Feature-Oriented Modelling Using Event-B

Event-B is a formal method for specification and verification of reactive systems. Its Rodin toolkit provides comprehensive support for modelling, refinement and analysis using theorem proving, animation and model checking. There has always been a need to reuse existing models and their associated proofs when modelling related systems to save time and effort. Software product lines (SPLs) focus on the problem of reuse by providing ways to build software products having commonalities and managing variations within products of the same family. Feature modelling is a well know technique to manage variability and configure products within the SPLs. We have combined the two approaches to formally specify SPLs using Event-B. This will contribute the concept of formalism to SPLs and re-usability to Event-B. Existing feature modelling notations were adapted and extended to include refinement mechanism of Event-B. An Eclipse-based graphical feature modelling tool has been developed as a plug-in to the Rodin platform. We have modelled the "production cell" case-study in Event-B, an industrial metal processing plant, which has previously been specified in a number of formalisms. We have also highlighted future directions based on our experience with this framework so far

A Comparative Study of Personality Dynamics of Family and Non-Family Entrepreneurs and their Impact on Organizational Effectiveness

The current research focuses on the exploration of the big five personality traits model and its impact on organizational effectiveness in the restaurant industry entrepreneurs of Lahore, Pakistan. The personality traits of different entrepreneurs working in family and non-family owned enterprises are analyzed along with their effectiveness. Data collection mode was survey and data was collected through structured questionnaire. Purposive non-probability sampling technique was used for sample selection. Questionnaire was responded by 110 entrepreneurs (55 family entrepreneurs and 55 non-family entrepreneurs) of restaurant industry. The research findings reveal that all of the personality items have a positive correlation with the organizational effectiveness except neuroticism, yet these personality traits have variable impact on the effectiveness of restaurants. For family entrepreneurs, the traits of extrovert, neuroticism, openness to experience and agreeableness have significant impact on the effectiveness of restaurants whereas for non-family restaurants only conscientiousness trait has a significant impact on restaurants’ effectiveness. Keywords: family entrepreneurs, non-family entrepreneurs, conscientiousness, extrovert, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, organizational effectiveness.

Does Intelligence Always Guarantee Performance?

Abstract: The current research is intended to explore the individuals' cognitive intelligence and its impact on their performance. The study examines the intellectual capabilities of employees in reference to the problems that arises due to the interaction with varying job related tasks. Raven's progressive matrices were used to measure the IQ level of employees. This IQ test was intended to measure the non-verbal intelligence, spatial intelligence, mathematical and logical intelligence of employees. It was hypothesized that individuals' intelligence does not always guarantee performance. The final data was collected on 300 employees from different organizations of Telecom sector in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Outcome of the analysis revealed interesting findings that Intelligence Quotient is found to be insignificantly related with individuals' performance. It shows that IQ alone is not a strong predictor of employees' performance. Intelligence may ensure a reach to entry level position in an organization but for a sustained position other competencies are of utmost importance. This study may provoke new lines of research in the field of positive psychology specifically

Comparison of Decompressive Craniectomy and Multi-Dural Stabs with Decompressive Craniectomy and Open-Dural Flap Method, in the Treatment of Acute Subdural Hematomas

Background: To compare the functional outcome between decompressive craniectomy and multi-dural stabs, with decompressive craniectomy and open-dural flap, in the removal of acute subdural hematomas . Methods : In this randomized controlled trial,  64 patients, with acute sub-dural hematomas were included.  Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of lottery method. All patients gave informed written consent. In group A, all patients were operated upon by multi-dural stab technique and in group B, patients were operated upon by open-dural flap technique. The objective degree of recovery in the patients treated by both craniectomy techniques was assessed by Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), having maximum of 5 and minimum of 1 score. Favourable outcome was at points 4-5 and Un-favourable at 1-3 points, at 2 weeks. GOS attached as annexure A. Favourable outcome was assessed at 2 weeks according to GOS. Results : The mean age in group-A and group-B was 59.09 ± 9.39 years and 59.56 ± 9.98 years. Males constituted the main in both groups. Mean GOS in group A and in group B, was 3.06 ± 1.24 and 2.69 ± 0.82 respectively. Statistically mean GOS was same in this study groups, p-value 0.159, > 0.05. There were 37.5% patients in group A and 9.4% patients in group B who had favourable results, while in group A and group B, 62.5% and 90.60% patients had unfavourable results. Favourable results were statistically more in group A as compared to group B, p-value =0.008. Conclusion: Treatment of acute subdural hematoma by decompressive craniectomy with multi dural stabs technique has more favourable results (using GOS) than decompressive craniectomy with open-dural flap technique

Comparison of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Cage versus Iliac Bone Graft undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): A multicenter experience

Background:In anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), the two most frequently used materials are allografts and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. The aim of the study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages with iliac crest allografts in anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in patients of symptomatic Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).Methods:In this cohort study, we included 70 (35 in each group) patients of symptomatic CSM having degenerative cervical disc disease who were planned for ACDF from Jan-2017 to Jan-2021 in Rawalpindi Medical University. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia in supine position, standard ACDF technique was used in all patients. Anterior cervical locked plates were used for fixation of PEEK cages or the iliac allografts in the inter-vertebral space. Radiologic and functional outcomes were determined till 6 months after surgery. Results:The baseline study characteristics were similar between the groups. Mean Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (MJOA) score at 06 months’ follow-up was same between the groups; 14.16±4.30 in group A and 13.54±3.24 in group B (p-value 0.49). Disc space height at 06 months’ follow-up was also similar between the groups; 10.01±0.67 mm in group A versus 10.11±0.70 mm in group B (p-value 0.54). Fusion rate at final follow-up was 31 (88.6%) in group A versus 30 (85.7%) in group B (p-value 0.72).Conclusion:PEEK cages have similar functional and radiologic outcomes in comparison to ileal crest allografts. So, PEEK cages can be used as a successful alternative to ileal crest allografts this will help to reduce donor site morbidity and will reduce longer surgical times associated with graft harvesting

3,6-Dimethyl-o-phenyl­enedimethanol

The title compound, C10H14O2, synthesized by reduction of 4,7-dimethyl-2-benzofuran-1,3-dione, crystallizes with two independant mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit, both showing an intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond. The crystal packing is stabilized by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds

355-nm photodissociation of CH4 and production ofhydrogen

Summary form only given. Methane gas is available as a cheap source for heating purposes as well as for converting into higher hydrocarbons using steam reforming and other processes to produce syn-gas. Research has been directed towards the development of alternative techniques to convert methane into more valuable hydrocarbons such as ethylene and propylene as well as for generation of hydrogen. Hydrogen is forecast to become the major source of energy in future. Molecular hydrogen is a clean burning fuel and can be stored as liquid or gas. The ethylene and propylene are raw materials for producing polyethylene and polypropylene and the demand for these polymers is increasing at an immense growth rate. In spite of many research programs, there is no direct conversion process so far reported which is capable of large scale production of these products from methane which could be described as high yield and highly selective process. At present, there are three different photochemical-process based techniques, which have been used for methane conversion with some degree of success. These include UV light, plasma and microwave irradiation in the presence of different catalyst. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on photodissociation of methane at 355 nm. The aim of the present study is to develop a technique for direct conversion of methane into hydrogen and higher hydrocarbon and to analyze the regenerated products as a result of laser-photodissociatio

355-nm photodissociation of CH4 and production ofhydrogen

Summary form only given. Methane gas is available as a cheap source for heating purposes as well as for converting into higher hydrocarbons using steam reforming and other processes to produce syn-gas. Research has been directed towards the development of alternative techniques to convert methane into more valuable hydrocarbons such as ethylene and propylene as well as for generation of hydrogen. Hydrogen is forecast to become the major source of energy in future. Molecular hydrogen is a clean burning fuel and can be stored as liquid or gas. The ethylene and propylene are raw materials for producing polyethylene and polypropylene and the demand for these polymers is increasing at an immense growth rate. In spite of many research programs, there is no direct conversion process so far reported which is capable of large scale production of these products from methane which could be described as high yield and highly selective process. At present, there are three different photochemical-process based techniques, which have been used for methane conversion with some degree of success. These include UV light, plasma and microwave irradiation in the presence of different catalyst. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on photodissociation of methane at 355 nm. The aim of the present study is to develop a technique for direct conversion of methane into hydrogen and higher hydrocarbon and to analyze the regenerated products as a result of laser-photodissociatio

1-Phenyl-1H-naphtho­[1,2-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one

In the title compound, C18H13NO2, the naphthalene (r.m.s. deviation = 0.025 Å) and benzaldehyde (r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 Å) groups are oriented at a dihedral angle of 89.48 (4)°. The oxazine group is oriented at dihedral angles of 13.36 (4) and 85.08 (5)°, respectively, with respect to the naphthalene and benzaldehyde fragments. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R 2 2(8) loops. The dimers are linked into [010] chains via N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Weak C—H⋯π links and aromatic π–π stacking between the centroids of the naphthalene phenyl rings [centroid–centroid separation = 3.5977 (8) Å] help to consolidate the packing