Latest news with #AparnaMohan
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Nearly 82 lakh people in Kerala at high risk of tuberculosis, says health department
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state health department has mapped 81.6 lakh individuals at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) as it plans pro-active measures for early detection and treatment, as part of its aim to eliminate the disease. These individuals were surveyed from 18 vulnerable groups, including people with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney ailments, past or familial history of TB, and those living in overcrowded, socio-economically disadvantaged areas, such as tribal and coastal regions. Despite a decline in overall TB cases, the disease remains a leading cause of death in the state. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, Kerala records six TB-related deaths every day — adding up to 2,123 fatalities annually. The state has intensified efforts for early detection of the disease. In 2023, over 21,500 new cases were identified by screening 5.44 lakh people. A recent 100-day campaign by the State TB Cell screened 53 lakh people and detected 5,588 cases. Health experts stress that detecting TB before symptoms appear is crucial to cutting transmission and reducing the disease burden. 'A patient with pulmonary TB becomes infectious once symptoms appear, particularly coughing. Unfortunately, many self-medicate or ignore symptoms, which facilitates spread. Men are more susceptible, but less likely to attend screening camps, partly due to the stigma surrounding the disease,' said Dr Aparna Mohan, WHO consultant. She warns that one symptomatic TB patient can infect up to 15 others a year. AI X-ray units In a decisive step aimed at eliminating the disease, the State TB Cell is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hand-held X-ray units to screen vulnerable groups. These portable, battery-operated devices provide high-resolution imaging with low-dose radiation (6mA) and can be easily set up at local health centres, halls, or community settings — removing logistical barriers for hard-to-reach groups. 'The Central TB Division will provide two hand-held X-ray units to each district, and additional devices are being procured using CSR funds,' said state TB officer Dr K K Rajaram. Annual chest X-rays will be offered free of cost, especially targeting coastal communities whose work patterns often prevent them from attending regular camps. 'With portable X-ray machines, we can reach them on their own terms,' Dr Aparna added. If the AI analysis flags an abnormality, patients will undergo confirmatory molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAT. Those testing positive will be administered immediate treatment, in line with national guidelines. If a person is TB negative she or he may be referred to a physician to determine other cause of lung abnormality. According to the National TB Prevalence Survey, nearly 43% of cases would be missed without chest X-ray screening--underscoring the critical role of imaging in disease detection.
Hans India
22-04-2025
- Hans India
Pioneering Semiconductor Verification Excellence by Aparna Mohan
With over a decade of experience in pre-silicon verification, Aparna Mohan has emerged as a respected voice in the semiconductor industry. Based in Austin, Texas, she brings a rare combination of academic excellence and deep technical expertise to her work, ensuring the reliability of complex ASIC designs. 'Verification is where my analytical mindset thrives,' Aparna says. 'I've always been driven by the challenge of making sure a design behaves exactly as intended—even under the most unlikely conditions.' Her academic foundation is as solid as her professional credentials. After earning a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University, she built on her early success as a Third Rank Holder in her undergraduate program at the University of Kerala, India. Her first major role—contributing to satellite systems at the Indian Space Research Organization—sparked her fascination with technological integrity. That fascination soon evolved into a passion for semiconductor design verification. Aparna's verification expertise spans 14 successful ASIC product tape-outs. She applies a blend of formal and simulation-based methodologies to tackle today's complex verification demands. 'Formal verification allows me to rigorously prove that critical properties always hold, especially in security and control logic,' she explains. 'Meanwhile, simulation with UVM gives us the flexibility to explore vast functional spaces using randomized testing.' Security verification is one of the most complex challenges in modern semiconductor design. Aparna addresses this through a layered approach. 'Combining formal verification for security protocols with targeted simulation helps us catch both expected and unexpected vulnerabilities,' she says. She also integrates assertion-based and system-level verification techniques, ensuring robust coverage even as design requirements evolve. A data-driven mindset guides her approach. She closely monitors metrics like coverage, bug detection rates, and cycle efficiency. 'Tracking these indicators tells us where we stand and where we need to focus,' she notes. 'They are the feedback loop that keeps verification on track.' Her commitment to innovation is equally evident. Aparna has developed reusable verification components, improved debug efficiency, and contributed to multiple technical conferences. 'There's always a better way to solve a problem. Whether it's building smarter environments or adopting new tools, I'm constantly looking to improve how we verify chips.' Looking ahead, Aparna is optimistic about the role of AI in shaping the future. 'Machine learning will revolutionize how we generate tests, detect bugs, and even suggest strategies,' she predicts. 'As chips get more intelligent, our verification methods must be just as smart.' Aparna continues to share her insights with the broader verification community, staying actively involved in conferences and forums. 'It's not just about staying current—it's about pushing the field forward together.'
