Sex trafficking of girls and women : Evidence from Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh

A crucial gap in the trafficking literature from India is the dearth of primary data and micro studies that could be used for vulnerability mapping of the source areas and addressing the identified risk factors. The present paper is a small attempt to contribute to plugging the gap in the context of Andhra Pradesh, identified as a hot spot in the trafficking literature. This paper is based on case studies of 78 women who had been trafficked from their places of origin in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh to metropolitan cities across India and who have since returned to their homes. The paper attempted to identify the individual and family circumstances that contribute to the causes of trafficking, to highlight in particular the gendered vulnerabilities that set these women up for trafficking, and to capture the process of the trafficking experience. The findings of the study are located in the dynamic interplay of the social structural context and specificities of the district that contribute to causes of trafficking and the individual circumstances and agency of the women. The case studies reported in this paper are a pointer to the compelling urgency of interventions that will go beyond the forced / voluntary divide in trafficking and sex work.Andhra Pradesh, India, trafficking

Performance Analysis of a Gaussian Mixture based Feature Selection Algorithm

Feature selection for clustering is difficult because, unlike in supervised learning, there are no class labels for the data and, thus, no obvious criteria to guide the search. The work reported in this paper includes the implementation of unsupervised feature saliency algorithm (UFSA) for ranking different features. This algorithm used the concept of feature saliency and expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate it, in the context of mixture-based clustering. In addition to feature ranking, the algorithm returns an effective model for the given dataset. The results (ranks) obtained from UFSA have been compared with the ranks obtained by Relief-F and Representation Entropy, using four clustering techniques EM, Simple K-Means, Farthest-First and Cobweb.For the experimental study, benchmark datasets from the UCI Machine Learning Repository have been used

Aahara as Aushadha - Reviving the concept of Aushadha Siddha Yavagu

The current trend in Ayurveda practice is more medicinal approach than wholesome one. The importance of Aahara (dietary aspect) has been compromised to a great extent owing to the convenience of patient as well as the ignorance of the physician. To bring back the wholesome practice into vogue, there is a need for developing techniques to keep-up with the fast paced modern life yet conserve the classical foundations. Through this study we try to introduce the concept of ‘Instant Aushadha Siddha Yavagu‘, and how it can be made. The sample was prepared by adopting classical methods of Yavagu preparation, along with simultaneous use of certain modern techniques of drying in hot air oven. The prepared product served the main intention of reducing the efforts at the receiving end; without compromising on the quality of product. Thus it can be concluded that further researches can be carried out in this direction to bring out such products for benefits of the society. As this field is relatively unexplored there is a wide scope for exploration

Matching in power graphs of finite groups

Funding: The author Swathi V V acknowledges the support of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India (CSIR) (Grant No-09/874(0029)/2018-EMR-I), and DST, Government of India, ‘FIST’ (No.SR/FST /MS-I/2019/40).The power graph P(G) of a finite group G is the undirected simple graph with vertex set G, where two elements are adjacent if one is a power of the other. In this paper, the matching numbers of power graphs of finite groups are investigated. We give upper and lower bounds, and conditions for the power graph of a group to possess a perfect matching. We give a formula for the matching number for any finite nilpotent group. In addition, using some elementary number theory, we show that the matching number of the enhanced power graph Pe(G) of G (in which two elements are adjacent if both are powers of a common element) is equal to that of the power graph of G.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Drug utilization study of anti-hypertensive drugs in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease and a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The antihypertensive drugs used for its management constitute a significant portion of the medicines prescribed in a health care centre. The aim of our study was to analyse the utilization pattern of anti-hypertensive drugs at a tertiary care hospital in accordance with the WHO prescription indicators.Methods: A prospective cross sectional observational study was carried out in the outpatient of general medicine department of Osmania General Hospital. The prescriptions of the hypertensive patients visiting the outpatient were monitored. From the data collected, the prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs, and WHO prescription indicators, were analysed.Results: Out of the 301study subjects, 134 (44.51%) were males and 167 (55.48%) were females, with the maximum number of patients (197) falling in the age group 51-70 years. Among the antihypertensive drugs prescribed, Amlodipine was most frequently prescribed (53.15%). The frequently used drugs for monotherapy - amlodipine (26.91%) and for two drug therapy - amlodipine+enalapril (17.27%), and for three drug therapy - atenolol+enalapril+nifedipine (2.32%). The WHO prescribing indicators as analyzed from the data collected are; Average number of drugs prescribed per encounter - 5.64/prescription, Percentage of medicines prescribed by generic name - 89.22%, Percentage of medicines prescribed from essential drug list -90.17% .Conclusions: The study provides an insight into antihypertensive drug usage pattern in tertiary care hospital and their rational use. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures and effective educative measures in the population about hypertension

Postnatal bladder dysfunction

Background: Voiding difficulty and urinary retention is a common phenomenon in immediate postpartum period. Absolute or relative failure to empty the bladder resulting from decreased bladder contractility (magnitude or duration) or increased bladder outlet resistance or both are defined as voiding dysfunction. It needs high index of suspicion or else can go undiagnosed and can lead to magnitude of problems. The study aims to calculate the incidence of dysfunction of bladder in postnatal women and to study risk factors associated with development of bladder dysfunction and management strategies in cases of bladder dysfunction.Methods: Authors did a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital. 200 postpartum women were screened for complaints of voiding dysfunction within 6 hours of removal of catheter in post caesarean patients and of normal vaginal delivery. Authors found that the voiding dysfunction was relatively common with an incidence of 20.20%. Following risk factors were analyzed: parity, mode of delivery, pain at suture site, baby weight, para-urethral tear.Results: Postpartum voiding dysfunction was found to be relatively common with statistically significant association found for pain at suture site and para urethral tear. Intra partum events contributed to voiding dysfunction. 93% of patients who with voiding dysfunction could be managed conservatively, and only 7% had to undergo intervention in the form of re catheterization.Conclusions: The early identification and treatment can reduce the pain and discomfort. Majority of the cases resolves with conservative management and nursing staff plays a key role in early detection of the symptoms

A Study on impact of microfinance institutions on the coastal indebtedness in Marine Fisheries Sector of Karnataka

Assessment of the extent of indebtedness among marine fisherfolk in mechanized, motorized and traditional sectors and the role of credit agencies in providing credit and the impact assessment of Microfinance Institutions (MFI) on coastal rural indebtedness in Karnataka state were focused. The credit utilization pattern and repayment behaviour in marine fisheries sector, the impact of selected MFIs on indebtedness, supply of credit and empowerment of marine fisherfolk, elucidating success cases of MFIs in entrepreneurial capacity building were the major objectives. Data were collected form the marine fisherfolk from the various strata such as mechanized, motorized and traditional sectors as representative samples. Study was made through personal interview of the fisherfolk to assess extent of indebtedness and other parameters with a pre-tested and standardized data collecting protocol. Identified MFIs mobilized in marine fisheries sector in the state and the members were personally interviewed to assess their impact on indebtedness level, supply of credit and empowerment. Success cases of MFIs on entrepreneurial capacity building were elucidated which significantly played the role in the debt redemption and poverty alleviation and were documented. The study undertaken in Karnataka state of South West zone, with 600 samples from the various sectors from Mangalore Fisheries harbour, Dakshina Kannada district showed the average indebtedness in the primary sector as Rs 4.25 lakhs, that in the secondary sector as Rs 3.42 lakhs and that in tertiary sector as Rs 0.32 lakhs. The case studies elucidated from Manjunatha SHG, Dakshina Kannada district, and the MFI ‘Mathsya”, Navodaya, Amrithavarshini and Bhramambika, by interviewing 30 women members each revealed that the MFIs scored high in all the attributes and all members expressed maximum satisfaction over the performance of MFI which brought about a socio-economic transformation, poising towards a higher standard of living in their livelihoods

Clinical study of role of ultrasound in first trimester vaginal bleeding

Background: Vaginal bleeding is a serious cause which needs an emergency consultation. Major causes are abortion, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy others like cervical erosion, polyp and carcinoma. The objective is to identify cause, assess the prognosis and institute appropriate management.Methods: Prospective study in MMC and RI, OBG, Mysore from November 2015 to September 2017. General physical and pelvic examination done for provisional clinical diagnosis and subjected to Ultrasound. Clinical diagnosis and ultrasound diagnosis were correlated.Results: 100 cases of first trimester bleeding evaluated by Ultrasonography with an incidence 2.37%. Most common cause was abortion (81.6%) then molar (10%) and ectopic pregnancy (9%). Out of 100 cases, 72 cases confirmed, 28 cases proved by ultrasound which was misdiagnosed on clinical examination with disparity of 72 between clinical and ultrasound diagnosis. 13 cases viable pregnancy by ultrasonography with sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of 100% and 69 cases nonviable pregnancies with sensitivity, specificity and NPV of 100%. 9 cases ectopic pregnancy were diagnosed on ultrasound with sensitivity 100%, specificity 98.9%, PPV 99% and accuracy 99%. Clinical diagnosis in diagnosing viable pregnancies has sensitivity 76.92%, specificity 64.36% and PPV 24.39%. In diagnosis nonviable pregnancies, clinical diagnosis, poor statistical correlation with sensitivity 77.58, specificity 83.33%, PPV 86.53% and NPV 72.91%. Ultrasonographic diagnosis proved as very accurate on statistical correlation.Conclusions: Ultrasound is sensitive, cost effective and non-invasive diagnostic tool in first trimester bleeding. In this study, it helped in correct diagnosis of clinically misdiagnosed cases apart from confirming the diagnosis in others

A Comparative study of Epidural 0.5% Isobaric Levobupivacaine and Epidural 0.5% Isobaric Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for patients Undergoing Elective Infraumbilical and Lower Limb Surgeries

BACKGROUND: The quest for searching newer and safer anaesthetic agents has always been one of the primary needs in anaesthesiology practice. Regional anaesthesia techniques have seen numerous modifications over the last two decades with the advent of many newer and safer local anaesthetics Keeping these factors in mind, S (−)-enantiomer of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine has been developed. The advantages of levobupivacaine over bupivacaine are decreased cardiovascular toxicity and there is also a relatively decreased motor nerve fiber penetration and block, thereby a decreased post operative motor blockade and thus early ambulation of the patients can be achieved. The present study compared the effects of addition of epidural dexmedetomidine 50 micrograms to epidural 0.5% levobupivacaine for infraumbilical and lower limb surgeries. METHODS: Sixty patients of either sex belonging to ASA I & II in the age group of 25-45 years scheduled for infraumbilical and lower limb surgeries were randomly divided into 2 groups (30 each) to receive 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine 20 ml epidurally with 0.5 ml distilled water (Group A) and 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine 20 ml plus 0.5 ml dexmedetomidine containing 50 micrograms (Group B). This study evaluated the following parameters like time of onset of sensory blockade at T10 level, maximum sensory blockade achieved and time taken to achieve the same, onset time of motor blockade, degree of motor blockade, time taken to achieve maximal motor blockade, hemodynamic changes in pulse rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, side effects and complications, intraoperative sedation scores, duration of analgesia, sensory & motor blockade, and any postoperative adverse reactions. RESULTS: The data obtained from the above parameters were statistically analysed using SSPS version 16 software. Student t test was used for parametric data and Chi-square test for non parametric data. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Maximal sensory level was achieved with addition of dexmedetomidine ranging from T4 to T6.Also the onset time of motor blockade was shortened with group A showing 19.33 minutes and group B showing only 14.5 minutes.The maximal motor blockade achieved was also intense (Bromage 3) with the addition of dexmedetomidine. Duration of analgesia, sensory and motor blockade were prolonged when levobupivacaine is combined with dexmedetomidine epidurally. Changes in hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure & heart rate) were very minimal in the dexmedetomidine group. Adverse effects experienced in general were statistically insignificant in both the groups. Mean sedation score in group B (Dexmedetomidine group) was predominantly found to be 2 as per Ramsay sedation score. None of the patients in group B had deep sedation or profound respiratory depression