Using Social Media for Marketing Public Libraries' Collection and Services in Pakistan: Current Practices, Challenges and Future Prospects

Social media has emerged as a popular marketing tool. The present study explored the current practices of social media marketing in public libraries. It also identified the barriers which hampered the usage of social media for promoting library collection and services.  We employed a qualitative approach and conducted 10 interviews with librarians from public libraries of Lahore. The findings showed that public libraries' use of social media for marketing purposes is at its infancy stage. The interviewees reported a number of personal, administrative and infrastructural hurdles which hampered the effective use of social media for promoting public library collection and services. A number of strategies are also discussed for an enhanced and effective social media use in public libraries. This study is one of the first attempts to understand the phenomenon of social media for marketing in public libraries.   &nbsp

Effectiveness gain of polarity detection through topic domains

National audienceMost of the work on polarity detection consists in finding out negative or positive words in a document using sentiment lexical resources. Indeed, some versions of such approaches have performed well but most of these approaches rely only on prior polarity of words and do not exploit the contextual polarity of words. Sentiment semantics of a term vary from one domain to another. For example, the word "unpredictable" conveys a positive feeling about a movie plot, but the same word conveys negative feeling in context of operating of a digital camera. In this work, we demonstrate this aspect of sentiment polarity. We use TREC Blog 2006 Data collection with topics of TREC Blog 2006 and 2007 for experimentation. The results of our experiments showed an improvement (95%) on polarity detection. The conclusion is that the context plays a role on the polarity of each word

Perception And Attitude Towards COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness regarding COVID-19 vaccines and identify the factors underlying refusal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the general population from different walk of life regarding awareness and myths about COVID-19 vaccine selected by convenient sampling method. To collect data, we developed an online survey using questionnaires regarding beliefs and myths about vaccination. The study was started in March 2021 after approval from the ethical committee. Survey consisting of several questions was created using google form. The link was shared on different social media applications and participants were requested to fill the questionnaires. Some patients and their attendants who were visiting HIT hospital Taxila for any reason were also included in the study and they were requested to fill the form at the spot. Participants were given a brief summary of the survey and its purpose, as well as the study protocol and a declaration of confidentiality and privacy, before beginning the questionnaire. Data was collected on online server form. Demographic information was noted. They were asked about their registration, vaccination status and their fear regarding vaccine and its complications. They were questioned about myths and misbeliefs about covid 19 vaccine. Post vaccination symptoms, their preference for different types of available vaccine, and need of booster dose were also inquired. Their beliefs regarding effectiveness of vaccine in prevention of covid-19 symptoms and severity and following the SOPs released by health authorities were noted. Results: Total 287 individuals were included in this study. 62% were females and 31% were males. 50% were doctors and 30% were not registered for vaccination. 70% of individuals were vaccinated and 83% were not afraid to get vaccination while 50% of people thought that they will get COVID-19 after vaccination. 35% participants were afraid that they will get allergic reaction post vaccination and 9% thought that COVID-19 is fake i.e., there is no such disease as COVID-19. 82% were aware that they will need vaccine even if they had COVID-19. Only 7% of population thought that COVID-19 will change their DNA. Chi square test was applied to find out statistically significant difference in opinion between three groups i.e., age, gender and academic qualification. Majority of the statistical correlation was found in these questions on the basis of qualification. There was statistically significant difference in opinion depending on academic qualification, health care and  non-health care workers shown by p value less than 0.05. Health care professionals think there is need for new vaccinations for every new variant, there were mild covid symptoms post vaccination and there was need of booster dose every year while others have contrary opinion. Medical students didn’t believe in DNA alteration. Their was also statistically significant difference in opinion between male and female gender. Most female participants believe that there was requirement of new vaccine for every new variant, there were more chances of covid after vaccination and they need booster dose every year to prevent covid while males have opposite opinion. Majority of the post vaccination symptoms were observed in femaleswhile male observed pain on the injection site only Conclusion: Awareness and education of general population regarding safety, efficacy and benefits of covid-19 vaccination is the cornerstone of the path to eradicate this pandemic. Different platform of social, print and electronic media plays a pivotal role in this regard. However, the importance of health authorities, religious scholars, social activists and politicians in creating awareness cannot be denied either. Collectively all these factors attribute towards the COVID free Pakistan. Key Words: COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy, Pakistan, public awareness, myth

Nature of complex network of dengue epidemic as a scale-free network

Objectives: Dengue epidemic is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that has gained considerable attention due to its injurious effects. The focus of this study is to statically analyze the nature of the dengue epidemic network in terms of whether it follows the features of a scale-free network or a random network. Methods: A multifarious network of Aedes aegypti is addressed keeping the viewpoint of a complex system and modelled as a network. The dengue network has been transformed into a one-mode network from a two-mode network by utilizing projection methods. Furthermore, three network features have been analyzed, the power-law, clustering coefficient, and network visualization. In addition, five methods have been applied to calculate the global clustering coefficient. Results: It has been observed that dengue epidemic follows a powerlaw, with the value of its exponent γ = –2.1. The value of the clustering coefficient is high for dengue cases, as weight of links. The minimum method showed the highest value among the methods used to calculate the coefficient. Network visualization showed the main areas. Moreover, the dengue situation did not remain the same throughout the observed period. Conclusions: The results showed that the network topology exhibits the features of a scale-free network instead of a random network. Focal hubs are highlighted and the critical period is found. Outcomes are important for the researchers, health officials, and policy makers who deal with arbovirus epidemic diseases. Zika virus and Chikungunya virus can also be modelled and analyzed in this manner. © 2019 The Korean Society of Medical Informatics

School and community partnership in promoting elementary education: A case study of union council Chountra, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The local communities and School Councils (SC) play a significant role in supporting the schools for successful and effective learning at the elementary level. This study examines the extent of community-school partnership in improving the functioning of elementary schools, and community development through the agency of SC. The main research question of the study was, how school and community mutually guide, interact and support each other for solving the burning issues faced to primary schools in their effective functioning.  The case study method with survey technique was applied to conduct this study. Thirteen elementary schools located in Union Council (UC) Chountra, a Sub-Tehsil of district Rawalpindi were taken as an integrated case. The quantitative and qualitative data was gathered through a checklist with five point Likert scale, and a semi-structured interview which were corroborated for analysis to draw findings and conclusions. Analysis revealed that schools are not fully successful in increasing the retention rate for the universalization of elementary education due to poor teachers’ commitment, unattractive school buildings, corporal punishment, and parents’ deteriorating trust in public schools. Participation of community through the agency of SC in academic, administrative, logistic matters of schools is almost non-functional

Robustness of dengue complex network under targeted versus random attack

Dengue virus infection is one of those epidemic diseases that require much consideration in order to save the humankind from its unsafe impacts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.6 billion individuals are at risk because of the dengue virus sickness. Researchers are striving to comprehend the dengue threat. This study is a little commitment to those endeavors. To observe the robustness of the dengue network, we uprooted the links between nodes randomly and targeted by utilizing different centrality measures. The outcomes demonstrated that 5% targeted attack is equivalent to the result of 65% random assault, which showed the topology of this complex network validated a scale-free network instead of random network. Four centrality measures (Degree, Closeness, Betweenness, and Eigenvector) have been ascertained to look for focal hubs. It has been observed through the results in this study that robustness of a node and links depends on topology of the network. The dengue epidemic network presented robust behaviour under random attack, and this network turned out to be more vulnerable when the hubs of higher degree have higher probability to fail. Moreover, representation of this network has been projected, and hub removal impact has been shown on the real map of Gombak (Malaysia)

Awareness About Diabetes And Its Complications Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Objective: Awareness of diabetes and its potential complications is crucial for effective management and prevention of long-term health risks. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and understanding of diabetes and its complications among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 200 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as per the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes patients were excluded from the study. The duration of the study was 8 months. The patient’s awareness regarding diabetes and its complications was assessed as per the prefixed questionnaire.  Analysis of the data was carried out with SPSS version 28. The Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of awareness of diabetes mellitus with various independent variables variable as age and duration of diabetes. The level of statistical significance was p <0.05. Results: Among the participants, 80 (40%) were male and 120 (60%) were female. A significant portion of patients 73 (36.5%) were never informed about diabetes or its complications. 69 (34%) of patients were never educated about the symptoms of hypoglycemia. 142 (71%) of the patients had a glucometer and 88 (44%) participants had poor follow-up and never checked HbA1C. Moreover, Patients with longer diabetes duration were more likely to visit ophthalmologists at regular intervals (P value 0.023). 111 (56%) never checked their urine for proteinuria and 172 (86%) were aware that diabetes can affect their kidneys. Foot care and awareness of diabetic foot complications were lacking among patients. 48 (24%) examined their feet daily, 66 (33%) never examined their feet, and 73 (36%) were never told about foot care by their doctors. The statistically significant impact of age on patients' knowledge regarding blood sugar levels (P=0.009) and foot care (P=0.013) Conclusion: There is a significant lack of awareness among individuals with diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for educational initiatives. Both the public and private healthcare sectors should take the responsibility of providing awareness programs

Frequency Of Raised Mean Platelet Volume In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome In HIT Hospital Taxila

To determine the frequency of raised Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in HIT Hospital Taxila. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was at HIT Hospital Taxila. All the patients presented with chest pain who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. Patients with acute coronary syndrome were included in the case group (ACS group). The patients included in the control group (non-ACS group) had chest pain without having ischemic heart disease or risk of ischemic heart disease. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. To find out the correlation between the type of chest pain and mean platelet volume chi-square test was applied. Results: Total 93 patients were included in this study. 51 patients were included in the ACS group while 42 were in non- ACS group. To find out the correlation between the type of chest pain and mean platelet volume chi-square test was applied. The results show a significant association between raised MPV and acute coronary syndrome. Conclusion: Patients with raised MPV are at higher risk of acute coronary disease and complications related to it. It could be used as a predictor of ischemic heart disease and its complications

Comparison Of ALT In Type 2 Diabetics with And Without Fatty Liver Disease

Objective: To determine the association of alanine aminotransferase in type 2 diabetic patients with and without fatty liver disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done for six months at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zaid Al-Nahyan Hospital Rawalakot. In our study, we included all the patients who presented to the outpatient department (OPD) having type 2 diabetes mellitus. Their age, gender, height, weight, and duration of diabetes mellitus were noted. Their liver function test (LFTS), fasting blood sugar and HBA1c, and fasting lipid profile were also done at the time of their OPD visit and results were noted. They were given an appointment for an ultrasound abdomen from the radiology department for detection of fatty liver disease and the results were noted on the next OPD visit. Results: Total study population was 90 patients and out of which 35 (38.8%) were male and 55 (61.1%) were female. 58 years was the mean age of our study population. Fatty liver was present in 50% of patients. ALT was raised from a baseline value of 36 in 61% of patients while fasting blood sugar was raised in 83% of patients. The mean fasting blood sugar was 208 mg/dl. ALT was not significantly different in patients with and without fatty liver disease. However, it was found that patients with uncontrolled blood glucose levels have significantly raised ALT which was also statistically proven as the P value was less than 0.05. Also, patients with high blood glucose have a higher incidence of fatty liver disease as compared with normal blood glucose level patients but the difference was not statistically significant as shown by a P value more than 0.05. Conclusion: Fatty liver disease is more common in Type 2 diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood sugar. There is a high rate of raised ALT in diabetic patients whose blood sugar control is not optimum

Spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan: 300 cases Eastern experience

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Perforation peritonitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by the surgeons all over the world as well in Pakistan. The spectrum of etiology of perforation peritonitis in tropical countries continues to differ from its western counter part. This study was conducted at Dow University of health sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi (DUHS & CHK) Pakistan, designed to highlight the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in the East and to improve its outcome.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prospective study includes three hundred consecutive patients of perforation peritonitis studied in terms of clinical presentations, Causes, site of perforation, surgical treatment, post operative complications and mortality, at (DUHS&CHK) Pakistan, from 1st September 2005 – 1st March 2008, over a period of two and half years. All patients were resuscitated underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. On laparotomy cause of perforation peritonitis was found and controlled.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The most common cause of perforation peritonitis noticed in our series was acid peptic disease 45%, perforated duodenal ulcer (43.6%) and gastric ulcer 1.3%. followed by small bowel tuberculosis (21%) and typhoid (17%). large bowel perforation due to tuberculosis 5%, malignancy 2.6% and volvulus 0.3%. Perforation due to acute appendicitis (5%). Highest number of perforations has seen in the duodenum 43.6%, ileum37.6%, and colon 8%, appendix 5%, jejunum 3.3%, and stomach 2.3%. Overall mortality was (10.6%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan continuously differs from western country. Highest number of perforations noticed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract as compared to the western countries where the perforations seen mostly in the distal part. Most common cause of perforation peritonitis is perforated duodenal ulcer, followed by small bowel tuberculosis and typhoid perforation. Majority of the large bowel perforations are also tubercular. Malignant perforations are least common in our setup.</p