Primary Management Objective Research Articles

Anisotropic thermally conductive films based on two‐dimensional nanomaterials

AbstractThe significant advancement of high‐power densification and miniaturization in modern electronic devices has attracted increasing attention to effective thermal management. The primary objective of thermal management is to transfer excess heat from electronics to the outside environment through the use of thermal conductive materials. The anisotropic thermally conductive films (TCFs) based on two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials exhibit outstanding controlled heat transfer capability, which effectively removes hotspots along the in‐plane direction and provides thermal insulation along the cross‐plane direction. However, a comprehensive review of anisotropic TCFs is rarely reported. Herein, we first discuss the intrinsic anisotropic thermal conductivity of 2D nanomaterials for preparing TCFs. Then, the preparation methods and anisotropic thermal conductivity of TCFs have been summarized and discussed. Furthermore, we conclude with the practical applications of TCFs for anisotropy thermal management. Finally, a conclusion of the challenges and outlook of TCFs is provided to promote their development in future scientific research.

Post Cholecystectomy Bile Duct Injury in an Acute Setting: Categorization, Triaging, and Management Algorithm.

Background Postcholecystectomy bile duct injury (BDI) is a management challenge with significant morbidity, mortality, and effects on long-term quality of life. Early referral to a specialized hepatobiliary center and appropriate early management are crucial to improving outcomes and overall quality of life. In this retrospective analysis, we examined patients who were managed at our center over the past 10 years and proposed a triage and management algorithm for BDI in acute settings. Methods Patients referred to our center with BDI from January 2011 to December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The primary objective of initial management is to control sepsis and minimize BDI-related morbidity and mortality. All the patients were resuscitated with intravenous fluid, antibiotics (preferably culture-based), correction of electrolyte deficiencies, and organ support if required. A triage module and management algorithm were framed based on our experience. All the patients were triaged based on the presence or absence of bile leaks. Each group was further subdivided into red, yellow, and green zones (depending on the presence of sepsis, organ failure, and associated injuries), and the results were analyzed as per the proposed algorithm. Results One hundred twenty-eight patients with acute BDI were referred to us during the study period, and 116 patients had BDI with a bile leak and 12 patients were without a bile leak. Out of bile leak patients, 106 patients (91.38%) had sepsis with or without organ failure (red and yellow zone) and required invasive intervention in the form of PCD insertion (n=99, 85.34%) and/or laparotomy, lavage, and drainage (n=7, 6.03%). Another 10 patients (8.62%) had controlled external biliary fistula (green zone), of which four were managed with antibiotics, four underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography stenting, and only two (1.7%) patients could undergo Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy upfront due to late referral. Among patients with BDI without bile leaks, nine (75%) had cholangitis (red and yellow zones). Out of these, five required PTBD along with antibiotics and four were managed with antibiotics alone. Only three (25%) patients in this group could undergo definitive repair without any restriction on the timing of referral and were sepsis-free at presentation (green zone). A total of nine patients had a vascular injury, and four of them required digital subtraction angiography and coil embolization. There were three (2.34%) mortalities; all were in the red zone of rest and had successful initial management. In total, five patients were managed with early repair in the acute setting, and the rest underwent definitive intervention at subsequent admissions after being converted to green zone patients with initial management. Conclusion The presented categorization, triaging, and management algorithm provides optimum insight to understand the severity, simplify these complex scenarios, expedite the decision-making process, and thus enhance patient outcomes in early acute settings following BDI.

Assessing the impact of distributed snow water equivalent calibration and assimilation of Copernicus snow water equivalent on modelled snow and streamflow performance

AbstractAccuracy of the Copernicus snow water equivalent (SWE) product and the impact of SWE calibration and assimilation on modelled SWE and streamflow was evaluated. Daily snowpack measurements were made at 12 locations from 2016 to 2019 across a 4104 km2 mixed‐forest basin in the Great Lakes region of central Ontario, Canada. Sub‐basin daily SWE calculated from these sites, observed discharge, and lake levels were used to calibrate a hydrologic model developed using the Raven modelling framework. Copernicus SWE was bias corrected during the melt period using mean bias subtraction and was compared to daily basin average SWE calculated from the measured data. Bias corrected Copernicus SWE was assimilated into the models using a range of parameters and the parameterizations from the model calibration. The bias corrected Copernicus product agreed well with measured data and provided a good estimate of mean basin SWE demonstrating that the product shows promise for hydrology applications within the study region. Calibration to spatially distributed SWE substantially improved the basin scale SWE estimate while only slightly degrading the flow simulation demonstrating the value of including SWE in a multi‐objective calibration formulation. The particle filter experiments yielded the best SWE estimation but moderately degraded the flow simulation. The particle filter experiments constrained by the calibrated snow parameters produced similar results to the experiments using the upper and lower bounds indicating that, in this study, model calibration prior to assimilation was not valuable. The calibrated models exhibited varying levels of skill in estimating SWE but demonstrated similar streamflow performance. This indicates that basin outlet streamflow can be accurately estimated using a model with a poor representation of distributed SWE. This may be sufficient for applications where estimating flow is the primary water management objective. However, in applications where understanding the physical processes of snow accumulation, melt and streamflow generation are important, such as assessing the impact of climate change on water resources, accurate representations of SWE are required and can be improved via multi‐objective calibration or data assimilation, as demonstrated in this study.

Future Scope of Logistics and Supply Chain - An Detailed Analysis

Logistics and Supply chain play a crucial role in the functioning of commercial operations. A supply chain encompasses the process of acquiring and distributing commodities, while logistics pertains to the transportation, warehousing, and overall handling of resources and products. Both commercial and emergency supply chains encounter various obstacles, however they may derive valuable insights from one other's tactics and business models. Logistics comprises several components, including transportation, storage, inventory management, packaging, and information processing. The primary objective of logistics management is to effectively coordinate the availability of appropriate resources, ensuring their timely delivery to the designated destination. Supply chain management is a strategic approach that combines essential business activities in order to enhance value for both customers and stakeholders. Supply chain management encompasses the harmonization of several entities, including suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, transporters, retailers, and consumers, with the objective of fulfilling client demands while simultaneously reducing expenses. There is a prevailing agreement among scholars that SCM and logistics constitute a crucial area of study. However, it is noteworthy that there is a scarcity of literature evaluations pertaining to this subject matter. This study aims to identify and discuss prominent topics in contemporary research by conducting a comprehensive literature assessment from the standpoint of operations management. Furthermore, we have derived some insights and identified potential avenues for further study in this particular domain.

Comparison of Dentine Graft and Plasma Rich Fibrin in Bony Defects Following Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: Protocol for a Split-mouth Study

Introduction: Third molar extraction is a common surgical procedure that can have unintended consequences, such as periodontal disease that results in bone loss on the distal part of the second molar. By halting the atrophy of the alveolar ridge, socket and ridge preservation procedures enable restorations that are both functional and aesthetically acceptable. Maintaining the volume of the alveolar socket after tooth extraction is the primary objective of alveolar management, as it prevents substantial resorption and facilitates socket repair. Numerous methods have been reported on socket healing following tooth extractions. Grafting materials may promote healing of the post-extraction socket in three separate ways: osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction. Need for the Study: This study is necessary because managing bony defects after the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is critically dependent on successful interventions. Third molars that are impacted often need to be surgically removed, resulting in bony defects that require proper regeneration for the best possible outcome after surgery. An important consideration in this process is the selection of grafting materials. It is imperative to comprehend the relative effectiveness of dentine graft and Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) to assist clinicians in deciding the best treatment option. Both PRF and dentine graft have shown promise in fostering bone regeneration; however, to develop evidence-based guidelines for clinical practice, a direct comparison using a rigorous split-mouth study is essential. Aim: To compare and evaluate outcomes of dentine graft against PRF in postoperative impacted mandibular third molar bony defects. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomised splitmouth study will be conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sharad Pawar Dental College, DMIHER, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharastra, India from April 2023 to January 2025. After the extraction of the 3rd molar, the patient will be instructed to bite on a sterile swab while waiting for the biomaterials to be ready. Following the examination of the extraction socket, the particulate dentine graft and liquid PRF preparation will be made and then placed in the extraction socket. The patient will then be instructed to use chlorhexidine mouth rinse (0.2%) twice a day in place of mechanical plaque management in the treated region for one week, as part of the postoperative regimen. Postoperative pain, wound healing, bone regeneration, and complications, if any will be assessed at a specified interval. Fisher’s-exact test will be used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance will be set at p<0.05.

Expert recommendations on feeding practices of milk diets in acute infant diarrhea in India: a collaborative position statement Expert opinion on nutritional management in acute infant diarrhea

Acute infant diarrhea has a significant impact on India's public health landscape, which is characterized by regional disparities and predominantly viral causes that often resolve on their own. The primary management objective of acute infant diarrhea is to ensure quick recovery while maintaining the nutritional intake of affected infants, aiming to reduce weight loss, manage loose stools better, and reduce the duration of diarrhea. Early refeeding, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and zinc supplementation are critical strategies, according to international consensus and scientific validation. Milk-based diets practically form a key part of dietary choices in young children. There was a need to develop an expert position for the nutritional management of acute infant diarrhea in this aspect in the Indian context. Therefore, between July and September 2023, a series of expert meetings across India were dedicated to formulating an evidence-based position for the nutritional management of acute infant diarrhea. The emphasis was on the benefits of continuing feeding and early refeeding as appropriate, and promoting continued breastfeeding. For non-breastfed infants, a strategic approach to selecting suitable milk diets was deliberated, supporting rapid recovery without compromising nutrition. This strategy not only supports the overall developmental well-being of the infant but also addresses potential issues related to alternative diets, such as palatability, potential long-term effects, and the challenges of reverting to standard milk diets. Through these discussions, a comprehensive framework for managing nutrition in acute diarrhea in infants with milk-based diets was established, highlighting the importance of continued nutritional intake along with standard management guidelines.

Evaluating the effectiveness of different variable retention harvesting treatments on forest carbon uptake using remote sensing

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) is an ecologically based forest management practice applied to emulate natural post-disturbance residual canopy structure and increase the biodiversity and resilience of a regenerating stand. The pattern and density of canopy retention also influences the productivity, mortality, and carbon (C) sequestration rates of residual trees. In this study, we used high-resolution satellite and drone remote sensing data to evaluate the effect of five different VRH treatments on growth and C uptake of a 90-year-old red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantation forest in southern Ontario, Canada. The treatments included four different combinations of harvesting intensity residual tree distribution including 33% aggregate retention (33A), 55% aggregate retention (55A), 33% dispersed retention (33D), and 55% dispersed retention (55D) and unharvested control (CN) each replicated four times in 1 ha plots. Satellite- and drone-derived normal difference vegetation index (NDVI) and gross primary productivity (GPP) were estimated for each treatment during the growing seasons from 2010 to 2020. Over this period, observed mean daily NDVI values ranged from 0.25 to 0.86 among treatments, where the 55D treatment consistently showed the highest NDVI values. Overall, the highest mean daily GPP values were observed in the CN treatment, followed by the 55D, 55A, 33D, and 33A treatments. Remote sensing-derived mean annual GPP for the entire 20 ha study site was 1651 ± 89 g C m−2 year−1, with a range of 1407–1864 g C m−2 year−1 from 2010 to 2020. Satellite-derived annual GPP values were linearly related with observed annual GPP (R2 = 0.88, p = 0.032) measured using the eddy covariance technique in an adjacent white pine plantation of similar age and height over the study period. Study results suggested that VRH treatments that create a uniformly dispersed residual canopy retaining more than half of the initial basal area (e.g. 55D) is a viable forest management practice where optimizing forest growth and C uptake is a primary management objective. Our study will help forest managers and researchers to develop methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of forest management practices, tailor them to achieve climate mitigation and adaptation goals and to develop forest management pathways for nature-based climate solutions.

Development of SCOR Database for Digitalisation of Supply Chain Customer Feedback Analysis

High-level customer service, with improved quality at a lower cost, is imperative in today's global supply chain, where customers have myriad options across borders. This is in line with the primary objective of supply chain management, which is to enable and deliver high-level customer service with lower costs, reduce lead time, and improve the quality of products/services. The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model based on KPI metrics enables an increase in the quality of products/services by monitoring and digitalising involved processes. The current paper suggests the structure of the SCOR database for Supply Chain process improvement by applying the best practices of the SCOR for Business Processes improvement. We recommend the Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) and Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) methods to estimate the influence of these improvements on Supply Chain efficiency through key performance indicators before implementation. Integrating the methods proposed in this article focuses on an approach that minimises supply chain failures, decreases failure elimination time, understands consumer needs, and offers more accurate price proposals and lead times to improve customer satisfaction. Accordingly, the integrated SCOR-based Business Process Modelling (BPM) was not previously combined with BBN to identify the most efficient ways to improve the reliability of a Supply Chain by applying best practices, which impacts the entire supply chain. Our research is limited to SME companies in electronics manufacturing, but our ambition is to develop a universal framework suitable for broader areas. The study aims to analyse how the customers see the company by combining the CDA (Customer Delivery Accuracy) and Customer Complaints measures and find the optimal way to improve business processes by applying best practices. Still, it is limited to SCOR reliability performance metrics.

Influence of Credit Risk Management on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

The management of credit risk in commercial banks determines the banks' financial performance, which predominantly influences the quality of the loan portfolio and the nature of credit administration programs as a whole. By ensuring that credit risk is effectively managed, the primary objective of credit risk management is to generate a high-quality, stable, large, and growing flow of net interest income for banks. This objective is achieved by ensuring that banks can meet the needs of their customers. This study determined the effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. The investigation was founded on the portfolio theory. The paradigm of Positivism served as the philosophical foundation for the investigation. The study incorporated both explanatory and longitudinal research designs into its methodology. The study's target population consisted of 32 Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study utilized panel data consisting of time series and cross-sectional data spanning a decade from 2010 to 2019. Using Eviews, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data, which was then presented in tables and figures. The study found out that Credit risk management had an insignificant negative relationship with Return on Equity (ROE) (F=87.02884, p<0.05) and Return on Assets (ROA) (F=118.1208, p<0.05). Arising from the study findings, it is observed that credit risk management has a negative effect on financial performance measure either in ROA or ROE, it is recommended that commercial banks should keep this parameter as minimum as possible so as not involve in loss making undertakings.

Influence of sanctuary disturbance, weather, and landscape characteristics on waterfowl harvest opportunity in western Tennessee

AbstractThe North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) recognizes waterfowl hunters and non‐consumptive users as important stakeholders to sustain waterfowl populations through economic and political support for habitat conservation initiatives. Opportunities to shoot at and harvest ducks are key determinants of achievement‐oriented hunt satisfaction and quality. Therefore, identifying factors influencing harvest opportunity would help hunters and wildlife managers identify optimal days afield and promote hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts in support of NAWMP. Waterfowl extensively use spatial sanctuaries during hunting seasons, especially diurnally, which could limit their perceived availability to hunters. Thus, a possible management action to support R3 is allowing limited public access on sanctuaries, which could offer diverse recreational opportunities for non‐consumptive users and potentially increase harvest opportunities for hunters in traditional hunting areas if the limited disturbance caused waterfowl to leave sanctuaries. Therefore, we evaluated to what extent experimental sanctuary disturbance, landscape characteristics, and weather influenced local harvest opportunities. We conducted disturbance treatments including travel by a covered truck (i.e., truck with enclosed cab), a pedestrian on foot, and an uncovered vehicle (e.g., motor boat or all‐terrain vehicle [ATV]). To measure harvest opportunity, we used autonomous recording units (ARU) to enumerate daily shotgun volleys at a landscape‐scale across western Tennessee, USA, during 2019–2021 waterfowl hunting seasons. We identified 339,391 distinct shotgun volleys ( = 73 shotgun volleys/day/ARU). Shotgun volleys decreased 50% within 2 weeks of opening day and did not notably increase for the remainder of the hunting season. Contrary to our predictions, sanctuary disturbance decreased harvest opportunity. Specifically, the pedestrian disturbance and covered vehicle disturbance decreased daily shotgun volleys by 32% and 31%, respectively. Additionally, harvest opportunity decreased 20% with every 5‐km increase in distance from a sanctuary. Harvest opportunity increased 2% for every 1°C decrease from mean low temperatures and 9% with every 10‐hPa increase in barometric pressure from the previous day. Conversely, harvest opportunity was unaffected by changes in cloud cover, daily precipitation, waterfowl abundance, or surface water inundation. Our results suggest disturbing sanctuaries decreases harvest opportunity and, in turn, may reduce hunt quality and satisfaction. If increasing harvest opportunity is a primary management objective, we recommend limiting sanctuary disturbance to maximize local harvest opportunities. Furthermore, greater harvest opportunity nearer sanctuaries indicates that additional disturbance‐free areas may increase local harvest opportunities and hunter satisfaction.

Influence of Liquidity Risk Management on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

The management of liquidity risk in commercial banks determines the banks' financial performance, which predominantly influences the quality of the loan portfolio and the nature of credit administration programs as a whole. By ensuring that liquidity risk is effectively managed, the primary objective of liquidity risk management is to generate a high-quality, stable, large, and growing flow of net interest income for banks. This objective is achieved by ensuring that banks can meet the needs of their customers. This study determined the effect of liquidity risk management on the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. The investigation was founded on the theory of liquidity management shiftability. The paradigm of Positivism served as the philosophical foundation for the investigation. The study incorporated both explanatory and longitudinal research designs into its methodology. The study's target population consisted of 32 Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study utilized panel data consisting of time series and cross-sectional data spanning a decade from 2010 to 2019. Using Eviews, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data, which was then presented in tables and figures. The study found out that Liquidity risk management had an insignificant negative relationship with ROE (F=0.583912, p<0.05) and ROA (F=2.770410, p<0.05). Arising from the study findings, it is observed that liquidity risk management has a negative effect on financial performance measure either in ROA or ROE, it is recommended that commercial banks should keep this parameter as minimum as possible so as not involve in loss making undertakings.

History, Issues, and Future Scope of Logistics and Supply Chain

Logistics and Supply chain play a crucial role in the functioning of commercial operations. A supply chain encompasses the process of acquiring and distributing commodities, while logistics pertains to the transportation, warehousing, and overall handling of resources and products. Both commercial and emergency supply chains encounter various obstacles, however they may derive valuable insights from one other's tactics and business models. Logistics comprises several components, including transportation, storage, inventory management, packaging, and information processing. The primary objective of logistics management is to effectively coordinate the availability of appropriate resources, ensuring their timely delivery to the designated destination. Supply chain management is a strategic approach that combines essential business activities in order to enhance value for both customers and stakeholders. Supply chain management encompasses the harmonization of several entities, including suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, transporters, retailers, and consumers, with the objective of fulfilling client demands while simultaneously reducing expenses. There is a prevailing agreement among scholars that SCM and logistics constitute a crucial area of study. However, it is noteworthy that there is a scarcity of literature evaluations pertaining to this subject matter. This study aims to identify and discuss prominent topics in contemporary research by conducting a comprehensive literature assessment from the standpoint of operations management. Furthermore, we have derived some insights and identified potential avenues for further study in this particular domain.

Game theoretical approach for critical sizing of energy storage systems for residential prosumers

The integration of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) into the distribution system has resulted in changes in the behavior of energy management systems. The primary objective of ESS management on the consumer side is to minimize operational costs reflected in energy bills, while the main goal for the Distribution System Operator (DSO) is to improve and smooth the aggregated load profile. Utilizing ESSs in distribution systems requires thorough research, as incorrect implementation can reduce controllability of distribution networks. This paper investigates the relationship between energy cost and the load responsiveness index of PV-ESS equipped residential loads using game theoretic approach. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the relationship between load responsiveness and factors such as load profile, PV size, and energy cost. The goal of the paper is to propose a new approach for optimal sizing of ESS.

A State-of-the-Art Review of Probabilistic Portfolio Management for Future Stock Markets

Portfolio management has long been one of the most significant challenges in large- and small-scale investments alike. The primary objective of portfolio management is to make investments with the most favorable rate of return and the lowest amount of risk. On the other hand, time series prediction has garnered significant attention in recent years for predicting the trend of stock prices in the future. The combination of these two approaches, i.e., predicting the future stock price and adopting portfolio management methods in the forecasted time series, has turned out to be a novel research line in the past few years. That is, to have a better understanding of the future, various researchers have attempted to predict the future behavior of stocks and subsequently implement portfolio management techniques on them. However, due to the uncertainty in predicting the future, the reliability of these methodologies is in question, and it is unclear to what extent their results can be relied upon. Therefore, probabilistic approaches have also entered the research arena, and attempts have been made to incorporate uncertainty into future forecasting and portfolio management. This issue has led to the development of probabilistic portfolio management for future data. This review paper begins with a discussion of various time-series prediction methods for stock market data. Next, a classification and evaluation of portfolio management approaches are provided. Afterwards, the Monte Carlo sampling method is discussed as the most prevalent technique for probabilistic analysis of stock market data. The probabilistic portfolio management method is applied to future Shanghai Stock Exchange data in the form of a case study to measure the applicability of this method to real-world projects. The results of this research can serve as a benchmark example for the analysis of other stock market data.

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage secondary to 5-ALA-induced thrombocytopaenia in a paediatric patient: case report and literature review

IntroductionThe primary objective of neurosurgical management of malignant gliomas is maximal safe resection of the tumour. One of the main obstacles in achieving this is the ability to accurately discriminate between tumour edges and the surrounding healthy brain tissue. The use of fluorescence-guided surgery utilising 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), first introduced more than 20 years ago, has become an invaluable adjunct in high-grade glioma surgery in adults. However, as 5-ALA is not licensed for use in paediatric patients, the safety profile for such use remains undetermined.Case reportWe describe the case of a 4-year-old boy who underwent 5-ALA-guided resection of a fourth ventricle anaplastic ependymoma. Although complete resection was achieved and the patient awoke from surgery well with no neurological deficits, the patient developed acute transaminitis, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and coagulopathy postoperatively. The patient had a sudden neurological deterioration on postoperative day 2; imaging revealed that he had suffered a spontaneous right frontal intracerebral haemorrhage. The patient returned to theatre for surgical decompression and evacuation of the haematoma, and ultimately went on to make a full recovery.ConclusionThe use of 5-ALA in paediatric patients can be helpful in maximising surgical resection, but the associated safety profile remains undefined. Further research is urgently warranted in order to characterise the efficacy and risk of the use of 5-ALA in the paediatric population.

Below canopy evapotranspiration in four different variable retention harvesting treatments in a red pine plantation forest

AbstractVariable retention harvest (VRH) is a silvicultural approach that retains differing proportions and patterns of canopy trees across a harvested area to emulate natural disturbance effects on stand structure and enhance the resilience of the regenerating stand to abiotic and biotic stresses. Four VRH treatments were applied to an 83‐year‐old red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantation forest in the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone of Canada that included 55% aggregate retention (55A), 55% dispersed retention (55D), 33% aggregate retention (33A), 33% dispersed retention (33D) and an unharvested control (CN). In the sixth growing season after harvest, tree stem sap flow and eddy covariance flux measurements were used to examine the impacts of VRH on the dominant components of total stand evapotranspiration (ET), i.e., canopy transpiration (TC) and water flux from the understory vegetation and soil (ETU) as well as understory and canopy water use efficiency (WUE). A positive relationship was found between harvest intensity and the growth of understory vegetation and ETU. The contribution of ETU to ET was higher in the dispersed compared to the aggregate VRH treatments. Canopy transpiration contributed 83% of ET in the CN plot and 58%, 55%, 30% and 23% in the 55D, 55A, 33A and 33D treatments, respectively. Overall, VRH treatments resulted in increased canopy WUE but little comparative effect on understory WUE. Our results suggest that the dispersed retention pattern led to higher ET and productivity than the aggregate pattern of the same retention level. Where carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation is the primary management objective, higher retention levels such as 55D might be used to favour stand level carbon storage while accepting slower rates of understory development. Our findings on the effects of VRH on productivity and WUE of the canopy and understory will help forest managers to better employ VRH as an option to meet multiple objectives and adapt forests to a warmer, more variable climate.

Photographic Facial Soft Tissue Analysis by Means of Linear Measurements in Adult Pakistani Population

Background: Achieving pleasant and well balanced face is primary objective of orthodontic management. Comprehending facial tissues and acceptable range of structures, allows formulation of treatment plan. Objectives: This study rationale was to establish mean linear photogrammetry norms for adult Pakistanis, to aid in diagnosis, planning of treatment, esthetics and stability in the therapy results, for local population. Methods: A cross sectional study, on 78 subjects from Fatima Memorial Hospital and undergraduate scholars of Fatima Memorial College of Dentistry. Gathered data was logged and examined in SPSS 20. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Categorization ofgender and age was carried out to check distractors and independent t-test was used, with p-value ≤ 0.05 as significant statistically. Result: Result of this research exhibited marked variation in genders for length of lower lip, which was shorter in females than males. The length of lower lip which was significant on the basis of gender, was statistically insignificant on the basis of age. All other parameters showed statistically insignificant difference on the basis of gender and age. Conclusion: This research concluded that average values for gender and age for linear parameters must be used while planning cases for orthodontic therapy ofpatients of Pakistani origin. Keywords: Photogrammetry, Esthetics, Soft Tissue, Orthodontics, Treatment Planning, Diagnosis.

Estimating economic-based target reference points for key species in multi-species multi-métier fisheries

Consideration of economic outcomes is commonplace in most fisheries management systems globally, although only a few jurisdictions have adopted an economic objective as the primary target for fisheries management. Such an objective has been adopted for Australia's federally managed fisheries, with maximum economic yield (MEY) identified as the primary management objective. Correspondingly, target reference points defined in terms of biomass (i.e., BMEY) are used in harvest control rules. In the absence of explicit BMEY estimates, proxy estimates based on maximum sustainable yield (i.e., BMSY) are used. Identifying BMEY in multi-species fisheries is complicated as most stock assessments are undertaken at the individual species level, but economic activity occurs across species. This is further complicated when different fishing activities using different fishing gears and targeting practices (i.e., métiers) are present in a fishery. We employ an age-structured bioeconomic model to estimate BMEY for key species in a multi-species, multi-métier fishery. We find that optimal biomass levels are substantially higher than those assumed under the current proxy-based system, and that the economic targets are sensitive to prices and fishing costs, both of which change over time.

Risk assessment model for halal supply chain using an integrated approach of IFN and D number

PurposeHalal integrity assurance is the primary objective of Halal supply chain management. Several halal-related risks are present that have the potential to breach halal integrity. Therefore, this study aims to develop the framework for the assessment of halal-related risk from a supply chain perspective.Design/methodology/approachRisk related to halal is identified through the combined approach of the systematic literature review and experts’ input. Further, these risks are assessed using the integrated approach of intuitionistic fuzzy number (IFN) and D-number based on their severity score. This integrated approach can handle fuzziness, inconsistency and incomplete information that are present in the expert’s input.FindingsEighteen significant risks related to halal are identified and grouped into four categories. These risks are further prioritised based on their severity score and classified as “high priority risk” or “low priority risks”. The findings of the study suggests that raw material status, processing methods, the wholesomeness of raw materials and common facilities for halal and non-halal products are more severe risks.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only focusses on halal-related risks and does not capture the other types of risks occurring in the supply chain. Risks related to halal supply chain management are not considered in this study. Prioritisation of the risks is based on the expert’s input which can be biased to the experts' background.Practical implicationsThe proposed risk assessment framework is beneficial for risk managers to assess the halal related risks and develop their mitigation strategies accordingly. Furthermore, the prioritisation of the risks also assists managers in the optimal utilisation of resources to mitigate high-priority risks.Originality/valueThis study provides significant risks related to halal integrity, therefore helping in a better understanding of the halal supply chain. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study for developing a risk assessment model for the halal supply chain.

IoE-supported smart logistics network communication with optimization and security

Goods and services can be tracked in real-time with smart logistics. Smart logistics have been utilized by enterprises, transportation applications, and delivery services for some time now. The primary objective of logistics management is to find the most efficient and cost-effective methods to move resources and goods from their starting point to their final destination and the customer. Logistics is still plagued by high prices and poor efficiency in the current industry. These issues can be solved with the development of smart logistics. Several industries and business solutions rely heavily on a logistics system to handle transportation issues and save costs. The Internet of Everything Smart Logistic Network (IoE-SLN) has been suggested in this paper. Various applications for logistics systems are integrated into many systems, and they cost a lot and are not utilized in certain cases, making it difficult to justify their purchase. IoE is important in information and communication technology because it can generate vast amounts of data and evaluate the complex links between transactions represented by this data using various mathematical techniques. Although the logistics industry is heavily involved, security has become a hot subject of particular concern with complicated technology and a massive volume of data. This paper builds a financial logistics monitoring system using Internet of Everything technologies in the context of an intelligent environment. Numerical results show that the method has a better-quality accuracy ratio of 92.1%, investment ratio of 98.4%, demand forecast ratio of 95.4%, product delivery ratio of 97.6%, and network security ratio of 96.4%.Data transmission, materials management, manufacture, marketing, inventories, shipping, storage, and security are all part of physical item logistics. As a result, simulation programmes have been developed to handle the complexity of logistics. When importing and exporting, logistics is all about saving money and resources.Whether IoE devices gather, transfer, and distribute information significantly impacts data accuracy. Data capture systems that can operate on-premise, as an interface service that can store and send data on miscommunication, are crucial to information management. Smart objects connected to the Internet of Everything(IoE) enable us to improve agriculture and food security, identify and contain fatal infections, and decrease pollution in some of the world's largest cities. Over half the world's population now resides in urban areas, and this trend is expected to continue.