Role of Evolutionary Algorithms in Construction Projects Scheduling

Due to the increase in the stakeholders and their objectives the construction projects have significantly been affected by the ongoing demands leading to increase in complexity of scheduling problems, research in the field of Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) have increased significantly. Through their population-based search methodologies, Evolutionary Algorithms drove attention to their efficiency in addressing scheduling problems involving two or three objectives. Genetic Algorithms (GA) particularly have been used in most of the construction optimization problems due to their ability to provide near-optimal Pareto solutions in a reasonable amount of time for almost all objectives. However, when optimizing more than three objectives, the efficiency of such algorithms degrades and trade-offs among conflicting objectives must be made to obtain an optimal Pareto Frontier. To address that, this paper aims to provide a comparative analysis on four evolutionary algorithms (Genetic algorithms – Memetic algorithms – Particle Swarm – Ant colony) in the field of construction scheduling optimization, gaps are addressed, and recommendations are proposed for future research development

Carotid atherosclerosis: Socio-demographic issues, the hidden dimensions

SummaryBackground and purposeThe effect of conventional vascular risk factors on carotid atherosclerosis had been reported in many studies. Little is known about social and demographic issues on the development of carotid artery disease among different populations. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis among Egyptians and its difference in relations to other studies from industrialized countries.MethodsWe analyzed the data of 4733 Egyptian subjects who underwent extracranial carotid duplex scanning at the vascular laboratories of the largest tertiary referral hospital in Cairo from January 2003 to January 2008. Demographic and clinical data were correlated with ultrasound findings.ResultsAtherosclerotic carotid artery disease was present in 41% of the study population, significant and high grade disease detected in 2.5% of the study populations. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis selected age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia as independent predictors of the presence of carotid atherosclerotic disease.ConclusionHemodynamically significant extracranial atherosclerotic carotid disease is rare in Egyptians. Risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis are the same as in societies where carotid disease is more prevalent

Titrated Misoprostol Versus Dinoprostone for Labor Induction

Background: Misoprostol is as effective as dinoprostone for labor induction with low cost and temperature stability.Aim: This study designed to compare titrated misoprostol regarding its safety and efficacy with dinoprostone for induction of labor.Subjects and Methods: Women with a single pregnancy, above 37 weeks’ gestation, cephalic presentation, modified Bishop’s score <8, and not in labor with reassuring fetal heart rate, admitted for labor induction enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Studied women were randomized into; Group I: received oral misoprostol titrated in sterile water (200 μg tablet was dissolved in 200 ml sterile water [1 μg/ml]), starting dose of 20 μg misoprostol required, given every 2 h, and stopped if adequate contractions obtained and Group II: received vaginal dinoprostone tablet maximum two doses followed by augmentation of labor by oxytocin ± amniotomy if there is no uterine contractions after two doses of dinoprostone. In Group I, if the contractions were inadequate after two doses of oral titrated misoprostol (20 μg [20 ml]), the starting dose increased to 40 μg (40 ml), escalating the dose from 5 to 10 ml (45–50 μg), and 20 ml (60 μg) maximum ± amniotomy. If the uterine contractions were adequate, the next dose of misoprostol or dinoprostone was omitted. Statistical analysis done using Student’s t‑test for quantitative data and Chi‑square test for qualitative data.Results: Induction‑to‑delivery time was significantly longer in misoprostol than dinoprostone group (975 vs. 670 min, respectively), (P = 0.01). About 20.2% (21/104) of women in misoprostol group did not deliver vaginally within 24 h compared to 7.4% (8/108) in dinoprostone group (significant difference, P = 0.01). Augmentation of labor was significantly high in dinoprostone (37.96% [41/108]) compared to misoprostol group (10.6% [11/104]) (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Titrated misoprostol for induction of labor seems to be associated with significantly longer induction‑to‑delivery time, low incidence of vaginal birth within 24 h, and less need for augmentation of labor compared to vaginal dinoprostone.KEY WORDS: Dinoprostone, labor induction, titrated misoprosto

Thyroid Hormone Indices in Computer Workers with Emphasis on the Role of Zinc Supplementation

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on thyroid hormones and the possible protective role of zinc supplementation.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included three groups. The first group (group B) consisted of 42 computer workers. This group was given Zinc supplementation in the form of one tablet daily for eight weeks. The second group (group A) comprised the same 42 computer workers after zinc supplementation. A group of 63 subjects whose job does not entail computer use was recruited as a control Group (Group C). All participants filled a questionnaire including detailed medical and occupational histories. They were subjected to full clinical examination. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and zinc levels were measured in all participants. RESULTS: TSH, FT3, FT4 and zinc concentrations were decreased significantly in group B relative to group C. In group A, all tested parameters were improved when compared with group B. The obtained results revealed that radiation emitted from computers led to changes in TSH and thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) in the workers. CONCLUSION: Improvement after supplementation suggests that zinc can ameliorate hazards of such radiation on thyroid hormone indices

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Spiritual values between theological symbolism and design globalization in the contemporary mosque architecture

The Islamic architecture and the especially architecture of the mosques, had lots of trends that have varied interpretations within the concept of the architectural style according to a set of vocabulary, which focused on them, some of them touched the style of shape and form in a limited way, and some went deeply in the research and extrapolation of the morphological aspect of the expression of faith and theology in its full concept in the shadow of the globalization. Hence, the problem of the research is based on the dialectic of the dispute over the contemporary architecture of the mosque between the dominance of the style system in terms of the form and morphological embodiment of the traditional mosque and the symbolic embodiment of the spiritual values emanating from the Islamic theology in the context of design globalization as a common expression language. This confirms the existence of an intellectual and design crisis as a result of neglecting the role of non-traditional solutions in the possibility of expressing spirituality. The research also aims at uncovering the effectiveness of the symbolic appearance of values and hidden messages behind the design, and monitoring the factors influencing the design trends of the contemporary mosque from design data and spiritual values related to the faith and creed, which contribute in some way to enhance the positive image of ideal Islamic doctrine and the dissemination of human values advocated by the religion of Islam, which plays a role in improving the image of Islam and Muslims in the West and in front of anyone who deliberately distort this truth or try to obliterate it.The research includes a theoretical study based on a descriptive and analytical approach to the concepts of research axes, and an applied study that includes the study of models of contemporary mosques in a variety of styles to investigate the effectiveness of the expression mechanisms using the symbol in the embodiment of spiritual and ideological values in line with design globalization, while not forgetting the morphological characteristics of the Islamic model of the mosque. The research concludes with applicable conclusions and recommendations by drawing up a list of design standards for the design of the contemporary mosque

Cultural Buildings Design between Visual Creativity and Psychological Impact(An approach for activating the concept of uncanny architecture in expressing national issues)

As culture includes intellectual content, design is at the forefront of the cultural features that could embody authentic national issues, represented in the design that plays a prominent role in reaching a specific identity that reflects cultural reality. In the frame of spreading cultural and national awareness, cultural buildings such as museums and cultural centers are the most important platforms to shed light on the stages of life development, support channels of communication with the world and attract attention to our Arab issues. The design of these buildings depends not only on the functional basis but also on enriching the design philosophy with intellectual determinants that have the potential to have a psychological impact on the users of these buildings. Some international models that use non-stereotyped design methods have been introduced, and non-traditional intellectual trends have been adopted based on new visual creativity such as uncanny architecture, exotic design with psychological effects to create a civilized language embraces artistic heritage, historical and express humanity, and its path in a new image away from the manner of indoctrination. The problem of the research focuses on the dialectic of the conflict over the trends of architecture that are not familiar between the control of visual creativity of the design production in the Arab world and the inability to express local cultures. This confirms the existence of an intellectual and design crisis as a result of neglecting the role of unconventional design solutions to enhance identity, and visual effect on the recipient, as well as to reflect the psychological impact on the users of these buildings to interact with Arab issues. The research aims at uncovering the effectiveness of symbolic projection of hidden values and messages behind design, and finding factors determining the nature of the dialectic between design data and psychological effects. The research includes a theoretical study based on the method of description and analysis of the concepts of research axes, and an analytical study that includes case studies of cultural buildings that deal with national issues through analysis. The research concludes with applicable results and recommendations by drawing up a list of design criteria to benefit from the philosophical approaches to nontraditional architecture and uncanny arts to create a positive interactive field with Arab issues

Approaches for BIM-based multi-objective optimization in construction scheduling

Construction scheduling is a complex process due to the interdependence and contradiction of project activities. This requires applying population-based optimization algorithms like evolutionary algorithms to reach optimal solutions. However, when optimizing more than three objectives, the efficiency of such algorithms degrades and trade-offs among conflicting objectives must be made to obtain an optimal Pareto Frontier. Recently, there have been attempts to integrate Building Information Modelling (BIM) with Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) algorithms to solve building design and management problems like construction. This paper aims to assess the potential of developing models that combine information systems and optimization methods for better decision-making process. A structured literature review is provided giving insights on the predominant multi-objective optimization approaches and the active BIM-based optimization models, with an emphasis on the potential of providing more effective and robust construction process that combine BIM with optimization tools. Finally, gaps are addressed, and recommendations are proposed for future research development

Influence of thickness and surface conditioning on fracture resistance of occlusal veneer

Abstract Background The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of restoration thickness, surface conditioning and the interaction between them on the fracture resistance of CAD/CAM fabricated lithium disilicate occlusal veneers. Methods A total of 42 maxillary molars were prepared to receive CAD/CAM fabricated lithium disilicate occlusal veneer either with 0.5 mm (n = 21) or 1 mm (n = 21) thickness. Each main group was divided into 3 subgroups (n = 7), according to surface treatment, HF acid (HF-1, HF-0.5), acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF-1, APF-0.5) and Monobond etch & prime (MON-1, MON-0.5). Multilinik N (Ivoclar-Vivadent) adhesive resin cement was used for bonding according to the manufacturer instructions. One hour after bonding, specimens were stored in water bath for 75 days followed by cyclic loading fatigue for 240,000 cycles to simulate clinical situation. Finally, specimens were fractured under compressive load in (N) using a universal testing machine. Two and one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey test were used for statistical analysis. Results The means ± SD (N) fracture load for each group were calculated. MON-1 group showed the highest fracture load (1644.7 ± 155.3) followed by HF-1 group (1514.6 ± 212.5). Meanwhile, APF-0.5 showed the lowest fracture load (962 ± 249.6). Conclusion CAD/CAM fabricated lithium disilicate occlusal veneers can be used with a thickness of 0.5 mm instead of conventional crowns. Monobond etch & prime is recommended as a surface treatment for CAD/CAM fabricated lithium disilicate occlusal veneer due to biological hazards of Hydrofluoric acid