Mutations of fake weighted projective planes

In previous work by Coates, Galkin, and the authors, the notion of mutation between lattice polytopes was introduced. Such a mutation gives rise to a deformation between the corresponding toric varieties. In this paper we study one-step mutations that correspond to deformations between weighted projective planes, giving a complete characterisation of such mutations in terms of T-singularities. We show also that the weights involved satisfy Diophantine equations, generalising results of Hacking-Prokhorov.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figure

X-efficiency Analysis of Commercial Banks in Pakistan: A Preliminary Investigation

The emergence of a fast-paced dynamic environment in the business world in general, and in the financial services sector in particular, has highlighted the significance of competition and efficiency. The need for deregulation has become a touchstone of success in fostering both competition and efficiency especially in the economies, which are exposed to structural reforms. In addition to that, intense competition both among domestic and foreign banks, rapid speed of innovations and introduction of new financial instruments, changing consumer’s demands and desire for product augmentation have changed the way a bank conducts business and services its customers. Larger the degree of competition, it is perceived that the firms would become more efficient. However, when the structure of an industry is product of the government regulations, the degree of competition is impaired markedly implying that the efficiency suffers negatively. Banking industry acts as life-blood of modern trade and commerce acting as a bridge to provide a major source of financial intermediation. Thus, appraisal of its efficiency is vital in context of an efficient and competitive financial system. Study of x-efficiency is believed to be important in particular as Berger, et al. (1993) found that x-inefficiencies account for around 20 percent or more of banking costs. Similarly, recent drive among banks towards downsizing, rightsizing and rationalisation of banking costs also implicates for the assessment of x-efficiency analysis of banks. It becomes vital in Pakistani context as there appears to be no study in literature on efficiency or x-efficiency analysis of banks in Pakistan. “A great deal more work is needed on x-efficiency research in banking. Managerial efficiency, the concept of x-efficiency, appears to be a much more important strategic and policy consideration” [Molyneux, et al. (1960), p. 273]. Given

An Evaluation of Karachi Export Processing Zone: A Preliminary Investigation

The literature on EPZs shows that these are a second-best solution compared with generalised countrywide reforms, but that, where countrywide reforms are difficult to implement, they can be a useful weapon in the development arsenal [World Bank (2001)]. EPZs have been instrumental not only in increasing exports but also attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI). China is a classic example to be mentioned here where the levels of FDI have gone up massively over the last ten years. Added up with exports increase are also the benefits of employment generation, development of backward and forward linkages and strengthening the industrial base. The phenomenon of export-processing zones (EPZs) is a part of broader context of structural changes in global economic development. During the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in exports of manufactured goods especially from developing countries. EPZs have emerged as an important channel of export generation, especially of manufactured goods, from most of the developing countries e.g. East Asia, Mexico, Morocco etc. Their significance cannot be undermined because of the location-specific advantages and infrastructure facilities possessed by them.

Factors Affecting Diabetes Control And Dyslipidaemia Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients In Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia [RC660. E25 2003 f rb].

This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 211 type 2 diabetic patients at the Outpatients Diabetes Clinic, HUSM Kubang Kerian, Kelantan between the year 2001 – 2002. Kajian keratan-lintang ini telah dijalankan terhadap 211 orang pesakit diabetes jenis 2 di Klinik Pesakit Luar, HUSM Kubang Kerian, Kelantan di antara tahun 2001 – 2002

Sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner selection: a literature review

[EN] Outsourcing to third party to manage non-core activities helps the firm to focus on core activities. Manufacturing firms are outsourcing product development, manufacturing, logistics, customer care etc. to enhance production capacity and flexibility, and to reduce operational costs, which in turn can improve profitability and competitive advantage of the enterprise. Sustainability in operations and supply chain is gaining momentum due to increased global environmental concern, pressures from consumers and communities, and enforced regulations. Volatile and uncertain business environment necessitates the adoption of agility and flexibility to effectively manage manufacturing and supply chain. Globalisation has made the market very competitive and hence manufacturing firms are adopting manufacturing outsourcing to third parties. Selecting a sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner (MPS) is crucial as it will improve sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the supply chain and competitive advantage to the firm. Detailed literature review on sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner selection has been carried out from EBSCO data base and Goggle scholar. Selection criteria used are classified into agile, operational, economic, environmental and social. The techniques use are mostly multi criteria decision making methods (MCDM) while few have adopted programming techniques. Discussion, implication and the scope of future work is also provided.Akhtar, M. (2022). Sustainable and agile manufacturing outsourcing partner selection: a literature review. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering. 10(2):143-158. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2022.1680714315810

Success and failure of fast track extubation in cardiac surgery patients of tertiary care hospital: one year audit

OBJECTIVE: To identify the causes of delayed extubation in patients planned for fast tract extubation during cardiac surgery. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at cardiothoracic unit of Aga Khan University Hospital for the period of one year. All elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients, between the ages of 35-75 years with LVEF \u3e or = 40 percent were included. Patients with Intra aortic balloon pump, chronic renal failure, respiratory compromise and requiring high ionotropic support were excluded from this audit. A performa was designed and later filled by the primary investigator. Patient demographics and various reasons for delayed extubation were noted in this proforma. RESULTS: Total 614 patients underwent CABG surgery and 388 (63.19%) patients were planned for fast track extubation. A total of 196 (49.5%) patients could be extubated within six hours of arrival in the cardiac ICU. Common reasons for delayed extubation included deep sedation in 80 (46.5%), confusion 44 (25%), excessive bleeding in 20 (11.3%) and high inotropic support in 10 (5.68%). CONCLUSION: Major contributing factors for delayed extubation were identified by this audit. These factors need to be targeted accordingly by modifications in intra operative management

Electrocapillary Studies Of Reversible Charge Transfer V(Iii)/V(Ii) Electrode

Electrocapillary equation for an ideal polarized electrode based on Gibb\u27s adsorption equation is appropriately recast into experimentally measurable quantities in order to apply it to a reversible charge transfer electrode. To calculate the various parameters of the equation developed, experimental details were worked out. For the measurement of Current-time relationship of a single drop, a fast response potentiostat was built by using transistorized chopped stabilized operational amplifiers and precision components in the circuitry with proper compensation for IR-drop in the cell and the electrical double layer capacity. The analysis of I-t curves was done by taking into account the composite nature of the process involved; faradaic and non-faradaic. V(III)/V(II) reversible change transfer electrode in absence of an complexing agent was used for its complete reversibility and high cationic adsorption on the electrode. V(III) and V(II) were prepared in situ in equivalent amounts, by the electrolytic reduction of V(IV). The V(IV) concentration was controlled by photometric titration against standardized potassium permanagate solution. The drop time was taken as a measure of interfacial tension, γ , and electrocapillary curves for the pure solvent... [see PDF file for the rest of the abstract including mathematical figures and equations]

An Evaluation of Karachi Export Processing Zone: A Preliminary Investigation

The literature on EPZs shows that these are a second-best solution compared with generalised countrywide reforms, but that, where countrywide reforms are difficult to implement, they can be a useful weapon in the development arsenal [World Bank (2001)]. EPZs have been instrumental not only in increasing exports but also attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI). China is a classic example to be mentioned here where the levels of FDI have gone up massively over the last ten years. Added up with exports increase are also the benefits of employment generation, development of backward and forward linkages and strengthening the industrial base. The phenomenon of export-processing zones (EPZs) is a part of broader context of structural changes in global economic development. During the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in exports of manufactured goods especially from developing countries. EPZs have emerged as an important channel of export generation, especially of manufactured goods, from most of the developing countries e.g. East Asia, Mexico, Morocco etc. Their significance cannot be undermined because of the location-specific advantages and infrastructure facilities possessed by them