Channel Coding with Mean and Variance Cost Constraints

We consider channel coding for discrete memoryless channels (DMCs) with a novel cost constraint that constrains both the mean and the variance of the cost of the codewords. We show that the maximum (asymptotically) achievable rate under the new cost formulation is equal to the capacity-cost function; in particular, the strong converse holds. We further characterize the optimal second-order coding rate of these cost-constrained codes; in particular, the optimal second-order coding rate is finite. We then show that the second-order coding performance is strictly improved with feedback using a new variation of timid/bold coding, significantly broadening the applicability of timid/bold coding schemes from unconstrained compound-dispersion channels to all cost-constrained channels. Equivalent results on the minimum average probability of error are also given

Impact of Triple-A Capabilities on Environmental Performance: Implications for Public Policy

Triple-A Capabilities—comprising “Agility, Adaptability, and Alignment”—are recognized as essential for enhancing “supply chain performance” globally. Existing literature highlights the need for further investigation of the link between “Triple-A Capabilities” and “Environmental Performance”, especially within the context of developing nations. Accordingly, this research examines the relationship between these capabilities and “Environmental Performance” in Pakistan's pesticide industry. A quantitative approach was adopted under the positivist research paradigm. Initially, a review of existing literature helped to develop a conceptual framework to understand the interplay between “Triple-A Capabilities” and “Environmental Performance”. Subsequently, empirical data were gathered through an online structured questionnaire to test the proposed conceptual framework. The analysis was carried out using SmartPLS 4.0. Findings revealed a significant positive effect between “Triple-A Capabilities” and “Environmental Performance”. From a public policy perspective, it is recommended that government agencies promote the integration of Triple-A Capabilities through targeted supply chain training programs and regulatory incentives. Additionally, environmental compliance frameworks should be revised to encourage agility, adaptability, and alignment in operations. Future studies should be conducted across different countries and industrial sectors to increase the generalizability of the findings of current study. Keywords: Triple-A Capabilities, Environmental Performance, Pesticide Firms, Public Policy, Pakista

Challenges to globalization and its impact on prevailing international liberal order

Challenges to globalization have grave implications for the worldwide liberal order that emerged with the end of the cold war. These challenges began to ascend from the West. The occasions like Brexit, ascent of radical rightist political groups in Europe, recognition of isolationist policies, choice of former US President Donald Trump (Originator of isolationist policies), and the strive towards confinement of manufacture and services have altered the contours of global liberal order. The objective of this examination is to find the factors that prepared ground for anti-globalization accounts as well as to discover its effect on the global liberal order by applying the content analysis method. This study will assume qualitative methodology utilizing both primary and secondary data i.e., government documents, annual reports, speeches of leaders, books, journal articles and newspapers etc. The findings of the study concludes that anti-globalization narratives are translating into the electoral processes, progressing hyper-nationalism over liberal order; multi-polarity above Uni-polarity; and Isolationism above free market economy. All such changes have critical repercussions for the global liberal order, hence, should be observed cautiously. If the pattern proceeds, the world pioneers ought to think about modifying the worldwide associations, alliances, as well as national security procedures

miRNA in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Acute Endurance Exercise in C57Bl/6J Male Mice

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNA species involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. In vitro studies have identified a small number of skeletal muscle-specific miRNAs which play a crucial role in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. In skeletal muscle, an acute bout of endurance exercise results in the up-regulation of transcriptional networks that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and skeletal muscle remodelling. The purpose of this study was to assess the expressional profile of targeted miRNA species following an acute bout of endurance exercise and to determine relationships with previously established endurance exercise responsive transcriptional networks. C57Bl/6J wild-type male mice (N = 7/group) were randomly assigned to either sedentary or forced-endurance exercise (treadmill run @ 15 m/min for 90 min) group. The endurance exercise group was sacrificed three hours following a single bout of exercise. The expression of miR- 181, 1, 133, 23, and 107, all of which have been predicted to regulate transcription factors and co-activators involved in the adaptive response to exercise, was measured in quadriceps femoris muscle. Endurance exercise significantly increased the expression of miR-181, miR-1, and miR-107 by 37%, 40%, and 56%, respectively, and reduced miR-23 expression by 84% (P≤0.05 for all), with no change in miR-133. Importantly, decreased expression of miRNA-23, a putative negative regulator of PGC-1α was consistent with increased expression of PGC-1α mRNA and protein along with several downstream targets of PGC-1α including ALAS, CS, and cytochrome c mRNA. PDK4 protein content remains unaltered despite an increase in its putative negative regulator, miR-107, and PDK4 mRNA expression. mRNA expression of miRNA processing machinery (Drosha, Dicer, and DGCR8) remained unchanged. We conclude that miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is potentially involved in the complex regulatory networks that govern skeletal muscle adaptation to endurance exercise in C57Bl/6J male mice

Diagnostic Utility of Ultrasound in Acute Appendicitis in Correlation with Total Leukocyte Count

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in correlation with totalleukocyte count (TLC).Materials and Methods: This cross sectional comparative study was conducted at the Radiology and Pathology Departmentsof CMH Lahore from 1st February 2007 to 31st January 2008. A total of 125 suspectedpatientsof appendicitis were included inthe study through non-probability purposive sampling. They all underwent US evaluation and laboratory assessment (TLC).Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of US findings and TLC werecalculated keeping surgical findings and histopathology of the removed appendix as gold standard whenever appendecectomywas carried out.Results:Among 62 patients finally proven to be suffering from acute appendicitis US correctly diagnosed the same in 55 (89%),whereas a normal appendix was visualized in 30 (48%) out of the remaining 63 non – appendicitis patients. The most accurateappendiceal finding for appendicitis was adiameter of 6 mm or larger, with a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 97%,NPV of98%, and PPV of 98%.The lack of visualization of the appendixwith US had a NPV of 82%. An increase in TLC had a PPVof 66%, whereas normal TLC had a NPV of 73% whereas those of US were 96% and 90% respectively. By utilizing US as anadjunct to clinical evaluation, negative appendectomy rate was lessened to 3.2%.Conclusion: US have better diagnostic utility than TLC in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Holistic Human Resource Development: Balancing the Equation Through the Inclusion of Spiritual Quotient

This conceptual paper aims to shed light on the significance of human spiritual dimension in the process of human resource development (HRD). It suggests spiritual intelligence as the missing link in the process of human development that should be indentified and considered as an important factor for developed and morally qualified human resources. The conventional strategy of organizations in flourishing their employees is more on enhancement of individual’s knowledge, skills, abilities (Intelligence Quotient (IQ)) and emotions control (Emotional Quotient (EQ).However, despite this immense interest in human capital, organizations tend to fail to have holistic approach of human resource development which eventually affects their performance. Therefore, based on this, we conclude that the emerging notion of human spiritual quotient (SQ) and its multi-dimensions must be included in human resource development initiatives in order to have holistic mechanism

Application of new biomedical materials in orthodontic appliances

This review article describes the application and characteristics of certain biomedical materials in orthodontic appliances. The elastic recoil of shape memory polymers, determination of the forces and moments experienced by the brackets and eventually by the tooth, reduction in treatment time by employing self-healing smart brackets and decreased enamel lost during debonding due to usage of biomimetic adhesives such as dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) is discussed. Increased plaque retention and microbial attachment around brackets and teeth is of profound concern and by utilisation of hydrophobic properties of self-cleaning materials, this can be reduced significantly. Implantation of bioresorbable temporary anchorage devices, which resorb once their purpose is accomplished and increasing the concentration of fluoride in the oral environment to counter the deleterious consequences of orthodontic treatment such as white spot lesions and caries, are also discussed brief

Spiritual quotient and ethical values towards organizational sustainability

During the last decade, many organizations were collapsed and had damage their organizational sustainability reason being severe ethical crisis. One of the main reasons affecting organizational sustainability is unethical behavior in the organization. Therefore, the question arises, how this grave issue of unethical behavior of employees can be solved? This paper seeks to assess if spiritual quotient (Here after SQ) is a solution to the unethical behavior of employees and how this SQ along with ethical values can contribute towards organizational sustainability. The paper concludes that SQ is the ultimate intelligence with which people address and solve the problems associated with meaning and value. It is the intelligence that has the force to help people use their actions and lives in a wider, richer and meaning-giving context. Moreover, promoting the ethical values, most of the organizations focus on ethics training programs aimed at increasing employee’s ethical behavior in organization. Thus, the paper finally suggests that employee unethical behavior in an organization can be solved through SQ and ethical values in organization

Denosumab Use in a Patient with Bisphosphonate-Resistant Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the use of denosumab as an option for treating bisphosphonate-resistant humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. Methods: We present the clinical history and laboratory findings of a patient with a review of related literature. Results: A 62 year-old male with stage IV laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and lung metastases had multiple hospital admissions for asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The patient had no known bone metastases. His laboratory data showed a high calcium level, a low level of intact PTH and a high level of PTHrP, which confirmed the diagnosis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. There was atypically an elevated level of 1,25(OH)2D. The patient was treated with fluids, prednisone, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. Hypercalcemia was refractory to bisphosphonate treatment as well as other modalities. Denosumab treatment was then added. Denosumab along with bisphosphonate produced an added effect on lowering calcium levels. Conclusion: Denosumab provides potentially a new treatment option for bisphosphonate refractory humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, especially in the presence of high PTHrP and 1,25(OH)2D. Abbreviations: PTH: Parathyroid Hormone, PTHrP: Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide, HHM: Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy. 1,25(OH)2D: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone. RANKL: Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. Key words: hypercalcemia, squamous cell carcinoma, malignancy, denosumab, bisphosphonate,1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This material presented in part at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 23rd Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress, No. 633, 2014

Denosumab Use in a Patient with Bisphosphonate-Resistant Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

Objective: To describe the use of denosumab as an option for treating bisphosphonate-resistant humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. Methods: We present the clinical history and laboratory findings of a patient with a review of related literature. Results: A 62 year-old male with stage IV laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and lung metastases had multiple hospital admissions for asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The patient had no known bone metastases. His laboratory data showed a high calcium level, a low level of intact PTH and a high level of PTHrP, which confirmed the diagnosis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. There was atypically an elevated level of 1,25(OH)2D. The patient was treated with fluids, prednisone, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. Hypercalcemia was refractory to bisphosphonate treatment as well as other modalities. Denosumab treatment was then added. Denosumab along with bisphosphonate produced an added effect on lowering calcium levels. Conclusion: Denosumab provides potentially a new treatment option for bisphosphonate refractory humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, especially in the presence of high PTHrP and 1,25(OH)2D. Abbreviations: PTH: Parathyroid Hormone, PTHrP: Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide, HHM: Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy. 1,25(OH)2D: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone. RANKL: Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. Key words: hypercalcemia, squamous cell carcinoma, malignancy, denosumab, bisphosphonate,1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This material presented in part at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 23rd Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress, No. 633, 2014