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Environmental monitoring and assessment aim to gather data economically, without bias, using efficient and cost-effective sampling methods. One such traditional method is Ranked Set Sampling (RSS), often employed to achieve observational economy. This article introduces an innovative two-stage sampling approach for ranked set sampling (RSS) to get a more precise estimate of the population mean. Modified Median Quartile Double Ranked Set Sampling (MMQDRSS) highlights the ranked base technique's potential as a cost-effective sampling method. To evaluate the performance of the proposed estimator by using real-life data and conducting a simulation study to compare the relative efficiency of the proposed estimator with some existing methods.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition, a state of under or over nutrition caused by improper food intake, causes significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It leads to a number of diseases which can be further divided into those caused by protein-caloric malnutrition and those caused by vitamin deficiencies, micronutrient, and mineral deficiencies. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors which contribute to malnutrition and to assess the dietary pattern in the pediatric population from birth up to five months belonging to poor socioeconomic areas. The children in this sample presented to a tertiary care hospital in the district of Sargodha, Pakistan. The findings in this cohort will support the development of an effective plan to tackle these issues. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken between June 2014 and December 2014 at the inpatient pediatric department of District Headquarter Hospital Sargodha. Data were collected and recorded on a predesigned form which consisted of four sections to record 1) demographics: parents' level of education, monthly income, number of dependent household members, and birth interval; 2) anthropometric and personal history, birth history, and degree of malnutrition; 3) any secondary causes of malnutrition; and 4) feeding history. The data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20. Chi-squared, phi statistics, and logistic regression analysis were run to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 294 participants were included in the study. Logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of malnutrition was associated negatively with increasing age and positively with family size. A majority of children (144, 49%) were being breastfed for less than 5 minutes followed by 38 (13%) > 5 minutes to 15 minutes, and 2 (0.7%) > 15 minutes while 110 (37 %) infants were not breastfed. Children who were breastfed were less likely to have severe malnutrition than those who were given formula, fresh cow's or goat's milk, or more than one type of food. CONCLUSION: Children who were breastfed were less likely to have severe malnutrition. The degree of malnutrition was negatively associated with age and positively associated with family size.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is associated with severe microvascular and macrovascular complications with major implications for public health. Diabetic neuropathy is a very problematic complication of diabetes mellitus. It is associated with severe morbidity, mortality, and a huge economic burden. The present study was designed with two aims: 1) to analyze the association of diabetic neuropathy with the glycemic index (levels of fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, and Hb1Ac) in patients with Type 2 diabetes, and 2) to analyze the association of diabetic neuropathy with time passed since the diagnosis of diabetes. METHODS: This case-control study was undertaken between June 2013 and February 2015 in the Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Type 2 diabetics with an age range of 30-60 years were recruited from outpatient departments of AFIRM, Rawalpindi. Data were collected and recorded on a form with four sections recording the following: 1) demographics of patients and number of years passed since diagnosis of diabetes; 2) clinical examination for touch, pressure, power, pain, vibration, and ankle reflex; 3) nerve conduction studies for motor components of the common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve and the sensory component of median nerve and sural nerve; 4) glycemic index, including fasting blood glucose levels (BSF), random blood glucose (BSR) levels, and HbA1c levels. Data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20. Chi-square and phi statistics and logistic regression analysis were run to analyze associations between diabetic neuropathy and time passed since diagnosis of diabetes and glycemic index. RESULTS: In total, 152 patients were recruited. One-half of those patients had neuropathy (76 patients) and the other half (76 patients) had normal nerve function. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) duration of diabetes was nine years (6.76), BSF levels 7.98 mmol/l (2.18), BSR 9.5 mmol/l (3.19), and HbA1c 6.5% (2.18). Logistic regression analysis predicted 87.5% of the model correctly. Duration since the diagnosis of diabetes and HbA1c levels were significantly associated with the diagnosis of neuropathy in diabetics. CONCLUSION: The presence of diabetic neuropathy was significantly associated with HbA1c levels and the duration of diabetes.