Rural Areas Of South Asia Research Articles

Recent pharmaceutical engineered trends as theranostics for Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted due to the bite of Culex mosquito species and leads to severe viral encephalopathy. JEV’s basic structure is comprised of a positive single-stranded virus that causes a corona of clinical and neurological manifestations. Different live and killed prophylactic vaccines are available as prophylaxis against JEV. Yet, no single chemical entity as an antiviral agent is available to counteract the JEV menace. Despite the breakthrough development in vaccines, JEV is a paramount virus in suburban and rural areas of South Asia and the western pacific with a prospective to become a dominant vector worldwide. So, the population residing in this area is affected by irregular health services that devoid them from vaccination drive against JEV virus. This review outline’s structural and neuro-penetration events of JEV, current treatment modalities with challenges associated with it and latest treatment sophistications, and the application of advanced pharmaceutical techniques in diagnosis, treatment and recent trends in diagnostics like ELISA, RT-PCR, Immunofluorescence based and molecular based assays, therapeutic (both synthetic and natural origin antivirals) and clinical interventions with vaccines and immunomodulatory agents are discussed in this review.

The impact of climate change on the burden of snakebite: Evidence synthesis and implications for primary healthcare.

Snakebite is a public health problem in rural areas of South Asia, Africa and South America presenting mostly in primary care. Climate change and associated extreme weather events are expected to modify the snake-human-environment interface leading to a change in the burden of snakebite. Understanding this change is essential to ensure the preparedness of primary care and public health systems. We searched five electronic databases and supplemented them with other methods to identify eight studies on the effect of climate change on the burden of snakebite. We summarised the results thematically. Available evidence is limited but estimates a geographic shift in risk of snakebite: northwards in North America and southwards in South America and in Mozambique. One study from Sri Lanka estimated a 31.3% increase in the incidence of snakebite. Based on limited evidence, the incidence of snakebite was not associated with tropical storms/hurricanes and droughts in the United States but associated with heatwaves in Israel. The impact of climate change and associated extreme weather events and anthropogenic changes on mortality, morbidity and socioeconomic burden of snakebite. Transdisciplinary approaches can help understand these complex phenomena better. There is almost no evidence available in high-burden nations of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Community-based approaches for biodiversity and prevention, the institution of longitudinal studies, together with improving the resilience of primary care and public health systems are required to mitigate the impact of climate change on snakebite.

Seasonal characteristics of PM1 in Seoul, Korea, measured using HR-ToF-Aerosol Mass Spectrometer in 2018

In Korea, the characteristics of aerosols vary according to the four distinct seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter); the seasonal variations are influenced by different air mass inflows of each season. Therefore, research is required to analyze the composition and characteristics of aerosols in different seasons. In this study, high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) analyses were conducted in 2018 to examine the seasonal characteristics of aerosols with focus on organic aerosol in Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea. The results indicated that the seasonal non-refractory submicron particle (NR-PM1) concentration in Seoul metropolitan area ranged from 6.3 to 41.0 μg/m3, which was lower than those in other metropolitan areas of Northeast Asia and slightly higher than those in suburban and rural areas of South Asia and Europe. The organic aerosol concentration, which was the highest among PM1 components, ranged 3.5–14.24 μg/m3. In addition, a large increase in nitrate content was observed in high-concentration episodes. In all seasons, the O:C ratio and oxidation state were higher than those in previous studies, and it was estimated that the oxidation state was higher than those in other countries due to the influx of aged aerosols by long-range transport. In summer, the odd oxygen (Ox) concentration tends to be proportional to temperature and inversely proportional to humidity, indicating that the formation of fresh organic aerosol (OA) by active photochemical reaction is the main process of organic aerosol generation. In spring, fall, and winter, the Van Krevelen graph showed a slope of −0.68 ~ –0.99, indicating that carboxylic acid production was an important process for OA production. In addition, the causes of the high concentration episodes observed in spring and winter were estimated through the oxidation state of organic aerosols, PMF factor, and backward trajectory analyses.

Chronic Vitamin E Deficiency in Rural Bangladeshi Women

ObjectivesVitamin E deficiency (VED) appears to be common in rural areas of South Asia, with prevalence of ≥ 50% reported among women of reproductive age. Long term deficiency may impart neurological damage, but little information exists about persistence of VED. We provide initial estimates of chronic VED (CVED) in women of reproductive age living in Gaibandha District, a typical rural setting in NW Bangladesh. MethodsWe assessed α-tocopherol concentrations by HPLC in early pregnancy and 3-month postpartum (PP) plasma samples of women participating in biochemical sub-studies of JiVitA-1 (n = 2,319), a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled, weekly vitamin A or β-carotene supplementation trial from 2001–7, and JiVitA-3 (N = 2,073), a cluster-randomized, daily multiple micronutrient (MMS) versus iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation trial from 2008–12. VED was conventionally defined by an α-tocopherol concentration < 12 μmol/L and CVED as α-tocopherol < 12 μmol/L at both early pregnancy and postpartum assessments, an interval spanning a median (IQR) of 9.4 (2.8) months. ResultsAcross both trials combined (N = 4,392), the mean ± SD plasma α-tocopherol concentration and prevalence of VED in early pregnancy and at 3 months post-partum was 11.28 ± 4.07 and 10.86 ± 4.41 μmol/L, and 53.5% and 42.2%, respectively. In JiVitA-3, the post-partum prevalence of VED among women not previously receiving MMS (containing 15 mg of vitamin E as all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate) was 57.5% (vs 42.5% among MMS recipients, p < 0.001). The prevalence of CVED among women in both trials combined was 32.0% (34.45% in JiVitA-1 and 26.65% in JiVitA-3, IFA group only). Across a maternal age range of 11–43 [median: 20 (IQR: 8) years, risk of CVED decreased comparably per year of age in the JiVitA-1 [OR = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93–0.95)] and JiVitA-3 [OR = 0.93 (95% CI:0.92–0.95)] trials. ConclusionsIn rural NW Bangladesh, where over half of women enter pregnancy vitamin E-deficient, about one-third are also deficient postpartum, ∼10 months later, providing a provisional estimate of chronic maternal vitamin E deficiency in a South Asian setting. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Grant GH614, OPP1141435) and US Agency for International Development (AID (HRN-A-00–97-00015–00).

The spread of smaller engines and markets in machinery services in rural areas of South Asia

This paper is concerned with the historical spread of small scale engines in Asian countries over the last 50 years. Small, mostly single cylinder internal combustion engines (up to 24 hp) that have been used to power pumpsets, boats, vehicles, threshers, ploughs, rotators and other tillage implements, hullers, etc. The paper argues that the spread of smaller scale tractors (power tillers), pumpsets etc. is a neglected topic in the literatures, in spite of the evidence that this equipment has often contributed a significant, if not the major, source of mechanical energy for agricultural production increases and rural economic development. The paper uses two analytical frameworks to position the analysis: firstly, conventional Leontief input output economics, which looks at the interrelationships between sectors in an economy where pumps, tractors, etc. are seen as rural capital goods, and secondly, the historical literature on Appropriate Technology. It is argued in this paper that in the last few years there has been a substantial resurgence in policy interest in appropriate technology, after many years of neglect. Brief illustrative examples are given of the spread of small scale equipment, (diesel engine irrigation pumpsets, two-wheel tractors, power tillers, mini tillers and shallow tube wells). The paper discusses: the diverse histories and patterns of rural mechanization between and within countries; markets in powered services from small engines; the importance of informal R&D in rural mechanization, as well as the past prevalence, recent interest in and problematic nature of South-South technology exchanges. The paper does not set out to enter into academic debates, but does refer to some of the data and analytical problems that characterize such analysis. It concludes by suggesting that the culture of local policy discourse between researchers and policy makers is a major determinant in understanding past changes, and hence is important for future policy purposes.

Policy Diffusion in the Rural Sanitation Sector: Lessons from Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)

Worldwide, 892 million people practice open defecation, most of whom live in rural areas of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is the most widely deployed approach to generate demand for, and use of sanitation facilities. CLTS relies on behavioral change and community self-enforcement to end open defecation. Since its genesis in Bangladesh in 1999, CLTS has spread to approximately 60 countries, mostly in Asia and Africa, and is employed by the majority of development organizations operating in rural sanitation. This paper uses a qualitative approach to analyze the reasons and processes that drove the wide diffusion of CLTS. We show that CLTS was embraced because it was perceived as a fast and effective solution to the problem of open defecation, one which was in line with the decentralization and community participation paradigms, at a time when donors and governments were looking for strategies to meet the MDG for sanitation. CLTS spread under the leadership of influential donors, NGOs, persuasive practitioners, and academics. Face-to-face interactions among members of this network and local governments at conferences and workshops played a central role in the diffusion of the approach. The use of experiential learning during study tours and workshop field visits has been crucial to persuade government actors at different levels, NGOs, and donors to use the CLTS approach. Notably, robust scientific evidence played little role in the diffusion of CLTS. We conclude by making suggestions to strengthen the evidence base for rural sanitation policies.

The unlocked potential of solar home systems; an effective way to overcome domestic energy poverty in developing regions

Abstract Energy poverty in developing regions is a major global concern, with the rural areas of South Asia, South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa being the most affected. The major residential energy consumption in these regions is for cooking and lighting, which is basically covered with traditional biomass and fossil fuels. This situation acts as a development barrier, while implying stress on resources and the environment. Solar home systems (SHS) can play an important role in overcoming this problem. Recent technological advances and cost reductions in lithium-ion batteries favour their use in such application. Domestic electric devices with outstanding energy efficiency are becoming the standard around the globe. This paper focuses on exploiting these innovations to provide a solution for domestic energy poverty in developing regions. The layout of a SHS that integrates a lithium-ion battery-pack and is complemented with LED lamps and an energy efficient multicooker is presented. The paper assesses the SHS in contrast with existing practices under domestic energy poverty, with consideration of the learning curve. It is concluded that the cost of energy of the SHS is slightly cheaper than the business as usual case on the short term, and notably cheaper on the longer run. Furthermore, a financing scheme is proposed to overcome implementation barriers. Government support is considered, and quantified based on the SHS carbon abatement and saved fossil fuel subsidies. A substantial share of the initial investment can be covered under such scheme. This case study allows to draw general conclusions on the potential of SHS as a solution for domestic energy poverty in developing regions, on the financing gaps that hamper implementation and eventually on the required actions to overcome these.

Development and assessment of a solar home system to cover cooking and lighting needs in developing regions as a better alternative for existing practices

An estimated 1.2 billion people around the world don't have access to electricity, while many more suffer from supply that is of poor quality. Domestic energy poverty is most severe in the rural areas of South Asia, South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Basic energy needs, such as cooking and lighting, are covered using traditional biomass and fossil fuels. These are consumed inefficiently in fire stoves and flame lamps. This situation hampers economic growth and social development and implies severe stress on resources and the environment. Photovoltaics could play a major role in overcoming domestic energy poverty, especially as most of the affected regions are within the Earth's Sunbelt. This paper provides such a solution in the form of a solar home system with lithium-ion battery in combination with an energy efficient multicooker and LED lamps to cover the needs for cooking and lighting for one family. A solar home system layout is provided and assessed in terms of its cost and benefits in contrast with the existing practices for cooking and lighting in developing regions. Thereby, evolutionary aspects are taken into account to capture the incremental cost advantage of the solar home system technology over time, and with that support the idea of projecting large-scale implementation in developing regions.

An unusual case of cardiac glycoside toxicity

Cardiac glycosides are naturally occurring toxins that reversiblyinhibit the sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na–K–ATPase) exchanger in myocardial cells. They are found in various plantspecies, such as foxglove (Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis lanata), ouabain(Strophanthus gratus), common oleander (Nerium oleander), yellowoleander (Thevetia peruviana), and sea mango (Cerbera manghas) [1].Self-poisoningwith the seeds or fruits of theseplantsisa major clinicalprobleminpartsofthedevelopingworldcausingasignificantnumberofdeaths each year [2]. In particular though, the seeds from the Cerberaodollamtree (also known asthe“Suicide tree” or “Pong-pongtree”)areexcessively toxic, containing cerberin as the main active cardiacglycoside, and often used for suicide or homicide in certain rural areasof South Asia [3]. In countries far from the natural habitat of theseextremely toxic plants, poisonings are relatively unknown to Westernphysicians and rarely reported. We present an unusual case of acutecardiacglycosidetoxicityduetosuicidalingestionof“Pong-pong”seedspurchased from an online website.A 51-year-old womanwith a history of depression and prior suicideattempts with various drug overdoses presented to the EmergencyDepartment complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chesttightness since awakening that morning. On physical examination,she was lethargic and profoundly bradycardic with an irregular pulse.Her heart rate was 30 beats per minute (bpm) and blood pressure90/60 mm Hg. An electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated atrialflutter(AFl) with variable atrioventricular (AV) block and slowventricular response, diffuse ST-segment depressions, shortened QTinterval, and peaked T-waves (Fig. 1A). Laboratory studies weresignificant for a serum potassium level of 7.5 mmol/L (normal: 3.5 –5.1),calcium of 10.9 mg/dL (normal 8.6 –10.2), and creatinine of 2.6 mg/dL(normal:0.7–1.2).CardiacenzymesweremildlyelevatedwithatroponinT level of 0.07 ng/mL (normal: b0.03). Comprehensive serum and urinetoxicologyscreenswereunremarkable.Adigoxinconcentrationlevelwasundetectable (b0.3 ng/mL).The patient was administered atropine for her symptomaticbradycardia, which improved with a heart rate of 91 bpm. Calciumgluconate, sodium bicarbonate, glucose, and insulin therapy weregiven for severe hyperkalemia in the setting of an acute kidney injury.A repeat ECG showed continuedAFlwithvariable AV block, shortenedQT interval, and deeper, downsloping ST-segment depressions(Fig.1B). A repeat serum potassium level was 5.5 mmol/L, correlatingwithresolutionofthepeakedT-wavesonECG.Arepeatserumcalciumlevel was 10.3 mg/dL, though the QT interval remained shortened onECG. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) forcontinued supportive therapy.Upon further questioning in the ICU, the patient admitted to theintentionalingestionofanunknownquantityofseedsobtainedfroma“Pong-pong” tree she purchased several weeks prior from an onlinewebsite. The Poison Control Center was immediately called, and thepatientsubsequentlyreceived10vialsofempiricdigoxinimmuneFab.The following ECG revealed a return to normal sinus rhythm,continued QT interval shortening, and persistent ST-segment depres-sions with biphasic T waves, though improved compared to the priorECGwithresolutionofdysrhythmias(Fig.1C).Furtherevaluationwithan echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization was normal. She wasadministered another 10 vials of digoxin immune Fab with ultimatenormalization of the QT interval and resolution of ST-segmentdepressions within 24 h (Fig.1D). The patient recovered uneventfullyand later discharged in stable condition.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in themedical literature of Cerbera odollam poisoning in the United States.Although common in certain parts of South Asia, non-pharmacologiccardiac glycoside toxicity is rare in the United States. Of more than2.3 million human exposures reported in the 2011 National PoisonData System, only 569 calls were received for plant cardiac glycosides(excluding drugs) [4].

It Takes a Village: Rural Electrification in East Africa

Access to electric energy is an ?indispensable element of sustainable human development,? according to the International Energy Agency. Without access to modern, commercial energy, poor countries can be trapped in a vicious circle of poverty, social instability, and underdevelopment. About 1.6 billion people?more than 20% of the world?s population?have no access to electricity. Moreover, about 2.4 billion people use traditional biomass for cooking and heating. Developing regions account for 99% of those who live without electricity, and four out of five live in rural areas of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Challenge of Technical and Vocational Training and Education in Rural Areas: the Case of South-Asia

Although TVET appears as a viable alternative to general secondary education, available enrolment data in the South Asia show that formal TVET does not attract enough students yet. The lack of political support seems to be based on political considerations by local politicians inclined to follow mainstream thinking and attitudes, avoiding to antagonize their political support groups or voter banks. It may be said, that promoting TVET would currently require a considerable political courage, defying the odds, and going against popular thinking and expectations. This papers highlights the status of TEVT with data and concludes that current TVET policies are not meeting the identified challenges in the rural areas of South-Asia.

Socioeconomic barriers to cataract surgery in Nepal: the south Asian cataract management study

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies have shown that, despite an increasing availability of cataract surgery, important socioeconomic barriers exist in the acceptance of surgery in many rural areas of south Asia. Nepal has...

Pakistan: Safe motherhood

Although only a quarter of the worlds births occur in Pakistan India Bangladesh and Nepal this area accounts for almost half of all maternal deaths worldwide. In an effort to highlight this appalling statistic the International Planned Parenthood Federation sponsored a Safe Motherhood South Asia Conference in Lahore. Maternal mortality is concentrated among the poorest women in the most Western levels if women enjoy more education better nutrition and improved social status. In short term much could be achieved by simple measures. Anovulation associated with long intervals breast feeding remains the single most important factor in spacing pregnancies in rural areas of South Asia. Contraceptive practice saves maternal lives because it reduces the number of unintended pregnancies and of dangerous abortions. For instance in Bangladesh access to pills IUDS sterilization and condoms could halve maternal mortality currently at 560/100000 live births. One participant has reduced maternal mortality from 10/1000 to .9/1000 in the course of 14 years by careful observance of all factors. The conference underscored the need for more investment in family planning. Traditional midwives can be trained to refer high-risk pregnancies but such a strategy only works when the formal health system provides a place where women with complications can be referred.

Deaths from injuries and induced abortion among rural Bangladeshi women

Information about injuries and violence as causes of death of women is scarce and often incomplete, and particularly so regarding women in the rural areas of South Asia. This report provides detailed specific information collected in Matlab, a sub-district of rural Bangladesh. of 1139 women (aged 15–44 yr) who died there during the 11-yr period from 1976 to 1986, 207 (18%) were victims of unintentional injuries or violence. In this study, unintentional injuries include domestic and traffic accidents, drowning and snake-bites, while violent deaths are defined as due to intentional injury and include homicide, suicide and lethal complications of induced abortion. Injuries and violence accounted for 31% of all deaths among women aged 15–19 yr. This proportion dropped significantly with age to 10% among women aged 35–44 yr. Unmarried women suffered a higher proportion of such deaths (36%) than married women (15%). Violent deaths during pregnancy and complications of induced abortion among young unmarried women deserve special attention. In the male-dominated society under study, suicide and homicide are observed to be two frequent consequences of illegitimate pregnancy. Although this study suffers from the absence of data on non-fatal injuries and attempted violence, it may serve as a basis for recommending preventive measures.

The Bamboo Tube Well: A Note on an Example of Indigenous Technology

Previous articleNext article No AccessThe Bamboo Tube Well: A Note on an Example of Indigenous TechnologyArthur J. DommenArthur J. Dommen Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Economic Development and Cultural Change Volume 23, Number 3Apr., 1975 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/450810 Views: 5Total views on this site Citations: 11Citations are reported from Crossref Copyright 1975 The University of ChicagoPDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Ram Datt, R. K. Sohane, S. Sheraz Mahdi Indigenous Technical Knowledge Under a Changing Climate, (May 2022): 21–41.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90549-1_2Hrishikesh Manu Bihar, (Jul 2021): 131–139.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2617-3_10Scott Justice, Stephen Biggs The spread of smaller engines and markets in machinery services in rural areas of South Asia, Journal of Rural Studies 73 (Jan 2020): 10–20.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.11.013Thomas P. Tomich Sustaining agricultural development in harsh environments: Insights from private land reclamation in Egypt, World Development 20, no.22 (Feb 1992): 261–274.https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(92)90104-4Clive Lightfoot Indigenous research and on-farm trials, Agricultural Administration and Extension 24, no.22 (Jan 1987): 79–89.https://doi.org/10.1016/0269-7475(87)90072-9B. H. Farmer Perspectives on the ‘Green Revolution’ in South Asia, Modern Asian Studies 20, no.11 (Nov 2008): 175–199.https://doi.org/10.1017/S0026749X00013627Robert Schware Flood information systems: Needs and improvements in Eastern India, Environmental Management 8, no.11 (Jan 1984): 55–65.https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867873Bina Agarwal Diffusion of rural innovations: Some analytical issues and the case of wood-burning stoves, World Development 11, no.44 (Apr 1983): 359–376.https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(83)90047-5E.J. Clay Technical innovation and public policy: Agricultural development in the Kosi region, Bihar, India, Agricultural Administration 9, no.33 (Mar 1982): 189–210.https://doi.org/10.1016/0309-586X(82)90073-5Peter Thormann Proposal for a Programme on Appropriate Technology prepared by the United States Agency for International Development, (Jan 1979): 278–402.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03931-9_15Michael Howes The Uses of Indigenous Technical Knowledge in Development, The IDS Bulletin 10, no.22 (May 2009): 12–23.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1759-5436.1979.mp10002003.x