bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI powered solution for radio link failure prediction based on link features and weather forecast
Authors: M Priyanshu , Giri Venkatesh Subramanya Iyer , P Shachi , Mishra Geetishree , N Suma M
Published: October 2022

Radio link sustainability gets affected by weather adversities such as snow, fog, cloud, rain, thunderstorm, etc. A proactive solution in radio link failure scenarios is necessary to overcome economic loss and maintain the Quality of Service (QoS). To address the issue, our work contributes towards building
a machine-learning-based solution to predict the radio link failure when generic regional weather forecast data, key performance indices of radio link and spatial nature of the data are available. After rigorous data preprocessing, ensembling models like logistic regression, random forest, light BGM, XGBoost and gradient boosting classifiers were trained to predict the Radio Link Failure (RLF) for two cases i.e., day-1-predict and day-5-predict. Since it is a classification use case, the metrics used for our work are precision, recall, and F1 score. The performance of the gradient boosting classifier was better as compared to the other models with an F1 score of 0.95 for both day-1-predict and day-5-predict.
Dispersed passive RF-sensing for 3D structural health monitoring
Authors: Ahmad Abeer , Sha Xiao , Athalye Akshay , Das Samir R. , Caylor Kelly , Glisic Branko , Stanacevic Milutin , Djuric Petar M.
Published: October 2022

We propose a sensing system comprising a large network of tiny, battery-less, Radio Frequency (RF)-powered sensors that use backscatter communication. The sensors use an entirely passive technique to 'sense' the parameters of the wireless channel between themselves. Since the material properties influence RF channels, this fine-grain sensing can uncover multiple material properties both at a large scale and fine spatial resolution. In this paper, we study the feasibility of the proposed passive technique for monitoring parameters of material in which the sensors are embedded. We performed a set
of experiments where the sensor-to-sensor wireless channel parameters are well-defined using physics-based modeling, and we compared the theoretical and experimentally obtained values. For some material parameters of interest, like humidity or strain, the relationship with the observed wireless channel parameters have to be modeled relying on data-driven approaches. The initial experiments show an observable difference in the sensor-to-sensor channel phase with variation in the applied weights.
Mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19. Revisión de la literatura para odontólogos / COVID-19 associated mucormycosis. Literature review for dentists
Authors: Pomarada María E. , Ramirez Lelia I. , Rea Ana E. , Morales Sergio D. , Cohen Rodrigo I. , Karaben Viviana E.
Published: October 2022

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica rara, con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Se presenta principalmente en pacientes con diabetes mellitus no controlada, inmunocomprometidos, con tratamiento crónicos con esteroides, entre otros.
Actualmente, se cree que la pandemia de COVID-19 y los tratamientos con corticosteroides podrían estar implicados en el aumento de casos de esta micosis.
Este hongo invade el sistema vascular, ocluyendo el flujo sanguíneo arterial y generando una rápida trombosis e isquemia, lo que provoca la necrosis de los tejidos duros y blandos, con invasión rápida a los tejidos circundantes.
Hay varias formas clínicas. En la cavidad bucal se presenta la variante rino-orbito-cerebral, que afecta el paladar en forma de lesión eritematosa o grisácea que puede progresar hacia la formación de una masa necrótica o ulceración con muy escaso sangrado de mucosa. Se manifiesta con síntomas típicos de una rinosinusitis con fiebre y dolor en las piezas dentarias superiores.
El tratamiento consta de tres pilares fundamentales: el diagnóstico, un manejo adecuado de las comorbilidades y la combinación de las terapias antifúngica y quirúrgica.
Desde el año 2020, la mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 pasó a ser un evento de notificación obligatoria inmediata al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud (SNVS2.0) mediante el Sistema Integrado de Información Sanitaria Argentina (SISA).
Es importante destacar que se han reportado casos de mucormicosis luego de extracciones dentales; lo que impulsa a afianzar los conocimientos sobre esta enfermedad, extremar las medidas preventivas e incentivar el diagnóstico precoz en la atención odontológica, debido a la rapidez en la evolución de la patología.
Palabras clave: Cigomicosis, infecciones fúngicas, odontología.
fotografía en Filipinas 1845-1898
Authors: Sierra de la Calle Blas
Published: October 2022

Esta investigación está centrada en el desarrollo de la fotografía en Filipinas desde 1845 hasta 1898, basándose, principalmente, en los fondos existentes en el Museo Oriental del Real Colegio de PP.Agustinos deValladolid, España. El estudio se estructura en diez capítulos. Se comienza hablando de los daguerrotipos que se conocen de Filipinas. Se pasa, brevemente, después a hablar de las fotografías estereoscópicas antiguas. El amplio tercer capítulo está dedicado a los estudios fotográficos en Manila desde 1860 a 1898. Comienza con P. Picón, W.W.Wood, C. Bonifás, A. Honiss, siguiendo por H. Schüren. M. Maidín,W. P. Floyd,Antonio Perelló, F. van Camp. R. Mayer, Francisco Pertierra, E. M. Barreto y muchos más hasta G. Sternberg, J. Zafra, José Piñón. M. Arias Rodríguez, Joaquín Reyes. El cuarto capítulo presenta los estudios fotográficos fuera de Manila, en Iloilo, Cebú, Vigan y Cavite, y la figura de Félix Laureano, principal fotógrafo nacido en Filipinas. El quinto capítulo muestra la aportación realizada por las fotografías oficiales de dignatarios, funcionarios y militares.Amplio espacio ocupa el capítulo sexto donde se presentan 18 fotógrafos viajeros, científicos y comerciantes, de muy diversas nacionalidades en cuyas publicaciones aparecen fotografías de Filipinas: de F. Jagor a Alex Schadenberg; de A. Marche a J. Montano; de Pedro M. de Hebert a Ramón Jordana; de J. Foreman a D. C.Worcester. Los capítulos siete y ocho presentan las fotografías de Filipinas que participaron en la Exposición de Filipinas en Madrid de 1887 y en la Exposición Regional de Manila de 1895. El capítulo nueve nos informa dónde obtenían los fotógrafos en Manila los materiales fotográficos para realizar sus imágenes. Concluye el décimo capítulo extrayendo algunas conclusiones. El estudio se complementa con 173 ilustraciones en blanco y negro que hacen referencia al texto.
KLITIKALISASI VERBA BAHASA LAMAHOLOT DIALEK RITAEBANG
Authors: Renoat Emmy
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini berisi analisis klitikalisasi verba dalam bahasa Lamaholot dialek Ritaebang. Dalam BLDR terdapat proklitik dan enklitik yang melekat pada verba.Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode obeservasi dan wawancara kemudian data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan metode agih dan metode padan. Pada BLDR, proklitik yang melekat pada verba aksi dapat menggantikan pronominal secara penuh. ketika proklitik melekat pada verba aksi dalam sebuah kalusa maka subjek tidak wajib hadir tetapi kalusa tersebut berteri dalam masyarakat pengguna BLDR. Selain itu, proklitik yang melelakat pada verba aksi juga dapat menjadi jawaban atas pertanyaan ’apa yang dilakukan oleh A?’. Hal yang serupa terjadi juga pada enklitik yang secara tidak langsung berpengaruh tehadap objek. Selain itu, kehadiran enklitik yang melekat pada verba aksi juga dapat menjadi jawaban atas pertanyaan ‘apa yang dilakukan oleh A?’.

Dengan demikian dapat dikatakan bahwa, proklitik maupun enkiltik dalam BLDR hanya melekat pada verba aksi ‘action verb’ dan memeiliki pengaruh dan fungsi yang sama dalam sebuah klausa BLDR.
Quality of Routine Immunization Services: Trends in some Districts of West Bengal
Authors: Ghosh Pramit , Thakur Suresh , Dasgupta Samir
Published: October 2022

Routine Immunization remains the cornerstone in child survival initiative throughout the globe. Since launching of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1978 in India during last four decades immunization activities have been evolving, keeping pace with the relentless progress in the field of science of vaccinology. Routine Immunization has been embedded in the reproductive & child health program (RCH).West Bengal has been one of the better performing states of the country in terms of major RCH indicators like Infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, under five mortality rate, coverage of routine immunization etc. Independent assessments done in National Family Health Survey, District Level Household Survey or Coverage Evaluation Survey provide periodic assessment of reach & to some extent quality of services in the country.
Application of Qualitative Research in Public Health
Authors: Mallik Sarmila
Published: October 2022

Qualitative research is a type of scientific research where in depth responses from the people are collected about the research topic. It seeks to understand the research problem or topic from the perspectives of the local population to whom it involves. Qualitative research is effective to collect rich textual information about the values, behaviour, opinions, custom, and social context of a particular population. These methods are also effective in identifying influence of some factors like ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, social norms in the research problem, which might not be obvious from survey methods. The purpose of doing qualitative study is to learn about these people, places, events, activities and generate new understanding.1 So we get the answer of â€˜whyâ€™ and â€˜howâ€™ rather than â€˜whatâ€™ or â€˜how manyâ€™ in this type of study. From quantitative survey, we can gather data about how many people are smoking or what the type of smoking is. But qualitative methods help us to interpret why people do not stop smoking even after knowing the harmful effects of smoking or what are the barriers for compliance to dietary restrictions and physical exercise in the treatment of diabetes.
Prevalence of Fluorosis and pattern of Domestic filters use in two Fluoride endemic blocks of West Bengal, India
Authors: Majumdar Kunal Kanti
Published: October 2022

Fluorosis is an impending public health problem in West Bengal affecting a large number of population, and Birbhum is one of the affected districts with seven affected blocks with increased prevalence of dental, skeletal, and non-skeletal fluorosis. Objective: The present study was conducted to see the extent of fluorosis in two selected affected blocks of Birbhum District of West Bengal and to determine the pattern of usage of domestic filters by the villagers of the above selected endemic villages. Methodology: A total 30 families were selected randomly out of families having past history of taking water from an unsafe source from the two endemic blocks i.e. Rampurhat I and Khoerasol of Birbhum Distric of West Bengal. Out of these 30 families a total 125 family members were selected health survey. A total 60 school children were examined and screened for Dental fluorosis in the above blocks. All these families were supplied domestic filters for removal of fluoride and the pattern of usage of domestic filters by the villagers were also studied. Results: 44.4% and 47.5% of the study population are found to be suffering from Dental fluorosis. Prevalence of manifestations of skeletal fluorosis was found to be 6.6-26.2% in this study. Prevalence of manifestations of non skeletal fluorosis was found to be 25% to 40%. 40 -60% of school children were found to be suffering from Dental fluorosis in the study area. Withdrawal of source(s) identified for fluoride by supplying domestic and community filters along with dietary intervention leads to decreased manifestations of the three types of fluorosis but from the study it was evident that only 20-40% of population were using domestic filters due to lack of awareness regarding health hazards of Fluoride toxicity, lack of maintenance and delay in repair of parts and lack of monitoring and supervision. Conclusion: More extensive studies involving large group of population may be needed in future to measure the impact. Supply of safe water with nutritional interventions based on the above findings may be necessary to combat the problem of fluorosis
Barriers of IUD acceptance: An Appraisal Through Qualitative Research from West Bengal
Authors: Baur Baijayanti , Haldar Anima , Ray Samir Kumar , Dasgupta Urmila , Chatterjee Tutul , Chattopadhyay Sita
Published: October 2022

Background: Intra-uterine contraceptive device is one of the most commonly used reversible method of contraception worldwide. In West Bengal Cu-T acceptance is decreasing in majority of the districts. Objectives: To determine the underlying factors for low acceptance of IUCD. Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out in Paschim Mednipur and Howrah districts of West Bengal in 2009 by organising seven Focus Group Discussions (FGD) in each district. Three FGDs among beneficiariesâ€™ i. e eligible couples, 3 FGDs among service providers and one FGD among health administrators were undertaken in each district.Results: Beneficiaries experienced complications like bleeding, pain, misplacement etc. Fear of weakness, white discharge, occurrence of cancer existed. Providers highlighted lack of privacy, need for Cu-T re-orientation training, shortage of IEC material and inadequate time spent by doctor for motivation, rumour among clients. Administrators opined that sustenance of Behaviour Change Communication, training of ANMs would be useful.Conclusion: Different rumours& myth in the society responsible for low acceptance of Cu-T may be removed through strengthening the Behaviour Change Communication involving Doctors also.
Spatio-temporal analysis of secondary data for usefulness and utility of Health Management Information System.
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Bansal Avi Kumar , Mankotia Sanjay , Tripathy Srikant Prasad , Bhardwaj Ashok Kumar
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Health Management Information System (HMIS) is a coordinated effort to improve the decision making for reorienting health care services to a large populace. Since its adoption and its revitalization its use in primary health care was assessed for usefulness and utility. Methods: Study was carried out at Community Health Centre (CHC), Haroli, Una, Himachal Pradesh. Standardized reporting formats for every month was collated and analyzed at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Level for year 2011, 2012, and 2013. Results: In year 2003 with an average pregnancy registration of 20/1000 population study area exhibited high rate and an increasing trend across all the PHCs. An interesting mismatch was observed when the reported birth rate was 3.2/1000 population in year 2013 which was relatively very low against pregnancy registration. Most of the deliveries have happened at home and have been conducted by the Non-Skill Birth Attendants. Overall and even across all the PHCs, the poor sex ratio (number of females per 1000 males) at birth is reported. Conclusion: Good maternal and child health (MCH) and sex ratio at birth were observed. Computed indicators revealed a mismatch like low birth rate despite the high rate of antenatal registration and care over three years which required to be studied for underlying determinants.
How to Write and Publish Your Article: Guidelines to the Young Researchers
Authors: Mallik Sarmila
Published: October 2022

Publication of article is an integral part of a research. Writing an article and publishing in an index journal is not an easy task for a young researcher, who also needs to publish for their career advancement. There is no dearth of resource materials, but the topic of scientific writing is a neglected phenomenon in the medical graduate course curriculum, nor there a hands on training. Before writing there should be a thoughtful planning regarding content, type of article and resource materials. Originality of the content, valid study design and well constructed manuscript are the prerequisites for publication. Selection of right journals is critically based on the target audience and area of activity and strict adherence to the guidelines to the authors also prevents outright rejection. The peer review process is sometimes time consuming, but perseverance through the whole process is the mainstay of publication.
Prophylactic Mastectomy: A boon or bane?
Authors: Annadurai Kalaivani , Mani Geetha , Danasekaran Raja
Published: October 2022

Globally, breast cancer is the second most common cancer next only to lung cancer and a major public health challenge to womenâ€™s health. Worldwide, breast cancer affects 1.3 million women every year which represents 23% of all cancers in women. It is estimated that by 2030 the global burden of breast cancer will increase to over 2 million new cases per year. Unlike other cancers, breast cancer is treatable if detected at an early stage. Management of women who carry a high lifetime risk for breast cancer is always an issue of debate. A number of risk-reducing treatment options with varying efficacy exist, including regular surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgery. Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) or Risk reducing mastectomy (RRM) remains a controversial procedure as a preventive tool against breast cancer. More women are opting for prophylactic mastectomy as a risk reducing strategy for breast cancer. Prophylactic mastectomy is appropriate only for a small proportion of women who are at high risk for breast cancer. Patient misconceptions about recurrence risk and fear have been implicated in the increase in prophylactic procedures. Other possible reasons for the rise in prophylactic mastectomy are highly sensitive breast cancer screening methods, which diagnose breast cancer at earlier stages, and improved breast reconstruction techniques. With this background this paper aims to analyze the pros and cons of preventive mastectomy.
Perception of Medical Freshmen towards Public Health
Authors: Kumar Muthu .T , Chauhan Ramesh Chand , Samuel Abel K , Singh Zile
Published: October 2022

The current shift of emphasis from curative to preventive medicine makes community-based medical education of utmost importance. Even though only a small proportion of medical graduates will eventually choose public health as their specialty, a thorough knowledge-base established through robust undergraduate training programmes in community medicine is essential for all practicing doctors. Despite this, the importance and significance of public health are often not fully appreciated,1,2 with more emphasis being placed on hospital-based and curative medicine.The Department of Community Medicine at Pondicherry institute of Medical Sciences took the first year medical students to rural health centres as a part of orientation towards community medicine and explained the students about the activities and functions of Rural Health Training Center (RHTC). This was followed by visit to the field practice area of the RHTC. The students were allowed to interact with the village people and were asked to collect details regarding the socio demographic and health status of the individual and family. Following the visit to the village, the students were asked to fill the questionnaire containing details regarding their perception towards public health, Community Medicine and its activities.
Profile of No Scalpel Vasectomy patients in a District of West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Palash , Moulik Alok Kumar , Sarkar Kumaresh Chandra
Published: October 2022

Background: In relation to family planning issue, birth control is achieved through use of any contraceptive methods. Vasectomy is one of the terminal surgical procedures. Materials and methods: The study was cross-sectional in design. Vasectomised patients attending Post-Partum Unit had been selected in this study. Record review of the respective patients from the admission cum record register was taken. A schedule had been utilized. Data were analyzed manually. Results: The people belonging to Islam religion were 7.88% other than Hinduism. Mean age of the population undergone vasectomy was found 40.1 Â± 8.9 years. Most of the families were found with two children with the range from one child to five children. The most of the clients were illiterate (54.9%). The most of the clients belonged to poor economic class as per Modified B G Prasad scale (55.4%). All were found addicted to tobacco. A sizable number was found with different kinds of addiction combinations (Alcohol, shoe polish, Amrutanjan, valium, phensydil, corex, grilinctus CD). Conclusions: Clients of vasectomy came from poor socio-economic status. These productive people were addicted to substance. Initiation of programme is required to attract the conscious people of middle class for No Scalpel Vasectomy.
Organisation of 44th Annual National Conference of IAPSM at Science City, Kolkata
Authors: Editor Chief
Published: October 2022

Most important event in this year was the organisation of 44th IAPSM Annual National Conference at Science City Kolkata on 10-120February, 2017. Pre conference CME was also organised on 9th February, 2017.Dedicated work by the member of the organisation made it a grand success. Throughout the year members were involved in various activities. Organisation committee and different Subcommittee had large number meetings to make it a success.The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr (Mrs).Sashi Panja, Minister of State for Health, and Minister, Women and Child Development, Govt. of West Bengal. Other dignitaries were (Retd) Justice Shyamal Kumar Sen, Dr. Dilip Mahalanobis -a noted paediatrician and public health researcher. The National President and Secretary- General of the Central Body of IASM were also present.The conference was attended by over 950 delegates. During the conference a series of oration/seminar/panel discussion were organized in different halls of the Science city. Scientific papers were presented in the four different award sessions, more than 250 oral papers were presented in the free papers session and more than 300 posters were presented in the different halls during the three days conference. Scientific session were held on topic â€“Sustainable development, HR reform, New Vaccine introduction, Hand Washing, Tuberculosis, Urban Health, National Mental Health Survey, Iodine deficiency disorder etc.Conference was sponsored by National and international organisation and State and central government organisation and Pharmaceutical companies.Pre conference CME was organised on GIS, Newer Vaccine, health Economics and Operational Research in Public Health. On 2nd day of the conference, aâ€ WALK FOR HEALTHâ€ was organized in the morning.During all three days of the conference food was served in the conference venue. On second night gala dinner was organised at Swabhumi. Cultural programme was also organised.
Assessment of knowledge and practice of biomedical waste management among health care personnel in a rural tertiary care hospital of Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Bakshi Rishav , Ghosh Nilanjana , Mukherjee Risheen , Chakraborty Sumanta
Published: October 2022

Background: Health care generates profuse amount of toxic biomedical wastes, which if not disposed appropriately turns out to be a potential health hazard. Biomedical waste management and handling rules thus are formulated, amended and universally implemented with health staffs playing a pivotal role in its success. This rural tertiary care hospital has wide catchment area, huge patient influx and face challenges unique to its remote settings. Objectives and Methods : The descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in North Bengal Medical College after obtaining ethical clearance among health care professionals of selected wards for one month to determine existing biomedical waste management practices and discern causes for any non-compliance to standard guidelines. Relevant tools and techniques were used and 53 participants pertaining to study criteria could be finally studied. Data was collected and analyzed accordingly. Results: Infrastructural support was inadequate. Knowledge and practice assessed under domains of biomedical waste segregation, use of designated equipment, waste storage before disposal, related trainings and workshops revealed discrepancies. Group D staffs had no training. Health care personnel unanimously agreed to importance of proper biomedical waste management but cited increased workload, inadequate administrative support and trainings as primary reasons for non-adherence. Conclusion: Biomedical waste management is grossly inadequate and gaps exist in knowledge and practice of concerned health care personnel. Addressing the discerned reasons is mandatory.
An epidemiological study of anthropometry and physical activity of mothers as determinants of low birth weight in Wardha, India
Authors: Pisudde PM , Taywade Manish
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Low Birth Weight(LBW) bring on an impaired growth to infant with its associated risk factors of higher mortality rate, increased morbidity, impaired mental development and risk of chronic diseases in adult hood. LBW babies are likely have developmental delays leading to start school late, dropout from school, complete fewer years of schooling, grow into stunted adult, and suffer from lower productivity and chronic diseases in future life. Prevalence of LBW in India is 22% as reported by NFHS III. Objective: To study the anthropometric and physical determinants of LBW babies in Wardha district,India. Material and Methods: A Case Control study conducted in Government Hospital Wardha, to explore the determinants of LBW. Cases were defined as single live born baby who had birth weight >2500 gms as per WHO. One control was selected for each case from consecutive live birth, who had birth weight >2500 gms in the same hospital. Information was obtained by indepth maternal interview, and medical records. Anthropometric measurement of mother and newborn baby was taken within 48 hrs after birth. Data entered and analysis done in the computer using Epi-Info 6.04. Results: Among various anthropometric and physical determinants of LBW studied, the determinants which found significant were maternal weight less than 40 Kg, gestational weight gain of <6 Kg, maternal BMI <18.5 Kg/m2 and MUAC < 23 cm, previous history of giving birth to LBW babies, maternal anemia, physical activity during pregnancy, less additional calories consumption during pregnancy. Conclusions: Maternal weight, gestational weight, maternal BMI. MUAC, previous history of LBW babies, maternal anemia, physical activity during pregnancy, less additional calories consumption during pregnancy were found significant determinants in present study.
Care Seeking Practices for Chronic Pain and its correlates among Adults: an experience from a Rural Block of West Bengal
Authors: Banerjee Niladri , Basu Rivu , De Rajesh , Mandal Swagata , Biswas Rita ` , Lahiri Saibendu Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background: Chronic pain, though a most common cause of disability worldwide, is one of the most underestimated health problems throughout the world. With the ageing population and its increasing prevalence, understanding related care seeking practices is key to plan effective interventions. Objectives: To find out the characteristics of chronic pain and to study related and care-seeking practices and the influence of socio-demographic factors among adult chronic pain sufferers in a rural setting. Methods: Data were collected from 697 adults (>18 years) chronic pain (>12 weeks duration) sufferers chosen randomly from all 81 villages of Amdanga block, West Bengal, through a household-based survey in a cross-sectional design. A pre-designed, pre-tested structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic information, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used. During analysis, dimension reduction by Principal Component Analysis was done to derive pain intensity and interference scores. Results: Low back pain and knee pain were first and second most frequent. Major Depressive Syndrome (MDS) was found in 9.04 % [95% CI: 7.95% - 10.13%]. The severity of pain increased with age and decreased with advancing level of education & income. Care-seeking was significantly predicted by MDS (AOR= 0.185), pain intensity (AOR=1.06) & interference (AOR=1.06).Conclusion: Patients tend to seek care more at an advanced severity and more from a private facility. About 1 in 10 persons with chronic pain was seen to suffer from major depression, with which, persons were seen about five times less likely to seek care.
COPD, Asthma and Pneumothorax as Climate Sensitive Health outcomes
Authors: Insija Ilyas Selene , Dennis Peter Jacob , Jemin Aby Jose , Valamparampil Mathew Joseph , Pillai Harish Kumar Gopalakrishna , Nair Gayatri Bindu , Raj Dhanya , Nair Sanjeev , Nujum Zinia Thajudeen
Published: October 2022

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD), pneumothorax and asthma are climate sensitive diseases contributing a significant proportion of the respiratory disease morbidity. Even when the monsoon rainfall is high, recent years have witnessed an increase in the average temperature in Kerala. The study aims to determine the trends in hospital admissions for these diseases and associated factors during 2011 to 2015 at a tertiary care hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, India. Methods: Record based retrospective study was done at Chest Disease Hospital at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Data regarding the patients admitted from January 2011 to December 2015 was collected and trend analysis was done. Change in occurrence over the 5 year period was estimated and associations with co-existing diseases were determined. Results:A significant difference in the occurrence of COPD cases was seen during the months of July to December when compared between 2011 and 2015 with a significant rise in mean age of occurrence(p<0.001). Similar findings was seen with asthma with seasonally varying occurrences resulting in increased hospital admissions. No such seasonal variation could be seen for pneumothorax. Conclusions: The consistently shifting age patterns and the seasonal variation in occurrences, are in line with evidences from around the world which points to the urgent focus to be given to climate related respiratory diseases. Steady increase in occurrence of asthma and significant association of COPD with several co-morbidities are important areas of concern.
Feasibility assessment of facility based blood glucose monitoring among patients with Tuberculosis in North India
Authors: Singh Mitasha , Bhardwaj Ashok Kumar , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2022

Background: Screening TB patients for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) could be an efficient tool for early diagnosis of DM leading to improved treatment outcomes and integrated management of TB-DM co-morbidity. It is feasible to conduct bidirectional screening for diabetes and TB in India, but the most effective way of doing it is still unknown. Objective: To assess the technical feasibility for glucometer based blood glucose assessment among TB patients and change of blood glucose during their treatment course at secondary health care centers of Northern Indian state. Methods: Prospective study was conducted among all patients diagnosed with TB at the three selected health facilities (District Hospital (DH), Community Health Centres (CHC)-1 and 2). All diagnosed TB patients were assessed for random blood glucose (RBG) using glucometer at three times during anti TB treatment. Results: A total of 200 TB patients were recruited andRBG across facilities observed a statistically significant decline ranging from 35.9 mg/dl in CHC-1 to 36.0 mg/dl in DH. On applying repeated measures model estimated average RBG means at the three points of contact in the TB patients were almost similar to original means and the reduction from baseline to second follow up was statistically significant also for type of facility (mean reduction for CHC Shahpur: 31.17; CHC NB: 30.98; DH Kangra: 27.00 mg/dl; p=0.00). The reduction from baseline to second follow up was still statistically significant when stratified for type of facility and diabetes status. (p=0.01) Conclusion: RBG or fasting blood glucose testing is feasible at health facility (primary or secondary level) during the registration of patient and during and after treatment completion.
Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease And Its Correlates in Adults Residing in an Urban Resettlement Colony of East Delhi
Authors: Yadav Kartikey , Saini N K , Patra Somdatta , Avasthi Rajnish
Published: October 2022

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is known as a condition caused by abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Most common symptoms include heartburn (a burning sensation in the middle of the chest) and regurgitation (an upward moving sensation of stomach content). GERD is a distressing medical condition which is under reported. This study was carried out to study the associated risk factors of GERD.Objective: The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of GERD among adults residing in an urban resettlement colony of East Delhi. The secondary objective was to identify the risk factors associated with it.Methods: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Nand Nagri, a resettlement colony in East Delhi from November 2016 to April 2018. The study population comprised of 300 adults (18 and above).For assessment of GERD, Questionnaire for Epidemiology of symptomatic GERD was used.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 47.70 years. The prevalence of GERD among study participants was found to be 14.0%. On applying binary logistic regression to find out the predictors of GERD among study participants, female gender, BMI more than or equal to 25, smokers, having comorbid illness, consuming high amount of spices and more than 4 cups of tea or coffee were found to be significant predictors.Conclusion: The prevalence of GERD observed in the study was 14.0%. Significant predictors of GERD were female gender, BMI more than or equal to 25, smokers, having comorbid illness, consuming high amount of spices and consuming more than 4 cups of tea or coffee.
Formulating A Tool to Measure Motivational Values of Women towards Gender of A Child
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kalia Richa , Kaushal Ankush
Published: October 2022

Background: Sex ratio at Birth (SRB) is a problem in developing countries as in India. Value system towards gender of child influences SRB in a society. Current study was done to design and assess administrative feasibility of questionnaire to measure motivational values towards the gender of the child amongst women.Methods: The study was done from June to December 2017, wherein, a group of experts agreed to a set of 10 motivational values on which questions were prepared. Face and content validity were tested by the experts from field of social sciences, public health, higher education. They discussed motivational values over series of meetings to agree upon said criteria, nature, and scaling of response of questions were decided.Results: At the beginning, a set of 105 questions were prepared and out of these 52 non-redundant questions were finalized. The distribution of questions was as follows: 6 for power, 3 for achievement, 2 for hedonism, 5 for stimulation, 9 for self-direction, 9 for universalism, 5 for benevolence, 3 for tradition, 4 for conformity, and 6 for security. Feasibility for administration was assessed in a small set of 26 women and majority of women had relatively high average score for power, hedonism, and universalism; moderate score for achievement, and self-direction; and low score for stimulation, benevolence, tradition, conformity, and security.Conclusion: It is feasible to measure motivational values, which influence the behavior of women towards gender of a child. Further validation study needs to be carried out with large sample size to measure inter item correlations and reliability of scale to make the questionnaire more applicable.
Feasibility and Performance of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) led Active Case Finding (ACF) Strategy for Tuberculosis in a Community Health Block of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Bhardwaj Ashok , Raina Sunil Kumar , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2022

Village level inclusion of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) for early diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) expects increase in case detection. Study was done to assess the feasibility and performance of ASHA led active case finding (ACF) strategy for TB. In a health block with a total population of about 0.18 million, 88 out of 210 ASHAs, were incentivized to screen 44,589 individuals of more than 18 years of age for presumptive TB. A project staff, as a support to ASHA, was recruited for collection of sputum specimens for testing and communicating the results back to ASHAs. ACF identified 489 (1.1%) presumptive cases and 19 confirmed cases of sputum positive pulmonary TB with case detection rate of 0.42/100,000 population additional to already registered cases under RNTCP. Timely and appropriate incentives along with supportive supervision are critical steps for effective execution of desired deliverables ASHA for TB control.
IAPSM WB State Conference - 2019
Authors: Editor Chief
Published: October 2022

The Department of Community Medicine, North Bengal Medical College & Hospital organized the 35th Annual State Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine-West Bengal chapter (IAPSMWBCON2019) on 29-30 March 2019 at North Bengal Medical College & Hospital.The theme of the conference was Public Health Issues & Challenges in the 21st Century. The conference provided an excellent platform for scientific exchanges for the delegates and researchers in the field of Community Medicine.The conference was a huge success as 203 delegates (including 70 post graduate trainees) from all over West Bengal and also from neighbouring states attended the event. The event was also graced by Director of Medical Education-Go.WB, Director of Health Services-Go.WB, Chairman RKS-NBMCH and other state and district health officials.
Artificial Intelligence beyond Chess: Opportunities for Medicine, Public Health, and Social Medicine
Authors: Banerjee Amitav
Published: October 2022

History was created in 1997 when Deep Blue, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled chess engine, beat the world chess champion. Since then AI and machine learning are being increasingly used in other fields including health care to perform complex tasks. The present commentary compares chess and medicine and how lessons learnt from the application of AI in chess leading to â€œadvanced chessâ€ can be used to develop AI enabled â€œadvanced medicine.â€ It supports the proposition that while at present it may appear that advances in medical technology are putting a strain on the doctor-patient relationship, in the long run AI and machine learning have the potential to enrich medical care by giving the gift of time to doctors to facilitate better communication with patients and win their trust. Impact of AI and machine learning on Public Health and their role in reviving of Social Medicine has also been discussed.
Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19 – An Online Study of Households in Kolkata and Nearby Districts of West Bengal
Authors: Sen Bandana , Sarkar Subhajit , Mukherjee Shampa , Ghosal Sarbani Guha , Chattopadhyay Utpal Kumar
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

COVID-19, the disease and "lockdown", the preventive measure, can be termed as major watershed of our times as never before in human history human lives and activities have been halted to such a huge level as combat measure against any disease. Under this unprecedented situation, an online survey was conceptualised to see the situation of students' households during lock down period.

Objective:

On the basis of that data, feasibility of adherence regarding public health aspects (like washing hands, physical distances, and restricted movement outside house) are discussed through this study. Moreover, the awareness, capability and feasibility of households to abide by the prescribed norms are numerically measured through related social variable and logical insight.

Method:

Though this cross sectional survey data collected during May 15 to May 31st 2020, three separate indices regarding three major points of guideline e.g. Frequent hand washing, keeping physical distance and staying inside home are devised and finally a composite normalised index is created to judge the overall status of the households.

Results:

This composite index is robust and sensitive enough. It is found to related with the level of living of the households, household size and some other social parameters.

Conclusion:

Respondent households being mostly from Kolkata nearby areas (Howrah, Hooghly, 24 PGS (N) &(S)) of Hindu, General and largely (two-thirds) belonging to 'lower-middle class' (family income per month 15000 or less) can be very well assumed as a representative sample of whole west Bengal. With the help of this composite index we may identify the status of any household in the spectrum of plausibility to adhere the guidelines and public health educative measures can be taken for those households in the long run.
A Study on Knowledge and Attitude on Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group with a View to Develop an Awareness Program in a Selected Rural Community, West Bengal
Authors: Roy Barnali , Choudhuri Moitreyee , Dutta Sinjita , Mandal Murari Mohan , Saha Sanjay Kumar , Basu Mausumi
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) implies that women must be able to access high-quality, affordable abortion care in the communities where they live and work.

Objectives:

To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding CAC among married women of reproductive age group in selected rural community, West Bengal India.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive type of observational study, cross sectional in design was conducted among 400 married women of reproductive age group in selected villages of Gazole and Bamongla Block of Malda District using a pre designed pre tested structured schedule from 9/2017 to 9/2018, a period of 1 year. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0.

Results:

About 61.5% belonged to age group of 25-35 years, 78.5% followed Hinduism, 35% completed Secondary education, 59.5% came from nuclear family, 75.5% were home makers, 43% had one child, 64% not opted for abortion, 66% had adequate knowledge, 78% had positive attitude, 55.5% knew meaning of abortion, 78.5% knew place for termination of pregnancy, 76.5% told best method to prevent unwanted pregnancy, 87.5% told why Comprehensive Abortion Care is important.

Conclusion:

Awareness programme on Comprehensive Abortion Care through mass media and interpersonal communication should be initiated at programmatic level.
Occupational Stress among Medical Practitioners in Gandhinagar City, Gujarat: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sinha Anish Kumar , Pandya Apurva Kumar , Pingle Shyam
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

It is well established that medical practitioners experience high levels of job stress. This study assessed the perceived stress and stressors among medical practitioners from various specialities in Gandhinagar City of the Gujarat State.

Materials and Methods:

Using a cross-sectional research design, 72 medical practitioners, from different specialities and practice settings in Gandhinagar City of the Gujarat State, were briefly interviewed using the semi­structured interview protocol and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), during the period from May to June 2019.

Results:

The study showed that the majority of medical practitioners had a moderate level of stress (70%), and 11% of them had a severe level of stress. A chi-square test of independence revealed that gender (p=.0029), speciality (p=.0021), practice setting (p=.021), and experience (p=.001) were statistically significant for stress levels. Further, the average PSS score differed significantly according to stressors, namely, work related (p=.004), financial (p=.008), family (p=.049), excessive workload (p=.001), night duty (p=.012) and long working hours (p=.000). However, most medical practitioners did not perceive stress as a problem, and perhaps for that reason necessary actions for stress management were not reported by them.

Conclusion:

Present study reported high level of stress among medical practitioners, indicating a critical need to address occupational stress among medical practitioners in Gandhinagar City. Immediate actions are warranted for preventing adverse effect of stress on overall health and wellbeing of medical practitioners. Future study on a large sample that assesses stress, mental health risk, and coping responses would be important step.
Basic Necessities and Health Indicators of Tribal Population of India: A Secondary Analysis from National Family Health Survey-IV
Authors: Singh Mitasha , Goswami Shweta , Minhas Akshay , Raj Des , Raina Sunil
Published: October 2022

Background: Inequalities within tribal communities across India remain poorly understood. Accessibility to resources or health care is observed as a principle of primary health care. The accessibility factor has been least studied among the indigenous groups of country. Objective: To determine the correlation between accessibility of services and health indicators among tribal population of India using the indicators from National Family Health Survey report 2015-16. Methods: An ecological correlation using district reports of National Health and Family Survey-IV (2015-16) was conducted. The reports of tribal districts were used to select and analyze core health and nutrition indicators (dependent variables). Literacy, electricity, altitude, improved drinking water and sanitation facility were taken as accessibility to necessary indicators from the reports (independent variables). Results: Prevalence of diarrhea (r: -0.18, p: 0.80) and symptoms of acute respiratory illnesses (r:0.30, p:0.003) among children decreased with improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. Better literacy, water accessibility, electricity and sanitation were negatively correlated with prevalence of anemia and underweight among adults, however the prevalence of overweight, high blood sugar and high blood pressure increased. The increase in altitude was negatively correlated with nutritional indicators viz., prevalence of stunting (r: -0.34, p<0.001), wasting (r: -0.33, p<0.001) and underweight (r: -0.41, p<0.001) among children. Conclusion: The tribal districts with better accessibility to basic necessities fared better in terms of core health and nutrition indicators.
Application of Historical Constructs of Pandemic in COVID 19
Authors: Das Rahul , Paul Bobby , Bandyopadhyay Lina , Bhattacharya Madhumita
Published: October 2022

Pandemics have been there since the start of human civilisation. Every pandemic event has its own unique identity; yet similarities are there. To understand in quick time the cataclysmic unfolding and the human response of the recent COVID 19 pandemic, it is imperative we take lessons from historical case studies and constructs identified therein. This can show the gaps in our response and help us prepare better for future events. The unique power of history to cater all kinds of population, from scholars to general public, can be used as an effective public health tool in this context.