A new probability distribution, the xgamma distribution, is proposed and studied. The distribution is generated as a special finite mixture of exponential and gamma distributions and hence the name proposed. Various mathematical, structural, and survival properties of the xgamma distribution are derived, and it is found that in many cases the xgamma has more flexibility than the exponential distribution. To evaluate the comparative behavior, stochastic ordering of the distribution is studied. To estimate the model parameter, the method of moment and the method of maximum likelihood estimation are proposed. A simulation algorithm to generate random samples from the xgamma distribution is indicated along with a simulation study. A real life dataset on the remission times of patients receiving an analgesic is analyzed, and it is found that the xgamma model provides better fit to the data as compared to the exponential model.

Aim:To report the prevalence and outcomes of pressure ulcers (PU) seen in a cohort of cancer patients requiring home-based palliative care.Materials and Methods:All patients referred for home care were eligible for this prospective observational study, provided they were living within a distance of 35 km from the institute and gave informed consent. During each visit, caregivers were trained and educated for providing nursing care for the patient. Dressing material for PU care was provided to all patients free of cost and care methods were demonstrated. Factors influencing the occurrence and healing of PUs were analyzed using logistic regression. Duration for healing of PU was calculated using the Kaplan Meier method. P < 0.05 are taken as significant.Results:Twenty-one of 108 (19.4%) enrolled patients had PU at the start of homecare services. None of the patients developed new PU during the course of home care. Complete healing of PU was seen in 9 (42.9%) patients. The median duration for healing of PU was found to be 56 days. Median expenditure incurred in patients with PU was Rs. 2323.40 with a median daily expenditure of Rs. 77.56.Conclusions:The present model of homecare service delivery was found to be effective in the prevention and management of PUs. The high prevalence of PU in this cohort indicates a need for greater awareness for this complication.Clinical Trial Registry Number:CTRI/2014/03/004477

In this paper, a new probability distribution, which is synthesized based on the quasi xgamma [26] and geometric distributions, is proposed and studied. The proposed distribution so synthesized is basically a family of positively skewed probability distributions and possesses increasing and decreasing hazard rate properties depending on the values of the unknown parameters. Different important distributional and survival and/or reliability properties are also studied. A unique characterization of the distribution is presented based on reversed hazard rate. Seven different frequentist methods of estimating unknown parameters are proposed and the methods are justified with Monte-Carlo simulation study. Flexible data generation algorithm eases the utility of the proposed model in survival and/or reliability application which is accomplished by real data analyses and by comparing with other competitive life distributions.

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The strength-reliability of equipment is defined as the probability that the strength of the equipment exceeds its stress. Augmentation of strength-reliability of equipments gives better service protection and longevity. In this paper, the concept of Augmentation Strategy Plan (ASP) is introduced under three possible cases to increase the strength-reliability. Assume that strength and stress of equipment, both follow gamma distribution and strength reliability expressions for all three cases are derived. Possible combinations of parameters are tabulated, for desired level of strength-reliability. Also cost aspects of such augmented situations have been discussed.