Search

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]

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 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]

The present study is designed to examine the relationship between wage inequalities and economic prosperity in the case of Pakistan. Using provincial-level data for the years 2000 to 2020, the study estimated a multivariate regression model by employing Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) pooled mean group (PMG) technique. The results reveal that wage inequality, government development spending, labor force participation, and human development significantly affect economic prosperity. It is concluded that gender disparity in the labor market is the main hurdle in the economic wellbeing of the masses in the country. Reducing the differences in wages will enhance overall economic prosperity. The government and private sector should take collaborative measures to reduce wage disparities between the male and female workforce. The study also suggests that government should increase development expenditure, especially on health, education, and social infrastructure, to increase economic prosperity. [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]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the accelerators of sharing economy that lead to sustainability by adopting green consumption. Nostalgia is studied as a mediator along with social connectedness and past orientation. Specifically, the study is based upon a framework to explore the outcomes of sharing economy through an individual's green consumption behavior from the perspective of mortality anxiety. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative research technique was employed by collecting data from 537 households through snowball sampling. The model was tested using partial least squares (SEM-VB). The validity of the theoretical and measurement model was assessed. Findings: The results revealed that nostalgia positively influences social connectedness and past orientation, whereas social connectedness and past orientation accelerate green consumption. However, it was confirmed that nostalgia decreases green consumption. Research limitations/implications: The drivers of sharing economy lead toward environmentally friendly consumer behavior by providing opportunities for different agents to increase the usage of shared consumption. The model can be improved by introducing other mediating variables to enrich understanding. Practical implications: The study may provide opportunities for practitioners and the government to identify the key factors in a sharing economy, specifically with reference to green consumption and social connectedness. It is predicted that it will help reduce environmental deterioration. Originality/value: This study identifies the role of mortality anxiety and nostalgia toward green consumption, predominantly in the context of a sharing economy. It is a forward to collaborative consumption. [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]

The present work suggests some difference-cumexponential ratio-type estimators to deal with the problem of estimation for population mean. The suggested estimators are based on the linear combination of two auxiliary variables under simple and stratified random sampling schemes. Expressions for the bias, mean squared error (MSE) and minimum MSE of the suggested estimators are derived up to the first degree of approximation. Different real life datasets are used to show the superiorities in terms of percent relative efficiencies (PREs) of the new estimators. The suggested estimators are more efficient as they provide maximum gain in PREs as compared to the traditional and competing estimators under study. [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]

Adult Burkitt's lymphoma emerged as an AIDS-defining condition in the 1980s. We describe a case of HIV-associated adult Burkitt's lymphoma diagnosed and treated with high-dose chemotherapy in our institution, complicated by unusual bilateral renal vein tumour thrombi and tumour lysis syndrome. We believe this unique case highlights the need for early recognition of current and potential complications on staging computed tomography imaging, as well as successful use of a high-dose chemotherapy regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 31-year-old man presented with seizures and cerebellar symptoms on a background of weight loss and lethargy. He was found to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and following radiological imaging, was commenced on treatment for presumed cerebral toxoplasmosis. Due to a lack of response, both clinically and on interval imaging, a positron-emission tomography-computed tomography and brain biopsy were undertaken, which demonstrated high-grade primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Awareness amongst both clinicians and radiologists of the multifarious patterns of intracranial involvement in patients with HIV is, therefore, of utmost importance, as the treatment and prognosis of these entities are entirely different. [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]