New Modified Scrambled Faure Sequences

In this paper, we introduce two new modified scrambled Faure sequences based on linear digit scrambling method with good two-dimensional projections in consecutive dimensions using two new linear digit scrambling matrices for linear and nonlinear scrambled Faure sequences. Also, we present performance of our two new scrambling methods by two-dimensional projections and test-integrals.     

The social work services in screening process of compulsory treatment interventions in addicts in Iran: A content analysis study

Compulsory treatment has had a detrimental impact on drug abuse treatment policies and programs in Iran. Physicians are currently required to conduct initial treatment screening. Social workers are a part of the treatment team but have no authority to initiate a compulsory drug treatment plan. For this reason, the present article investigates social work service participation in the process of compulsory drug treatment. The study methodology is content analysis. Nine social workers participated in seven focus group discussions. Overall, 110 codes were extracted from the sessions and were categorized into five main themes: interview and initial assessment; referral; investigation of ineligibility criteria; report to judicial authority; and follow‐up and advocacy. The results of this research suggest amending executive bylaws based on a social work approach to the screening process for compulsory drug treatment.     

Reducing Periodicity of Fuzzy Markov Chains Based on Simulation Using Halton Sequence

We first introduce fuzzy finite Markov chains and present some of their fundamental properties based on possibility theory. We also bring in a way to convert fuzzy Markov chains to classic Markov chains. In addition, we simulate fuzzy Markov chain using different sizes. It is observed that the most of fuzzy Markov chains not only do have an ergodic behavior, but also they are periodic. Finally, using Halton quasi-random sequence we generate some fuzzy Markov chains, which are compared with the ones generated by the RAND function of MATLAB. Therefore, we improve the periodicity behavior of fuzzy Markov chains.     

A new non parametric estimator for Pdf based on inverse gamma distribution

ABSTRACT

The non parametric approach is considered to estimate probability density function (Pdf) which is supported on(0, ∞). This approach is the inverse gamma kernel. We show that it has same properties as gamma, reciprocal inverse Gaussian, and inverse Gaussian kernels such that it is free of the boundary bias, non negative, and it achieves the optimal rate of convergence for the mean integrated squared error. Also some properties of the estimator were established such as bias and variance. Comparison of the bandwidth selection methods for inverse gamma kernel estimation of Pdf is done.     

Optimal Halton Sequence via Inversive Scrambling

In this article, we develop the Halton sequence of generating quasi-random numbers to an optimal sequence which has the inversive property. The new constructed quasi-random number generator satisfies the extra uniformity condition on [0, 1]. We finally present the performances of this generator in contrast to the former optimal Halton sequence in Chi et al. (2005 Chi, H., Mascagni, M. and Warnock, T. 2005. On the Optimal Halton Sequences. Math. Comput. in Simul., 70(1): 9–21. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and modified optimal Halton sequence in Fathi et al. (2009 Fathi, B., Samimi, H. and Eskandari, A. 2009. A New Efficient Algorithm for Linear Scrambling Halton Sequence. International Journal of Applied Mathematics, 22(7): 1059–1065.  [Google Scholar]).     

Perceptions and Experiences of Marriage Preparation Among U.S. Muslims: Multiple Voices from the Community

Although Muslims in the United States are a growing population, there is limited research on their relational patterns and how they prepare for marriage. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 32 members of the Muslim community in Southeast Michigan including married individuals, divorced individuals, therapists, and imams (Muslim religious leaders) to explore their perceptions and experiences of marriage preparation. Our analysis revealed that marriage preparation varies but is less likely to involve a requirement of premarital counseling, with imams being the primary providers, not therapists. Barriers to participation include stigma, lack of awareness, logistical and financial challenges, and parental influence. Partnerships between imams and therapists, and family and community efforts are necessary to address barriers and increase participation in premarital education programs.     

Spatio-temporal modeling of infectious disease dynamics

A stochastic model, which is well suited to capture space–time dependence of an infectious disease, was employed in this study to describe the underlying spatial and temporal pattern of measles in Barisal Division, Bangladesh. The model has two components: an endemic component and an epidemic component; weights are used in the epidemic component for better accounting of the disease spread into different geographical regions. We illustrate our findings using a data set of monthly measles counts in the six districts of Barisal, from January 2000 to August 2009, collected from the Expanded Program on Immunization, Bangladesh. The negative binomial model with both the seasonal and autoregressive components was found to be suitable for capturing space–time dependence of measles in Barisal. Analyses were done using general optimization routines, which provided the maximum likelihood estimates with the corresponding standard errors.     

Exploring the Adaptive Capacities of Shared Jewish–Arab Organizations in Israel

Nonprofits have unique strategic concerns, including their dependence on external resources, the management of multiple stakeholders, perceptions about their organizational legitimacy as well as their primary focus on the social value of their organizational mission (Stone and Brush 1996). For shared Jewish–Arab organizations in Israel that are seeking to promote a ‘shared society,’ the obstacles in navigating these various challenges are particularly pronounced and require a very unique kind of adaptive capacity (see Letts et al. 1999; Connolly and York 2003; Strichman et al. 2007). Often operating outside of the general consensus, these organizations are faced with the significant challenge of promoting values of partnership, equality and mutual interests among two populations that are often at odds. This research seeks to shed light on how shared Arab–Jewish nonprofits are continually working to strengthen organizational capacities to more effectively carry out their particular organizational mission, given the myriad of challenges they face.     

Basic Wages and Firm Characteristics: Rent Sharing in French Manufacturing

Abstract. This paper shows that firm profits (and losses), and value added, are strongly related to individual hourly basic wages for most employees, as well as to the total earnings measures used previously but correlated with working time. Capital intensity is independently important without reducing the significance of profits, as in other studies. Value added avoids the negative bias implicit in accounting profits, and has a much larger effect on basic wages and earnings in the presence of numerous individual and firm controls.