A space efficient flexible pivot selection approach to evaluate determinant and inverse of a matrix

This paper presents new approaches for finding the determinant and inverse of a matrix. The choice of pivot selection is kept arbitrary and can be made according to the users need. So the ill conditioned matrices can be handled easily. The algorithms are more efficient as they save unnecessary data storage by reducing the order of the matrix after each iteration in the computation of determinant and incorporating dictionary notation (Chvatal, 1983) in the computation of inverse matrix. These algorithms are highly class room oriented and unlike the matrix inversion method (Khan, Shah, & Ahmad, 2010) the presented algorithm does not need any kind of permutations or inverse permutations

A systems approach to mitigation of project failure modes

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2009.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 177).This thesis sets out to develop a systems approach towards the mitigation of project failure modes. The methodology used is the application of the Scope and Solution Neutrality principle to develop a general model for Project Systems using the Object- Process-Method (OPM) for systems modeling. By correlating the elements and attributes that constitute basic project artifacts with process performance enablers, a Systems Approach to Performance Improvements is developed. Systemic factors that affect a project's performance, and its ability to address issues, are identified using the Project System model, and project failure modes as well with their underlying causes are examined. The Systems Approach to Process Improvements is then applied to addressing these issues. A key insight gained from the modeling is the importance of communication and information flow as a critical function for effective project management and execution. Consequently the impact of optimizing information flow on project execution is demonstrated through systems dynamics modeling.by Athar A. Syed.S.M

Growth of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Mimosaceae) in Polluted Soils of Landhi and Korangi Industrial Areas of Karachi, Pakistan

Growth of Albizia lebbeck was observed in the polluted soils from towel, garment, rubber and ply board factories in the vicinity of Landhi and Korangi industrial areas of Karachi. Growth of A. lebbeck was reduced in most of the industrial area soils as compared to the control soil from Karachi University campus. The rubber factory soil reduced all the growth parameters as compared to the control soil. Percentage of soil pollutants (total soluble salts and available sulfate) in all of the industrial area soils was higher than in the control area soil. Percentage of coarse sand, calcium carbonate, total soluble salts, available sulfate, and chromium was higher in soil of rubber factory then in the control area soil whereas percentage of water holding capacity, organic matter and zinc was lower in soil from rubber factory than in the control area soil. This showed that the soil of industrial areas of Landhi and Korangi particularly from rubber factory and ply board factory was contaminated by the pollutants in the area and drastically affected the plant growth. The findings of this research could be helpful in monitoring and controlling the pollutant levels in soils of the industrial areas. Such information could also be useful for landscaping and urban planning

Thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to disseminated varicella zoster virus infection in an adult patient

1 ArtículoLa MAT es un síndrome caracterizado por anemia hemolítica microangiopática (MAHA), trombocitopenia e insuficiencia renal. Abarca el espectro de la púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica clásica (PTT) descrita por primera vez por Moschowitz [ 1 ], y el síndrome urémico hemolítico descrito 3 décadas después por Gasser et al [ 2 ]. La MAT se ha asociado con varios factores desencadenantes, incluidas infecciones, consumo de drogas ilícitas, neoplasias, trastornos del tejido conectivo y embarazo [ 3 – 5 ]. La lesión endotelial directa es el mecanismo de patogenia propuesto para el desarrollo de la MAT. Se caracteriza por engrosamiento de las arteriolas, hinchazón endotelial, trombos plaquetarios intraluminales y fragmentación de glóbulos rojos (RBC) a medida que la sangre fluye a través de la microcirculación parcialmente ocluida. Algunos informes, como Basnayake (2020) [ 6 ], mostraron una asociación entre la MAT y la infección por VZV, y la mayoría fueron en el grupo de edad pediátrica. En el presente informe, discutimos un caso de TMA inducida por una infección diseminada por VZV en un adulto con un desafío diagnóstico pero un resultado exitoso

Unemployment: A Missing Link

Developing countries like Pakistan face a host of economic problems in the form of stagnant exports, low economic growth, inadequate private investment, and inefficient utilization of foreign direct investment. Given these problems, we have examined macroeconomic factors impact on unemployment in Pakistan from 1967 to 2018. We also tested the proposed hypotheses through “VAR, fully modified least squares, and Granger causality tests.†Our results suggest that exports did not stimulate jobs in Pakistan. Perhaps, Pakistan needs to diversify its exports by focusing on non-conventional value-added goods. The results also indicate that although FDI and government expenditures have created jobs, they are below expectations. Although we found that private investment has helped job creation, the effect is small compared to other developing countries. Furthermore, we find that macroeconomic factors have had little impact on unemployment in the long run

Chronic insertional achilles tendon ruptures treated by suture anchor repair and augmentation with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer

Background: Different surgical procedures have been used for treatment of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon with varying results. This study assesses the functional outcomes and complications of chronic insertional tears of Achilles tendon.Methods: 10 patients with chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon were followed for a mean period of 10.3 months. Only ruptures at or near (within 1 cm) insertion were included. They were treated by direct repair of tendon to calcaneum by suture anchor. Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer fixed to calcaneal tunnel with an interference screw was used to augment the repair.Results: Outcome was assessed by AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot (AHS) score. The mean preoperative score of 41.2 improved to 85.4 at final follow-up out of a total 100 points. We achieved excellent results in 80% and good outcome in 20% cases. No re-ruptures were noted. Conclusions: In insertional chronic ruptures of Achilles tendon, FHL transfer to calcaneum with interference screw fixation and repair of Achilles tendon with suture anchor is a reliable technique with good outcome and is recommended

The Role of Islamic Awareness as a Mediator in the Relationship between Islamic Banking Practices and Customer Purchase Intentions: A Case Study in Pakistan

This study delves into the dynamics of Islamic banking practices and their influence on customer behavior in the specific context of Pakistan. Through a meticulous analysis, the research examines the reliability and validity of constructs such as Customer Perception, On Counter Advertising, Products, Promotion, and Service Quality, highlighting their robustness in measuring the intended dimensions. The discriminant validity among these constructs is further affirmed, underscoring the distinctiveness of each construct within the measurement model. Furthermore, the direct effects of various relationships on Awareness and Customer Perception are scrutinized, uncovering significant impact for several factors such as Service Quality and Promotion, while others demonstrate no significant influence. Moreover, the mediation analysis highlights the crucial role of Islamic awareness in shaping customer perceptions, with most relationships exhibiting significant mediation effects. These findings underscore the importance of factors such as trust, service quality, and Islamic awareness in influencing customer behavior and purchase intentions within the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan. These findings underscore the crucial role of Awareness as a mediator, suggesting that the impact of Products, Promotion, and Service Quality on Customer Perception is partially mediated by their influence on Awareness. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between Islamic banking practices, customer perceptions, and awareness in Pakistan. The insights gleaned from this research have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners, offering valuable guidance for the formulation of strategies aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty in Pakistan's rapidly evolving financial landscape. The past studies examine the relationship with context of conventional banking and current exploring the perception of Islamic banking customer. This will helps to understand the Islamic investor perception and banking strategies to enhance decision about Islamic banking system

Management of root diseases of eggplant and watermelon with the application of asafoetida and seaweeds

Eggplant and watermelon are highly susceptible to root rotting fungi Fusarium solani, F.oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.,) causing big losses each year in Pakistan.  In field experiments, application of asafoetida, a medicinal gum from Ferula assafoetida and seaweeds Spatoglossum variabile, Stokeyia indica and Melanothamnus afaqhusainii showed significant suppressive effect on root rotting fungi Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) attacking watermelon and eggplant and improved plant growth in soil naturally infested with root rotting fungi and artificially infested with root knot nematode.  Length of vine of watermelon, shoot length of eggplant and fresh shoot weight were higher in seaweed and asafoetida treated plants as compared to control or Topsin-M, a fungicide, treated plants.  Seaweed and asafoetida treated plants also showed earlier fruiting than control or fungicide treated plants.  At farmer’s field seaweed showed similar suppressive effect on F. solani and M. phaseolina and root knot nematode on water melon in soil naturally infested by these pathogens. Application of seaweed produced healthy plants and number of fruits and weight were significantly higher in seaweed and asafoetida treated plants.  Asafoetida and seaweeds offer a non-chemical means of disease management

On-site cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei 3EMS35 mutant and same vessel saccharification and fermentation of acid treated wheat straw for ethanol production

Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic raw materials involves process steps like pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation. In this study, wheat straw was explored as feedstock for on-site cellulase production by T. reesei 3EMS35 mutant, and as a substrate for second generation bioethanol production from baker yeast. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractography (XRD) of untreated wheat straw (UWS) and acid treated wheat straw (TWS) were done to understand the structural organization and changes in the cellulase accessibility and reactivity. The effect of delignification and structural modification for on-site cellulase enzyme production was comparably studied. The efficiency of crude cellulase enzyme for digestion of UWS and TWS and then production of ethanol from TWS was studied using same-vessel saccharification and fermentation (SVSF) technique, both in shaking flasks as well as in fermenters. Two different methods of operation were tested, i.e. the UWS Enz method, where UWS was used for on-site enzyme production, and TWS Enz method where TWS was applied as substrate for cellullase production. Results obtained showed structural modifications in cellulose of TWS due to delignification, removal of wax and change of crystallinity. UWS was better substrate than TWS for cellulase production due to the fact that lignin did not hinder the enzyme production by fungus but acted as a booster. On-site cellulase enzyme produced by T. reesei 3EMS35 mutant hydrolyzed most of cellulose (91 %) in TWS within first 24 hrs. Shake flasks experiments showed that ethanol titers and yields with UWS Enz were 2.9 times higher compared to those obtained with TWS Enz method respectively. Comparatively, titer of ethanol in shake flask experiments was 10 % higher than this obtained in 3 L fermenter with UWS Enz. Outcomes from this investigation clearly demonstrated the potential of on-site cellulase enzyme production and SVSF for ethanol production from wheat straw