Comparison of respondent-reported and sensor-recorded latrine utilization measures in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Health improvements realized through sanitation are likely achieved through high levels of facilities utilization by all household members. However, measurements of sanitation often rely on either the presence of latrines, which does not guarantee use, or respondent-reported utilization of sanitation facilities, which is prone to response bias. Overstatement of sanitation metrics limits the accuracy of program outcome measures, and has implications for the interpretation of related health impact data. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 213 households in 14 village water, sanitation and hygiene committee clusters throughout rural Bangladesh and used a combined data- and relationship-scale approach to assess agreement between respondent-reported latrine utilization and sensor-recorded measurement. Results: Four-day household-level respondent-reported defecation averaged 28 events (inter-quartile range [IQR] 20-40), while sensor-recorded defecation averaged 17 events (IQR 11-29). Comparative analyses suggest moderately high accuracy (bias correction factor=0.84), but imprecision in the data (broad scatter of data, Pearson's r=0.35) and thus only weak concordance between measures (ρc=0.29 [95% BCa CI 0.15 to 0.43]). Conclusions: Respondent-reported latrine utilization data should be interpreted with caution, as evidence suggests use is exaggerated. Coupling reported utilization data with objective measures of use may aid in the estimation of latrine use

A Statistical Approach for Investigation and Comparison of Fatigue and Drowsiness based on Complexity Parameters of EOGs

The primary factors contributing to road accidents are drowsiness and fatigue. Additionally, it diminishes productivity within work environments and elevates the likelihood of accidents. The analysis of bio-signals is crucial in the examination of various physical conditions and the physiological state of an individual. Various biological signals were utilized to identify the presence of fatigue and drowsiness that is associated with fatigue. Various physiological signals were employed to identify driver or operator fatigue and drowsiness. Out of all these non-invasive signals, electrooculogram (EOG) exhibits well-accepted outcomes for detecting drowsiness and fatigue. By employing an EOG-based study, the real-time monitoring of the muscle and mental fatigue of the human subject can be done when they are engaging in their everyday activities. The present studies sought to employ a statistical analysis of electrooculograms (EOGs) to ascertain the stress levels of participants and provide insight into their state of fatigue and drowsiness. Two different experimental studies were performed with 120 and 80 healthy male and female research scholars of National Institute of Technology Durgapur, India. EOGs were recorded by the Biopac MP 45 data acquisition system at two and three different sessions of a day with huge cognitive tasks in between. Several entropies are evaluated from the time domain and frequency domain. The others complexity parameters are also incorporated to enrich the results of the experimental processes. An inferential statistical analysis based on the parametric t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon test for study-I was considered to compare the stress levels between morning and evening sessions. Similarly, in study-II, the parametric ANOVA test and non-parametric Friedman test were carried out to monitor stress level in three different sessions of a day. The Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test is also undertaken to compare the outcomes among three different sessions and find the statistical differences based on a 5% significance level. Most complexity parameters show excellent results and clear differences in fatigue states for both the experiments and these analyses indicates the presence of onset fatigue among the subjects under consideration

Weak intermolecular interactions in covalent organic framework-carbon nanofiber based crystalline, yet flexible devices

The redox-active and porous structural backbone of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can facilitate high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. However, the utilities of such 2D-materials as supercapacitor electrodes in advanced self power-pack systems have been obstructed due to the poor electrical conductivity and subsequent indigent performance. Herein, we report an effective strategy to enhance the electrical conductivity of COF thin sheets through the in situ solid-state inclusion of carbon nanofiber (CNF) into the COF precursor matrix. The obtained COF-CNF hybrids possess a significant intermolecular π•••π interaction between COF and the graphene layers of the CNF. As a result, these COF-CNF hybrids (DqTp-CNF and DqDaTp-CNF) exhibit good electrical conductivity (0.25×10-3 Scm-1), as well as high performance in electrochemical energy storage (DqTp-CNF: 464 mFcm-2at 0.25 mAcm-2). Also, the fabricated, mechanically strong quasi-solid-state supercapacitor (DqDaTp-CNF SC) delivered an ultra-high device capacitance of 167 mFcm-2 at 0.5 mAcm-2. Furthermore, we integrated a monolithic photovoltaic self-charging power-pack by assembling DqDaTp-CNF SC with a perovskite solar cell. The fabricated self power-pack delivered excellent performance in the areal capacitance (42 mFcm-2) at 0.25 mAcm-2 after photo charging for 300 seconds

Connecting microscopic structures, meso-scale assemblies, and macroscopic Architectures in 3D-printed hierarchical porous covalent organic framework foams

The induction of macro and mesopores into two-dimensional porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) could enhance the exposure of the intrinsic micropores toward the pollutant environment, thereby, improving the performance. However, the challenge is to build a continuous hierarchically porous macro-architecture of crystalline organic materials in the bulk scale. In this regard, we have strategized a novel synthetic method to create hierarchically porous COF foams consisting of ordered micropores (2–2.2 nm) and disordered meso and macropores (50 nm to 200 μm) as well as ordered macropores (1.5 mm to 2 cm). Herein, graphene oxide was used for creating disordered macro and mesopores in COF-GO foams. Considering the rheological features of the precursor hydrogel, we could integrate crystalline and porous COF-GO foams into self-supported three-dimensional (3D)-printed objects with the desired shapes and sizes. Therefore, we have engineered the 3D macro-architecture of COF-GO foams into complex geometries keeping their structural order and continuous porosity intact over a range of more than a million (10–9 m to 10–3 m). The interconnected 3D openings in these COF-GO foams further enhance the rapid and efficient uptake of organic and inorganic pollutants from water (>95% removal within 30 s). The abundant distribution of interconnected macroporous volume (55%) throughout the COF-GO foam matrix enhances the flow of water (1.13 × 10–3 m·s–1) which results in efficient mass transport and adsorption

Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations of Preparedness Strategies and Interventions against Influenza Pandemics

BACKGROUND: Although public health guidelines have implications for resource allocation, these issues were not explicitly considered in previous WHO pandemic preparedness and response guidance. In order to ensure a thorough and informed revision of this guidance following the H1N1 2009 pandemic, a systematic review of published and unpublished economic evaluations of preparedness strategies and interventions against influenza pandemics was conducted. METHODS: The search was performed in September 2011 using 10 electronic databases, 2 internet search engines, reference list screening, cited reference searching, and direct communication with relevant authors. Full and partial economic evaluations considering both costs and outcomes were included. Conversely, reviews, editorials, and studies on economic impact or complications were excluded. Studies were selected by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: 44 studies were included. Although most complied with the cost effectiveness guidelines, the quality of evidence was limited. However, the data sources used were of higher quality in economic evaluations conducted after the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Vaccination and drug regimens were varied. Pharmaceutical plus non-pharmaceutical interventions are relatively cost effective in comparison to vaccines and/or antivirals alone. Pharmaceutical interventions vary from cost saving to high cost effectiveness ratios. According to ceiling thresholds (Gross National Income per capita), the reduction of non-essential contacts and the use of pharmaceutical prophylaxis plus the closure of schools are amongst the cost effective strategies for all countries. However, quarantine for household contacts is not cost effective even for low and middle income countries. CONCLUSION: The available evidence is generally inconclusive regarding the cost effectiveness of preparedness strategies and interventions against influenza pandemics. Studies on their effectiveness and cost effectiveness should be readily implemented in forthcoming events that also involve the developing world. Guidelines for assessing the impact of disease and interventions should be drawn up to facilitate these studies

Trends in Immunization Completion and Disparities in the Context of Health Reforms: The case study of Tanzania

\ud Of global concern is the decline in under five children mortality which has reversed in some countries in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) since the early 1990 s which could be due to disparities in access to preventive services including immunization. This paper is aimed at determining the trend in disparities in completion of immunization using Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). DHS studies randomly selected representative households from all regions in Tanzania since 1980 s, is repeated every five years in the same enumeration areas. The last three data sets (1990, 1996 and 2004) were downloaded and analyzed using STATA 9.0. The analysis included all children of between 12-23 months who would have completed all vaccinations required at 12 months. Across the time periods 1990, 1996 to 2004/05 the percentage of children completing vaccination was similar (71.0% in 1990, 72.7% in 1996 and 72.3% in 2005). There was no disparity in completion of immunization with wealth strata in 1990 and 1996 (p > 0.05) but not 2004. In 2004/05 there was marked disparity as most poor experienced significant decline in immunization completion while the least poor had significant increase (p < 0.001). All three periods children from households whose head had low education were less likely to complete immunization (p < 0.01). Equity that existed in 1990 and more pronounced in 1996 regressed to inequity in 2005, thus though at national level immunization coverage did not change, but at sub-group there was significant disparity associated with the changing contexts and reforms. To address sub-group disparities in immunization it is recommended to adopt strategies focused at governance and health system to reach all population groups and most poor.\u

Crystal Structures of the FAK Kinase in Complex with TAE226 and Related Bis-Anilino Pyrimidine Inhibitors Reveal a Helical DFG Conformation

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase required for cell migration, proliferation and survival. FAK overexpression has been documented in diverse human cancers and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Recently, a novel bis-anilino pyrimidine inhibitor, TAE226, was reported to efficiently inhibit FAK signaling, arrest tumor growth and invasion and prolong the life of mice with glioma or ovarian tumor implants. Here we describe the crystal structures of the FAK kinase bound to TAE226 and three related bis-anilino pyrimidine compounds. TAE226 induces a conformation of the N-terminal portion of the kinase activation loop that is only observed in FAK, but is distinct from the conformation in both the active and inactive states of the kinase. This conformation appears to require a glycine immediately N-terminal to the “DFG motif”, which adopts a helical conformation stabilized by interactions with TAE226. The presence of a glycine residue in this position contributes to the specificity of TAE226 and related compounds for FAK. Our work highlights the fact that kinases can access conformational space that is not necessarily utilized for their native catalytic regulation, and that such conformations can explain and be exploited for inhibitor specificity

Socio-Economic Inequalities in the Use of Postnatal Care in India

OBJECTIVES: First, our objective was to estimate socio-economic inequalities in the use of postnatal care (PNC) compared with those in the use of care at birth and antenatal care. Second, we wanted to compare inequalities in the use of PNC between facility births and home births and to determine inequalities in the use of PNC among mothers with high-risk births. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Rich-poor ratios and concentration indices for maternity care were estimated using the third round of the District Level Household Survey conducted in India in 2007-08. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine the socio-economic inequalities associated with use of PNC after adjusting for relevant socio-economic and demographic characteristics. PNC for both mothers and newborns was substantially lower than the care received during pregnancy and child birth. Only 44% of mothers in India at the time of survey received any care within 48 hours after birth. Likewise, only 45% of newborns received check-up within 24 hours of birth. Mothers who had home births were significantly less likely to have received PNC than those who had facility births, with significant differences across the socio-economic strata. Moreover, the rich-poor gap in PNC use was significantly wider for mothers with birth complications. CONCLUSIONS: PNC use has been unacceptably low in India given the risks of mortality for mothers and babies shortly after birth. However, there is evidence to suggest that effective use of pregnancy and childbirth care in health facilities led to better PNC. There are also significant socio-economic inequalities in access to PNC even for those accessing facility-based care. The coverage of essential PNC is inadequate, especially for mothers from economically disadvantaged households. The findings suggest the need for strengthening PNC services to keep pace with advances in coverage for care at birth and prenatal services in India through targeted policy interventions