Compact Segment Research Articles

Estimating Demand for Passenger Cars : A Model for the Indian Market

Purpose : This study analyzed trends in Indian passenger car sales for the decade 2010–2011 to 2019–2020. These trends were decoded via demand functions estimated using multiple linear regression. This has crucial theoretical and managerial implications. Methodology : Multiple linear regressions were carried out using SPSS for different segments of the passenger car industry, namely, mini, compact, super compact, mid-size, executive, and premium. While sales of passenger vehicles were the dependent variable, personal disposable income, product price, fuel price, and interest rates were explanatory variables. Secondary data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), State Bank of India (SBI), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) were sourced. Findings : Demand for most types of passenger cars in India has slowed down, except for compact cars. The regressions show that the mini segment is affected by vehicle price and interest rates, and a lower Goods and Services Tax (GST) for small cars could boost sales. In the compact segment, the price remains a significant factor. Interest rates matter most for the super compact segment, while the preference for better category cars or utility vehicles increases with rising income for mid-size and executive segments. Practical Implications : A demand-side analysis can benefit companies and inform policy decisions to overcome the recent slowdown. The regression model can advance theory and academic research and aid in supply chain management, demand forecasting, and inventory management studies. Originality : Unlike prior research on the Indian automobile sector, this study bifurcates the heterogeneous market into segments and conducts econometric analyses.

The Use of Adaptive Sampling to Reach Disadvantaged Populations for Immunization Programs and Assessments: A Systematic Review.

Vaccines prevent 4-5 million deaths every year, but inequities in vaccine coverage persist among key disadvantaged subpopulations. Under-immunized subpopulations (e.g., migrants, slum residents) may be consistently missed with conventional methods for estimating immunization coverage and assessing vaccination barriers. Adaptive sampling, such as respondent-driven sampling, may offer useful strategies for identifying and collecting data from these subpopulations that are often "hidden" or hard-to-reach. However, use of these adaptive sampling approaches in the field of global immunization has not been systematically documented. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify eligible studies published through November 2020 that used an adaptive sampling method to collect immunization-related data. From the eligible studies, we extracted relevant data on their objectives, setting and target population, and sampling methods. We categorized sampling methods and assessed their frequencies. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria out of the 3069 articles screened for eligibility. Peer-driven sampling was the most frequently used adaptive sampling method (57%), followed by geospatial sampling (30%), venue-based sampling (17%), ethnographic mapping (9%), and compact segment sampling (9%). Sixty-one percent of studies were conducted in upper-middle-income or high-income countries. Data on immunization uptake were collected in 65% of studies, and data on knowledge and attitudes about immunizations were collected in 57% of studies. We found limited use of adaptive sampling methods in measuring immunization coverage and understanding determinants of vaccination uptake. The current under-utilization of adaptive sampling approaches leaves much room for improvement in how immunization programs calibrate their strategies to reach "hidden" subpopulations.

Prevalence of Trachoma in Pre-validation Surveillance Surveys in 11 Evaluation Units (Covering 12 Districts) in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Results from 2018−2020

ABSTRACT Purpose Interventions to reduce the prevalence of trachoma and transmission of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis have been implemented in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Following an impact survey in which the trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) prevalence in 1–9-year-olds is <5%, a surveillance survey is recommended 2 years later, without additional antibiotic treatment. We report results of surveillance surveys in 11 evaluation units (EUs) covering 12 districts in Oromia Region, to plan whether future interventions are needed. Method We use a two-stage cluster-sampling cross-sectional survey design. In each EU, 26 clusters (villages) were systematically selected with probability proportional to size; from each cluster, 30 households were selected using compact segment sampling. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access was assessed in all selected households. All residents of selected households aged ≥1 year were examined for TF and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) by certified graders. Result Of 31,991 individuals enumerated, 29,230 (91% of) individuals were examined. Eight EUs had an age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1−9-year-olds of ≥5% and seven had a TT prevalence unknown to the health system among adults aged ≥15 years of ≥0.2%. About one-third of visited households had access to an improved water source for drinking, and 5% had access to an improved latrine. Conclusion Despite TF reductions to <5% at impact survey, prevalence recrudesced to ≥5% in all but three of the 11 EUs. Operational research is needed to understand transmission dynamics and epidemiology, in order to optimise elimination strategies in high-transmission settings like these.

The next step in 5-axis for Mitsui Seiki

The compact segment of the 5-axis market is especially active with new machines launched, and Mitsui Seiki has introduced new offering in the shape of the PJ 303X. Chief operating officer Bill Malanche spoke to Machinery about the new machine

Tuning the Double Gyroid Phase Window in Block Copolymers via Polymer Chain Conformation Near the Interface

Block copolymer network morphologies have been proven interesting for applications ranging from mechanical to transport and optical properties. The shape of the polymer chain and its ability to stretch across an interface can be used as handles to target these network morphologies. Here, we show that the double gyroid phase window is broadened when there is a flexible segment near the interface and narrowed when a more constrained segment is placed there by using a series of poly(styrene-b-peptoid) block copolymers in which the polypeptoid block chain conformation can be tuned to adopt either a helical or a coil conformation (NRpe6 vs Npe6). The double gyroid phase is accessed in both block copolymer series, while the phase boundaries are shifted toward larger polypeptoid volume fractions in the helix-forming PS–(NRpe6Nmey) series, due to the more compact helix segment (i.e., the helix segment has the same chain volume as its random coil counterpart but occupies less space). The space-filling difference between the helix and coil segment is further confirmed by the smaller domain spacing of PS–(NRpe6Nme39) compared to PS–(Npe6Nme36) (13.9 nm vs 14.3 nm) despite the former having a longer polypeptoid block. Furthermore, a broadened double gyroid phase window is accessed in the PS–(Npe6Nmey) series that has a flexible coil segment near the interface. These results demonstrate the possibility of tuning the double gyroid phase in linear block copolymers by chain conformation near the interface alone, highlighting chain conformation as a versatile handle in block copolymer design.

Population-based cross-sectional prevalence survey of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Sohag—Egypt, 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sight-threatening conditions among persons with DM aged 50 years and older in Sohag governorate in Upper...

Compacting oblivious agents on dynamic rings.

In this paper we investigate dynamic networks populated by autonomous mobile agents. Dynamic networks are networks whose topology can change continuously, at unpredictable locations and at unpredictable times. These changes are not considered to be faults, but rather an integral part of the nature of the system. The agents can autonomously move on the network, with the goal of solving cooperatively an assigned common task. Here, we focus on a specific network: the unoriented ring. More specifically, we study 1-interval connected dynamic rings (i.e., at any time, at most one of the edges might be missing). The agents move according to the widely used Look–Compute–Move life cycle, and can be homogenous (thus identical) or heterogenous (agents are assigned colors from a set of c > 1 colors). For identical agents, their goal is to form a compact segment, where agents occupy a continuous part of the ring and no two agents occupy the same node: we call this the Compact Configuration Problem. In the case of agents with colors, called the Colored Compact Configuration Problem, the goal is to group agents such that each group is formed by all agents having the same color, it occupies a continuous segment of the network, and groups of agents having different colors occupy distinct areas of the network. In this paper we determine the necessary conditions to solve both proposed problems. For all solvable cases, we provide algorithms for both the monochromatic and the colored version of the compact configuration problem. All our algorithms work even for the simplest model where agents have no persistent memory, no communication capabilities and do not agree on a common orientation within the network. To the best of our knowledge this is the first work on the compaction problem in a dynamic network.

Musculoskeletal impairment among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli, Turkey: prevalence, cause, diagnosis and need for related services and assistive products

BackgroundEpidemiological data on musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) and related service and assistive product (AP) needs for displaced populations are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, aetiology, and specific MSI diagnosis and the need for related services and APs among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli, a district in Istanbul, Turkey.MethodsA population-based survey used probability proportionate to size and compact segment sampling to select 80 clusters (‘street’) of 50 individuals (aged 2+), for total sample size of approximately 4000 participants. An updated version of the Rapid Assessment of MSI tool (RAM) was used to screen all participants using six questions. Any participant who screened positive underwent a standardised examination by a physiotherapist to assess the presence, aetiology, severity and specific diagnosis of MSI and an assessment of need for related services and APs.ResultsThe all-age prevalence of MSI was 12.2% (95% CI 10.8–13.7) and this increased significantly with age to 43.8% in people 50 and older. Over half (51%) of MSI was classified as moderate, 30% as mild and 19% as severe. The war in Syria was identified as the direct cause for 8% of people with MSI. The majority (56%) of MSI diagnoses were acquired non-traumatic causes. There was high unmet need for rehabilitation services; for example, 83% of people with MSI could benefit from physiotherapy but were not receiving this service. Overall, 19% of people with MSI had an unmet need for at least one AP. Apart from availability of walking sticks/canes, coverage was low with less than half the people with MSI who needed APs and services had received them. The most common reasons for not seeking services and APs were ‘need not felt’, lack of service availability and of awareness of services, and financial barriers.ConclusionsMSI is common among the Syrian refugee population living in Sultanbeyli District, particularly older adults, however less than half have been able to access relevant services and APs. These findings can inform the planning of health services for migrant populations, including the essential integration of rehabilitation and APs, and increase access to these vital services.

Forcing a □(κ)-like principle to hold at a weakly compact cardinal

Hellsten [17] proved that when κ is Πn1-indescribable, the n-club subsets of κ provide a filter base for the Πn1-indescribability ideal, and hence can also be used to give a characterization of Πn1-indescribable sets which resembles the definition of stationarity: a set S⊆κ is Πn1-indescribable if and only if S∩C≠∅ for every n-club C⊆κ. By replacing clubs with n-clubs in the definition of □(κ), one obtains a □(κ)-like principle □n(κ), a version of which was first considered by Brickhill and Welch [7]. The principle □n(κ) is consistent with the Πn1-indescribability of κ but inconsistent with the Πn+11-indescribability of κ. By generalizing the standard forcing to add a □(κ)-sequence, we show that if κ is κ+-weakly compact and GCH holds then there is a cofinality-preserving forcing extension in which κ remains κ+-weakly compact and □1(κ) holds. If κ is Π21-indescribable and GCH holds then there is a cofinality-preserving forcing extension in which κ is κ+-weakly compact, □1(κ) holds and every weakly compact subset of κ has a weakly compact proper initial segment. As an application, we prove that, relative to a Π21-indescribable cardinal, it is consistent that κ is κ+-weakly compact, every weakly compact subset of κ has a weakly compact proper initial segment, and there exist two weakly compact subsets S0 and S1 of κ such that there is no β<κ for which both S0∩β and S1∩β are weakly compact.

Field-testing of a rapid survey method to assess the prevalence and causes of hearing loss in Gao\u2019an, Jiangxi province, China

BackgroundThe Rapid Assessment of Hearing Loss (RAHL) survey protocol aims to measure the prevalence and causes of hearing loss in a low cost and rapid manner, to inform planning of ear and hearing services. This paper reports on the first field-test of the RAHL in Gao’an County, Jiangxi Province, China. This study aimed to 1) To report on the feasibility of RAHL; 2) report on the estimated prevalence and causes of hearing loss in Gao’an.MethodsA cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in September–October 2018. Forty-seven clusters in Gao’an County were selected using probability-proportionate-to-size sampling. Within clusters, compact segment sampling was conducted to select 30 people aged 50+. A questionnaire was completed covering sociodemographics, hearing health, and risk factors. Automated pure-tone audiometry was completed for all participants, using smartphone-based audiometry (hearTest), at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz (kHz). All participants had their ears examined by an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor, using otoscopy, and probable causes of hearing loss assigned. Prevalence estimates were age and sex standardised to the Jiangxi population. Feasibility of a cluster size of 30 was examined by assessing the response rate, and the proportion of clusters completed in 1 day.Results1344 of 1421 eligible participants completed the survey (94.6%). 100% of clusters were completed in 1 day. The survey was completed in 4.5 weeks. The prevalence of moderate or greater hearing loss (pure-tone average of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz of > = 41dBHL in the better ear) was 16.3% (95% CI = 14.3, 18.5) and for any level of hearing loss (pure-tone average of > = 26dBHL in the better ear) the prevalence was 53.2% (95% CI = 49.2, 57.1). The majority of hearing loss was due to acquired sensorineural causes (91.7% left; 92.1% right). Overall 54.0% of the population aged 50+ (108,000 people) are in need of diagnostic audiology services, 3.4% were in need of wax removal (7000 people), and 4.8% were in need of surgical services (9500 people). Hearing aid coverage was 0.4%.ConclusionThe RAHL survey protocol is feasible, demonstrated through the number of people examined per day, and the high response rate. The survey was completed in a much shorter period than previous all-age surveys in China. Some remaining challenges included assignment of causes of probable sensorineural loss. The data obtained from this survey can be used to scale-up hearing services in Gao’an.

Physical properties of Hradište border fault (Turiec Basin, Western Carpathians, Slovakia) inferred by multidisciplinary geophysical approach

The Hradiste border fault zone has played an important role in the development of the tectonic contact of the Cenozoic sediments of the Turiec Basin with the Mala Fatra Mountains crystalline basement. Seismic, geoelectric, radiometric, gravimetric, magnetometric and ground penetrating radar measurements were used to study the physical properties and determine the exact position and inclination of this fault zone down to a depth of up to 40 m. The Hradiste border fault zone represents an almost vertical physical boundary characterized by decreasing seismic velocity (from 3.0 km.s−1 to 2.2 km.s−1) and decreasing electrical resistivity (500 to 150 Ω.m) when passing from the basement west of the fault to sediments to its east. It corresponds also to a compact segment of the lowest volume activity of radon 222Rn values in soil air (8 kBq.m−3 on average) and maximum horizontal gravity gradient (−0.0076 mGal.m−1). The discovery of this anomalous zone also helps us to distinguish two different anomalous blocks. The block west of the fault represents the orthogneisses of the Tatric crystalline complex belonging to the Mala Fatra Mountains. The eastern block is built-up by the Bystricka Member Pliocene sediments of the Turiec Basin. Our study serves as a case study for geophysical research on faults in different tectonic units of the Western Carpathians and other similar orogens.

Adding a Nonreflecting Weakly Compact Set

For n<ω, we say that theΠn1-reflection principle holds at κ and write Refln(κ) if and only if κ is a Πn1-indescribable cardinal and every Πn1-indescribable subset of κ has a Πn1-indescribable proper initial segment. The Πn1-reflection principle Refln(κ) generalizes a certain stationary reflection principle and implies that κ is Πn1-indescribable of order ω. We define a forcing which shows that the converse of this implication can be false in the case n=1; that is, we show that κ being Π11-indescribable of order ω need not imply Refl1(κ). Moreover, we prove that if κ is (α+1)-weakly compact where α<κ+, then there is a forcing extension in which there is a weakly compact set W⊆κ having no weakly compact proper initial segment, the class of weakly compact cardinals is preserved and κ remains (α+1)-weakly compact. We also formulate several open problems and highlight places in which standard arguments seem to break down.

The weakly compact reflection principle need not imply a high order of weak compactness

The weakly compact reflection principle$${\mathrm{Refl}}_{{\mathrm{wc}}}(\kappa )$$ states that $$\kappa $$ is a weakly compact cardinal and every weakly compact subset of $$\kappa $$ has a weakly compact proper initial segment. The weakly compact reflection principle at $$\kappa $$ implies that $$\kappa $$ is an $$\omega $$-weakly compact cardinal. In this article we show that the weakly compact reflection principle does not imply that $$\kappa $$ is $$(\omega +1)$$-weakly compact. Moreover, we show that if the weakly compact reflection principle holds at $$\kappa $$ then there is a forcing extension preserving this in which $$\kappa $$ is the least $$\omega $$-weakly compact cardinal. Along the way we generalize the well-known result which states that if $$\kappa $$ is a regular cardinal then in any forcing extension by $$\kappa $$-c.c. forcing the nonstationary ideal equals the ideal generated by the ground model nonstationary ideal; our generalization states that if $$\kappa $$ is a weakly compact cardinal then after forcing with a ‘typical’ Easton-support iteration of length $$\kappa $$ the weakly compact ideal equals the ideal generated by the ground model weakly compact ideal.

Generating evidence for planning eye care service delivery in an urban underprivileged population setting in Pune, Western India

PurposeTo estimate prevalence of blindness, diabetic retinopathy and causes of blindness through rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) survey in Pune, India to develop an evidence base for planning urban...

Assessment of Regulatory Requirements on Technological Changes: The Increasing Dominance of Downsized Turbo/Super-Charged Engines Over Naturally Aspirated Engines

Technological progress is often guided by new policies in an attempt to facilitate the desired future. The auto industry is no exception and is indeed continually advancing to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards that require a reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. With the realization that the forced induction system is a viable solution that shows improved performance and complies with strict regulations, downsized turbo/super-charged (T/SC) engines have turned naturally aspirated (NA) engines into a niche technology. This paper employs a longitudinal efficiency analysis of internal combustion engines to assess the impact of regulations on technological changes in the 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder segments over the past ten years. The results indicate that T/SC engines have further pushed their dominance in the technology frontier both in the compact segment and the luxury sports segment. If the current environmental and fuel economy regulations continue to become more stringent, a return to high-displacement unblown engines is unlikely to happen without a major breakthrough in NA technologies. We also show that the noticeable technological advancements have been made in 6-cylinder engines to fulfill the Euro 4 norm, while incremental progress has been made in the 4- and 8-cylinder engine segments.

A Population-Based Trachoma Prevalence Survey Covering Seven Districts of Sangha and Likouala Departments, Republic of the Congo

ABSTRACTPurpose: We set out to estimate the prevalence of trachoma and access to water and sanitation in seven suspected-trachoma-endemic districts of northern Congo, surveyed as a single evaluation unit.Methods: From a complete list of rural villages in the seven districts, we systematically selected 22 with probability proportional to village size. In selected villages, we included all households where there were fewer than 25 in total, or used compact segment sampling to select a group of approximately 20 households by random draw. In each selected household, all consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by Global Trachoma Mapping Project-certified trachoma graders, and data collected on household-level access to water and sanitation.Results: In November and December 2015, 466 households were visited in 22 villages, and 2081 (88%) of 2377 residents of those households were examined. No examined individual had trichiasis. The age-adjusted prevalence of the active trachoma sign trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in 1–9-year-olds was 2.5% (95%CI 0.9–4.5%). Only 39% (95%CI 35–44%) of households had access to an improved source of drinking water. Only 10% (95%CI 7–13%) of households had access to an improved sanitation facility.Conclusion: Trachoma is not a public health problem in this part of Congo. Access to water and sanitation is inadequate.

Prevalence of and risk factors for trachoma in Kwara state, Nigeria: Results of eight population-based surveys from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for trachoma in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Kwara State, Nigeria.Methodology: Population-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted in eight LGAs of Kwara State using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. In each LGA, 25 villages were selected using probability-proportional-to-size sampling; 25 households were selected from each village using compact segment sampling. All residents of selected households aged ≥1 year were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) and trichiasis using the simplified trachoma grading scheme. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) data were also collected.Results: A total of 28,506 residents were enumerated in 4769 households across the eight LGAs. TF prevalence in children aged 1–9 years ranged from 0.2% (95% CI 0.0–0.3%) to 1.3% (95% CI 0.7–2.1%), while trichiasis prevalence in persons ≥15 years was <0.2% in each LGA. Access to improved water source was the lowest in Edu (62%), while access to improved sanitation facilities was the lowest in Asa (6%) and the highest in Ilorin East (64%). Children aged 1–4 years had 0.63 (95% CI 0.40–0.99) times lower odds of having TF compared to children aged 5–9 years. Children in households with ≥5 resident 1–9-year-old children had 1.63 (95% CI 1.02–2.60) times greater odds of having TF compared to those in households with <5 resident children.Conclusion: Trachoma is not a public health problem in Kwara State. Provision of adequate water and sanitation services should be a priority here, as a foundation for the health of the population.

Population need for primary eye care in Rwanda: A national survey.

BackgroundUniversal access to Primary Eye Care (PEC) is a key global initiative to reduce and prevent avoidable causes of visual impairment (VI). PEC can address minor eye conditions, simple forms of uncorrected refractive error (URE) and create a referral pathway for specialist eye care, thus offering a potential solution to a lack of eye health specialists in low-income countries. However, there is little information on the population need for PEC, including prevalence of URE in all ages in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA national survey was conducted of people aged 7 and over in Rwanda in September-December 2016. Participants were selected through two-stage probability proportional to size sampling and compact segment sampling. VI (visual acuity<6/12) was assessed using Portable Eye Examination Kit (PEEK); URE was detected using a pinhole and presbyopia using local near vision test. We also used validated questionnaires to collect socio-demographic and minor eye symptoms information. Prevalence estimates for VI, URE and need for PEC (URE, presbyopia with good distance vision, need for referrals and minor eye conditions) were age and sex standardized to the Rwandan population. Associations between age, sex, socio-economic status and the key outcomes were examined using logistic regression.Results4618 participants were examined and interviewed out of 5361 enumerated (86% response rate). The adjusted population prevalence of VI was 3.7% (95%CI = 3.0–4.5%), URE was 2.2% (95%CI = 1.7–2.8%) and overall need for PEC was 34.0% (95%CI = 31.8–36.4%). Women and older people were more likely to need PEC and require a referral.ConclusionsNearly a third of the population in Rwanda has the potential to benefit from PEC, with greater need identified in older people and women. Universal access to PEC can address unmet eye health needs and public health planning needs to ensure equitable access to older people and women.

Prevalence and causes of visual impairment amongst older adults in a rural area of North India: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence, causes and associated factors for visual impairment (VI) in rural population of Jhajjar district, Haryana, north India.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in two blocks of...

Prevalence and causes of visual impairment among adults aged 15-49 years in a rural area of north India - A population-based study.

Purpose:Very few studies have been conducted in India and other parts of the world on visual impairment among individuals aged 15–49 years. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, causes, and associated factors of visual impairment among adults aged 15–49 years in a rural population of Jhajjar district, Haryana, north India.Methods:A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two blocks of Jhajjar district. A total of 34 villages were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling method. Adults aged 15–49 years were selected using compact segment cluster sampling approach. As part of the house-to-house survey, presenting visual acuity using screening chart corresponding to five “E” 6/12 optotypes was measured along with collection of other demographic details. The optometrists performed detailed eye assessment including repeat measurement of visual acuity using retro-illuminated conventional logMAR tumbling “E” charts, torch light examination, and non-cycloplegic refraction at a clinic site within the village to ascertain visual impairment and its cause.Results:Of 5,470 enumerated adults, 5,117 (94%) completed all study procedures. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of visual impairment was found to be 1.85% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48, 2.23] and blindness was 0.09% (95% CI: 0.01, 0.18). The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of unilateral visual impairment was 1.11% (95% CI: 0.81, 1.41). Uncorrected refractive errors (84%) contributed maximum to visual impairment in this age group. The visual impairment in study participants was found to be associated with age and educational status.Conclusion:At the community level, uncorrected refractive errors contribute largely to visual impairment in the age group of 15–49 years.