On the recognition and characterization of M-partitionable proper interval graphs

For a symmetric {0, 1, ⋆ }-matrix M of size m, a graph G is said to be M-partitionable, if its vertices can be partitioned into sets V1, V2, . . . , Vm, such that two parts Vi, Vj are completely adjacent if Mi,j = 1, and completely non-adjacent if Mi,j = 0 (Vi is considered completely adjacent to itself if it induces a clique, and completely non-adjacent if it induces an independent set). The complexity problem (or the recognition problem) for a matrix M asks whether the M-partition problem is polynomial-time solvable or NP-complete. The characterization problem for a matrix M asks if all M-partitionable graphs can be characterized by the absence of a finite set of forbidden induced subgraphs. These forbidden induced subgraphs are called obstructions to M. In the literature, many results were obtained by restricting the input graphs. In this thesis, we survey these results when the questions are restricted to the class of perfect graphs. We then study the recognition problem and the characterization problem when the inputs are restricted to proper interval graphs. The recognition problem can be solved by an existing algorithm, but we simplify its proof of correctness. As our main result, we prove that all the matrices of size 3 and size 4 with constant diagonal, have finitely many minimal proper interval obstructions. We also obtain partial results about matrices of arbitrary size if they have a zero diagonal

Comparative study of tubal patency by sonosalpingogram hysterosalpingography and diagnostic laparoscopy

Background: Sonosalpingography has been suggested as the first-line method to study tubal patency. This study is to bring into focus the value of pelvic sonogram in accessing tubal patency in order to overcome the radiation hazard associated with hysterosalpingogram reduce the cost of examination and encourage it at first-line office. Objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of sonosalpingogram, hysterosalpingography and diagnostic laparoscopy for tubal patency as a cause for female infertility.Methods: It is a prospective study in 100 patients attending for evaluation of infertility for a period of 2 years were chosen for this study. All cases with primary and secondary infertility who have attended infertility clinic for tubal causes.Results: 68 cases were found to have bilateral patency as per SSG while 58 cases had bilateral patency as HSG. Similarly 24 cases had bilateral block as per SSG while 28 cases had bilateral block as per HSG. 8 cases had unilateral block as per SSG while 14 cases had unilateral block as per HSG.  This difference in observations may probably attribute to tubal spasm in HSG. Bilateral patency was observed in 68 cases as against 64 cases in laparoscopy.  Out of these 68 cases 9 cases were false positive as bilaterally patent.  However bilateral blocks were shown to be 24 in both methods. Out of 12 cases of unilateral block as per laparoscopy 8 cases were detected by SSG. There was false negative rate of 5%. There was false negative rate of 10% for tubal patency with HSG.Conclusions: For low risk subjects for tubal factors in infertility, sonosalpingogram can be employed as a screening test of choice and for high risk subjects HSG and laparoscopy can be used

Thyroid disorders in the first trimester of pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Background: Thyroid disorders in pregnancy are common and are associated with adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal effects. When the prevalence of thyroid disorders is high, then screening for thyroid disorders in early pregnancy can help improve the obstetrical outcome.Methods: Five hundred and fifty women in their first trimester of pregnancy were studied. They were investigated for estimation of free triiodo thyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH). The upper normal limit for TSH considered was 4.0 mIU/L.Results: Prevalence of thyroid disorders in the study was 12.6%. Hypothyroidism (12%) was more common than hyperthyroidism (0.6%). Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 10%.Conclusions: Screening of thyroid disorders is to be considered for all pregnant women. As the prevalence of thyroid disorders is high, early recognition and treatment shall reduce maternal and fetal morbidity

Central corneal thickness and curvature changes in pseudoexfoliation eyes in comparison with normal eyes

Background:Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome results in the accumulation of PXF, particularly along the pupillary margin and throughout various structures in the anterior chamber of the eye. Many changes in various structures of the eye are observed secondary to the deposition of pseudoexfoliative material. This study is to observe the corneal curvatural and central corneal thickness changes due to pseudoexfoliation as compared to age related normal individuals without PXF.Aims and objectives: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) and Central Corneal Curvature (CCC) changes in pseudoexfoliation eyes with normal eyes.Material and methods: A case control cross-sectional study conducted from January-June 2018 among elderly of 50-80 years, attending Ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Elderly patients (50-80 years), with or without PXF, underwent anterior and posterior segment examination, intraocular pressure, subjective refraction and CCT, CCC using AS-OCT. Data entered in MS EXCEL & statistical analysis performed with the help of SPSS 17.0 by using descriptive statistics like mean, percentage and were compared by chi square test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the variables among the three groups. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: CCT in PXF eyes was thinner (mean 509 +/- 15 microns) when compared to the normal (control) eyes (mean 549 +/_6 microns). CCT in PXF glaucoma eyes was least (mean 498 =/-10 microns). Central corneal curvature showed no variation among PXF eyes (mean 43.23 dioptres) and normal eyes (mean 43.58 dioptres).Conclusion: PXF eyes shows significantly thinner cornea and normal corneal curvature when compared to control eyes. PXF has no effect on corneal curvature. Further, PXF glaucoma eyes had thinnest CCT. Keywords: central corneal thickness, pseudoexfoliation, central corneal curvature, pseudoexfoliation glaucom

Hybrid Cluster based Collaborative Filtering using Firefly and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering

Recommendation Systems finds the user preferences based on the purchase history of an individual using data mining and machine learning techniques. To reduce the time taken for computation Recommendation systems generally use a pre-processing technique which in turn helps to increase high low performance and over comes over-fitting of data. In this paper, we propose a hybrid collaborative filtering algorithm using firefly and agglomerative hierarchical clustering technique with priority queue and Principle Component Analysis (PCA). We applied our hybrid algorithm on movielens dataset and used Pearson Correlation to obtain Top N recommendations. Experimental results show that the our algorithm delivers accurate and reliable recommendations showing high performance when compared with  existing algorithms

Role of Semantic Teaching in the Acquisition of New Words

Fast mapping refers to the acquisition of new words in children just by the virtue of mere exposure. With a minimal exposure the words are imbibed. This study was carried with the aim of comparing the fast mapping and slow mapping in typically developing children. A total of 20 children in the age range of 5-6 years were considered for the study and the participants were divided into two groups on random basis. Fast mapping and slow mapping methods were used to train the first and group respectively. In fast mapping, the participants were exposed to the label of the target word for 5 times. In slow mapping method, the semantic features related to the target word was taught to the participants. The number of words learnt by group 1 and group 2 children was computed on immediate naming task and delayed naming. Statistically there was no significant difference between number of words learnt on fast mapping and slow mapping as observed on Mann-Whitney U test. While there was significant difference between the two methods on delayed naming as proven by the same statistic. More number of words learnt through slow mapping suggested that it was effective in evoking learning

Radish: A Cross Platform Meal Prepping App for Beginner Weightlifters

With the increasing ease of access and decreasing price of most food, obesity rates in the developing world have risen dramatically in recent years. As of March 23rd, 2019, obesity rates had reached 39.6%, a 6% increase in just 8 years. Research has shown that people with obesity have a significantly increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, among other life-threatening diseases. In addition, 42% of people who begin weightlifting quit because it’s too difficult to follow a diet or workout regimen. We created Radish in an attempt to tackle these problems. Radish makes it easier for people to achieve fitness goals without having to do a large amount of diet and fitness research that generally overwhelms beginner weightlifters. Our contributions in this field are unique because we make decisions for the user so they have fewer disinhibitions from starting and continuing on their fitness journey. Our target demographic for this app are people with limited fitness experience who want to attempt to improve their health and aesthetics. We believe we’ve successfully created a strong proof of concept in the scope of this senior project. We will be continuing our work with this app after the completion of this quarter and we hope to release the app on the App Store and Google Play by the end of the year