An introduction of Krill Herd algorithm for engineering optimization

A new metaheuristic optimization algorithm, called Krill Herd (KH), has been recently proposed by Gandomi and Alavi (2012). In this study, KH is introduced for solving engineering optimization problems. For more verification, KH is applied to six design problems reported in the literature. Further, the performance of the KH algorithm is com­pared with that of various algorithms representative of the state-of-the-art in the area. The comparisons show that the results obtained by KH are better than the best solutions obtained by the existing methods. First published online: 25 Aug 201

The next-generation constitutive correlations for simulation of cyclic stress-strain behaviour of sand

This paper presents an innovate approach to simulate the stress-strain behaviour of sands subjected to large amplitude regular cyclic loading. New prediction correlations were derived for damping ratio (D) and shear modulus (G) of sand utilizing linear genetic programming (LGP) methodology. The correlations were developed using several cyclic torsional simple shear test results. In order to formulate D and G, new equations were developed to simulate hysteresis strain–stress curves and maximum shear stress (τmax) at different loading cycles. A genetic algorithm analysis was per­formed to optimize the parameters of the proposed formulation for stress-strain relationship. A total of 746 records were extracted from the simple shear test results to develop the τmax predictive model. Sensitivity and parametric analyses were conducted to verify the results. To investigate the applicability of the models, they were employed to simulate the stress-strain curves of portions of test results that were not included in the analysis. The LGP method precisely charac­terizes the complex hysteresis behaviour of sandy soils resulting in a very good prediction performance. The proposed design equations may be used by designers as efficient tools to determine D and G, specifically when laboratory testing is not possible

A new design equation for prediction of ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundation on granular soils

A major concern in design of structures is to provide precise estimations of ultimate bearing capacity of soil beneath their foundations. Direct determination of the bearing capacity of foundations requires performing expensive and time consuming laboratory tests. To cope with this issue, several numerical models have been presented by researchers. This paper presents the development of a new design equation for the prediction of the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations on granular soils using linear genetic programming (LGP) methodology. The ultimate bearing capacity is formulated in terms of width of footing, footing geometry, depth of footing, unit weight of sand, and angle of shearing resistance. The LGP-based design equation is established using the results of several load tests on real sized foundations presented in the literature. Validity of the model is verified using a part of laboratory data that are not involved in the calibration process. The statistical measures of coefficient of determination, root mean squared error and mean absolute error are used to evaluate the performance of the model. Sensitivity and parametric analyses are conducted and discussed. The proposed model accurately characterizes the ultimate bearing capacity resulting in a very good prediction performance. The LGP model reaches a better prediction performance than the well-known prediction equations for the bearing capacity of shallow foundations

Multigene Genetic Programming for Estimation of Elastic Modulus of Concrete

This paper presents a new multigene genetic programming (MGGP) approach for estimation of elastic modulus of concrete. The MGGP technique models the elastic modulus behavior by integrating the capabilities of standard genetic programming and classical regression. The main aim is to derive precise relationships between the tangent elastic moduli of normal and high strength concrete and the corresponding compressive strength values. Another important contribution of this study is to develop a generalized prediction model for the elastic moduli of both normal and high strength concrete. Numerous concrete compressive strength test results are obtained from the literature to develop the models. A comprehensive comparative study is conducted to verify the performance of the models. The proposed models perform superior to the existing traditional models, as well as those derived using other powerful soft computing tools

Relationship between gestational anemia and body mass index

Background and aimAnemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in women at reproductive age. In spite of taking iron and folic acid during pregnancy, women suffer from it with a high incidence. Obesity has been suggested as one of causative factors of anemia in recent studies. The aim of this analytical study was to determine the relationship between anemia and body mass index (BMI) before gestation in women before pregnancy referring to Fatemieh Health Center affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 2007. Materials and methods159 women selected with purposive sampling were divided in terms of hemoglobin levels at 38-40 weeks of gestation into 2 groups (70 anemic, less than 11gr/dl and 89 normal, equal or more than 11gr/dl). BMI was calculated in terms of weight before the 8th week of gestation in kilogram and height in meter. Both groups were matched for intervening variables. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13. FindingsA significant difference was found in the hemoglobin levels of the groups, i.e. 1 unit increase of BMI would increase the likelihood of anemia 1.6 times (CI=%95, 1.2 to 1.9 times)(P>0.001). ConclusionObesity may be a risk factor leading to gestational anemia.  Keywords: Anemia, Body mass index (BMI), Gestation.     *Corresponding Author: Sedigheh, Amir AliAkbari. Lecturer, Dept. of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti Universityof Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. E-mail:[email protected]

Advances in Big Data and Cloud Computing: Proceedings of ICBDCC18

This book is a compendium of the proceedings of the International Conference on Big Data and Cloud Computing. It includes recent advances in the areas of big data analytics, cloud computing, internet of nano things, cloud security, data analytics in the cloud, smart cities and grids, etc. The volume primarily focuses on the application of the knowledge that promotes ideas for solving the problems of the society through cutting-edge technologies. The articles featured in this proceeding provide novel ideas that contribute to the growth of world class research and development

Correlation between quality of care and clients' satisfaction in family planning units of healthcare centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health services

Background and aimQuality of care is a dimension of quality of services and Clients’ satisfaction is an outcome of quality. However, clients’ satisfaction is sometimes translated as quality of care. The aim of this study was aimed to identify a correlation between quality of care and clients' satisfaction in family planning units of healthcare centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences & Health Services. Materials and methods In this descriptive study, 200 Clients referring to family planning units of 11 healthcare centers took part in the study with a multistage sampling method. Data were collected with a checklist to assess quality of care and a questionnaire to identify clients' satisfaction in 2 parts: structure and family planning services scored by a Likert scale. Content and face validities of the questionnaire were checked and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach’s α (r=0.94) and inter-rater methods (r=0.91). Data were analyzed with SPSS 16. Findings 56.73±10.96 percent of the services had conformity with standards; therefore, its quality was considered as moderate. The lowest and highest percents were related to education (35.43±16.14) and history taking (77.83±28.46) respectively. Clients' satisfaction was considered good (83.75±13.89). No significant correlation was found between quality of care and satisfaction.  Conclusion  With respect to the results, factors other than the quality of care can influence on clients' satisfaction. Therefore, all aspects should be assessed and, according to the problems found, appropriate interventions may be planned and implemented.         Keywords: Quality of care, Family planning, Satisfaction. *Corresponding Author: Masoomeh Simbar, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences & Health Services, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: [email protected]

Relation between gestational anemia and postpartum depression

AbstractIntroduction: Women at child-bearing age are at risk of postpartum depression. This disease results in serious complications for the mother, infant and family. The cause of depression is not clear. Various studies indicate some effect of psychosocial factors in this regard but little information is available about biological factors. Purpose: This analytical prospective study was carried out to determine the relation between anemia and postpartum depression in pregnant women referring to Fatemiye Healthcare Center affiliated to Hamadan Medical University in 2006. Materials and Methods: 159 pregnant women were selected by purposive sampling method. Their blood samples were collected to check anemia between 38-40 weeks of gestation after their informed consent. They were then divided into two anemic (89 subjects) and non-anemic (70 subjects) groups and matched in terms of their characteristics. Subjects in both groups completed Edinburgh questionnaire on 28th day after delivery for postpartum depression. Chi-square¸ Mann-Whitney U and relative-risk tests were used to analyze data. Results: %14.6 in the non-anemic group and %38.6 in the anemic group were depressed at 38-40 weeks of pregnancy and, in this period, anemia increased the probability rate of depression by 1.8 times (