bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eikonal Equation-Based Seismic Tomography of the Source Areas of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake and the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan Earthquake
Authors: Li Jun , Li Hui , Chen Hui , Su Jinrong , Liu Yongsheng , Tong Ping
Published: March 2020

We use the eikonal equation-based seismic travel-time tomography method to image the source areas of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and the 2013 Lushan earthquake in the Longmenshan fault zone. High-resolution VP and VS models are obtained by inverting 75,686 P-wave and 74,552 S-wave travel times of local earthquakes during the period from 2009 to 2018. The tomographic models reveal strong crustal velocity heterogeneities in the study area. A significant velocity contrast exists across the Longmenshan fault zone: The western Songpan–Ganzi block is a high-velocity body, whereas the eastern Sichuan basin is a low-velocity anomaly. The hypocenter of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake is between a high-velocity and a low-velocity anomaly. Beneath the Wenchuan mainshock, there is a significant low-velocity structure in the lower crust. The 2013 Lushan earthquake occurred in rocks associated with a high-velocity anomaly. A distinct low-velocity zone with low seismicity is imaged between the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and the 2013 Lushan earthquake, where the crustal ductile deformation is likely to occur. The Baoxing complex to the northwest of the Lushan hypocenter exhibits as a high-velocity anomaly, which may be a carrier of stress accumulation and more prone to seismic activities in the future.
Earthquake Magnitude and Lg Q Variations between the Grenville and Northern Appalachian Geologic Provinces of Eastern Canada
Authors: Claire Perry H. K. , Bent Allison L. , McNamara Daniel E. , Crane Stephen , Kolaj Michal
Published: March 2020

This article assesses the ability of regionally specific, frequency-dependent crustal attenuation (1/Q) to reduce mean magnitude discrepancies between seismic stations in the northern Appalachian and Grenville provinces (NAP and GP) of Canada. LgQ(f) is an important parameter in ground-motion models used in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. Discrepancies in regional magnitude estimates have long been noted to exist between stations in the two provinces for common event origins. Such discrepancies could arise from systematic site condition variations between the geologic provinces or from varying crustal attenuative properties. To evaluate the effect of frequency-dependent anelastic attenuation, LgQ(f) on estimated magnitudes, we analyze Lg amplitudes from >6000 waveforms recorded by Grenville and northern Appalachian receivers from 420 natural earthquakes of MN magnitude 3–5.6. Waveform analysis is strictly limited to analyst-reviewed, vertical-component waveforms in which Lg is clearly identified, ensuring that the datasets exhibit dominant, high-frequency energy in the Lg velocity window. LgQ(f) is found to be higher in the GP than in the northern Appalachians. In the Grenville, Q(f)=761(±145)f0.25(±0.014), and in the northern Appalachians, attenuation is higher: Q(f)=506(±172)f0.33(±0.310). Earthquake magnitude determined using the peak amplitude of the Lg phase (mbLg) for eastern Canada is corrected to incorporate the frequency-dependent, regionally specific LgQ(f) determined in this study. Using the new LgQ(f) values diminishes and nearly resolves magnitude discrepancies between the provinces. Correcting regional magnitude discrepancies between provinces is critical for reliable regional seismic hazard estimates because magnitude error in a particular region could lead to increased uncertainty in seismic hazard models.
Detecting Site Resonant Frequency Using HVSR: Fourier versus Response Spectrum and the First versus the Highest Peak Frequency
Authors: Zhu Chuanbin , Cotton Fabrice , Pilz Marco
Published: March 2020

In this investigation, we examine the uncertainties using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique on earthquake recordings to detect site resonant frequencies at 207 KiK-net sites. Our results show that the scenario dependence of response (pseudospectral acceleration) spectral ratio could bias the estimates of resonant frequencies for sites having multiple significant peaks with comparable amplitudes. Thus, the Fourier amplitude spectrum (FAS) should be preferred in computing HVSR. For more than 80% of the investigated sites, the first peak (in the frequency domain) on the average HVSR curve over multiple sites coincides with the highest peak. However, for sites with multiple peaks, the highest peak frequency (fp) is less susceptible to the selection criteria of significant peaks and the extent of smoothing to spectrum than the first peak frequency (f0). Meanwhile, in comparison to the surface-to-borehole spectral ratio, f0 tends to underestimate the predominant frequency (at which the largest amplification occurs) more than fp. In addition, in terms of characterizing linear site response, fp shows a better overall performance than f0. Based on these findings, we thus recommend that seismic network operators provide fp on the average HVSRFAS curve as a priority, ideally together with the average HVSRFAS curve in site characterization.
Maximum Earthquake Size and Seismicity Rate from an ETAS Model with Slip Budget
Authors: Marsan David , Tan Yen Joe
Published: March 2020

We define a seismicity model based on (1) the epidemic-type aftershock sequence model that accounts for earthquake clustering, and (2) a closed slip budget at long timescale. This is achieved by not permitting an earthquake to have a seismic moment greater than the current seismic moment deficit. This causes the Gutenberg–Richter law to be modulated by a smooth upper cutoff, the location of which can be predicted from the model parameters. We investigate the various regimes of this model that more particularly include a regime in which the activity does not die off even with a vanishingly small spontaneous (i.e., background) earthquake rate and one that bears strong statistical similarities with repeating earthquake time series. Finally, this model relates the earthquake rate and the geodetic moment rate and, therefore, allows to make sense of this relationship in terms of fundamental empirical law (the Gutenberg–Richter law, the productivity law, and the Omori law) and physical parameters (seismic coupling, tectonic loading rate).
China's Agriculture "Going Out" Strategy beyond Resource Constraints and Unbalanced Trading
Authors: Morshed Monzur
Published: March 2020

Implementation of agricultural "going out" strategy is the effective way to co-ordinate the use of international and domestic markets and resources, and to expand the breadth and depth of Agriculture in China. With the continual increase of industrialization and urbanization, agricultural production in China is conditioned by the limitation of cultivated land resources and fresh water resources, also impacted by exhaustion of soil, by frequent drought and floods. At the same time, China's agriculture trade also faces unbalanced situation and unfair international environment. Therefore, accelerating the implementation of the agriculture "going out" strategy, not only can effectively break through the bottleneck of agricultural development in the constraint of resources, get out of market monopoly from international agricultural multi-national companies, but also can give full play to advantages of our foreign exchange reserves to ensure the (supply effectiveness) of agricultural products in China. However, at present China's agriculture "going out" strategy hasn’t got significant achievements, there are some problems such as slow growth in foreign investment in agriculture, regional centralization of investment, the small quantities and small scale of investment companies, and the lack of international agricultural professionals. For these reasons, the relevant government departments should increase financial support to encourage agricultural enterprises "going out"; speed up the training of professionals to create giant agricultural transnational corporations, resulting in occupying reasonable seats in global agricultural supply chain, and establishing China as resourceful agricultural trading nations.
Purchase Intension of Second Hand Product that Unconsciously Move toward Voluntary Simplicity: A Netnographic Observation from Sweden and Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Ataur
Published: March 2020

Voluntary simplicity is one of the desired lifestyle that modern consumers wants to live. But, becoming voluntary simplifiers is not an easy task. There are several ways of becoming voluntary simplifiers and one of the common way is buying second hand products. Purchase intension of second hand consumers is maintained by consumers’ conscious and unconscious mind. Unconscious mind mainly decide whether a consumer will go for the second hand product or not? In this study, consumers of Sweden and Bangladesh has been focused to check their purchase intension of second hand product that unconsciously move them to become voluntary simplifiers. From the Netnographic observation, it has been found that, Bangladeshi consumers are more voluntary simplifiers than that of Swedish consumers because of their unconscious mind.
Factors Influencing the Earning Capacity of NCBs in Bangladesh: An Evaluation
Authors: Neogy Taposh Kumar , Aishi Aditi Sonia
Published: March 2020

Recently, Bangladesh economy has been experiencing a rapid growth in most of the sectors of economic activities. For the attainment of higher levels of economic development, Bangladesh is trying to achieve and maintain high rates of economic growth. Economic development and the development of banking sector are closely related. The banks especially state-owned commercial banks have been playing significant role to the development process. The state-owned commercial bank makes the profit through banking business. But there are some factors those influence the profit volume of state-owned commercial banks. The objective of the study is to identify those influencing factors and examine the opinions of the respondents regarding the factors. It is also attempted to see whether there is any significant difference of opinions among the respondents regarding various influencing factors of profit volume using null hypotheses, χ2 test and ANOVA test. It is found that the identified factors include attitude of government, maintenance of privacy, proper control, efficiency of management, conflict in management, creativity and innovation and job satisfaction. The study also revealed that the respondents are unanimous regarding the various influencing factors of profit volume.
Tourism in Kuakata: A Curbed Rareness in Global Village
Authors: Horaira Mohammad Abu
Published: March 2020

Kuakata, locally called as ‘Sagor Konnya’ (Daughter of the Sea) is located in the southernmost tip of Bangladesh and is one of the most rare tourism destinations having the exceptional view of the rising and setting of the crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal. Perhaps that makes Kuakata one of the world's unique beaches. After reviewing the literature and different sources related to tourism, it is being found that there is very little attention given to Kuakata as an exclusive tourism destination. The paper is based on secondary data sources like-articles, journals, websites of the target tour operators and authorities. For the globalization of tourism, it is essential to provide background information about the destination to the international visitors and Bangladesh is far behind of it. The government, NTOs (National Tourism Organizations), local administration, owners of hotels and motels, private tour operators and travel agencies should work in an integrated approach which can create a positive impression about Kuakata in the tourists’ mind and feels free to visit and recommend others.
Adverse Rohingya Impacts on Bangladeshi Economy and its Solutions
Authors: Dey Sudip
Published: March 2020

Rohingya crisis is a crucial topic for recent time in world media. Due to injustice massacre on Rohingya, they took place in our country. This massacre was illegal and breaks the law of human rights. After arriving the Rohingya in Bangladesh, I have seen it had some adverse economic impacts on our Bangladeshi economy. From my study, I have seen it has effects on our tourism industry, unemployment, price hiking, banking sector, food security, and environment and so on. But the impact of Rohingya crisis on tourism industry was intolerable. At the end of my study, I have suggested some polices to solve the Rohingya crisis.
‘Green Investing’ as an Approach to Make ‘Green Bangladesh’: the Role of Stock Exchanges
Authors: Alam Lamia , Masoom Muhammad Rehan
Published: March 2020

Manufacturing various products and delivering numerous services have its respective impacts on the environment.  Today, a range of eco-friendly economic instruments available worldwide, such as the eco-investment, green stocks, green investment, green banking, green bonds, green savings accounts, green mutual funds, green money market accounts and green certificates of deposit that have gained the positive reputation among many investors in the stock markets. Green investments are directed by corporations that invest in businesses committed to the environment. Some of these businesses either implement entire energy practices or good waste management systems. In the past, very few companies could have been called eco-friendly, along with several nations ensuring their support for the environment and creating environment-friendly policies, several companies have come forth with a clear objective of being responsive to the environment and lessen emissions. Bangladeshi mutual funds have not really presented much achievement in the green fund arena through the global counterparts is working in this sector. In this context, this paper intends to attract the attention of corporations towards green investments, which are effective for safe-environment and protection to earth. This paper focuses on various green investments and green investing companies in Bangladesh, and the primary focuses are:  (1) to acquaint with nature of the companies involved in green funds and green investing, (2) to make an overview of different global green investing arrangements, (3) to suggest Bangladeshi companies to come forward in green investing to make Bangladesh green and pollution-free.
La innovación en el paradigma del marketing relacional
Authors: Arosa-Carrera Charles R. , Chica-Mesa Juan Carlos
Published: March 2020

Las relaciones comerciales desde el paradigma del marketing relacional propician los intercambios de conocimiento y por ende la innovación. En este sentido, el propósito del presente artículo fue identificar los campos de aplicación de la innovación que se encuentran a partir de la literatura científica sobre marketing relacional. Para ello, se realizó una revisión sistemática de literatura en la base de datos Web of Science sobre 167 artículos publicados entre 2014 y 2018. Del total de artículos, 50 se sometieron al análisis de redes con ayuda del software Bibexcel y Pajek®. De acuerdo con los resultados, se proponen tres clústeres: ambientes virtuales, trabajo colaborativo y desarrollo de producto. Los hallazgos permiten la identificación de marcos teóricos para futuras investigaciones empíricas.
Assessment of knowledge and cord care practices among pregnant women in selected PHCs in Jos metropolis, Plateau state
Authors: Mohammed Amina , Envuladu Esther Awazzi , Osagie Ize Anuoluwapo , Difa Joshua A.
Published: March 2020

Background: Umbilical cord care is an essential newborn care practice which determines newborn survival. Knowledge on cord care influences the choice of cord care practices. This study was therefore conducted to determine the umbilical cord care practices among mothers in Jos metropolis.Methods: A cross sectional study involving 119 study respondents who were selected by cluster sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. At 95% confidence interval, a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Thirty-nine (35.1%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of cord care while 48 (43.3%) and 24 (21.6%) had fair and good knowledge respectively. Majority of the respondents used methylated spirit for the last delivery 54 (76.1%), 5 (6.9%) used chlorhexidine gel while 11 (15%) used substances such as salt and vaseline. Respondents with tertiary education were more likely than those with secondary and primary education to use aseptic cord care (OR 0.07; 95%CI 0.008-0.740) and (OR 0.15; 95%CI 0.047-0.507) respectively. The mean cord separation time among respondents who used chlorhexidine gel was 6.6±2.8 days, this was longer than those who used other substances (4.8±1.5 days).Conclusions: More respondents used aseptic cord care practices, however, a good number used a combination of septic and aseptic methods which could still pose a risk of infection to the neonate. There is need for health interventions to increase the awareness of mothers on using single aseptic cord care practices in order to prevent neonatal sepsis and mortality.
Association of socio-demographic and obstetric factors with obstetric fistula patients’ perceptions towards life fulfillment in Kitovu Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Atuhaire Shallon , Odukogbe Akin-Tunde A. , Mugisha John F. , Ojengbede Oladosu A.
Published: March 2020

Background: To date, obstetric fistula is one of the major public health challenges among the poorest, young women and girls in rural communities in low and middle-income countries. There is scarce information on the association of socio-demographic and obstetric factors with the obstetric fistula patients’ perceptions towards life fulfillment which compelled this study.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was done among 390 obstetric fistula patients registered within the past two years to the time of data collection at Kitovu Hospital, Masaka, Uganda. Pearson’s Chi square correlation was used to determine the association of socio-demographic and obstetric factors with perceptions towards life fulfillment using SPSS 25.0.Results: A larger proportion of obstetric fistula patients 226 (57.9%) had negative perceptions while 164 (42.1%) had positive perceptions. Maternal age, repair status, outcome of repair, self-perceived level of incontinence, and number of living children were statistically associated with patients’ perceptions towards life fulfillment at a P-value less than 0.001, marital status, p value of 0.005, and overall duration lived with fistula, p value of 0.009. A greater number of patients with tertiary education, 5 (83.3%) had positive perception, however, the association was not significant with a p value of 0.059. Fistula type, region of residence, and number of repairs were not statistically significant.Conclusions: Thus, socio-demographic and obstetric factors influence patients’ perceptions towards life a great deal. Efforts should focus on fistula prevention and timely repair so as to minimize probable experiences likely to result in negative perception that would eventually impede life fulfillment.
Pattern, profile and care seeking behaviour of animal bite cases and escorts in anti-rabies centre of a city in north India
Authors: Singh Amudeep , Singh Amarjeet
Published: March 2020

Background: Animal bites are a neglected public health problem and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are many myths and misconceptions regarding animal bites i.e. application of herbs, lime, chilli powder etc., on wound, consulting faith healers/quacks. There is dearth of evidence pertaining to it thus we aim to estimate the pattern, profile and determinants of care seeking behavior of animal bite cases reported at the ARCs, Chandigarh.Methods: We undertook a cross sectional study at the ARCs of Chandigarh. Annual data on all reported animal bite cases during the period of January 2014 to December 2015 were collected from the hospital records to estimate case load and pattern of animal bite. 100 cases were purposively selected animal bite victims were interviewed during a four months period from January 2015 to April 2015. Pattern of animal bite cases and care seeking behaviour was ascertained by using pre tested questionnaire. Data was analysed using EpiInfo and MS excel.Results: Majority of victims were males and above 15 years. Dog was the principal biting animal. Legs (61%) were most common biting site and 71% category III bites were recorded. Around 27% victims applied chili/salt/lime etc., 40% used water for wound washing and 4% applied Turmeric/Neem/Tulsi etc. Majority (65%) took local treatment within 10 minutes of bite.Conclusions: Majority of victims presented with category III bites. Applying chili/salt/lime or some other form of irritant at the wound was a common practice amongst victims.
Maternal body weight: as predictor of birth weight of new born
Authors: Walvekar Padmaja R. , Gajula Bhuvana
Published: March 2020

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem in developing countries, the causes of LBW are multifactorial, associated with maternal, foetal and placental factors. In addition, factors related with maternal anthropometry such as maternal weight, height and BMI also predict anthropometry of new-born. In particular, maternal nutrition during pregnancy has been regarded as an important determinant of foetal growth. Infant size, such as birth weight, was reported to affect not only infant mortality, but also childhood morbidity. To know the association of maternal weight as predictor of birth weight of new-born.Methods: Study among 700 pregnant women using predesigned and pre-tested questionnaire after taking informed consent. Information was collected regarding socio-demographic data and maternal weight and anthropometry of the new-born was collected.Results: Our study showed association of maternal weight and birth weight of new-born, there was no association of maternal weight with length and chest circumference of new-born.Conclusions: In our study association between maternal weight and birth weight of new-born was positively and statistically significant.
Topical bromfenac versus prednisolone: post cataract surgery safety and efficacy
Authors: Trivedi Harish R. , Maheshwari Harsha
Published: March 2020

Background: Cataract surgery can result in postoperative inflammation which increases the risk of complications like increased intraocular pressure (IOP), uveitis and cystoid macular oedema. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug bromfenac and topical prednisolone in controlling intraocular inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery and compare intraocular pressure (IOP) differences, degrees of anterior chamber inflammation and macular oedema between two different treatments.Methods: 100 patients undergoing manual small incision cataract surgery with PMMA posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were randomly assigned to receive either Bromfenac (0.09%) eye drops or prednisolone acetate (1%) eye suspension as their postoperative anti-inflammatory medication with 50 cases in each group. The patients were examined at the day 1, day 7, day 15, and day 30 after surgery. Postoperative inflammation was evaluated subjectively by intraocular pressure, slit-lamp assessment of signs of inflammation in the form of aqueous cells and flare and optical coherence tomography to rule out post-operative macular oedema.Results: Both the drugs are equally effective in controlling post-operative inflammation and post-operative cystoid macular oedema.Conclusions: Bromfenac (0.09%) is an effective drug in controlling ocular inflammation after un-complicated cataract surgery having effect similar to topical Prednisolone acetate (1%) with minimal side effects and less frequent dosing.
Awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination among nursing students
Authors: Uttam Chandani Kanishka , Trivedi Bhavi S. , Trivedi Jaahnavee J. , Trivedi Keval , Patel Alpesh
Published: March 2020

Background: The purpose of the study was to study awareness and knowledge amongst girls about breast self-examination and breast cancer.Methods: An educational interventional study was carried out among 150 students of V. S. Hospital, School of Nursing. Students were educated about prevalence and severity of breast cancer as well as early detection techniques in an interactive lecture. Pre- and post-tests were administered before and after session. Data was analysed by using Epi Info 3.5.3.Results: It was found that 91% subjects were aware of the term of breast self-examination (BSE). Post intervention, awareness increased by 100%. Half of the subjects believed that practice of breast self-examination should begin at the age of 20 years, poste intervention, awareness increased in 93%. Approximately one fourth of the students were aware of the ideal frequency of performing BSE, after the intervention, awareness level increased to 83%. Only 27% of subjects were aware of technique of BSE. Post the intervention, it was found that 87% became aware about the correct technique. There was improvement of 49% in knowledge about indicators of breast cancer.Conclusions: There was increase in awareness among girls about breast self-examination and breast cancer after intervention.
Association of respiratory morbidity with duration of work among puffed rice workers in Davanagere city, Karnataka, India
Authors: G. Muhammed Muntazeem , Dsouza Madonna J. , B. A. Varadaraja Rao , Patil Basanth Kumar , Kengal Prakash
Published: March 2020

Background: Occupational respiratory disease can be defined as an acute or chronic disorder that arises from the inhalation of air-borne agents in the work place. Puffed rice is a famous food item in Karnataka, which is produced in a cluster of small units. Industrial dust inhalation over a long period of time leads to proliferative and fibrotic changes in the lungs.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among puffed rice workers in Bashanagar, urban field practice area of SSIMS and RC, Davanagere. From January 2017 to December 2017. The study population included 550 puffed rice unit workers. Data was collected using structured interview along with anthropometric measurements. Spirometry was done by using RMS (Helio’s) Spirometer.Results: In this study significant association was found between respiratory morbidity and duration of work. The risk of obstructive lung disease was 0.18 (0.03-1.40) times less among workers who worked for <5 years compared to workers who worked for more than 20 years. The risk of restrictive lung disease was 0.35 (CI 0.16-0.77) times lower among workers who worked for <5 years compared to the workers who worked for > 20 years and the association was statistically significant with p value of 0.010.Conclusions: The risk of respiratory morbidity was significantly associated with increase in the duration of work.
Prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, undiagnosed diabetes and dyslipidemia among doctors as compared with age and gender matched adults in Delhi NCR: a hospital based study
Authors: Pichika Varun S. , Tibrewal Abhishek O. , Singh Narinder P. , Chowdhary Pankaj N. , Agarwal Rajat K.
Published: March 2020

Background: Doctors, due to their work-related stress, are prone to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors (smoking, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity) making them vulnerable to lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia etc. To compare the prevalence of NCDs risk factors, obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia among doctors and healthy adults visiting preventive health clinic of Delhi tertiary care hospital.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 100 doctors and 100 healthy subjects aged 30-60 years, without coronary heart disease and pre-existing diabetes or hypertension. The variables included were socio-demographic; risk factors, and laboratory. Descriptive analysis, chi-square or fischer exact and independent t-test was used.Results: The age (mean: 42.4 vs. 44.4; p=0.14) and gender (M: 80% vs. 76%, p=0.5) were comparable between doctors and the healthy adults. The prevalence of alcohol use (75% vs. 13%, p<0.001) and physically inactivity (42% vs. 27%, p<0.001) were higher, while the prevalence of smoking (15% vs. 31%, p<0.001) was lower among doctors versus the healthy adults. The prevalence of abnormal total cholesterol (40% vs. 25%, p=0.024) was higher, while the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes (5% vs. 18%, p=0.006), abnormal HDL (21% vs. 37%, p=0.013) and abnormal triglyceride (32% vs. 48%, p=0.021) was lower among doctors versus the healthy adults.Conclusions: The prevalence of NCDs risk factors was found to be higher among doctors versus healthy adults. Therefore, there is a need of regular health awareness and screening programs among doctors as well.
Etiology and prognostic evaluation of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Ramesh Sadhana , Hazarika Basanta , Sarma Jogesh , Karwa Rahul
Published: March 2020

Background: Malignant pleural effusion is a common medical problem in patients with cancer. The survival of patients with malignant pleural effusion is generally poor. The objectives of our study were to reveal possible prognostic factors of malignant pleural effusion.Methods: Fifty-three consecutive patients, 34 male and 19 female patients of malignant pleural effusion diagnosed by pleural fluid positive for malignant cytology and/or pleural tissue positive for malignancy by thoracoscopy biopsy. Performance status by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score and LENT score was calculated at the time of diagnosis. Median survival time was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis curve. Survival time was defined as the time from diagnosis to death or the last follow-up.Results: Most common cause of malignant pleural effusion was lung carcinoma 46 (86.79%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common 31 (58.5%) followed by NSCLC 10 (18.0%). Low, moderate and high-risk LENT score was found in 3 (5.7%), 35 (66%) and 15 (28.3%) respectively.  The median survival time of pleural fluid sugar less than 20 were 3 months. The median survival time of LENT low, medium and high risk was 12 months, 5.2 months and 2.5 months respectively. The median survival time of patients with ECOG score of 1 and 4 was 6.5 months and 1 month respectively. Patients with bilateral pleural fluid had a mean survival time of 2 months.Conclusions: Adenocarcinoma lung is the most common etiology of malignant pleural effusion. The median overall survival time was 4 months. Higher ECOG score and LENT score are associated with shorter survival time.
Depression and its associated factors among geriatric population in rural area of south Bihar
Authors: Gupta Animesh , Sinha Ayushi , Sutradhar Bapi
Published: March 2020

Background: Depression among elderly has been recognized as one of the major health problems worldwide. However, important life changes that happen as we get older may cause feelings of uneasiness, stress, and sadness.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted among geriatric people (aged above 60 years) residing at rural area of south Bihar. The information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, current working status, any morbid condition and source of income were collected. The level of depression was assessed by using geriatric depression scale short form (GDS SF)-15.Results: The prevalence of depression was 54.6%. Depression was strongly associated with female gender, single status of participants, financial dependent on others and medical illness, which was statistically significant.Conclusions: Depression in geriatric people became a major public health problem in urban as well as rural population. So, there is an urgent need for feasible intervention for geriatric population by the government and health care professional to improve their quality of life and to strengthen the systems for their support.
Assessing the impact of information, education and communication activities regarding menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls 13-17 years in the rural area of Amritsar
Authors: Jyoti Kamal , Lal Mohan , Mahajan Sanjeev , Singh Tejbir
Published: March 2020

Background: Adolescence period (10-19 years) is a transitional stage. Adolescents constitute 20% of the total population in India. Menarche marks the beginning of a multitude of physical, physiological, and psychological changes in the lives of the girls. During menstruation, hygiene-related practices are of considerable importance because lack of knowledge and poor menstrual hygiene practices makes them prone to reproductive tract infections.Methods: The study was carried out among 13-17 years adolescent girls studying in the Government Senior Secondary Schools at Nagkalan and Sohian Kalan and out of school adolescent girls of the same age group who were residents of these two villages. Base line information was collected from eligible girls and then IEC activities were conducted on menstrual hygiene practices. After three months the impact of IEC activities was assessed and valid conclusions were drawn.Results: 81.13% have attained menarche. 40.6% were using both sanitary pads and cloth, only 7.4% were using only cloth as menstrual absorbent. Almost 3/4th (72.27%) respondents used dumping into open space and pond as method of disposal for used absorbent and after intervention this percentage was decreased to 44.9%.Conclusions: After IEC activities a greater number of adolescent girls were aware regarding safe menstrual hygiene practices.
Correlation of body mass index with biceps and triceps skin fold thickness
Authors: Chavhan Snehal P. , Chandrachood Mandar V.
Published: March 2020

Background: Body mass index (BMI) and skin fold thickness are independently established methods of nutritional assessment. Present study tries to find out correlation between them.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in private medical college among 2nd year MBBS students. Total 24 students were sampled by purposive sampling method. After obtaining permission from Institutional Ethics committee and written informed consent from participants, study information was gathered using semi structured proforma. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard techniques and equipments. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and Prism version 5.0 and appropriate tests were used considering normality of data.Results: Out of 24 study participants 14 were males and 10 were females. Mean weight was 59.29±12.59 kg, mean height was 164.77±10.28 cm, mean BMI was 21.68±3.18 kg/m2. Mean biceps skin fold thickness was 7.20±2.68 mm and mean triceps skin fold thickness was 10.75±3.33mm. Of all the participants 4 (16.67%) were having underweight BMI, 15 (62.50%) were having normal BMI, 5 (20.83%) were pre-obese. BMI correlated significantly with triceps skin fold thickness Spearman’s r=0.53, p=0.006 as compared to biceps skin fold thickness Spearman’s r=0.36, p=0.07 in complete sample. Among males BMI correlated significantly with triceps skin fold thickness Spearman’s r=0.64, p=0.01 as compared to biceps skin fold thickness.Conclusions: BMI correlates significantly with triceps skin fold thickness as compared to biceps skin fold thickness in general. Significant correlation between BMI and triceps skin fold thickness was found with males as compared to females.
Maternal, social and health factors influencing admission of newborns to the special newborn care unit at Kakinada, India
Authors: Vasireddy Suhasini , Babu G. Krishna , Nadipena Jhansi , Reddy Dalli Thej Kiran , Aligina Krishna Kishore , Mahalakshmi R. , Babji K.
Published: March 2020

Background: Substantial progress has been made in reducing under five mortality, infant mortality in the last two decades. We need to focus our attention in reducing neonatal mortality.Methods: Setting and design was observational study in SNCU of Government General Hospital, Kakinada. Data collected using semi-structured questionnaire and Hospital Records of mother and newborn. Analysis was done using MS EXCEL2007 and SPSS 20 software. Sample size and time period was a convenient sample of 300 mothers were interviewed from Jan- June, 2018.Results: The mean age of the mothers in the study is 23.39±3.195 years and age at marriage is 19.12±2.29 years. 79% of study population belong to lower social classes. Maternal risk factors-35.6 % are pre-obese or obese and 9.3% underweight, 11.3% had <4 antenatal visits, 87.33% (262) had anemia, 18.33% (55) had PIH. The mean birth weight of newborns was 2601±0.93 grams. 58.3% are preterm and 38.3% (115) low birth weight. 46.33% (139) of newborn admissions were due to birth asphyxia, 27.33% (82) jaundice 9.66% (29) convulsions, 6.66% (20) congenital anomalies, 4% (12) sepsis.Conclusions: Low income, low literacy and less no of antenatal visits showed an association with maternal anemia and LBW (statistically not significant). Upon regression analysis age of mother and gestational period were the only factors with statistical significance.
Clinico-epidemiological pattern of determinants of visible disabilities among patients affected with leprosy in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Verma Aashish , Sinha Ashish Kumar , Jain Kamlesh Kumar , Verma Nirmal , Verma Smita , Dewangan Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2020

Background: Widespread implementation of MDT has been an extremely successful strategy for leprosy control across the world including India instead of it Chhattisgarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are yet to achieve elimination. Identifying the causes of delay in presentation remains a matter of concern, Hence the present study was conducted with intent to assess the clinico-epidemiological patterns of determinants of Leprosy patients with visible disabilities (Grade II disability) in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh.Methods: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in Raipur district during August 2017- October 2019. 87 Newly diagnosed leprosy patients with visible Grade II disabilities registered during 1st April 2016- 31st March 2017 were included in the study. Patient’s information was obtained from their treatment card and was tracked in the community; necessary information was obtained in a predesigned pretested proforma and clinical examination was carried out.Results: Out of 87 study participants, almost are all the subjects had multi-bacillary type of leprosy. The mean duration between appearance of 1st symptoms & diagnosis was 14.59±11.87 months.Conclusions: The current study has observed many gaps in patient care viz. Lack of supervision of treatment, follow up examination and assessment of disability during course of care. Ignorance of early signs and symptoms was found to be the commonest cause of delayed diagnosis.
Community health officer: the concept of mid-level health care providers
Authors: Desai Shrikant , Bishnoi Ravin K. , Punjot Pankaj
Published: March 2020

The concept of mid-level health providers started 100 years ago in many countries and showed a remarkable change in their health indicators. Since last 10 years, the growth of health professionals is in rise with its new emerging roles. Special training with adopted skills is required for mid-level health care providers and the outline roles and responsibilities are already in existence for them. Mid-level health care providers are new emerging workforce in healthcare sector. India is alarming country for disease burden and to cover the huge gap in providing health care facilities, it requires the mid-level health care providers at different settings of the country. Indian community setting is in need to have access of affordable health care and government of India through National Health Mission (NHM) has declare the new pivotal role of community health officer (CHO) with its constructed roles and responsibilities for public health. According to NMC bill 2019, nurses are the first choice for CHO and this will also pave the way for professional development. Since there is global shortage of healthcare professionals and raising need of health care facilities especially in community setting, CHO is new evolving role which will promote the health care in access to community public. CHO being Midlevel health care provider will reduce the burden of other healthcare professionals and also contribute to achieve the aim of ‘health for all’. The aim of this review was to bring a new insight of CHO with its global concept.
O estigma dos não alfabetizados e a democracia brasileira: a inelebigibilidade dos “excluídos de dentro”
Authors: Barreto Lima Martonio Mont'Alverne , Dias Thaís Araújo
Published: March 2020

O presente estudo realiza análise dos pressupostos rousseaunianos que preconizam a democracia participava, diante da impossibilidade de elegibilidade dos não alfabetizados brasileiros sob à égide do conceito “excluídos de dentro” proposto por Pierre Bourdieu e Champagne frente a perspectiva democrática. O exercício da cidadania não está restrito ao sufrágio. No bojo do Estado Democrático de Direito encontra-se a representatividade da pluralidade de indivíduos que compõe a sociedade. A imposição de limites à participação política, enquanto direito fundamental, seja na capacidade eleitoral ativa ou passiva é um paradoxo do processo permanente de democratização. A não alfabetização, per si, é falha macrossistêmica. Este estudo se respalda na epistemologia da pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, do tipo analítico-crítico, desenvolvido a partir da utilização de multimétodos no exame da práxis da democracia representativa, com lentes interdisciplinares. Analisam-se dados disponibilizados pelo sítio eletrônico do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE), bem como os conceitos políticos, jurídicos e antropológicos presentes na bibliografia corrente e a legislação referente à temática, visando responder: em que medida a pseudoinclusão dos não alfabetizados no sistema eleitoral brasileiro os tornaram “excluídos de dentro” em uma democracia participativa? Nessa conjuntura, objetiva-se analisar a compatibilidade dos princípios da igualdade e da soberania popular diante da inelegibilidade dos não alfabetizados com fulcro na sistematização de elementos democráticos essenciais. Conclui-se que para o rompimento da estigmatização dos não analfabetos no sistema democrático é necessário a elegibilidade e o incentivo a formação educacional destes.
Bir Felaketin Görsel Ekonomisine Dair: Van Depremi’ne Ait Bir Fotoğrafın İzinde
Authors: KAYA Funda
Published: March 2020

Afetler doğal nedenlerden kaynaklansa da esas meseleler afet sonrası alınan ekonomik ve politik kararlar ve uygulamalar etrafında şekillenmektedir. Tüm bu uygulamalara yön veren önemli unsurlardan bir tanesi de afetin kültürel temsillerdeki yolculuğu olmaktadır. Bu yazı, popüler olduğu dönemde kültürel bir sembol haline gelen bir depremzedenin fotoğrafının ilk çekim ve dağıtım koşullarına gitmeyi hedeflemektedir. Fotoğrafa maddi boyutuyla yaklaşan bu metinde, imgenin öncelikle bir haber fotoğrafı olarak üretim sürecine odaklanılmaktadır. Tüm bu tartışmaları açabilmek adına 2011 yılında Van’da gerçekleşen depremin ardından depremin görsel simgesi haline gelen 13 yaşındaki depremzede Yunus Geray’ın fotoğrafını çeken fotomuhabir (Ümit Bektaş) ile yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış derinlemesine görüşme notları baz alınmıştır. Bu bağlamda öncelikle, fotoğrafının çekim süreçlerinde alınan kararlar ve süreçleri etkileyen sistemsel mekanizmalar tartışılmıştır. Yapılan görüşme ışığında, felaketlerin ve imgelerin kültürel boyutları, fotoğrafın mimetik özellikleri, kurulan bakışlar, duygu politikaları, ideal kurban olmak, çerçeveleme ve acıma politikaları gibi kavramsal meseleler etrafında bir tartışma örgütlenmiştir. Aynı zamanda fotoğrafların sınıflandırılmaları, taksonomileri, felaketler, kurbanlar ve fotoğraflar arasındaki hiyerarşiler ve iş kültürü ile yerleşen zihinlerdeki matematiksel kotalar gibi meseleler de görüşmeyle ilişkili olarak irdelenmiştir. Sonuç olarak fotoğrafa bakan ve bakılan arasındaki ilişkinin ve buradan üretilecek duygulanımların, en baştan beri fotoğrafçı tarafından belli profesyonel kodlarla belirlendiği iddia edilmiştir. Ayrıca fotoğrafa içkin estetiklik, gerçekçilik, tarafsızlık gibi özelliklerin profesyonel söylemde bulduğu kaygan anlamlar ve karşılıklar da tartışılmıştır.
Segmentación de instancias para detección automática de malezas y cultivos en campos de cultivo
Authors: Mora-Fallas Adán , Goëau Hervé , Joly Alexis , Bonnet Pierre , Mata-Montero Erick
Published: March 2020

Con base en las recientes aplicaciones exitosas de técnicas de Aprendizaje Profundo en la clasificación, detección y segmentación de plantas, proponemos un enfoque de segmentación de instancias utilizando un modelo Mask R-CNN para la detección de malezas y cultivos en tierras de cultivo. Evaluamos el rendimiento de nuestro modelo con la métrica de precisión promedio de MSCOCO, contrastando el uso de técnicas de aumento de datos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran cómo el modelo se adapta muy bien en este contexto, abriendo nuevas oportunidades para soluciones automatizadas de control de malezas, a gran escala.
MediaTIC: Una plataforma analítica de medios digitales costarricenses en redes sociales
Authors: Soto-Rojas Cristina , Gamboa-Venegas Carlos , Céspedes-Vindas Adriana
Published: March 2020

Las redes sociales como Facebook son herramientas democratizadoras de contenido. Estas herramientas facilitan la creación y visualización de ideas y noticias, favoreciendo la creación de comunidades virtuales. En Costa Rica, diseñamos MediaTIC como una plataforma para examinar estas comunidades y su comportamiento utilizando la información de las publicaciones y las interacciones entre usuarios. Para lograr esto, implementamos un repositorio big data, el cual trabaja sobre una infraestructura de alto rendimiento (cluster computacional) lo que permite que esta plataforma sea un sistema escalable que puede trabajar con grandes volúmenes de datos. En la implementación de esta plataforma y el manejo de los datos se utilizaron MongoDB, Spark y R. Esta plataforma nos permite ejecutar consultas a mayor velocidad, mejorando el tiempo de respuesta en un 110%-180% aproximadamente.  El objetivo principal es proveer visualizaciones y estadísticas que brinden información de valor a la investigación en Comunicación Social en Costa Rica.
Estimación del corrimiento al rojo para galaxias a partir de sus colores fotométricos usando métodos de aprendizaje automático
Authors: Meza-Obando Felipe Q
Published: March 2020

La determinación del corrimiento al rojo, factor conocido como z, se obtiene a partir de las variaciones en la longitud de onda del espectro de la galaxia u objeto lejano, dicha variación se da entre la medición en la Tierra del elemento presente en la galaxia y la medición directamente en el objeto mediante espectroscopia. A partir del valor z, es posible obtener los valores de la distancia del objeto y la velocidad a la que se aleja de nosotros. La obtención de datos espectroscópicos en el objeto, no siempre resultan fáciles de obtener y los índices de color se convierten en una alternativa más accesible para muchos investigadores, en este trabajo se muestran los resultados preliminares de diversos métodos de aprendizaje automático, donde como un problema de regresión y a partir de los índices fotométricos podemos estimar el valor de z.
Serialización de un Cuerpo Humano Tridimensional basado en datos MoCap en un archivo BVH para la Comparación de Secuencias
Authors: Abarca-Jiménez Natalia , Siles-Canales Francisco
Published: March 2020

Este trabajo se enfoca en el uso de algoritmos de alineamiento de secuencias como la validación de los resultados obtenidos de la serialización de cuerpos tridimensionales utilizando archivos BVH, desde obtener una secuencia 3D hasta la simbología necesaria para la validación de los datos obtenidos en el Laboratorio de Reconocimiento de Patrones y Sistemas Inteligentes (PRIS-Lab). El procedimiento utiliza esteroreadianes como el método para la obtención de la simbología necesaria para utilizar el algoritmo Needleman Wunsch para las secuencias, y como  métrica de validación se utiliza el resultado numérico del algoritmo.