MWS and FWS Codes for Coordinate-Wise Weight Functions

A combinatorial problem concerning the maximum size of the (hamming) weight set of an $[n,k]_q$ linear code was recently introduced. Codes attaining the established upper bound are the Maximum Weight Spectrum (MWS) codes. Those $[n,k]_q$ codes with the same weight set as $\mathbb{F}_q^n$ are called Full Weight Spectrum (FWS) codes. FWS codes are necessarily ``short", whereas MWS codes are necessarily ``long". For fixed $k,q$ the values of $n$ for which an $[n,k]_q$-FWS code exists are completely determined, but the determination of the minimum length $M(H,k,q)$ of an $[n,k]_q$-MWS code remains an open problem. The current work broadens discussion first to general coordinate-wise weight functions, and then specifically to the Lee weight and a Manhattan like weight. In the general case we provide bounds on $n$ for which an FWS code exists, and bounds on $n$ for which an MWS code exists. When specializing to the Lee or to the Manhattan setting we are able to completely determine the parameters of FWS codes. As with the Hamming case, we are able to provide an upper bound on $M(\mathcal{L},k,q)$ (the minimum length of Lee MWS codes), and pose the determination of $M(\mathcal{L},k,q)$ as an open problem. On the other hand, with respect to the Manhattan weight we completely determine the parameters of MWS codes.Comment: 17 page

Sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates in North Dayi District, Ghana

BackgroundNeonates are at a greater risk of infection, but data on the maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates (IPNs) are scarce. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs in North Dayi District, Ghana.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted among 612 mothers. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection adapted from previous studies and the IPN guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Bivariable analyses were performed to determine the association between maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs and sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors.ResultsAnalysis showed that less than one-fifth of the mothers (12.9%) had poor knowledge of IPNs, while 21.6% incorrectly practiced it. Mothers who had poor knowledge of IPNs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 13.33 (95% CI: 7.69–23.26), p < 0.001] were more likely to have a poor practice of IPNs.ConclusionAbout one-fifth of the mothers in this study had poor knowledge or poor practice of IPNs according to the WHO’s guidelines. The Health Directorate of North Dayi District should explore the risk factors associated with poor IPNs and increase successful guideline adherence with intensified educational outreach and campaigns

Data_Sheet_1_Sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates in North Dayi District, Ghana.PDF

BackgroundNeonates are at a greater risk of infection, but data on the maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates (IPNs) are scarce. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs in North Dayi District, Ghana.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted among 612 mothers. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection adapted from previous studies and the IPN guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Bivariable analyses were performed to determine the association between maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs and sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors.ResultsAnalysis showed that less than one-fifth of the mothers (12.9%) had poor knowledge of IPNs, while 21.6% incorrectly practiced it. Mothers who had poor knowledge of IPNs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 13.33 (95% CI: 7.69–23.26), p ConclusionAbout one-fifth of the mothers in this study had poor knowledge or poor practice of IPNs according to the WHO’s guidelines. The Health Directorate of North Dayi District should explore the risk factors associated with poor IPNs and increase successful guideline adherence with intensified educational outreach and campaigns.</p