Area Of Varanasi Research Articles

Seth et al. Scale of Perceived Social Support for Elderly

The purpose of the study was to develop a scale to assess the perceived social- support comprising of five components among elderly in India. These five components are overall life perception, emotional support, physical support, nutritional support and financial support. Sample comprised of 103 elderly people of age 60 years and above (63 male and 40 female) living in urban area of Varanasi. Single stage cluster sampling was used to select the respondents and pre-tested and structured scheduled method was employed for data collection. A self developed 64-items was introduced earlier and 57-items in the final scale. These items were assessed through 4 point Likert scale. Mean, Median, Standard deviation, higher and lower values etc. of total score were calculated. The reliability of the scale was calculated by administering Cronbach-alpha. The Gutman split-half coefficient was found 0.77, indicating higher reliability of the test. Construct validity of the test was determined by finding coefficient of correlation between scores and reliability of the scores. It was found 0.98, showing highly validity.

Social Network and Mental Health Among Older Adults in Rural Uttar Pradesh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The rapid growth of the older population in India draws attention to the factors that contribute to their changing health realities. However, there has hardly been any study in India that has looked at the effects of specific social networks with children, relatives, friends and confidant on depression among older adults. The objective of the study is to investigate the association between social network and depression among the rural elderly. The study population comprised over 630 older adults (aged 60 and above) from the rural areas of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. We adopted Berkman's theoretical model of the impact of social relations on depression among the elderly in the Indian context. Results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) demonstrated that the four specific social network types: children, relatives, friends and confidant were tenable. The results showed that a better social network with 'friends/neighbours' was protective against depression among the rural elderly. This clearly points to the need for more social network centres for older adults, so that they can interact with friends within the community or between communities and participate in group activities.

A study on the nutritional status and food consumption pattern of school going children alongwith suggested healthy receipes

Malnutrition is widely recognized as a major health problem in developing countries. Growing children in particular are most vulnerable to its consequences. Cases with mild-to-moderate malnutrition are likely to remain unrecognized because clinical criteria for their diagnosis are imprecise and are difficult to interpret accurately. Malnutrition are one of the largest public health problems of our country. It is a condition which arises due to the deficiency of protein and calorie in the diet. Although it affects all ages, the results are drastic in childhood due to the highest requirements in that period. Malnutrition limits development and the capacity to learn. It also costs lives: about 50 per cent of all childhood deaths are attributed to malnutrition. In India, around 46 per cent of all children below the age of three are too small for their age, 47 per cent are underweight and at least 16 per cent are wasted. Many of these children are severely malnourished. The present study was carried out on 200 school going children in selected area of Varanasi by cluster and purposive random sampling method. Maximum children were belong to age group 10 to 15 years. Measurements were taken by standard techniques (Jelliffee, 1968). Pre-tested and pre-designed questionnaire was used in the survey. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the food consumption pattern of children and its relation with their BMI. Out of which 92.5 per cent were underweight and 7.5 per cent were normal. The daily food intakes of school going children were lower than RDA. The data revealed that wheat, pulses, rice and vegetables are consumed daily and on the other hand fruits, milk and milk product, oil and fats, sugar and jaggery are less consumed. Therefore, the method of preparation of some recipes are suggested for malnourished children. These recipes were evaluated by numerical scoring test and their nutritive value was determined by standard methods.

Effect of elevated ultraviolet-B on four tropical soybean cultivars: quantitative and qualitative aspects with special emphasis on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass and yield

Four Indian soybean cultivars (Glycine max L. cv. JS-335, JS 97-52, PK-416 and PS-1042) were grown under field conditions in suburban area of Varanasi to evaluate the varietal differences against ambient and elevated ultraviolet-B (ambient + 7.2 kJ m−2 day−1) for two consecutive years. Elevated UV-B caused negative impact on the assessed parameters with varied magnitude amongst the test cultivars. Reductions in rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were observed maximum in JS-335 and minimum in PS-1042. Elevated UV-B also affected the plant abilities to utilize sunlight and increase the photoinhibitory response, which was displayed by reduced F v/F m in tested cultivars. Similar results were also observed for the biomass, yield and seed quality with maximum reduction in JS-335 followed by PK-416, JS 97-52 and PS-1042. Decline in the rate of photosynthesis, extra allocation of photosynthates for repairing and change in translocation pattern of solute and nutrients are mainly responsible for the deterioration in seed quality. Cumulative stress response index (CSRI) and quality response index (QRI) also revealed the sensitivity of soybean cultivars against elevated UV-B. Indexing of cultivars suggests that JS-335 was most sensitive whereas PS-1042 was resistant amongst cultivars.

Air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of some plant species for development of urban forest

Urban forest is a collection of trees growing in urban area. Green plants are well known for their abilities to reduce air and noise pollution. It is important that plants used for the development of urban forest must be tolerant to air pollutants. There must be some criteria to select tolerant plants for urban forest and for that two indices viz. air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) can be a good tool. In the present study, 29 plant species commonly found in urban area of Varanasi, India, has been evaluated for their APTI and API. Based on these two indices, the most suitable plant species were identified and recommended for development of urban forest in Varanasi for long-term air pollution abatement. It was revealed that Ficus benghalensis L. and Ficus religiosa would be excellent performers. Similarly Polyalthia longifolia, Ficus glomerata (Roxb.), Anthocephalus indicus and Mangifera indica were estimated to be very good performers. In the similar fashion Cassia fistula L., Drypetes roxburghii, Terminalia arjuna, Psidium guajava L., Millingtonia hortensis and Dalbergia sissoo were estimated to be good performers with respect to anticipated performance index.

Presentation of menopausal symptoms: A village based community study

Background: The present observational, cross sectional study was carried out in rural women (n=117) from the Varanasi area with natural menopause to evaluate menopausal symptoms in women above the age of 40, as well as to evaluate the correlation of age on these symptoms. Materials and Methods: A crossectional assessment by interviewing regarding the menopausal complaints in the following 40-44(n=27), 45- 50(n=30) and above 50 (n =60) years age groups. Menstrual rating scale (MRS) was administered to all the women forming the sample. Results: Mean age at menopause was 47.35 years. Mean number of menopausal symptoms in three age groups were as (mean±SD)10.53±7.33, 7.70± 6.76 and14.50±10.77 respectively, which varied significantly (F=4.86, df=2, 87, P=0.009). The study reveal, varying nature of symptoms with age and MDSM (Mean Duration since Menopause), with vasomotor symptoms being more prevalent with lesser MDSM and psychological and rheumatic complaints more prevalent with increasing age and MDSM in this region. Conclusion: Such regional studies will help to corroborate data so that health care providers can plan strategies for the middle aged women suffering from these menopausal symptoms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.8431 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 87-90

Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability in the Lower Varuna Catchment Area, Uttar Pradesh, India using AVI Concept

Abstract Groundwater vulnerability assessments calculate the sensitivity of quality of groundwater to an imposed contaminant load which is essential element of the aquifer management plans. Seventy five groundwater samples have been analyzed for different chemical parameters to understand the groundwater quality of the lower Varuna river basin, Uttar Pradesh, India. The intrinsic groundwater vulnerability map of the lower Varuna catchment area in the north of the city of Varanasi (India) shows a high dependency on the depth to groundwater. The topmost layer of alluvial silty clay, protects the groundwater against contamination in this urban area, but the retention time in the unsaturated zone can be estimated to several months only. The input dataset is very sparse i.e. groundwater levels were measured twice (pre- and post-monsoon 2009) and the geological map shows only alluvium as the outcrop. Several boreholes in this area show, that the alluvium has a thickness of about 4 m and below that are fine grained sands. The surface information does not allow the development of a risk map since land use changes very fast and contamination areas can not be identified accurately. The vulnerability maps developed in this study have become important tools for environmental planning and predictive management of the groundwater resources in the fast urbanizing region in the Varanasi area.

Thermal Burn: An Epidemiological Retrospective Study

The present retrospective study has been conducted in Varanasi area, cases brought to the Department of Forensic Medicine, IMS, BHU, Varanasi for the period of two years i.e. 2009 and 2010. Of the total unnatural deaths reported during the study period deaths due to burn injuries were 17.98% and 17.07% respectively, showing the more or less steady trend. Burn deaths are usually associated with female and Dowry where female dies in her in-laws house within 7 years of her marriage. Female burn deaths dominated over male in the ratio of 1:4. Most of the deceased were from the married group (73.19%) followed by unmarried (23.55%). Predominant age group found to be 21-30years (45.13%) followed by age group 11–20 and 31–40 years showing almost same rate around 20% reflecting that young adults were more involved in such type of deaths. As regards to place of death only 9.72% died on the spot or on the way to Hospital while 90.28% died in Hospital reflecting the prompt and proper health care services. Whatever the manner of death Female burn deaths are investigated by magistrate as per provision of 176 Cr.P.C. and case registered under 304B IPC (Dowry Death) and Medico legal postmortem examination conducted by panel of Two Doctors, whereas male burn deaths are investigated by police as per provisions of 174 Cr.P.C. as routine case and medico-legal postmortem examination conducted by single doctor.

Effects of Waste Water Irrigation on Physical and Biochemical Characteristics of Soil and Metal Partitioning in Beta vulgaris L.

The present study deals with the assessment of changes in physical and biochemical characteristics of soil and metal partitioning in Beta vulgaris L. grown in farmer’s fields irrigated with waste water in Dinapur and Lohta areas of Varanasi, India, during December to February, 2007–2008 and 2008–2009. Nutrient concentrations, organic carbon, microbial biomass, C, N, and P, enzymatic activities and heavy metal concentrations in soil and plant parts were estimated at waste water (DW1, DW2 and LW) and clean water-irrigated sites (DC and LC). Sites receiving waste water irrigation showed an increase in organic C by 36 and 64 % and in available phosphorus by 15 and, 21 % at DW1 and DW2 sites compared to DC and 88 and 29 % at LW compared to LC during the first year. Dehydrogenase and urease activities increased two to threefold at waste water-irrigated sites compared to the respective clean water-irrigated ones during both the years of study. Microbial biomass (C, N, and P) and concentrations of exchangeable cations (Na+, K+, and Ca+2) also showed increments varying from two to threefold at waste water-irrigated sites. During both the years, total heavy metal concentration in soil was the highest for Mn followed by Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Cd at Dinapur, whereas at Lohta the trend was Mn, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Cd. The accumulation of heavy metals in the plants was several-fold higher in roots and shoots at waste water-irrigated sites, and Cd, Pb, and Ni were above the safe limits in edible tissues. Lower metal concentrations were recorded at DW1 site compared to DW2 and LW sites. The study suggests that waste water irrigation led to beneficial changes in physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil, but increased the soil contamination of heavy metals. However, the intermittent use of clean water in such areas may not only reduce the metal contamination in the plants but will also maintain soil fertility.

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical processes in the Pleistocene aquifers of Middle Ganga Plain, Uttar Pradesh, India

Evaluation of major ion chemistry and solute acquisition process controlling water chemical composition were studied by collecting a total of fifty-one groundwater samples in shallow ( 25 m) in the Varanasi area. Hydrochemical facies, Mg-HCO3 dominated in the largest part of shallow groundwater followed by Na-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3 whereas Ca-HCO3 is dominated in deep groundwater followed by Mg-HCO3 and Na-HCO3. High As concentration (>50 μg/l) is found in some of the villages situated in northeastern parts (i.e. adjacent to the concave part of the meandering Ganga river) of the Varanasi area. Arsenic contamination is confined mostly in tube wells (hand pump) within the Holocene newer alluvium deposits, whereas older alluvial aquifers are having arsenic free groundwater. Geochemical modeling using WATEQ4F enabled prediction of saturation state of minerals and indicated dissolution and precipitation reactions occurring in groundwater. Majority of shallow and deep groundwater samples of the study area are oversaturated with carbonate bearing minerals and under-saturated with respect to sulfur and amorphous silica bearing minerals. Sluggish hydraulic conductivity in shallow aquifer results in higher mineralization of groundwater than in deep aquifer. But the major processes in deep aquifer are leakage of shallow aquifer followed by dominant ion-exchange and weathering of silicate minerals.

Responses of two cultivars of Trifolium repens L. to ethylene diurea in relation to ambient ozone

Three ethylene diurea (EDU) concentrations (0, 150 and 300 mg/L) were used to evaluate the negative impact of ozone (O 3)on two cultivars of Trifolium repens L. cv. Vardan and Bundel grown under natural field conditions in a suburban area of Varanasi, India. Mean O 3 concentrations varied from 30.3 to 46.6 μg/L during the experimental period. Higher photosynthetic pigments and ascorbic acid concentrations were noticed in both EDU-treated cultivars over non-EDU-treated ones, but a reverse trend was found for lipid peroxidation. Growth parameters and biomass also showed increments under EDU treatment of both cultivars. The ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence increased significantly in Vardan but not in Bundel upon EDU treatment. Results revealed that EDU concentration of 300 mg/L was more effective to combat the oxidative stress as well as protecting plants from O 3 injury symptoms. The test cultivar Vardan is relatively sensitive to O 3, thereby can be used as a bioindicator of O 3 pollution in areas having higher O 3 concentrations. Results also indicated that Bundel has more efficient antioxidant defense system than Vardan and hence was more tolerant to O 3 stress.

Hydrogeochemistry for the assessment of groundwater quality in Varanasi: a fast-urbanizing center in Uttar Pradesh, India

The hydrogeochemical parameters for groundwater samples of the Varanasi area, a fast-urbanizing region in India, were studied to evaluate the major ion chemistry, weathering and solute acquisition processes controlling water composition, and suitability of water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Sixty-eight groundwater samples were collected randomly from dug wells and hand pumps in the urban Varanasi area and analyzed for various chemical parameters. Geologically, the study area comprises Quaternary alluvium made up of an alternating succession of clay, silty clay, and sand deposits. The Total dissolved solids classification reveals that except two locations, the groundwater samples are desirable for drinking, and all are useful for irrigation purposes. The cationic and anionic concentrations indicated that the majority of the groundwater samples belong to the order of Na>Ca>Mg>K and HCO3>Cl>SO4 types, respectively. Geochemical classification of groundwater based on the Chadha rectangular diagram shows that the majority (81%) of groundwater samples belong to the calcium-bicarbonate type. The HCO3/(HCO3+SO4) ratio (0.87) indicates mostly carbonic acid weathering process due to presence of kankar carbonate mixed with clay/fine sand. The high nitrate concentration (>45 mg/l) of about 18% of the groundwater samples may be due to the local domestic sewage, leakage of septic tanks, and improper management of sanitary landfills. In general, the calculated values of sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium, residual sodium carbonate, and permeability index indicate good to permissible use of water for irrigation, and only a few locations demand remedial measures for better crop yields.

Impact Analysis of Knowledge Practice for Food Safety in Urban Area of Varanasi

2 Abstract: The present study was planned with main objective of identifying buying practices of homemakers and their awareness in food practices in Varanasi (urban area). For this objective, questionnaire was prepared and distributed among selected people depends on their age group, sex and educational background. Statistical test were carried out on the basis of frequency of male and female respondents obtained in total respondents (n = 300). Chi square test were carried out and the calculated value were compared with value of t test (0.05) and on this basis, conclusion were drawn. Correlation between different variables was determined for their impact. Study revealed that educated people of both sexes follow slightly good buying practices while homemakers are not following food practices and also they differ significantly in following the practices in term of use of quality water which affects the family health. Study also revealed that age and awareness are not interlinked while education is interlinked with good practices.

Bioremediation of peri-urban areas of Varanasi irrigated with treated sewage water

To study the toxicity of nanoparticles under relevant conditions, it is important to reproducibly disperse nanoparticles in biological media in in vitro and in vivo studies. Here, single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and double-walled nanotubes (DWNTs) were physicochemically and biologically characterized when dispersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). BSA-SWNT/DWNT interaction resulted in a reduction of aggregation and an increase in particle stabilization. Based on the protein sequence coverage and protein binding results, DWNTs exhibited higher protein binding than SWNTs. SWNT and DWNT suspensions in the presence of BSA increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in A549 cells as compared to corresponding samples in the absence of BSA. We next determined the effects of SWNTs and DWNTs on pulmonary protein modification using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as a surrogate collected form BALB/c mice. The BALF proteins bound to SWNTs (13 proteins) and DWNTs (11 proteins), suggesting that these proteins were associated with blood coagulation pathways. Lastly, we demonstrated the importance of physicochemical and biological alterations of SWNTs and DWNTs when dispersed in biological media, since protein binding may result in the misinterpretation of in vitro results and the activation of protein-regulated biological responses.

Use of ethylene diurea (EDU) in assessing the impact of ozone on growth and productivity of five cultivars of Indian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Increase in concentrations of tropospheric ozone (O(3)) is one of the main factors affecting world agriculture production. Tropical countries including India are at greater risk due to their meteorological conditions (high solar radiation and temperature) being conducive to the formation of O(3). The most effective anti-ozonant chemical is N-[2-(2-oxo-1-imidazolidinyl) ethyl]-N-phenylurea or ethylene diurea (EDU). Due to its specific characteristics, EDU has been used in the field as a phytomonitoring agent to assess crop losses due to O(3). Field experiments were conducted on five local cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv HUW234, HUW468, HUW510, PBW343, and Sonalika) grown under natural field conditions in a suburban area of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India during December 2006 to March 2007 to determine the impact of O(3) on their growth and yield characteristics. Mean monthly O(3) concentrations varied between 35.3 ppb and 54.2 ppb at the experimental site. EDU treatment positively affected various growth and yield parameters with difference between cultivars. EDU-treated plants showed increase in shoot and root length, leaf area, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, and net primary productivity, indicating O(3) induced suppression in growth. EDU treatment was highly significant in different cultivars for total biomass and test weight but not for harvest index. Yield per plant was higher by 25.6%, 24%, 20.4%, 8.6%, and 1.9% in EDU-treated cultivars HUW468, Sonalika, HUW510, HUW234, and PBW343, respectively, than non-EDU-treated ones. These results clearly indicate the sensitivity of all the wheat cultivars to ambient levels of O(3) with cv HUW468 appearing to be most sensitive. The present study also supports the view that EDU has great potential in alleviating the unfavorable effects of O(3) and can be effectively used as a monitoring tool to assess growth and yield losses in areas experiencing elevated concentrations of O(3).

Migration of the Ganga river and its implication on hydro-geological potential of Varanasi area, U.P., India

Borehole data reveals that during Late Quaternary, the Ganga river was non-existent in its present location near Varanasi. Instead, it was flowing further south towards peripheral craton. Himalayan derived grey micaceous sands were being carried by southward flowing rivers beyond the present day water divide of Ganga and mixed with pink arkosic sand brought by northward flowing peninsular rivers. Subsequently, the Ganga shifted to its present position and got incised. Near Varanasi, the Ganga river is flowing along a NW-SE tectonic lineament. The migration of Ganga river is believed to have been in response to basin expansion caused due to Himalayan tectonics during Middle Pleistocene times. Multi-storied sand bodies generated as a result of channel migration provide excellent aquifers confined by a thick zone of muddy sediments near the surface. Good quality potable water is available at various levels below about 70 m depth in sandy aquifers. Craton derived gravelly coarse-to-medium grained sand forms the main aquifer zones of tens of meter thickness with enormous yield. In contrast, the shallow aquifers made up of recycled interfluve silt and sandy silt occur under unconfined conditions and show water-level fluctuation of a few meters during pre-and post-monsoon periods.

Biomonitoring seasonal variation of urban air polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using Ficus benghalensis leaves

Temporal and seasonal variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in leaves of Ficus benghalensis were investigated in Varanasi city (India). Leaf samples were collected from six sites from urban area of Varanasi and from a control site. PAH extraction was done by sonication in dichloromethane-acetone and quantification by GC-MS. In January total leaf PAHs concentrations at all the urban sites were twice higher as compared to other season's viz. summer and rainy. In contrast, at the control site leaf PAHs concentrations showed lower values than urban sites. The maximum concentrations of total PAHs in winter were due to the medium molecular weight PAHs which increases with respect to both low and high molecular weight PAHs. The temporal variation of medium molecular weight PAHs was similar both at the urban and remote sites. These results support biomonitoring ability of Ficus benghalensis leaves to temporal variations in PAHs contamination.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetables Grown in Wastewater Irrigated Areas of Varanasi, India

Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetables Grown in Wastewater Irrigated Areas of Varanasi, India

Heavy metal contamination of soil and vegetables in suburban areas of Varanasi, India

Heavy metal contamination of soil resulting from wastewater irrigation is a cause of serious concern due to the potential health impacts of consuming contaminated produce. In this study an assessment is made of the impact of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal contamination of Beta vulgaris (palak); this is a highly nutritious leafy vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed in urban India, particularly by the poor. A field study was conducted at three major sites that were irrigated by either treated or untreated wastewater in the suburban areas of Varanasi, India according to normal practice. Samples of irrigation water, soil, and the edible portion of the palak ( Beta vulgaris L. var All green H1) were collected monthly during the summer and winter seasons and were analyzed for Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn, and Ni. Heavy metals in irrigation water were below the internationally recommended (WHO) maximum permissible limits set for agricultural use for all heavy metals except Cd at all the sites. Similarly, the mean heavy metal concentrations in soil were below the Indian standards for all heavy metals, but the maximum value of Cd recorded during January was higher than the standard. However, in the edible portion of B. vulgaris, the Cd concentration was higher than the permissible limits of the Indian standard during summer, whereas Pb and Ni concentrations were higher in both summer and winter seasons. Results of linear regression analysis computed to assess the relationship between individual heavy metal concentration in the vegetable samples and in soil showed that Zn in soil had a positive significant relationship with vegetable contamination during winter. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Mn in soil and plant showed significant positive relationships only during summer. Concentration of Cr and Pb during winter season and Zn and Ni during summer season showed significant negative relationships between soil and plant contamination. The study concludes that the use of treated and untreated wastewater for irrigation has increased the contamination of Cd, Pb, and Ni in edible portion of vegetables causing potential health risk in the long term from this practice. The study also points to the fact that adherence to standards for heavy metal contamination of soil and irrigation water does not ensure safe food.

The Effect of Air Pollution on Yield and Quality of Mung Bean Grown in Peri-Urban Areas of Varanasi

There is growing concern that air pollution may have adverse impacts on crops in developing countries, yet this has been little studied. This paper addresses this issue, for a major leguminous crop of the Indian sub continent, examining the effect of air pollution in and around an Indian city. A field study was conducted using a gradient approach to elucidate the impact of air pollutants on selected production characteristics of Vigna radiata L. cv. Malviya Jyoti (mung bean) plants grown from germination to maturity at locations with differing concentrations of air pollutants around peri-urban and rural areas of Varanasi. The 6 -h daily mean SO2, NO2 and O3 concentrations varied from 8.05 to 32.2 ppb, 11.7 to 80.1 ppb and 9.7 to 58.5 ppb, respectively, between the sites. Microclimatic conditions did not vary significantly between the sites. Changes in plant performance at different sites were evaluated with reference to ambient air quality status. Reductions in biomass accumulation and seed yields were highest at the site experiencing highest concentrations of all three gaseous pollutants. The magnitude of response indicated that at peri-urban sites SO2, NO2 and O3 were all contributing to these effects, whereas at rural sites NO2 and O3 combinations appeared to have more influence. The quality of seed was also found to be negatively influenced by the ambient levels of pollutants. It is concluded that the air pollution regime of Varanasi City causes a major threat to mung bean plants, both in terms of yield and crop quality, with serious implications for the nutrition of the urban poor.