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Extensive research work has been done for the estimation of population mean using bivariate auxiliary information based on conventional measures. Conventional measures of the auxiliary variables provide suspicious results in the presence of outliers/extreme values. However, non-conventional measures of the auxiliary variables include quartile deviation, mid-range, inter-quartile range, quartile average, tri-mean, Hodge-Lehmann estimator etc. give efficient results in case of extreme values. Unfortunately, non-conventional measures are not used by survey practitioners to enhance the estimation of unknown population parameters using bivariate auxiliary information. In this article, difference-cum-exponential-type estimators for population mean utilizing bivariate auxiliary information based on non-conventional measures under simple and stratified random sampling schemes have been suggested. Mathematical properties such as bias and mean squared error are derived. To support theoretical findings, various real-life applications are used to confirm the superiority of the suggested estimators as compared to the competing estimators under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines behaviors leading to the intention to post food photos on social media. The embedded correlational mixed methods approach was used through two studies. The quantitative study was accomplished by surveying 540 respondents through a survey. The qualitative study encompassed two contrived environmental experiments, and themes were identified for narrative analysis. This mixed-method approach helped align findings and ensure generalizability. It was found that behavioral intentions to post food photos on social media are dependent on subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, self-expression, market mavenism, supportive interaction, and utilitarian attitudes. A full mediation between dining experiences and behavioral intentions to post food photos through self-expression was instituted. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature regarding the theory of planned behavior and added value in the construct of market mavens through enriching dining experience findings. The findings help brand managers promote food brands, which can then result in positive reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Haq et al. [A new estimator of finite population mean based on the dual use of the auxiliary information. Commun Stat Theory Methods. 2017;46(9):4425–4436] utilized the dual auxiliary information under simple random sampling only. Motivated by their idea, we initiated the dual use of auxiliary variable under a stratified random sampling scheme. Dual use of auxiliary variable consists: (1) the original auxiliary information and (2) the ranked auxiliary information. We proposed new optimal exponential-type estimators for the estimation of the finite population mean. Mathematical properties such as bias and mean squared error of the proposed estimators are derived. Monte Carlo simulation studies are included to successfully validate the theoretical results. Moreover, the applicability of the proposed estimators is highlighted through empirical interpretation with the help of a real-life data set. It is clearly identified from the numerical results that our proposed estimators are more efficient over the competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the research work in the theory of survey sampling only deals with the sampling errors under the assumptions: (i) there is a complete response and (ii) recorded information from individuals is correct but in practice it is not always true. Non-sampling errors like non-response and measurement errors (MEs) mostly creep into the survey and become more influential for estimators than sampling errors. Considering this practical situation of non-response and MEs jointly, we proposed an optimum class of estimators for population mean under simple random sampling using conventional and non-conventional measures. Bias and mean square error of the proposed estimators are derived up to first degree of approximation. Moreover, a simulation study is conducted to assess the performance of new estimators which proves that proposed estimators are more efficient than the traditional Hansen and Hurwitz estimator and other competing estimators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) adducts have shown remarkable biological potential for numerous medical applications. With an aim to improve biological potential of benzimidazolium salts, newer analogues of benzimidazole and their silver complexes were synthesized and characterized. Synthesized salts (L 1 -L 2) and silver complexes (C 1 -C 2) were confirmed through elemental analysis, UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, 1H NMR &13C NMR spectroscopy. The compounds C1 & C2 were found stable in solution form for studied time period when examined spectroscopically and showed optimum lipophilicity when measured for their partition coefficient through flask shake method. Synthesized compounds showed good antimicrobial potential against gram positive bacterial strain S. Aureus with IC 50 2.02±0.12 and 2.11±0.13 µM respectively while 2.11±0.1 and 2.28±0.17 µM against gram negative bacterial strain E. Coli for C1 and C2 respectively. The interaction study of the related compounds with DNA was predicted by molecular docking study, which confirmed that the studied compound C1 (-8.04 kcal/mol) has a higher binding energy than compound C2 (-4.23 kcal/mol); Also, the compound C1 exhibits a better affinity against to DNA than Ethidium bromide (-7.68 kcal/mol) and cisplatin (-6.21 kcal/mol).The claim was practically assured through spectroscopic and viscometeric method which confirmed that compounds have good affinity for DNA with binding constant kb, 5.78×104 M-1 and 6.84×104 M-1 for C1 and C2 respectively. [Display omitted] • Four new compounds, NHC binuclear salts and silver complexes were synthesized. • Compounds were confirmed through spectroscopy and elemental analysis. • In Vitro assay confirmed the dose dependent antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of studied compounds. • In-vitro and In-silico study confirmed that DNA could be potential target for the studied compounds for their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of sodium and potassium abnormalities associated with acute gastroenteritis in children and its complications. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Medicine Department of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from Jan to Dec 2019. Methodology: Two hundred and eighteen children were recruited in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. After taking informed consent, their demographic data recorded, blood samples were taken and examined for serum sodium and potassium levels. The complications arising from sodium and potassium abnormalities were also noted. Results: There were 101 (46.3%) males while 117 (53.7%) females with male to female ratio of 1:1.2. Mean age was 1.87 ± 1.30 years. 42 (19.2%) children had sodium abnormality, 93 (42.7%) children had potassium abnormalities and 83 (38.1%) children had no abnormality. Out of 29 (13.3%) children had complications while 189 (86.7%) children were without complications. Conclusion: We concluded that 42 (19.2%) children had sodium abnormality, 93 (42.7%) children had potassium abnormalities and 13.3% patients developed complication. This can be prevented by implementing hygienic practices, routine vaccinations and prompt rehydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship of kinesiophobia/fear-avoidance beliefs with balance and mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January 2019 to June 2019. A total of 64 knee osteoarthritis patients (both male and female) between the ages of 40-60 years were included in this study. Diagnosed knee osteoarthritis patients of both genders with age 40 years and above having Kallgren Lawrence Classification Grade I, II, and III were included in this study. A fear-avoidance belief questionnaire was used to identify kinesiophobia/fear-avoidance belief. The Step-up test and Functional Reach test were used to measure balance and the timed up and go test was used to measure mobility. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to find out the normal distribution. The relationship between fear-avoidance belief and balance and mobility was examined using Spearman’s test of correlation. Results: The results of this study depicted that there was a weak negative correlation between kinesiophobia and balance (r= -0.259, P= 0.039) showing that with increasing kinesiophobia, there is a decrease in balance while there was a weak correlation between kinseiophobia and mobility. (r= 0.26, P= 0.841). Conclusion: Balance and mobility are negatively affected by kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Thus, kinesiophobia is an important psychological construct to be considered in the assessment and treatment of knee osteoarthritic patients to decrease balance-related impairments and reduce the fall risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Power Function distribution is one of the most suitable distributions for failure times modeling, especially of electric components and devices. The article proposes some new modified estimators for parameter estimation of the Power Function distribution. The proposed modified estimators are based on the mean and geometric mean of the distribution. The performance of these estimators is compared with existing traditional and modified estimators by means of Monte Carlo simulation and two real‐life examples. Total mean square error, total relative deviation, root mean square error and mean absolute error are used as performance criteria. The performance of the estimators is also compared on two real‐life data sets repressing the device failures times. From both, Monte Carlo simulation and real‐life applications, the results indicated that the proposed modified estimators perform better than the competing estimators and hence their use is recommended for parameter estimation of the Power Function probability model. The findings will help to get more precise parameter estimates for the distribution which is very much applied in different fields particularly in modelling failure times of electronic devices and components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish association between acute lower respiratory tract infection and iron deficiency anemia. Study Design: Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatrics Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Dec 2017 to May 2018. Methodology: A total of 100 children with age ranging from 6-60 months were selected for this study with 50 being in each group. Study group constituted of children presenting with acute lower respiratory tract infection and healthy children presenting to outpatient were taken as controls. Hemoglobin levels (<11g/dl), mean corpuscular volume (<70fl), Serum Ferritin (<30ng/ml) and red blood cell Morphology were used to determine iron deficiency anemia. Patients meeting the WHO criteria were labeled to have acute lower respiratory tract infection. Results: The frequency of iron deficiency was found to be 40 (80%) in cases and only 34 (17%) in healthy controls. A significant association was found between iron deficiency anemia and acute lower respiratory tract Infection with an odds ratio of 7.76 and a significant p-value of <0.01. Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia has an increased association of up to seven times in children with acute lower respiratory tract infections as compared to healthy children thus highlighting it as a significant risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency and risk factors of meconium aspiration syndrome in babies delivered to mothers with meconium-stained amniotic fluid attending neonatal unit of tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Unit, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Jan to Sep 2018. Methodology: All pregnant women with cephalic presentations with either spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) or lower segment caesarian section (LSCS) mode of delivery and having light-yellow to thick dark-green color liquor after spontaneous or artificial rupture of membrane were enrolled. Meconium aspiration syndrome along with risk factors like gestational age, weight, gender, mode of delivery, grades of meconium, and mortality were noted. Results: Of 384 patients, 190 (49.5%) were males and 194 (50.5%) females. The meconium aspiration syndrome was observed in 37 (9.6%) patients. Meconium aspiration syndrome was 2.97 times higher among patients with >36 weeks of gestation (AOR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.12-7.89), 61% higher among patients with ≤3 kg weight (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19-0.85), 89% higher among females (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 0.91-3.95), 83% higher among patients with SVD (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 0.89-3.75), 4.12 times higher among patients with grade III (AOR: 4.12, 95% CI: 0.51-33.45) and 8.65 times higher among patients with grade II color liquor (AOR: 8.65, 95% CI: 1.11-67.45). Conclusion: A high frequency of meconium aspiration syndrome was found in our cohort. In particular, newborn having higher gestational age, increased weight, female gender, SVD as the factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]