs). The majority of patients were treated and discharged without disability (50.5%), while 7.4% had long-term temporary disability that lasted for more than 6 weeks, and 1.9% sustained permanent disability. There were two deaths (0.4% proportionate mortality); both of them were due to falls from a height.In conclusion, the study confirms the feasibility of documenting the burden of childhood injuries on health systems in Egypt. It also confirmed the need for tailored injury-prevention research in Egypt. The resulting data should encourage interventional trials to be conducted, appropriate injury-prevention strategies to be implemented and timely interventions to be planned.Keywords: Childhood unintentional injuries, Egypt, risk factors

An Investigation of Inference of the Generalized Extreme Value Distribution Based on Record

In this article, the maximum likelihood and Bayes estimates of the generalized extreme value distribution based on record values are investigated. The asymptotic confidence intervals as well as bootstrap confidence are proposed. The Bayes estimators cannot be obtained in closed form so the MCMC method are used to calculate Bayes estimates as well as the credible intervals. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed estimation methods developed here. Keywords: Generalized extreme value distribution, Record values, Maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian estimation

Multichannel blind deconvolution using a generalized Gaussian source model

In this paper, we present an algorithm for the problem of multi-channel blind deconvolution which can adapt to un-known sources with both sub-Gaussian and super-Gaussian probability density distributions using a generalized gaussian source model. We use a state space representation to model the mixer and demixer respectively, and show how the parameters of the demixer can be adapted using a gradient descent algorithm incorporating the natural gradient extension. We also present a learning method for the unknown parameters of the generalized Gaussian source model. The performance of the proposed generalized Gaussian source model on a typical example is compared with those of other algorithm, viz the switching nonlinearity algorithm proposed by Lee et al. [8]. © Association for Scientific Research

Removal of Nickel (II) from Aqueous Solution Via Carbonized date Pits and Carbonized Rice Husks

The adsorption of nickel from liquid solutions onto carbonized date pits (CDP) and rice husks (CRH) has been investigated in the current study. The process was studied in a batch system with respect to the initial pH, contact time, temperature, adsorbent dose and nickel initial concentration. The results showed that the experimental data was well represented by first order model for CDP and second order model for CRH. Based on the kinetic modeling, the apparent activation energies calculated were 7.84 kJ and 18.502 kJ/mol for CDP and CRH, respectively. The results also indicated that process of nickel uptake by CDP and CRH was physical adsorption process. The equilibrium data for CDP indicated that it fitted both Freundlich and Langmuir models. However, adsorption onto CRH fitted Freundlich model better based upon the higher value of R2 obtained. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔHº, ΔSº and ΔGº) calculated from the experimental data indicated that the process was endothermic and spontaneous

3-D numerical model of jack force interaction to segmental tunnel lining in soft soil

The construction process of a bored tunnel is a complicated process. During tunnelling, loads were acting on tunnel and tunnel lining were installed to support excavation. Simultaneously, soil redistribution induced by tunnel excavation leads to lining to deform. One of the parameters that affect global soil-tunnel behaviour is the jack forces. Jack force is exerted during the tunnel advancement to install the lining and the same time to enhance tunnel face stability. The complexity of jack force application to ensure the overall tunnel stability is not fully studied yet. Hence, the impact of jacking force on segmental tunnel lining and surrounding soil during the tunnel advance is still unclear. This paper presents a numerical simulation by using ABAQUS/Standard 3D FE software to determine and investigate the lining deformations/jacking force relationship. The behaviour of different tunnel lining thickness applied with a variation of jack forces in the tunnel-boring machine (TBM) were examined. The result based on the numerical model explained that the jacking force required to advance is related to the cross section area of segments. Finally, a relation has been established between the segment's thickness and the jacking force t hat required advancing through a certain soil block with specific loads cases. The findings showed that the complex geological features and loads case applied to cause great stress on the tunnel face which have to be encountered by a certain thrust magnitude to advance the tunnel. The model analyses the contact reaction and radial reaction to the segment as a result of the axial force that is exerted by jack thrust and bending moment due to strata load, respectively. However, a proposed model that suggests a certain step to investigate and analyse the magnitude of jack forces is required

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in camels recently imported to Egypt from Sudan and a global systematic review.

INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related intracellular protozoan parasites of medical and veterinary concern by causing abortions and systemic illness. Limited or ambiguous data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camels triggered us to conduct this study. METHODS Camels (n = 460) recently imported from Sudan and destined mainly for human consumption, were tested for specific antibodies against these protozoans using commercially available ELISAs. From the two only quarantine stations for camels from Sudan, 368 camels were sampled between November 2015 and March 2016 in Shalateen, Red Sea governorate, and 92 samples were collected between September 2018 and March 2021 from Abu Simbel, Aswan governorate. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Overall, seropositive rates in camels were 25.7%, 3.9% and 0.8% for T. gondii, N. caninum and mixed infection, respectively. However, marked differences were found between the two study sites and/or the two sampling periods: For T. gondii, a higher rate of infection was recorded in the Red Sea samples (31.5%, 116/368; odds ratio 20.7, 5.0-85.6; P<0.0001) than in those collected in Aswan (2.2%, 2/92). The opposite was found for N. caninum with a lower rate of infection in the Red Sea samples (0.82%, 3/368; odds ratio 23.7, 6.7-83.9; P<0.0001) than in the samples from Aswan (16.3%, 15/92). Additionally, our systematic review revealed that the overall published seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum was 28.6% and 14.3% in camels worldwide, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first record of seroprevalence of both T. gondii and N. caninum in recently imported camels kept under quarantine conditions before delivery to other Egyptian cities and regions. In addition, our review provides inclusive data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camel globally. This knowledge provides basic data for the implementation of strategies and control measures against neosporosis and toxoplasmosis

Surfactant-Free Peroxidase-Mediated Enzymatic Polymerization of a Biorenewable Butyrolactone Monomer via a Green Approach:Synthesis of Sustainable Biobased Latexes

A green surfactant-free one-pot horseradish peroxidase-mediated enzymatic polymerization is successfully applied to produce a sustainable and thermally stable biobased high average molar mass poly(α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) (PMBL) at ambient conditions in water for the first time. The initiation step required only very low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and 2,4-pentanedione water-soluble initiator to generate the keto-enoxy radicals responsible for forming the primary latex particles. The polymer nanoparticles can be seen as monodisperse, and the biobased latexes are colloidally stable and likely stabilized by the adsorption of 2,4-pentanedione moieties on the particle surfaces. Polymerizations in air produced a 98% yield of PMBL after only 3 h, highlighting the relevance of molecular oxygen. An array of characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H, 13C, and HSQC two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) are used to confirm the properties of the synthesized latexes. The PMBL exhibited high thermal stability, with only a 5% weight loss at 340 °C and a glass-transition temperature of 200 °C, which is double that of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This research provides an interesting pathway for the synthesis of sustainable biobased latexes via enzymes in a green environment using just water at ambient conditions and the potential use of the polymer in high-temperature applications.</p