Environmental and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Dengue Fever in Colombo City, Sri Lanka

Dengue fever has increased exponentially in Sri Lanka, from 24.4 cases per 100,000 in 2003 to 165.3 per 100,000 population in 2013. Although early warning systems using predictor models have been previously developed in other settings, it is important to develop such models in each local setting. Further, the ability of these models to be applicable at smaller geographic units will enhance current vector control and disease surveillance measures. The aim of this paper was to identify environmental and socio-economic status (SES) risk factors that may predict dengue fever at the Gram Niladhari Divisions (GND) level (smallest administrative unit) in Colombo city, Sri Lanka. These factors included landcover classes, amount of vegetation, population density, water access and neighborhood SES as determined by roof type. A geographically weighted regression (GWR) was used to develop the prediction model. A total 55 GND units covering an area of 37 sq km were investigated. We found that GND units with decreased vegetation, higher built-up area, higher population density and poor access to tap-water supply were associated with high risk of dengue; the pertinent GND units were concentrated in the center of the city. This is the first study in Sri Lanka to include both environmental and socio-demographic factors in prediction models for dengue fever. The methodology may be useful in enhancing ongoing dengue fever control measures in the country, and to be extended to other countries in the region that have an increasing incidence of dengue fever

Lead Poisoning: An Alarming Public Health Problem in Bangladesh

To assess the risk of lead poisoning among preschool and school-aged children in Bangladesh, 345 children were screened for blood lead levels (BLLs) from one rural and two urban areas in Bangladesh from September 2007 through January 2008. An urban industrial area at Tongi was identified as a disaster area, where 99% (104/105) of those tested had BLLs ≥ 10 μg/dL. Industrial emissions and use of leaded gasoline by two-stroke engine vehicles were identified as possible sources of lead in that area. A rural nonindustrial area at Chirirbandar, Dinajpur was identified as another high-risk area, where 14% of the children screened had BLLs ≥ 10 μg/dL. BLLs at the urban industrial area were significantly higher than those at the rural and urban nonindustrial areas (24.58 ± 10.32, 7.24 ± 6.31, and 2.47 ± 3.32 μg/dL, respectively; p <0.001). Weight-for-age z-scores of the urban children were significantly lower than that of the rural children (–1.41 ± 1.88 vs. 0.20 ± 1.16, p <0.001). Children with elevated BLLs had poorer nutritional status (p = 0.05) than those with normal BLLs. Over 90% of the parents did not know that lead causes health problems. In conclusion, the problem of lead poisoning in children was found to be high in both urban and rural Bangladesh. A universal lead screening for preschool and school-aged children and a lead education program for parents are recommended for implementation in Bangladesh

Reason, Discretion, and Tradition: A Reflection on the Burkean World-View and Its Implications for Public Administration

This article seeks to better identify Edmund Burke\u27s views on human reason and human nature, tradition, representation, and law, and the implications of these views for public administration. Parallels between Burke\u27s thought and that of the [American] Founding Fathers are examined. Also, the reasons for neglect of Burke\u27s thought by public administration writers are discussed. Drawing on Burke\u27s thought, the article presents an argument for the exercise of significant discretion by public administrators but argues that this discretion should be limited by administrative rules and procedures and by a set of ethics that emphasizes prudence and tradition. [R

Reason, Discretion, and Tradition: A Reflection on the Burkean World-View and Its Implications for Public Administration

This article seeks to better identify Edmund Burke\u27s views on human reason and human nature, tradition, representation, and law, and the implications of these views for public administration. Parallels between Burke\u27s thought and that of the [American] Founding Fathers are examined. Also, the reasons for neglect of Burke\u27s thought by public administration writers are discussed. Drawing on Burke\u27s thought, the article presents an argument for the exercise of significant discretion by public administrators but argues that this discretion should be limited by administrative rules and procedures and by a set of ethics that emphasizes prudence and tradition. [R

Bio-statement

Haque’s research interests are in the areas of public administration theory, economic development and policy analysis, and geographic information systems. His publishe

Lead poisoning: an alarming public health problem in

Abstract: To assess the risk of lead poisoning among preschool and school-aged children in Bangladesh, 345 children were screened for blood lead levels (BLLs) from one rural and two urban areas in Bangladesh from September 2007 through January 2008. An urban industrial area at Tongi was identified as a disaster area, where 99% (104/105) of those tested had BLLs ≥10 µg/dL. Industrial emissions and use of leaded gasoline by two-stroke engine vehicles were identified as possible sources of lead in that area. A rural nonindustrial area at Chirirbandar, Dinajpur was identified as another high-risk area, where 14% of the children screened had BLLs ≥10 µg/dL. BLLs at the urban industrial area were significantly higher than those at the rural and urban nonindustrial areas (24.58 ± 10.32, 7.24 ± 6.31, and 2.47 ± 3.32 µg/dL, respectively; p &lt;0.001). Weight-for-age z-scores of the urban children were significantly lower than that of the rural children (-1.41 ± 1.88 vs. 0.20 ± 1.16, p &lt;0.001). Children with elevated BLLs had poorer nutritional status (p = 0.05) than those with normal BLLs. Over 90% of the parents did not know that lead causes health problems. In conclusion, the problem of lead poisoning in children was found to be high in both urban and rural Bangladesh. A universal lead screening for preschool and school-aged children and a lead education program for parents are recommended for implementation in Bangladesh

Exploring land usage at Tannehill State Park: giving artifacts a context through watershed mapping

Archaeologists have identified dozens of sites across the landscape of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, but few are thoroughly investigated, leaving a gap in current understanding of settlement patterns and land usage in prehistoric times. This project uses existing site information in conjunction with GIS processing to help expand knowledge of land use and site locations at the park. Digital elevation models are used to map watershed in the region with the goal of locating the original context of sites found in a secondary context. GIS hydrography tools make it possible to generate a detailed watershed map that shows exactly how water, as well as artifacts, move across the landscape. By mapping the distance, direction, and greatest accumulation of water flow, the potential original locations of artifacts should be detectable. This methodology shows great promise in early testing. This model can be adapted to be applicable in stream and river environments across the Southeast. Artifacts and collections found out of context in these environments can be traced back to possible origin sites. It holds the promise to greatly enhance our understanding of long term landscape usage, as well as human adaption within the landscape. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries