Developing a scalable training model in global mental health: pilot study of a video-assisted training Program for Generalist Clinicians in Rural Nepal.

BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries, mental health training often includes sending few generalist clinicians to specialist-led programs for several weeks. Our objective is to develop and test a video-assisted training model addressing the shortcomings of traditional programs that affect scalability: failing to train all clinicians, disrupting clinical services, and depending on specialists.MethodsWe implemented the program -video lectures and on-site skills training- for all clinicians at a rural Nepali hospital. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to evaluate pre- and post-test change in knowledge (diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and appropriate treatment). We used a series of 'Yes' or 'No' questions to assess attitudes about mental illness, and utilized exact McNemar's test to analyze the proportions of participants who held a specific belief before and after the training. We assessed acceptability and feasibility through key informant interviews and structured feedback.ResultsFor each topic except depression, there was a statistically significant increase (Δ) in median scores on knowledge questionnaires: Acute Stress Reaction (Δ = 20, p = 0.03), Depression (Δ = 11, p = 0.12), Grief (Δ = 40, p < 0.01), Psychosis (Δ = 22, p = 0.01), and post-traumatic stress disorder (Δ = 20, p = 0.01). The training received high ratings; key informants shared examples and views about the training's positive impact and complementary nature of the program's components.ConclusionVideo lectures and on-site skills training can address the limitations of a conventional training model while being acceptable, feasible, and impactful toward improving knowledge and attitudes of the participants

Mathematical model of salmon life cycle

The goal of this thesis is to cast biological data available in the research literature into a deterministic stage-structured discrete model described by a system of difference equations accounting for all important stages in the life cycle of Atlantic salmon. Sensitivity and elasticity analyses of the model are conducted along with numerous numerical simulations to provide practical recommendations regarding the impact of the changes to survival rates at different stages on the dynamics of the entire population

A Study on Residents’ Perceptions of Urban Quality Life (Case Study: Pabedan Township, Yangon Region) (Kyaw Swar Yei , 2024)

This study investigates residents' perceptions of urban quality of life (UQL) in Pabedan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. The descriptive methods by using both secondary data and primary data to investigate the Quality of Life such as Urban Transportation, Urban Economy, Urban Social, and Urban Environment. Employing a structured quantitative research approach, data were collected from 180 respondents through structured questionnaires in Pabedan Township. The study finds that residents of Pabedan Township generally view urban services highly, especially regarding garbage collection and water supply. However, concerns about air quality, noise pollution, and insufficient green spaces negatively impact overall satisfaction. To enhance quality of life, recommendations include improving transportation infrastructure, investing in public transit, and developing cycling paths. Additionally, boosting economic opportunities through support for local businesses and job training is essential. Addressing environmental issues with effective waste management and increasing green spaces is also vital. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding residents' perspectives to inform sustainable urban development strategies that enhance community well-being

The use of height versus weight in determining praziquantel dose for treatment of Schistosomiasis in children

Background: Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the drug of choice in treatment of Schistosomiasis because of its high efficacy, few and transient side effects, simple administration and competitive cost. In community-based management and during mass chemotherapy of Schistosomiasis, WHO recommended a dose pole where height is taken as a single parameter to select the required dose.Objective: To compare PZQ dose according to WHO dose pole with the calculated weightdependent dose and test their consistency.Method: We used a growth percentile ruler (MOSWAR) that includes weight, height, head circumference and body surface area according to age and sex. Data were then compiled into a table-form that included PZQ dose according to the dose pole and the calculated mean weightdependentdose.Results: The results showed that PZQ dose according to the dose pole is not consistent with the weight-dependent dose.Conclusion: During mass chemotherapy and community-based  management of Schistosomiasis in children, we recommend the use of a similar table or a device similar to (MOSWAR) to determine PZQ dose according to whichever of the growth parameters is available

A Study on the Sustainability of Myanmar’s Ten Traditional Arts and Crafts Enterprises in Mandalay Region ( Wai Yan Kyaw Swar Hein, 2024)

This study investigates the sustainability of ten traditional arts and crafts enterprises in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, collectively known as “Pan Sel Myo”, including blacksmithing, goldsmithing and silversmithing, bronze casting, stucco work, woodcarving, masonry, stone carving, turnery, painting, and lacquerware. Mandalay, as a center of Myanmar's cultural heritage, faces significant challenges in sustaining these enterprises due to globalization, modernization, and changing consumer preferences, which threaten both the livelihoods of artisans and the preservation of cultural traditions. The rapid influx of mass-produced goods and the growing tendency of younger generations to seek non-traditional career paths contribute to the erosion of traditional practices and knowledge transmission. These issues have broad implications for economic development, poverty reduction, and cultural preservation, given that Mandalay’s heritage is a vital driver of tourism. Despite these pressing concerns, there is a lack of empirical research specifically addressing the sustainability of traditional cultural enterprises in Mandalay. This study seeks to fill that gap by examining the current status of ten traditional arts and crafts enterprises, assessing their awareness and understanding of government policies, and exploring the factors influencing their sustainability. A descriptive method utilizing qualitative research through unstructured questionnaires, along with a review of secondary data sources, forms the basis of the research. Thirty enterprises from the Mandalay Region are the primary focus, providing a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by these traditional artisans. The study’s findings aim to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and cultural practitioners in devising evidence-based strategies that promote the resilience and longevity of these enterprises, ensuring their continued contribution to Myanmar’s cultural identity and economic landscape. While the study is limited to these specific enterprises within Mandalay, it serves as a vital case for understanding the broader dynamics of cultural sustainability in Myanmar’s traditional arts and crafts sectors. This thesis is organized into five chapters, covering an introduction, a review of relevant literature, the presentation of Myanmar's ten traditional arts and crafts, data analysis, and a conclusion that includes recommendations for future policy and practice

Optimization of Fuel Consumption for Municipal Solid Waste Collection in Al Ain City, UAE

Collection and transportation of municipal solid waste (MSW) often account for a significant amount of the total budget allocated for waste management. A major portion of that is attributed to fuel consumption. Meanwhile, vehicles involved with waste collection can emit significant levels of atmospheric pollutants. Hence, optimization of waste collection yields both financial and environmental benefits. No work has been done to optimize fuel consumption during MSW collection in Al Ain city. In this study, several cases were developed using ArcGIS Network Analyst tool in order to establish optimum conditions for MSW collection in Um Gafa district in Al Ain city, with an objective function of minimization of fuel consumption. A geographic information system was created based on data collection and GPS tracking of collection route and bins position. The study revealed that waste collection at Um Gafa at the current time does not strictly follow U-turn and curb approach policies. When route optimization is applied for similar traffic conditions as the current ones, a saving of 14.3% in fuel consumption is gained. In addition, emitted CO2 is reduced by 7.2%. However, by strictly following the U-turn and curb approach policy of the traffic department, the relative saving in fuel consumption was much less (5%) as compared to the current practice of vehicle maneuvering for waste collection. Two new models were proposed for optimal number and location of bins. One model was based on a 40-m service zone while the other was based on population density and landuse. By adopting the first model, the number of bins was reduced by 12%, while in the second model the number of bins was reduced by 20%. In both models, more efficient routes in terms of fuel consumption and reduction in emissions have resulted, with second model showing superiority compared to the first model