Approaches To The Analysis Of Ruderal Weed Vegetation

The investigation which I described in this thesis focused on methodogical problems in community ecology as well as the actual properties of structure and composition in ruderal weed communities. The study sites were located within the city limits of London, Ontario. Concerning the methdodology, the problem of the choice of an optimal plot size was addressed on an experimental basis. As an outcome, an effective procedure was found and described. In addition, various conventional data types used in phytosociology were evaluated for their suitability to depict underlying group structure and trends. It was discovered that untransformed ordinal data yielded comparable pattern information to that of percentage cover data. However, as further analyses have shown, presence/absence data gave different results from those obtained with the ordinal data.;Three ruderal habitats, namely, old fields, vacant lots, and topsoil mounds were chosen for quantitative examination of the vegetation and its relationships to environment. Vegetation was sampled using a stratified multistage random sampling design. An optimal plot size (7.5*7.5 m(\u272)) was determined in a pilot study and quantitative vegetation data was gathered (251 plots). Soil samples from each plot were analysed physically and chemically. Data sets from each habitat were submitted to analysis by clustering techniques and ordinations.;The vegetation types resulting from cluster analyses for each data set were found to be interpretable with respect to a temporal (successional) sequence of the sites. Besides suggesting potential continuity in vegetation, ordinations disclosed successional trends and environmental gradients. Variation in environmental factors such as moisture availability and nutrient supply were found closely associated with the successional trends

Semi-supervised and unsupervised extensions to maximum-margin structured prediction

University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.Structured prediction is the backbone of various computer vision and machine learning applications. Inspired by the success of maximum-margin classifiers in the recent years; in this thesis, we will present novel semi-supervised and unsupervised extensions to structured prediction via maximum-margin classifiers. For semi-supervised structured prediction, we have tackled the problem of recognizing actions from single images. Action recognition from a single image is an important task for applications such as image annotation, robotic navigation, video surveillance and several others. We propose approaching action recognition by first partitioning the entire image into “superpixels”, and then using their latent classes as attributes of the action. The action class is predicted based on a graphical model composed of measurements from each superpixel and a fully-connected graph of superpixel classes. The model is learned using a latent structural SVM approach, and an efficient, greedy algorithm is proposed to provide inference over the graph. Differently from most existing methods, the proposed approach does not require annotation of the actor (usually provided as a bounding box). For the unsupervised extension of structured prediction, we considered the case of labeling binary sequences. This case is important in a detection scenario, where one is interested in detecting an action or an event. In particular, we address the unsupervised SVM relaxation recently proposed in (Li et al. 2013) and extend it for structured prediction by merging it with structural SVM. The main contribution of the proposed extension (named Well-SSVM) is a re-organization of the feature map and loss function of structural SVM that permits finding the violating labelings required by the relaxation. Experiments on synthetic and real datasets in a fully unsupervised setting reveal a competitive performance as opposed to other unsupervised algorithms such as k-means and latent structural SVM. Finally, we approached the problem of unsupervised structured prediction by M³ Networks. M³ Networks are an alternative formulation of maximum-margin structured prediction that can satisfy the complete set of constraints for decomposable feature and loss functions; hence, the entire set of constraints is considered during the search for the optimal margin as opposed to Structural SVM. In the thesis, we present the interpretation of M³ Networks in Well-SSVM, thus allowing us to use in a semi-supervised and unsupervised scenario

PERFORMANCE OF GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) CULTIVARS UNDER THE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF BAGH AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR PAKISTAN

The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of most suitable cultivar under the climatic conditions of Bagh. Five cultivars of Gladiolus namely Amsterdam, Applause, Fidelio, Peter pears and Priscilla were evaluated for their adoptability and performance. Results on vegetative characteristics showed that cultivars Applause and Amsterdam took less number of days for sprouting, Fidelio and Priscilla produced more plants per corm and Applause obtained maximum plant height. Results on floral characteristics showed that cultivar Applause and Peter pears were earlier for spike emergence, Priscilla and Peter pears took minimum days to flowering, maximum florets were produced by Peter pears and Applause, Applause obtained maximum spike length and Peter pears remained attractive for longer time. Results on corm and cormels characteristics showed that Peter pears produced more corms, Applause produced maximum cormels and gained maximum corm size, maximum corm weight was recorded in Fidelio. From the results we conclude that keeping in view the vegetative and reproductive characteristics Applause, Peter pears and Fidelio are recommended for general cultivation

Relationship between Gender Diversity in Top Management Teams and Profitability of Pakistani Firms

This research examines the relationship between gender diversity in top management teams on the profitability of Pakistani firms. Data is collected from the highest market capitalized manufacturing firms over the time period of five years from 2010-2014. Statistical analysis revealed that there is a two way relationship between gender diversity and firm profitability. Findings of this research suggest that females tend to work on the highly profitable firms and bring a tremendous increase in the profitability of that firm in return. Results also revealed that the high percentage of males in top management teams is negatively related to the firm profitability. Keywords: gender diversity, top management, management teams, firm profitability, female top managers, male top managers

Evaluation of thermodynamics, formation energetics and electronic properties of vacancy defects in CaZrO3

Using first-principles total energy calculations we have evaluated the thermodynamics and the electronic properties of intrinsic vacancy defects in orthorhombic CaZrO3. Charge density calculations and the atoms-in-molecules concept are used to elucidate the changes in electronic properties of CaZrO3 upon the introduction of vacancy defects. We explore the chemical stability and defect formation energies of charge-neutral as well as of charged intrinsic vacancies under various synthesis conditions and also present full and partial Schottky reaction energies. The calculated electronic properties indicate that hole-doped state can be achieved in charge neutral Ca vacancy containing CaZrO3 under oxidation condition, while reduction condition allows to control the electrical conductivity of CaZrO3 depending on the charge state and concentration of oxygen vacancies. The clustering of neutral oxygen vacancies in CaZrO3 is examined as well. This provides useful information for tailoring the electronic properties of this material. We show that intentional incorporation of various forms of intrinsic vacancy defects in CaZrO3 allows to considerably modify its electronic properties, making this material suitable for a wide range of applications

ICONE10-22395 SEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF SPENT FUEL DRY CASK STORAGE SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT The U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is conducting a research program to investigate technical issues concerning the dry cask storage systems of spent nuclear fuel by conducting confirmatory research for establishing criteria and review guidelines for the seismic behavior of these systems. The program focuses on developing 3-D finite element analysis models that address the dynamic coupling of a module/cask, a flexible concrete pad, and an underlying soil/rock foundation, in particular, the soil-structure-interaction. Parametric analyses of the coupled models are performed to include variations in module/cask geometry, site seismicity, underlying soil properties, and cask/pad interface friction. The analyses performed include

Supply Chain Strategy and the Role of Suppliers: Evidence from the Indian Sub-Continent

Supply chain strategy is widely recognized as being a crucial component of a broader corporate strategy. However, the relationships between a firm’s strategic supply chain focus, the tactical orientation of its suppliers, and the firm’s performance, are less well understood. Much of what is known is also based on developed country contexts. This study empirically examines relationships between a buying firm’s supply chain strategy and operational dimensions of its suppliers in a developing country context

Linkages between Firm Innovation Strategy, Suppliers, Product Innovation, and Business Performance: Insights from Resource Dependence Theory

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use resource dependence theory to hypothesize that a buyer’s innovation strategy enhances supplier innovation focus and a buyer-supplier relationship that supports product innovation. These in turn positively impact buyer product innovation outcomes and business performance. Moreover, it is argued that the buyer-supplier relationship positively moderates the impact of supplier innovation focus on product innovation. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear regression are used to test hypotheses. Findings The results support all hypotheses and suggest that company (buyer) age and variables related to buyer engagement with international markets directly influence performance. The results also indicate that the buyer-supplier relationship does not moderate the relationship between innovation strategy and innovation performance. Research limitations/implications This study demonstrates that how a firm builds the conditions to effectively leverage the complementary resources and capabilities of suppliers directly influence innovation outcomes and business performance. Practical implications An important factor in firms achieving their product innovation goals is the selection and management of suppliers that are strategically aligned with regard to innovation. While managers need to develop internal innovation capabilities, partnering with like-minded organizations, and creating conditions for effective cooperation are key drivers of innovation outcomes. Originality/value In contrast to prior research that has examined operational issues, this study shows how the strategic alignment of buyers and suppliers with regard to innovation is an antecedent of product innovation outcomes. Moreover, it adds to a limited literature on supply chain management practices in emerging markets

Efficacy of Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A real life experience and outcome from a tertiary referral centre.

Introduction: To report response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with different available chemotherapeutic regimens over ten years. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. All patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2008 to December 2017 were studied. Data were collected from the hospital information system. The characteristics and outcomes of all the patients were analyzed. Progression-free survival and overall survival were also estimated. Kaplan Meier curves and Log-rank test were applied, and SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Eighty-seven (87) subjects with a median age of 56 years (range 21-76) were included. Sixty-two (71%) subjects were male. The most common tumor location was the head of the pancreas in 46(53%) of all the subjects. Sixty-three (72%) subjects had elevated CA-19.9 values. About 47(54%) subjects had locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), and 40(46%) subjects had metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC). Chemotherapy regimens used were FOLFIRINOX in 23(26%), gemcitabine-based 66(65%) and capecitabine-based in 8 (9%) of the subjects.  One (1%) subject had a complete response (CR), 12(14%) had a partial response (PR), 10 (11%) had stable disease, and 59(68%) of the subjects had progressive disease (PD). The objective response rate (ORR) was 15%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 26%. In MPC, the ORR was 10%, DCR was 18%, and tumor progression was seen in 72% of the patients, while in LAPC, the ORR was 19.1, DCR 34% and tumor progression was documented in 64% of the patients, respectively. The FOLFIRNOX chemotherapy regimen had better ORR, DCR and lesser number of progressions as compared to Gemcitabine and Capecitabine based chemotherapy regimens. The Median PFS of the whole group was 32-weeks, and the median OS was 54-weeks. The PFS was significantly higher for LAPC (39 weeks) as compared to the MPC group (25 weeks) (p=0.028). There was no statistically significant difference between the OS of these 2 groups (p=0.451). In addition, PFS was significantly higher with FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy as compared to the other chemotherapy regimens. Regarding OS, there was no statistically significant difference among all chemotherapy regimen groups (p=0.267). Conclusion: Based on our results, FOLFIRINOX remained the most effective chemotherapy regimen despite the dose modifications and toxicities in all groups, indicating that modified FOLFIRINOX could be considered as a first-line regimen in south East Asian population

Value of elastography in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions keeping histopathology as gold standard

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, both in developed and developing countries. Pakistan has the highest breast cancer incidence rate in Asia. Guidelines recommend screening for detecting breast cancer with mammography and ultrasonography (US). Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is a newer technique that can aid additional characterization of breast lesions. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of breast ultrasound elastography in differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions using histology diagnosis as the gold standard.Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi. All consecutive patients undergoing breast biopsy and elastography of breast lesions were enlisted; 2 x 2 tables were used to measure the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of breast ultrasound elastography for differentiation of benign from malignant breast masses.Results: A total of 155 female patients were included with a mean age of 45.41 ± 14.24 years (range 20-70 years). On histological evaluation, 115 (74.2%) lesions were malignant and 40 (25.8%) were benign. The overall average mean elastography value was 108.45 kPa ± 52.75. The mean elastography (EMean) value for benign breast lesions was 48.96 kPa ± 42.32 and 132.78 kPa ± 42.32 for malignant lesions. The difference in mean elastography values of benign and malignant breast lesions was statistically significant (48.96 kPa ± 42.32 vs 32.78 kPa ± 42.32, P \u3c0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.952, optimal cutoff EMean value of 72 kPa and higher likelihood ratio was 9.41. A cutoff mean elastography (EMean) value of ≤ 72 kilopascal (kPa) for benign lesions had sensitivity 92.17%, specificity 90.4%, PPV 96.36%, NPV 80.0% and diagnostic accuracy 91.61%. Conclusion: Ultrasound elastography was found to have high sensitivity and specificity and diagnostic accuracy for differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions. Use of shear-wave elastography may increase malignancy detection rate by reducing the need for biopsy in benign breast lesions