Influence of Electric Charge and Modified Gravity on Density Irregularities

This work aims to identify some inhomogeneity factors for plane symmetric topology with anisotropic and dissipative fluid under the effects of both electromagnetic field as well as Palatini $f(R)$ gravity. We construct the modified field equations, kinematical quantities and mass function to continue our analysis. We have explored the dynamical quantities, conservation equations and modified Ellis equations with the help of a viable $f(R)$ model. Some particular cases are discussed with and without dissipation to investigate the corresponding inhomogeneity factors. For non-radiating scenario, we examine such factors with dust, isotropic and anisotropic matter in the presence of charge. For dissipative fluid, we investigate the inhomogeneity factor with charged dust cloud. We conclude that electromagnetic field increases the inhomogeneity in matter while the extra curvature terms make the system more homogeneous with the evolution of time.Comment: 28 pages, no figure, version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal

Knowledge and communication needs assessment of community health workers in a developing country: a qualitative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Primary health care is a set of health services that can meet the needs of the developing world. Community health workers act as a bridge between health system and community in providing this care. Appropriate knowledge and communication skills of the workers are key to their confidence and elementary for the success of the system. We conducted this study to document the perceptions of these workers on their knowledge and communication needs, image building through mass media and mechanisms for continued education.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Focus group discussions were held with health workers and their supervisors belonging to all the four provinces of the country and the Azad Jammu & Kashmir region. Self-response questionnaires were also used to obtain information on questions regarding their continued education.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>About four fifths of the respondents described their communication skills as moderately sufficient and wanted improvement. Knowledge on emerging health issues was insufficient and the respondents showed willingness to participate in their continued education. Media campaigns were successful in building the image of health workers as a credible source of health information.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A continued process should be ensured to provide opportunities to health workers to update their knowledge, sharpen communication skills and bring credibility to their persona as health educators.</p

Existence of Compact Structures in f(R,T)f(R,T) Gravity

The present paper is devoted to investigate the possible emergence of relativistic compact stellar objects through modified $f(R,T)$ gravity. For anisotropic matter distribution, we used Krori and Barura solutions and two notable and viable $f(R,T)$ gravity formulations. By choosing particular observational data, we determine the values of constant in solutions for three relativistic compact star candidates. We have presented some physical behavior of these relativistic compact stellar objects and some aspects like energy density, radial as well as transverse pressure, their evolution, stability, measure of anisotropy and energy conditions.Comment: 27 pages, 13 figures, version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal

Role of f(R,T,RμνTμν)f(R,T,R_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu}) Model on the Stability of Cylindrical Stellar Model

The aim of this paper is to investigate the stable/unstable regimes of the non-static anisotropic filamentary stellar models in the framework of $f(R,T,R_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu})$ gravity. We construct the field equations and conservation laws in the perspective of this gravity. The perturbation scheme is applied to analyze the behavior of a particular $f(R,T,R_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu})$ cosmological model on the evolution of cylindrical system. The role of adiabatic index is also checked in the formulations of instability regions. We have explored the instability constraints at Newtonian and post-Newtonian limits. Our results reinforce the significance of adiabatic index and dark source terms in the stability analysis of celestial objects in modified gravity.Comment: 29 pages, no figure, version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal

Job stress among community health workers: a multi-method study from Pakistan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In low income countries, the task of providing primary health care is often the responsibility of community health workers. In Pakistan, community workers called Lady Health Workers (LHW) deliver basic health care at the doorstep in the rural areas and urban slums. Evaluations show that it is a successful programme but point out inconsistencies in the quality of service provided. In order achieve this, it would be important to obtain the workers' viewpoint on their job-description, the problems they face and the levels of stress they encounter.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a multi-method study to investigate the aforementioned issues. All LHWs from one typical rural sub-district in Rawalpindi were surveyed. Focus group discussions with a sub-set of these workers were also conducted.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>About a quarter of the LHWs were found to have significant occupational stress. Factors associated with stress included having low socio-economic status and having to travel long distances for work. Inconsistent medical supplies, inadequate stipends, lack of career structure and not being equipped to communicate effectively with families were the main factors for job dissatisfaction among these workers.</p> <p>Recommendations</p> <p>Improvement in remuneration, better administration of supplies and a structured career path should be ensured for better performance of community health workers. In addition, communication skills learning should be an essential part of their training programme.</p