On the total outer-connected domination in graphs

A set S of vertices of a graph G is a total outer-connected dominating set if every vertex in V(G) is adjacent to some vertex in S and the subgraph induced by V?S is connected. The total outer-connected domination number γ _toc (G) is the minimum size of such a set. We give some properties and bounds for γ _toc in general graphs and in trees. For graphs of order n, diameter 2 and minimum degree at least 3, we show that $\gamma_{toc}(G)\le \frac{2n-2}{3}$ and we determine the extremal graphs.     

The total domination subdivision number in graphs with no induced 3-cycle and 5-cycle

A set S of vertices of a graph G=(V,E) without isolated vertex is a total dominating set if every vertex of V(G) is adjacent to some vertex in S. The total domination number γ _t (G) is the minimum cardinality of a total dominating set of G. The total domination subdivision number $\mathrm{sd}_{\gamma_{t}}(G)$ is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided (each edge in G can be subdivided at most once) in order to increase the total domination number. Favaron, Karami, Khoeilar and Sheikholeslami (J. Comb. Optim. 20:76–84, 2010a) conjectured that: For any connected graph G of order n≥3, $\mathrm{sd}_{\gamma_{t}}(G)\le \gamma_{t}(G)+1$ . In this paper we use matching to prove this conjecture for graphs with no 3-cycle and 5-cycle. In particular this proves the conjecture for bipartite graphs.     

On the outer-connected domination in graphs

A set S of vertices of a graph G is an outer-connected dominating set if every vertex not in S is adjacent to some vertex in S and the subgraph induced by V?S is connected. The outer-connected domination number $\widetilde{\gamma}_{c}(G)$ is the minimum size of such a set. We prove that if δ(G)≥2 and diam?(G)≤2, then $\widetilde{\gamma}_{c}(G)\le (n+1)/2$ , and we study the behavior of $\widetilde{\gamma}_{c}(G)$ under an edge addition.     

On the total domination subdivision number in some classes of graphs

A set S of vertices of a graph G=(V,E) without isolated vertex is a total dominating set if every vertex of V(G) is adjacent to some vertex in S. The total domination number γ _t (G) is the minimum cardinality of a total dominating set of G. The total domination subdivision number sd_gt(G)\mathrm {sd}_{\gamma_{t}}(G) is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided (each edge in G can be subdivided at most once) in order to increase the total domination number. In this paper we prove that sd_gt(G) ￡ g_t(G)+1\mathrm {sd}_{\gamma_{t}}(G)\leq\gamma_{t}(G)+1 for some classes of graphs.     

Typology of causes of poverty: The perception of Iranian farmers

Causal attributions are important mediators of future behaviour because once a cause is assigned; a commensurate action can be taken. The aims of this research were to find how Iranian farmers attribute the causes of poverty, to provide a typology of attribution of causes of poverty as perceived by Iranian farmers and to compare socio-economic characteristics and contextual conditions of farmers based on their causal attribution of poverty type. Findings revealed that 50% of respondents had structuralistic, almost 30% had individualistic, and about 20% hold fatalistic attitudes towards the causes of poverty. Farmers with individualistic attitudes towards the causes of poverty had higher quality of life, well-being, level of agricultural technology, agricultural production, used insurance more often, they had more land, income, access to agricultural extension services and practiced sustainable agriculture more often. Farmers with fatalistic attitudes towards the causes of poverty had the worst condition with regard to the above variables. However, those who had structuralistic attitudes, stood somewhere between the two previous groups. Based on findings, a number of poverty alleviation recommendations are made.     

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in the Measurement of Rural Poverty: The Case of Iran

Poverty reduction is one of the major challenges confronting mankind and a principal obstacle to well-being for a large proportion of the world’s population. New paradigms of development as advocated by Chambers and others focus strongly on poverty reduction. Poverty is increasingly recognised as a multifaceted concept that can be elucidated through both qualitative and quantitative analysis. In researching poverty it is desirable to recognise both the value position of researchers and the values of local people. This paper uses qualitative and quantitative data and considers both outsiders’ and insiders’ views through the use of participatory approaches in selected rural areas of Iran. A poverty index is constructed and validated in a six-stage process. On the basis of the findings, a number of recommendations are made about appropriate approaches to the investigation of poverty.     

Bounding the total domination subdivision number of a graph in terms of its order

The total domination subdivision number \(\mathrm{sd}_{\gamma _{t}}(G)\) of a graph G is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided (each edge in G can be subdivided at most once) in order to increase the total domination number. In this paper we prove that \(\mathrm{sd}_{\gamma_{t}}(G)\leq \lfloor\frac{2n}{3}\rfloor\) for any simple connected graph G of order n≥3 other than K ₄. We also determine all simple connected graphs G with \(\mathrm{sd}_{\gamma_{t}}(G)=\lfloor\frac{2n}{3}\rfloor\).     

Anabolic-androgenic steroid effects on early morbid symptoms after open prostatectomy: A pilot study

Objectives.?Anabolic-androgenic steroids such as Nandrolone phenpropionate (NP) dramatically improve the tolerance to acute stress conditions, strength, and subsequently the quality of life in elderly men. We hypothesize that preoperative pulse-dose supraphysiological NP administration might improve the early morbid symptoms in older patients undergoing open prostatectomy.

Methods.?From 2005 to 2006, 54 patients with a mean age of 70 years, diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia and hospitalized for open prostatectomy were enrolled in the study. They were randomly selected to receive preoperative supraphysiological NP (100 mg, intramuscularly, pulse-dose) or sesame oil placebo, prospectively. Early postoperative morbid symptoms including subjective urinary symptoms (dysuria, bladder retention sensation), incision site pain and general satisfaction of their current urinary condition were assessed by a 6-point scale, self-administrated questionnaire at 24 and 48 h, postoperatively. The sex hormone binding globulin and the testosterone levels were also measured.

Results.?The 24-h postoperative symptoms were significantly reduced in the NP group compared to the placebo (6.18 ± 2.81 versus 9.77 ± 2.15; P < 0.001). The postoperative symptoms were reported to have a decline in the 48 h following operation, though was calculated to be statistically insignificant (4.48 ± 2.32 versus 5.55 ± 1.84; P = 0.06). There was no complication attributed to NP therapy.

Conclusions.?The data supported the hypothesis that the preoperative anabolic steroid supplements (such as NP) could result in a better postoperative endurance in elderly men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies, longer and repeated pulse injections in a larger number of older men are mandatory to prove the claim.