Modified Elliptic Curve Discrete Log Problem: A New One-Way Function and its Cryptanalysis

In this paper we explain the concept of the one-way functions and their use in cryptography. We explain in detail the use of one-way function like Integer factorization and it use in RSA algorithm. We describe its cryptanalysis. We explain the discrete log problem and its cryptanalysis. We introduce a novel one-way function called Modified Elliptic Curve discrete log problem (MECDLP). We explain its cryptanalysis also

Multi-threshold Control of the BMAP/SM/1/K Queue with Group Services

We consider a finite capacity queue in which arrivals occur according to a batch Markovian arrival process (BMAP). The customers are served in groups of varying sizes. The services are governed by a controlled semi-Markovian process according to a multithreshold strategy. We perform the steady-state analysis of this model by computing (a) the queue length distributions at departure and arbitrary epochs, (b) the Laplace-Stieltjes transform of the sojourn time distribution of an admitted customer, and (c) some selected system performance measures. An optimization problem of interest is presented and some numerical examples are illustrated

Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (US-FNAC) for Palpable Thyroid Tumours

AIM : To study the effect of ultrasound guidance on the performance of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC). OBJECTIVES : 1. To determine the adequacy of US-FNAC. 2. To assess the accuracy of US-FNAC by comparing it with histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS : US-FNAC was done in 290 patients from December-2013 to December-2014 by the radiologist in the presence of a surgeon and an onsite cytotechnician to assess the adequacy of FNAC. All the samples were reported by a dedicated cytopathologist. Accuracy was calculated by comparing FNAC with histopathology for those who had thyroidectomy. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive probabilities were calculated for US-FNAC. RESULTS : 80.1% of the samples were adequate excluding 17 cystic swellings. 117/290 patients were operated till February-2015. The sensitivity and specificity of US-FNAC in this study is 83.1% and 81.3% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 89.1%, negative predictive value of 72.2% and an accuracy of 82.4% in predicting malignancy. CONCLUSIONS : The use of ultrasound guidance increases the adequacy of FNAC. The accuracy rate in inadequate, benign and AUS categories need to improve in this study and most of them had FVPTC which is known to have heterogenous features on ultrasound and patchy distribution of nuclear features for malignancy on histopathology

Queueing System with Potential for Recruiting Secondary Servers

In this paper, we consider a single server queueing system in which the arrivals occur according to a Markovian arrival process (MAP). The served customers may be recruited (or opted from those customers’ point of view) to act as secondary servers to provide services to the waiting customers. Such customers who are recruited to be servers are referred to as secondary servers. The service times of the main as well as that of the secondary servers are assumed to be exponentially distributed possibly with different parameters. Assuming that at most there can only be one secondary server at any given time and that the secondary server will leave after serving its assigned group of customers, the model is studied as a QBD-type queue. However, one can also study this model as a G I/M/1-type queue. The model is analyzed in steady state, and a few illustrative numerical examples are presented

Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) as a tool in formative assessment of II MBBS students, in pathology

Background: Assessment drives the student learning. Regular periodical assessment not only improves learning habits, but also enhances the competence in all levels of medical education. Traditional practical examination is more subjective. It depends on examiners subjectivity, varying difficulty level of various experiments, and also internal marks variation etc. These flaws can be overcome by newer methods like OSPE. The aim of the study was to implement OSPE as a tool of internal assessment for practical skills in the II MBBS. To compare this with traditional practical examination (TPE). To obtain the students and faculty feedback regarding OSPE as a tool of assessment.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for 158 students in II internal pathology practical examination for six days in the second week of September 2016 at Department of Pathology, Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha institute of medical sciences & Research Foundation, Chinnaoutpalli. Faculty and students were sensitized; blueprint were used to arrange twenty OSPE stations for the exercises conducted as per TPE and for the same 25 marks as per TPE. Simultaneously, all the students were subjected to both TPE and OSPE at the same time and venue. TPE was assessed by two professors and OSPE by separate eight faculty members independently without interaction with the students. The procedural stations were evaluated by using checklist and the response stations which consisted of short answers and MCQs, facilitated correction. Feedback was given to the student on their performance and feedback was obtained from the students and faculty regarding OSPE by questionnaire with Yes/No answers.Results: Performance score of students in OPSE (13.73 ±2.49) was higher as compared to TPE (9.27±1.86) which was statistically significant. Based on the response to the questionnaire, students perception towards OSPE was analyzed. Majority strongly agree OSPE to be fairer, more transparent and objective in comparison to TPE. In contrast, all the faculty members unanimously opined that OSPE was difficult to arrange, time taken and faculty versus students ratio was high for evaluation. Though, the faculty (91%) overall opined that OSPE should be included as a method of assessment.Conclusions: Present study revealed that OSPE was acceptable, feasible and reliable to the students as well as for faculty for the internal assessment in pathology. Opinions of both students and faculties strongly agreed that OPSE is more effective objective assessment tool