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Abstract : Modeling the Rice Land Suitability Using GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach in Sindh, Pakistan (2)
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Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate rice land suitability in Sindh, Pakistan, by designing GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) spatial model to aggregate interdisciplinary aspects including factors of soil physical and chemical properties, ground water quality, soil pH, agro-ecological zones, canal command area and temperature. A constraint map of water bodies was also utilized in this model. On the basis of these parameters, standardized raster maps were created, and then Pair-Wise Comparison Matrix (PWCM) of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was developed to calculate significant weights by means of Principal Eigen vector by Saaty’s method, with accepted Consistency Ratio (CR) of 0.10. Furthermore, Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) employing Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) aggregated all the suitability maps to yield rice land suitability map. Final output map of this work demonstrated 30.2% increase in area suitable for rice cultivation with an increased production of 14,716,592.17 tonnes as compared to existing rice practices in Sindh. This increase in the area and production of the potential land shows the capability of our novel model and offers an opportunity to improve cultivation by providing the much required information at local level that could benefit farmers, vision scientists and decision makers to select appropriate cropping site and agricultural planning making the best use of available data. Keywords: Suitability map, Factor, Constraint, AHP, Pair-Wise Comparison Matrix, Principal Eigen vector, MCE, Weighted Linear Combination, Overlay, Area, Production, ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine, Idrisi Selva. |
Abstract : Modeling the Rice Land Suitability Using GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach in Sindh, Pakistan (3)
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Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate rice land suitability in Sindh, Pakistan, by designing GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) spatial model to aggregate interdisciplinary aspects including factors of soil physical and chemical properties, ground water quality, soil pH, agro-ecological zones, canal command area and temperature. A constraint map of water bodies was also utilized in this model. On the basis of these parameters, standardized raster maps were created, and then Pair-Wise Comparison Matrix (PWCM) of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was developed to calculate significant weights by means of Principal Eigen vector by Saaty’s method, with accepted Consistency Ratio (CR) of 0.10. Furthermore, Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) employing Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) aggregated all the suitability maps to yield rice land suitability map. Final output map of this work demonstrated 30.2% increase in area suitable for rice cultivation with an increased production of 14,716,592.17 tonnes as compared to existing rice practices in Sindh. This increase in the area and production of the potential land shows the capability of our novel model and offers an opportunity to improve cultivation by providing the much required information at local level that could benefit farmers, vision scientists and decision makers to select appropriate cropping site and agricultural planning making the best use of available data. Keywords: Suitability map, Factor, Constraint, AHP, Pair-Wise Comparison Matrix, Principal Eigen vector, MCE, Weighted Linear Combination, Overlay, Area, Production, ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine, Idrisi Selva. |
Abstract : Treating Obesity in Latino Children: A Systematic Review of Current Interventions
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Abstract: Childhood obesity remains a significant public health issue in the U.S. and globally. Rates are disproportionately higher in Latinos than other ethnic groups. This review provides a qualitative synthesis of the current evidence for childhood obesity treatment interventions among Latino children. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar for articles published from September 2010 to December 2015. Randomized controlled trials treating childhood overweight/obesity in Latino children ages 5-19 focused on diet and/or physical activity (PA) behaviors were included. Of the records initially identified (n=1,592), 11 studies met the inclusionary criteria. The majority included a family-based component (n=8; 73%). Nearly half (n=5) focused on children ages 5-12, with three specifically developed for the pre-adolescence stage (ages 8-12). Nine studies acknowledged cultural tailoring, most frequently by seeking input from their intended population and utilizing bilingual delivery staff. Improvements in anthropometric measures (e.g. body mass index (BMI) z-score) were observed in 55% of the studies (n=6). Many interventions with a combined focus of diet and PA, in the form of nutrition education in a group setting and in-person activity/exercise sessions and incorporated a parent/family component reported positive anthropometric results. Three (27%) studies included a follow-up period, all of which observed a sustained decrease in BMI over time. Overall, family-based interventions focusing on both diet and PA demonstrated promising results. However, additional research incorporating a follow-up period is warranted to assess sustainability of these outcomes. Additionally, more interventions could be developed specifically for the critical developmental stage of pre-adolescence. Keywords: Childhood obesity, body mass index, treatment, Latino, intervention. |
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Abstract: Objectives: To examine trends in hospitalization and inpatient deaths of neonates, and infectious diseases (IDs) between 2005-2014; and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) between 2010 and 2014 in Yemen. Method: It was a retrospective descriptive study. Data were extracted from the clinical records of the patients admitted from 2005 to 2014 for neonates and cases aged 1-59 months with IDs. For cases with SAM data were available from 2010 to 2014. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Between 2005 and 2014, 39282 under-5 hospitalized and 33.6% were neonates. Of 26069 aged 1-59 months, 15224(58.4%) hospitalized with IDs. Pneumonia (44.6%), diarrhea (29.9%), and meningitis (10.6%) were the main subgroups. During the study period, there were 4183 under-5 deaths. Neonatal deaths accounting for 3671 (87.8%). Deaths aged 1-59 month were 512(12.2%) and IDs contributing 440(85.9%). Compared to 2005/06, neonatal hospitalization and death declined by 9.2% and 18.1% in 2013/14, and IDs by 56.8% and 79.2%, respectively. Pneumonia reductions were 65.4% and 83.7%, diarrhea 42% and 95.5%, and meningitis 73% and 83%, respectively. Between 2010-2014, SAM cases were 1781 of 13689 total hospitalization [13% (95%CI 12.5-13.6)] and 53 SAM deaths of 224 total deaths [23.7 % (18.6-29.6)]. SAM hospitalization rate increased from 8.5% in 2010, to 18.4% in 2014 and death rate increased from 27% (17.6-39.0) to 57.5% (42.2-71.5), respectively. Conclusion: Despite significant decline in IDs and vaccine preventable diseases, this study showed 87.8% of under-5 mortality were neonates. The increasing trends in SAM hospitalization and death are alarming. Interventions to improve neonatal survival and to reduce SAM morbidity and mortality are urgently needed. Keywords: Infectious diseases, SAM, neonates, under-5, Yemen. |
Abstract : Providing Breastfeeding Support: Experiences from Child-Health Nurses
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Abstract: Background: Breastfeeding problems are common during the early period but can often be prevented or overcome with adequate support. Child-health nurses meet almost all children during their first weeks of life and play an important role in promoting breastfeeding and in strengthening parents’ confidence and their belief in their own ability. It is, therefore, important to gain more knowledge about child-health nurses’ experiences. Objective: To describe child-health nurses’ experiences of providing breastfeeding support. Methods: This qualitative study is descriptive with an inductive approach. A purposive sample of eight child-health nurses recruited from district health care centers participated. Data were collected through focus group interviews and analyzed with content analysis. Results: Child-health nurses consider it to be important to provide early breastfeeding support and that early hospital discharge following birth can complicate breastfeeding. Furthermore, the introduction of infant formula and tiny tastes given to the baby can be a barrier to breastfeeding. Parents’ confidence had an effect on breastfeeding, and breastfeeding is promoted by confident parents. Trends and cultural differences have an influence on parents’ attitudes toward breastfeeding. Child-health nurses stated the importance of having a consensus breastfeeding policy. Conclusion and Recommendation: A number of factors affect breastfeeding, and breastfeeding support from child-health nurses is important in the early stages after birth. To conclude, the support must be individually tailored with a focus on the parents’ needs. There is a need for greater cooperation between the maternal care and child-health care staff in order to provide adequate and continuous breastfeeding support throughout the care chain. Keywords: Breastfeeding, child-health nurse, child-health service, focus group interview, qualitative content analysis. |