A Method of Optimizing a Set of Programs for Mitigating Threats Related to the Undertaking of a Contract for the Execution of Construction Works

This article deals with the problem of limiting the risk of taking up a construction contract for the execution of construction works. The authors have developed an advisory system that will support the analysis of threats on the basis of existing experiences for a specific activity without having to construct an individualized organizational model of an investment. In order to identify a relatively complete set of threats that occur in investment and construction processes in road construction investments, as well as to identify possible programs of their reduction, a model and a method of optimizing programs for reducing risks related to contracts was developed. Threats are considered to be possible events that take place during the preparation, implementation and settlement of any contract. The programs concern specific actions that can be taken in relation to specific threats. Every program contains a set of threats that will be limited as a result of its execution and also has a specific implementation cost. The aim of the proposed optimization is to determine, with regard to costs, a combination of risk reduction programs that is appropriate for the risk states that are accepted by a decision maker. The problem is solved using graph theory and a minimum cover determination algorithm with the use of the minimum alternative formula (mfa) of the Boolean function. A method of actively responding to identified threats during the implementation of a construction contract should take the form of an advisory system that will provide an answer as to what risks should be taken into account when undertaking a contract, as well as what actions can be taken to reduce these risks.

A Comparative study of Andra bhasha bhushanam and Tolkappiyam

This review examines the subject under five sub-headings: writing intent, writing structure, Type of techniques, vocabulary, and spelling observation. Of these, the structure of the text is examined under two sub-headings, external structure and internal structure. Among the 32 writing techniques mentioned by Tolkappiyar, 1. Writing purpose, 2. Section order, 3. Codification expression, 4. Section expression, 5. Semantic coordination, 6. Fictional gestures, 7. Meaningful reference, 8. Alternative formula entry, 9. Future reference, 10. Sutra and examples are examined in bilingual grammars. In formulaic construction methods such as sutrartham, sutra structure, relation between sutras, gana, nipatam are taken into consideration. In the alphabet section, topics such as distribution of letters, creation of letters, conjugation, and word usage are examined. Finally, at the end of the character the 10 things identified in the bilingual grammars examined comparatively are revealed and the table of reference is compiled.

The predictive value of creatinine clearance for mortality in patients undergoing revascularization

Background Renal function plays a significant role in the prognosis and management of patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for revascularization. Current data lack precise risk stratification using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine clearance. Methods This prospective study includes a three-year follow-up of 1112 consecutive patients with multi-vessel CAD enrolled in the 22 hospitals in Israel that perform coronary angiography. Results The Mayo formula yielded the highest mean eGFR (90 ± 26 mL/min per 1.73m2) and chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) the lowest (76 ± 24 mL/min per 1.73m2). Consequently, the Mayo formula classified more patients (56%) as having normal renal function. There was a significant and strong correlation between the values obtained from all five formulas using Cockcroft-Gault as the reference formula: Mayo: r = 0.80, p < 0.001; CKD-EPI: r = 0.87, p < 0.001; modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD): r = 0.84, p < 0.001; inulin clearance-based: r = 0.99, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that decreased renal function is an independent predictor of 3-year mortality in all five formulas, with risk increasing by 15–25% for each 10-unit decrease in eGFR. Despite the similarities between the formulas, the ability to predict mortality was highest in the Mayo formula and lowest in MDRD. Conclusions Our data suggest that while the Mayo formula is not currently recommended by any nephrology guidelines, it may be an alternative formula to predict mortality among patients with multivessel CAD, including to the widely used MDRD formula.

An Alternative Approach to Solving Cubic and Quartic Polynomial Equations

Aims: The aim of the research study was to develop a more direct and intuitive approach for the solution of polynomial equations of degree 3 and four. Study Design: The study employed equivalent polynomial substitution that is more intuitive and direct to formulate than the traditional formulations and one that is easily solvable. Place and Duration of Study: The study has been undertaken by the author at the university of Eswatini in the period from February to March 2021. Methodology: Two alternative procedures have been presented for the analytical solution of cubic and quartic equations and demonstrated with worked examples. The solution is derived through a direct procedure without involving intermediate variable substitution. Results: For cubic equations, the solution provides explicit expression of an equivalent cubic that is formed directly in terms of the original variable x. As such, the formula is intuitive and simple to derive or understand as well as apply. For the quartic equations, the same decomposition form is used as that of the cubic equation using two quadratic polynomials that have symmetric form thus making it easy to develop the solution as well as solve the equations Conclusion: The alternative formula is easy to formulate and solve and provides a more intuitive basis for understanding and solving polynomial equations.

Buckling Load Estimation of Two-way Grid Domes Stiffened by Diagonal Braces Under Vertical Load

The present study proposes an efficient scheme to estimate elastic-plastic buckling load of a shallow grid dome stiffened by diagonal braces. The dome is circular in plan. It is assumed to be subject to a uniform vertical load and to be supported by a substructure composed of columns and anti-earthquake braces. Based on FEM parametric studies considering various configurations and degrees of local imperfections, a set of formulations are presented to estimate the elastic-plastic buckling load. In the scheme, the linear buckling load, elastic buckling load, and imperfection sensitivity are first presented in terms of related parameters, and the elasticplastic buckling load is then estimated by a semi-empirical formula in terms of generalized slenderness ratio using a corresponding plastic load. For the plastic load, the present scheme adopts a procedure that it is calculated by a linear elastic FEM analysis, while an alternative formula for the plastic load is also proposed based on a shell membrane theory. The validity of the estimation scheme is finally confirmed through comparison with the results based on FEM nonlinear analysis. The formulations are so efficient and simple that the estimation may be conducted for preliminary design purposes almost with a calculator. .

Remarks on radial symmetry and monotonicity for solutions of semilinear higher order elliptic equations

<abstract><p>Half a century after the appearance of the celebrated paper by Serrin about overdetermined boundary value problems in potential theory and related symmetry properties, we reconsider semilinear polyharmonic equations under Dirichlet boundary conditions in the unit ball of $ \mathbb{R}^{n} $. We discuss radial properties (symmetry and monotonicity) of positive solutions of such equations and we show that, in <italic>conformal dimensions</italic>, the associated Green function satisfies elegant reflection and symmetry properties related to a suitable Kelvin transform (inversion about a sphere). This yields an alternative formula for computing the partial derivatives of solutions of polyharmonic problems. Moreover, it gives some hints on how to modify a counterexample by Sweers where radial monotonicity fails: we numerically recover strict radial monotonicity for the biharmonic equation in the unit ball of $ \mathbb{R}^{4} $.</p></abstract>

Experience of calculating interstitial collagen volumetric fraction in patients with hypertonic disease

The aim of the research is to optimize the assessment of collagen volumetric fraction in patients with stage 1 and 2 hypertensions. Material and methods. In total 39 patients with arterial hypertension took part in the study. Group 1 included patients (n = 13) with stage 1 hypertension, the second group included patients with stage 2 hypertension (n = 26). To verify structural changes in the left ventricle, all subjects underwent comprehensive examination, including history taking, anthropometric data taking, ECG study with the calculation of general QRS (mm) as a total indicator of R wave amplitude in 12 electrocardiographic leads, and echocardiography according to standard technique. Statistical analysis, based on the data obtained, was carried out using SPSS soft ware package. Furthermore, there was comparison of collagen volumetric fraction calculation (СVFC) according to the method of J. Shirani et al. (1992), and by our own formula based on nonlinear regression equation. Results. When calculating СVFC in accordance with the formula of J. Shirani et al. (1992), СVFC values (%) in the 1st group of subjects were 8.48 [5.5; 9.7]; in the 2nd group they were 11.16 [0.5; 1.7], (U = 51.0, p = 0.45). When studying groups СVFC in accordance with the alternative formula, more statistically signifi cant diff erences were observed: СVFC values in the 1st group were 23.5 [21.4; 30.4], in the 2nd group - 29.5 [25.5; 35.7] (U = 105.0, p = 0.049). Conclusion. The developed method for calculating collagen volumetric fraction is more pathogenetically suffi cient. Th is makes it possible to determine this indicator more accurately for identifying a group of patients suffering from stage 1 and 2 hypertension, with a high risk of heart failure development for its wide use in clinical practice to monitor them more frequent and to correct their therapy.

The Problems and Alternative Solutions for the Implementation of Entrepreneurship Education in the Higher Education: A Literature Review

This study aimed to find some problems in implementing entrepreneurship education at higher education (university). The method used in this study was the literature review by searching articles on electronics journal database. The databases used in this study were Jstor, Sage, Proquest, Elsevier, Emerald, Insight, Springer Plus, and Google Scholars from 2003 to October 2019. Fifteen articles were found using five keywords: entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial, unemployment, job seeker, and job creator. The data were analyzed by collecting the related articles, reducing them based on the topic discussion, displaying the data, and concluding. It was found that there were some problems faced during the implementation of entrepreneurship education. Thus, it can be concluded that the bigger the problem in the implementation of entrepreneurship education, the more extensive necessitate for the alternative formula. It is urged that further studies be conducted to expose more detailed comparisons between the problems found within the country and abroad. This action is considered as the foundation of a better service.

Alternative Formula for Rigid Pavement Stress Calculation in Corner Load Conditions

The design of rigid pavements is historically based on the classical Theory of proposed by Westergaard in 1929, which considers the rigid pavement as a thin plate resting on an elastic ground with a Winkler reaction, imposing the congruence of vertical displacements at the points of contact between the pavement structure and the ground. Westergaard’s Theory provides expressions for the calculation of maximum stress in concrete slabs for interior, edge and corner load conditions. This work focuses on the development of a Finite Element model, implemented in the ANSYS® environment and calibrated on the basis of the results of the in-scale experimental model developed by Lall and Lees in 1983. The implementation of the FE model was performed through a set of steps capable of reproducing physical and mechanical conditions of the true model, which was further intended to be used for numerical analysis. After the FE model was developed, it was possible to carry out multiple simulations pursuing three main aims: to evaluate the effect of the variation of material properties on the slab stress state, to compare the maximum stresses for the interior and edge load conditions considering Westergaard’s Theory, the experimental data and the results of the numerical model, and to use the developed and calibrated model to formulate an alternative mathematical expression, which would allow calculating the stress in corner load conditions.

Formulation for renormalon-free perturbative predictions beyond large-β0 approximation

We present a formulation to give renormalon-free predictions consistently with fixed order perturbative results. The formulation has a similarity to Lee’s method in that the renormalon-free part consists of two parts: one is given by a series expansion which does not contain renormalons and the other is the real part of the Borel integral of a singular Borel transform. The main novel aspect is to evaluate the latter object using a dispersion relation technique, which was possible only in the large-β0 approximation. Here, we introduce an “ ambiguity function,” which is defined by inverse Mellin transform of the singular Borel transform. With the ambiguity function, we can rewrite the Borel integral in an alternative formula, which allows us to obtain the real part using analytic techniques similarly to the case of the large-β0 approximation. We also present detailed studies of renormalization group properties of the formulation. As an example, we apply our formulation to the fixed-order result of the static QCD potential, whose closest renormalon is already visible.