Computing the Laplacian spectrum and Wiener index of pentagonal-derivation cylinder/Möbius network.

The Laplacian spectrum significantly contributes the study of the structural features of non-regular networks. Actually, it emphasizes the interaction among the network eigenvalues and their structural properties. Let Pn(Pn') represent the pentagonal-derivation cylinder (Möbius) network. In this article, based on the decomposition techniques of the Laplacian characteristic polynomial, we initially determine that the Laplacian spectra of Pn contain the eigenvalues of matrices LR and LS. Furthermore, using the relationship among the coefficients and roots of these two matrices, explicit calculations of the Kirchhoff index and spanning trees of Pn are determined. The relationship between the Wiener and Kirchhoff indices of Pn is also established.

Identification and prioritization of risks for new entrants in automobile sector using Monte Carlo based approach.

The automotive industry serves as a crucial support system for the economies of industrialized nations in their pursuit of international market competitiveness. Despite this industry's importance, most developing countries face the challenge of acquiring a reasonable economic position at the global level in the automotive sector for various reasons. The most salient reasons include inconsistent government policies, multiple taxes, investor insecurity, political instability, and currency devaluation. Identifying risks is crucial for a new entrant in the already-established automotive industry. The researchers have used multiple (qualitative and quantitative) techniques to identify and prioritize risks in setting up manufacturing plants. The efforts to tackle these identified risks are undertaken at the domestic and government levels to smoothen the establishment of industry. The risks are first identified, in the current study, by reviewing the previous literature and conducting interviews of the various stakeholders (automotive dealers, managers, and customers). Then this study uses Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) approach and develops a risk exposure (high, medium, or low) matrix for the automotive industry of Pakistan. The findings reveal that the depreciation of local currency against the foreign exchange, oligopoly nature of competition, and low market acceptability of new entrants due to their products' image are the most critical risks the automobile industry faces. These findings will help automotive research institutes in developing national policies that specifically aim to support new players in the automotive industry, particularly in addressing high-priority hazards. The results may also provide valuable insights for new participants seeking to identify and address the key challenges in the Pakistani automotive industry before entering it.

Interventional management and diagnostic follow-up of a large pancreatic pseudocyst: A case report.

We present a case of a large pancreatic pseudocyst in a 69-year-old man following post biopsy pancreatitis. Radiological findings revealed a thick-walled, fluid filled mass in proximity to the pancreas. Although pancreatic pseudocysts generally self-resolve, extensive or complicated cysts may require surgical or interventional management. Pseudocyst size >6 cm, compression of the inferior vena cava or biliary duct, and severe symptoms often prognosticate the need for intervention.

Corrigendum: Foliar application of putrescine alleviates terminal drought stress by modulating water status, membrane stability, and yield- related traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1000877.].

Efficacy of telmisartan and atenolol in management of essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Telmisartan and atenolol are widely used in the management of essential hypertension. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of these two drugs in management of patients of essential hypertension. METHODS: Diagnosed patients of essential hypertension were selected. Therapeutic option (telmisartan/atenolol) was allocated to the patients by lottery method and they were divided into two groups. The patients were followed on subsequent visits (4 in total) and their sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded. RESULTS: Total number of 180 patients were divided into two treatment groups (i.e., telmisaran and atenolol). Forty percent were male and 60% were female. Majority of the patients were of age group 56-75 years. Telmisartan reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly compared to atenolol at the end of 8 weeks of treatment (p = 0.000 and 0.016 respectively). CONCLUSION: Telmisartan 80 mg once daily is more effective than atenolol 50 mg once daily in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the end of 8 weeks of treatment.

Foliar application of putrescine alleviates terminal drought stress by modulating water status, membrane stability, and yield- related traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Drought stress is one of the major limitations to the growth and yield productivity of cereal crops. It severely impairs the early growing and grain -filling stages of wheat. Therefore, cost- effective and eco-friendly approaches for alleviating drought stress in cereal crops are in high demand. Polyamines, such as putrescine, have a significant effect on improving crop yield under drought- stress conditions. Therefore, the current study was executed with the aim of exploring the significance of putrescine in alleviating drought stress and improving yield- related traits in wheat. Two distinct wheat cultivars (Fakhar-e-Bhakkar and Anaj-2017) were treated with the foliar application of different concentrations (control, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 PPM) of putrescine (put) under two moisture conditions (well- watered and terminal drought stress). The results demonstrate that the imposition of terminal drought stress significantly reduces different physiological and yield- related traits of both wheat cultivars. The reduction of relative water content (RWC%), membrane stability index (MSI), leaf area, tillers per plant, biomass yield, number of spikelets per spike, 100-grain weight, grain yield per plant, and straw yield was greater in Anaj-2017 than in Fakhar-e-Bhakkar cultivar. The results further explain that the foliar application of increased concentrations of putrescine from 0.0 to 1.0 PPM gradually improved physiological and yield traits, whereas these traits declined with the application of putrescine at the highest dose (1.5 PPM). The exogenous application of 1.0 PPM putrescine improved the relative water content (19.76%), specific leaf area (41.47%), and leaf area ratio (35.84%) compared with the controlled treatment. A higher grain yield (28.0 g plant-1) and 100-grain weight (3.8 g) were obtained with the foliar application of 1.0 PPM putrescine compared with controlled treatments. The findings of this study confirm the protective role of putrescine against terminal drought stress. It is therefore recommended to use putrescine at a concentration of 1.0 PPM, which could help alleviate terminal drought stress and attain better wheat yield.

Development of a hybrid framework for inventory leanness in Technical Services Organizations.

Inherent uncertainties in demand and supply make it problematic for supply chains to accomplish optimum inventory replenishment, resulting in loss of sales or keeping excessive inventories. To cope with erratic demands, organizations have to maintain excessive inventory levels, sometimes taking up to one-third of an organization's annual budget. The two most pressing concerns to handle in inventory management are: how much to order and when to order. Therefore, an organization ought to make the correct and timely decisions based on precise demand information to avoid excessive inventory accumulation resulting in enhanced competitive advantage. Owing to the significance of inventory control and analysis, this paper reports on developing and successfully implementing a hybrid framework for optimum level inventory forecasting in Technical Services Organizations. The proposed framework is based on a case study of one of Pakistan's leading Technical Services Organization. The paper presents a statistical analysis of historical data and a comprehensive fault trend analysis. Both these analyses set a solid foundation for the formulation of a comparative analysis matrix based upon price and quantity based analysis of inventory. Finally, a decision criterion (Forecasting Model) is proposed using three primary forecasting techniques with minimum error calculations. The study's finding shows a forecast error of 142.5 million rupees in the last five years, resulting in the accumulation of more than 25 thousand excessive inventory stock. Application of price and quantity based analysis identifies that 65% of the annual budget is significantly dependent upon only 9% (in terms of quantity) of "High Price and Small Quantity" Items (HS). These HS items are forecasted through three different forecasting methods, i.e., Weighted Moving Average, Exponential Smoothing, and Trend Projection, with Minimum Absolute Deviation to significantly reduce the forecasting error while predicting the future required quantity. The research work aims to contribute to the inventory management literature in three ways. First, a new comparative analysis matrix concept for identifying the most critical items is introduced. Second, a Multi-Criteria Forecasting Model is developed to capture a wide range of operations. Third, the paper suggests how these forecasting criteria can be integrated into a single interactive DSS to maintain optimum inventory level stock. Even though the DSS framework is based on data from a single organization, the application is expected to manage inventory stock in a wide range of manufacturing and services industries. This study's proposed hybrid framework is the first of its kind that encapsulates all four dimensions of inventory classification criteria, forming a multi-criteria hybrid model within a DSS framework.

Renal agenesis associated with contralateral ectopic ureter and hydroureteronephrosis.

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract such as renal agenesis and ectopic ureter have complex development. These anomalies have variable presentations and associations. In this report, we highlight the case of a young man with congenital renal agenesis presenting for a urinary tract infection. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography imaging revealed the rare association of renal agenesis with contralateral ectopic ureter and subsequent hydroureteronephrosis. A urinary tract infection can be the presenting complication of such association, and a long follow-up is needed to anticipate the management.

Do they really coexist? An empirical analysis of a conjoint implementation of Quality Management System and High Performance Work System on organizational effectiveness.

Over the past few decades, Quality Management System (QMS) and High Performance Work System (HPWS) have emerged as key concepts to enhance organizational effectiveness. All over the globe, majority of contemporary manufacturing and services organizations have applied at least one of these development strategies or even both. This study proposes an integrated framework of QMS and HPWS and empirically investigates the relationship between QMS and HPWS practices and their direct and indirect effects on organizational effectiveness using structural equation modelling (SEM). This research makes a number of significant contributions: (1) The black box of the conjoint implementation is opened up for better appreciation of the interplay of QMS and HPWS practices and their influence on organizational effectiveness (2) The key QMS practices recognized as contributing factor of performance have been classified and examined at two distinct levels i.e. QMS Top Level practices and QMS Core practices (3) The mediating and interaction effects of QMS Core practices and HPWS practices on the relationship of QMS-Top Level practices and organizational effectiveness have been thoroughly investigated. The proposed framework is tested through cross-sectional data from 90 Technical Services Organizations (TSO) operating in Pakistan. The research hypotheses are supported by the test results of the SEM. The findings and implications are discussed along with limitations and future research guidelines.