CP-odd weak basis invariants and texture zeros

We construct the CP-odd weak basis invariants from the neutrino mass matrix in a weak basis in which the charged lepton mass matrix is diagonal and find the necessary and sufficient conditions for CP conservation. We study the interrelationships between different CP-odd weak basis invariants to examine their implications for the Dirac and Majorana type CP violating phases for the phenomenologically allowed Frampton-Glashow-Marfatia texture zero structures of the neutrino mass matrix.Comment: 9 pages, three tables, Phys. Rev. D (to appear

Model Independent Constraints on Non-electronic Flavors in the Solar Boron Neutrino Flux

We perform the most general model independent analysis of the latest 391-Day Salt Phase SNO Data Set incorporating the Super-Kamiokande ES flux measurement and obtain bounds on the antineutrino and sterile neutrino flux in the solar $^{8}$B neutrino flux reaching the detectors on the earth. The muon/ tauon antineutrino flux is found to be disallowed at 1.4$\sigma$ C.L. The sterile flux is found to be non-zero at about 1.26 standard deviations.Comment: 8 pages and no figur

Workplace based clinical procedural skills assessment using directly observed procedural skills in interns in Otorhinolaryngology rotation

Background: In view of changing requirements in healthcare systems and planned reforms of medical education curricula, effective teaching and assessment of clinical skills in the undergraduate setting has become more and more important. There is a need for implementation of newer methods of evaluation keeping in mind the principles of adult learning and self-directed learning. DOPS (directly observed procedural skills) is a highly structured assessment tool for assessment of the practical work performed by a trainee on a real patient under supervision of experienced faculty. This study aimed to make use of DOPS as a method of workplace based assessment for interns in otorhinolaryngology posting.Methods: 15 interns posted in department of otorhinolaryngology participated in the study. Three clinical procedural skills included were anterior rhinoscopy, otoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy. Three DOPS were undertaken for each skill. The performance was noted as DOPS ratings. The results were tabulated and statistically analysed.Results: A total of 135 DOPS were undertaken for 15 interns. Mean overall DOPS rating improved from DOPS 1 to DOPS 3. The difference in value between DOPS 1 and 3 for anterior rhinoscopy was statistically significant. For otoscopy and indirect laryngology, the difference between DOPS 1 and 2, DOPS 1 and 3 was statistically significant. Both faculty and interns found DOPS to be an efficient tool for assessment.Conclusions: DOPS  is a cost effective assessment tool. It has an effective role in facilitating students’ learning and skill development as it is based on the direct observation of trainees’ procedural skills in real clinical environment.

Valuing Quality in Educational Services: An Empirical Study

This study aims to evaluate the value parameters in education services and to develop a framework for enhancement of student’s satisfaction. Focusing on traditional service quality dimensions and new concerns, it seeks to investigate the changes in expectations due to changing trends in education service industry and level of performance achieved with the identification of gap areas.   This paper reviews emerging gaps in service performance in education sector with the help of primary study. Respondents are selected on simple random basis from various formats of management institutes in India. Research instrument was designed with available scales in service quality studies with some new additions reflecting changed scenario. Data analysis reflects the gaps and the important dimensions which needs urgent attention.   The paper suggests that educational planners should look into the emerging trends and allocate their resources in light of importance-performance analysis. The findings of this study can be used by the practitioners in identification and improvement of service gap areas to enhance student’s satisfaction. Keywords: Service quality, Customer Satisfaction, Service Gap, Service Performanc

Neutrino Phenomenology in a Model with Generalized CP symmetry within Type-I seesaw framework

We investigate the consequences of generalized CP (GCP) symmetry within the context of the two Higgs doublet model (2HDM), specifically focusing on the lepton sector. Utilizing the Type-I seesaw framework, we study an intriguing connection between the Dirac Yukawa couplings originating from both Higgs fields, leading to a reduction in the number of independent Yukawa couplings and simplifying the scalar and Yukawa sectors when compared to the general 2HDM. The CP3 constraint results in two right-handed neutrinos having equal masses and leads to a diagonal right-handed Majorana neutrino mass matrix. Notably, CP symmetry experiences a soft break due to the phase associated with the vacuum expectation value of the second Higgs doublet. The model aligns well with observed charged lepton masses and neutrino oscillation data, explaining both masses and mixing angles, and yields distinct predictions for normal and inverted neutrino mass hierarchies. It features a novel interplay between atmospheric mixing angle $\theta_{23}$ and neutrino mass hierarchy: the angle $\theta_{23}$ is below maximal for the normal hierarchy and above maximal for inverted hierarchy. Another interesting feature of the model is inherent CP violation for the inverted hierarchy.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figure

Prevalence of hepatitis-C viral infection among opioid dependent injectable drug users: a study conducted at regional hospital drug de-addiction and treatment centre, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Background: There are a limited number of studies regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections among the drug addicts in Himachal Pradesh; C virus (HCV) infection in north India especially Himachal with very high rates of substance abuse. The present study was attempted to study the prevalence of hepatitis C among the injectable drug users, which is more important in a country like India where viral hepatitis is estimated to be among the top ten causes of deaths.Methods: A study was conducted in 2019-2020 (July-April). HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests in 235 drug addicts were studied. Urine samples obtained from drug addicts were analyzed for cannabis, opiate and cocaine metabolites.Results: The subjects included were 235 IDUs who were opioid dependent. All the 235 drug users were males, and their mean age was 30.69±9.494 years; 112 (47.7%) of them were in the age group ranging 20 - 29 years (p <0.05). Of 235 drug addicts, 113 (48.1%) and 115 (48.9%) were only cannabis and opiate users, respectively. The frequencies of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV among drug addicts were 2.6%, 38.3%, and 9.4%, respectively.Conclusions: The obtained results showed that HCV infection was an alarming problem among opiate users in this part of Himachal. It is suggested to rapidly diagnose the infected persons; thus preventive measures and appropriate control may limit further transmission of these infections

Intrapartum posterior wall rupture in unscarred uterus during labour augmentation with oxytocin; a case report

Intrapartum rupture of unscarred uterus during labour augmentation is an exceedingly rare occurrence with very few case reports of this entity in the literature. We intend to report such case to highlight the importance of constant vigilance during oxytocin infusion even in patients with unscarred uterus. The 27 years old lady who had a previous normal vaginal delivery, came in early labour at term gestation. Augmentation of labour was done with oxytocin. After 30 mins of starting oxytocin patient complained of severe pain abdomen and on CTG fetal heart dropped to 70 bpm. Despite all measures fetal heart rate did not pick up and patient was taken up for cesarean section. Intraoperatively, posterior uterine wall ruptured was found with baby and placenta lying in the abdominal cavity. Baby had a low Apgar score and died on third day. Uterine rupture repair was done and patient was discharged on 5th postoperative day. Although oxytocin has excellent safety record in unscarred uterus, the possibility of rupture uterus should be kept in mind in relevant clinical scenario

Labial adhesion or fusion-an unusual cause of urinary incontinence in an elderly woman

Labial adhesion/fusion is an uncommon cause of urinary and vulval complaints in adult females, with unknown incidence. We present a case report of an elderly woman who presented with voiding difficulty, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary incontinence. She was treated by surgical division of the adhesions and had complete resolution of her symptoms