A study on certain bounds of the rna number and some characterizations of the parity signed graphs

For a given graph $G$, let $f:V(G)\to \{1,2,\ldots,n\}$ be a bijective mapping. For a given edge $uv \in E(G)$, $\sigma(uv)=+$, if $f(u)$ and $f(v)$ have the same parity and $\sigma(uv)=-$, if $f(u)$ and $f(v)$ have opposite parity. The resultant signed graph is called a parity signed graph and the mapping $\sigma$ is called a parity signature of $G$. Let us denote a parity signed graph $S=(G,\sigma)$ by $G_\sigma$. Let $E^-(G_\sigma)$ be a set of negative edges in a parity signed graph and let $Si(G)$ be the set of all parity signatures for the underlying graph $G$. We define the \textit{rna} number of $G$ as $\sigma^-(G)=\min\{|E^-(G_\sigma)|:\sigma \in Si(G)\}$. In this paper, we prove a non-trivial upper bound in the case of trees: $\sigma^-(T)\leq \lceil\frac{n}{2}\rceil$, where $T$ is a tree of order $n+1$. We have found families of trees whose \textit{rna} numbers are bounded above by $\lceil\frac{\Delta}{2}\rceil$ and also we have shown that for any $i\leq \lceil\frac{n}{2}\rceil$, there exists a tree $T$ (of order $n+1$) with $\sigma^-(T)=i$. This paper gives a characterization of graphs with \textit{rna} number 1 in terms of its spanning trees and also a characterization of graphs with \textit{rna} number 2.Comment: 12 page

Nora’s lesion: bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation in right foot: a case report

Nora’s lesion is a benign lesion involving mainly the proximal phalanges, metatarsals or metacarpals in the hands and feet. It may be easily confused with a malignant entity and was first identified and reported by Nora et al. in 1983. We present a case of a 12 years old female with complains of a swelling over the right foot noticed 4 months ago. Plain radiograph revealed heterotrophic calcification over the dorso-lateral aspect of the head of the first metatarsal. MRI scan of the foot was suggestive of a benign pathology with a differential of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) or an osteochondroma. The patient was managed with excision biopsy and lesion was excised along with the pseudo-capsule and adjoining periosteum. Cortex appeared normal and wound was washed with hydrogen peroxide and incision closed. Histopathology report was suggestive of Nora’s lesion. One year follow up of the patient showed no recurrence. BPOP proliferation is a benign lesion however differentials need to be kept in mind and treatment with excision of the lesion along with the pseudo-capsule and periosteal tissue beneath the lesion has low rates of recurrence

Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes: Indian scenario.

India leads the world with largest number of diabetic subjects earning the dubious distinction of being termed the "diabetes capital of the world". According to the Diabetes Atlas 2006 published by the International Diabetes Federation, the number of people with diabetes in India currently around 40.9 million is expected to rise to 69.9 million by 2025 unless urgent preventive steps are taken. The so called "Asian Indian Phenotype" refers to certain unique clinical and biochemical abnormalities in Indians which include increased insulin resistance, greater abdominal adiposity i.e., higher waist circumference despite lower body mass index, lower adiponectin and higher high sensitive C-reactive protein levels. This phenotype makes Asian Indians more prone to diabetes and premature coronary artery disease. At least a part of this is due to genetic factors. However, the primary driver of the epidemic of diabetes is the rapid epidemiological transition associated with changes in dietary patterns and decreased physical activity as evident from the higher prevalence of diabetes in the urban population. Even though the prevalence of microvascular complications of diabetes like retinopathy and nephropathy are comparatively lower in Indians, the prevalence of premature coronary artery disease is much higher in Indians compared to other ethnic groups. The most disturbing trend is the shift in age of onset of diabetes to a younger age in the recent years. This could have long lasting adverse effects on nation's health and economy. Early identification of at-risk individuals using simple screening tools like the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) and appropriate lifestyle intervention would greatly help in preventing or postponing the onset of diabetes and thus reducing the burden on the community and the nation as a whole

A cross sectional study assessing six different methods to predict the ideal position of umbilical venous catheters in neonates of different weight categories

 Background: This was  a cross sectional study  done to find the most suitable method of assessing umbilical venous catheter (UVC)  length in seventy two neonates of four different weight categories using  six methods.Methods: Neonates were grouped into A (upto 1 kg), B (>1-1.5 kg), C (>1.5-2.5 kg) or  D (>2.5 kg)  based on their birth weight. UVC was placed using Shukla-Ferrara method and x-ray taken to finalize the catheter length. The predicted catheter length was also measured by  Dunn method, umbilicus to nipple length, umbilicus to xiphisternum length, umbilicus to midpoint of inter mammary distance, and umbilicus to symphysis pubis length. ANOVA test was used to find the methods which did not have statistically significant difference with the final length from x-ray (p>0.5). The method with the least mean difference from final length was taken as the most suitable.Results: UVC length assessed by Shukla Ferrara method and umbilicus to midpoint of inter mammary distance did not have statistically significant difference with final catheter length on x-ray in all groups. UVC length assessed by Dunn method did not have statistically significant difference with final catheter length on x-ray in group A, C and D while UVC length assessed by umbilicus to nipple length did not have statistically significant difference in group D.Conclusions: Umbilicus to the midpoint of inter-mammary distance was the most suitable method to estimate length of insertion of UVC in neonates.

Large sized moustached Thryssa, Thryssa mystax (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) recorded from Cochin coast in Kerala

Two large sized specimens of Thryssa mystax (Family: Engraulidae) were caught in Chooda valai and landed at Chellanam fish landing centre on 20th July 2013. The specimens measured 24.8 cm (Fig. 1) and 24 cm in total length and weighed 100 g and 80 g respectively. These sizes of this species are recorded for the first time in the world

Efficacy of vaginal dilator use in preventing vaginal stenosis among cervical and endometrial cancer patients underwent radiotherapy

Background: Vaginal dilators (VD) are effective in the prevention of vaginal stenosis in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancies. This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of VD use in preventing post radiotherapy vaginal stenosis in cervical and endometrial cancer patients.Methods: A cohort study was designed among patients (20-70 years) with biopsy proven endometrial and cervical carcinoma who underwent pelvic radiotherapy were included. Patients with cervical carcinoma (FIGO stage-IA to IVA), endometrial carcinoma (FIGO stage IB grade III, FIGO stage II), histology of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and performance score-ECOG 1 were included in the study. Assessment included clinical history, general examination, pelvic examination at 3 monthly intervals till 1 year. Grading of vaginal stenosis was assessed using LENT SOMA grading system.Results: A total of 42 patients with 20 patients using vaginal dilators and 22 patients who refused to use VD were assigned. It was effective for 60% of VD users compared to 20% of nonusers (p=0.007) at 9 months follow up. While at 12 months follow up, it was effective for 58% of VD users compared to 16.6% of nonusers (p=0.066). Percent adherence was maximum in the 1st and 2ndquarter and declined to 61% by the 4th quarter. The total adherence was 97%.Conclusions: There was 55% vs 22.7% effectiveness to prevent the vaginal stenosis among VD users.  All patients need proper counselling, motivation and support for regular usage of VD which will ultimately help in reducing the incidence of vaginal stenosis

PANDEMIC-INDUCED CRISES IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY – AN INDIAN CONTEXT

This paper aims to examine the pandemic-induced crises psychological and physical distress experienced by the employees during the Covid19 pandemic and the implications on job loss and job characteristics from all domains of the hospitality industry in India. The study is designed to explore the pandemic-induced tourism crisis along with emotional, mental, and physical effects. An in-depth qualitative exploration was used and a tool comprising of data sets include representatives from aviation, resorts and hotel segments, tour operators, and travel agents. The researchers used a semistructured questionnaire that had two sections and explored industry concerns, HR strategies, and employee distress through a multi-stage process involving coding and content analysis. The study analyzed the pandemic-induced crises at the micro and macro levels and grouped them under three essential dimensions such as; organizational and industry concerns, organizational HR policies, and employees’ psychological distress. The subthemes under these dimensions can contribute to scale validation. The subthemes grouped under the three major dimensions have come out as a theoretical model of how the pandemic has affected professionals at these three levels. The findings as items can be validated through descriptive research in quantitative terms forming the future scope. The study analyzed the perceptions of professionals in the tourism and hospitality business amid the pandemic and concludes that a proactive HR policy can minimize employees’ psychological distress

Is manipulation under anaesthesia still a better option than intra articular steroid injection in primary frozen shoulder?

Background: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common cause of a painful shoulder with restricted motion. The best treatment of frozen shoulder is prevention (secondary frozen shoulder), but early intervention is paramount; a good understanding of the pathologic process by the patient and the physician also is important. The aim of study is comparison between closed manipulation under anaesthesia and intra articular steroid injection in primary periarthritis shoulder.Methods: 30 patients each with primary frozen shoulder who were treated either with closed manipulation under anaesthesia and intra articular steroid injection. The patient is reassessed after 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 month and 6 months using shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and visual analogue scales (VAS) to compare the groups.Results: The SPADI index found to be better with patients under went closed manipulation under anaesthesia than intra articular steroid injection in the first 2 weeks. Follow up shows 1st group shows better outcome than 2nd group at 1 month, but later on 3 months and 6 months shows comparable results. VAS score shows initial period of improvement in pain with steroid injection (2nd group). Final follow up shows better pain relief with manipulation under anaesthesia group.Conclusions: The immediate treatment outcome is better with patients with primary frozen shoulder underwent closed manipulation under anaesthesia although following months outcome shows almost equal effectiveness with steroid injection

Identifying and Addressing Critical Issues in the Indian Construction Industry: Perspectives of Large Building Construction Clients

The Indian construction industry faces increasing challenges amidst serious performance shortfalls. Confronting similar issues in past decades, other countries such as the UK, USA, and Singapore commissioned high-powered studies and set up industry development bodies to address their own priorities. Initiatives in other countries are briefly reviewed before outlining the launch of the “Construction Industry Improvement Initiative India” (Ci3 India) that aims to address our own challenges. This paper focuses on identifying and launching a platform to address the current and imminent critical issues in the Indian Construction Industry. Nineteen critical issues were identifed, verifed, and validated through four focus group sessions at two Regional Roundtables with 54 high calibre large building construction clients, academicians, and other invited experts. The identifed issues were consolidated to 10 Action Items. Seven Action Teams were then mobilized to work on the 10 Action Items. Having consolidated a base consensus of clients on the way forward, it was also proposed to develop a “Construction Clients’ Charter” that will set out basic principles, protocols, and targeted good practices by lead clients, who by voluntarily agreeing and implementing these together, could catalyse signifcant industry improvement