Delay causes analysis in complex construction projects: a Semantic Network Analysis approach

Delays are among the most crucial adversaries to the success and performance of construction projects, making delay analysis and management a critical task for project managers. This task will be highly complicated in large-scale projects such as construction, which usually consist of a complex network of heterogeneous entities in continuous interaction. Traditional approaches and methods for the analysis of delays and their causes have been criticised for their ability to handle complex projects, and for considering the interrelationships between delay causes. Addressing this gap, this research introduces an alternative approach for delay causes analysis by adopting Semantic Network Analysis (SNA) method. The paper reports the results from an investigation of delays in construction projects in the Oil-Gas-Petrochemical sector using SNA. The method’s capacity to identify and rank delay causes, which can assist managers in selecting appropriate measures for eliminating them, are empirically examined and discussed. The paper argues that SNA leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the main causes of delay in large and complex projects, allowing a better identification and mapping of the interrelationships between these discrete factors.     

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.     

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.