The Urban Image Conservation and Development of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Old Town Community in Thailand

Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town Community dated a thousand years old from four eras of settlement development. The community is located on an ancient beach ridge that stands until the present day. It also has an image of a community that is unique to any city. Today the community is rapidly expanding, so the importance of the old town’s various elements has been diminished. The research objectives are to analyze Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town Community’s image and landscape and provide suggestions to preserve and develop the community’s image. The methodology is theoretical concepts of the image of the city, urban landscape, historic urban landscape, and urban conservation, including field surveys to identify problems and the community’s awareness. Visual assessments and mapping were also undertaken. Based on the study, the urban conceptual framework emphasizes the five elements of physical perception, whereas the cultural landscape concept focuses on the physical perception of the community’s core components and sub-elements that express specificity of the district, including traditional custom, which is intangible culture and a landscape element as well. The analysis of urban image reveals that Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town Community consists of the path in the area with Ratchadamnoen Road, Karom Road and Pattanakarn Khukwang Road as the main routes, the edge of the community divided by natural boundaries, which are various rivers and by man-made boundaries, which are canals and the old city’s embankments, and the unique district, such as Tha Wang Community, Khaek Market Community, and Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town. The node or activity center is, for example, business activities in Tha Wang Community, Khaek Market Community and Hua It Market Community, and the tourism activities in the old community area around Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple. The prominent landmark from the past to the present is Phra Borommathat Stupda. In addition, the unique physical elements in the old town are groups of large trees. Suggestions on conservation and development are to create awareness of secondary routes to reduce congestion of the main roads and connect to other attractions; to develop the old town’s border from four eras for clearer perception; to promote the main activities within each district; and to have measures to control the height, billboards, old buildings’ styles, and new buildings representing each district’s uniqueness that will not obscure the perception of the community’s landmarks.

Availability, healthiness, and price of packaged and unpackaged foods in India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Vulnerable populations are the most prone to diet-related disease. The availability, healthiness, and price of foods have established associations with diet-related disease in communities. However, data describing this in India are sparse, particularly in urban slums and rural areas. Aim: To quantify and compare availability, healthiness, and price of packaged and unpackaged foods and beverages in India, and to identify opportunities to improve diets and health of vulnerable populations. Methods: Nutrition data and price were collected on foods and beverages available at 44 stores in urban, urban slum, and rural areas in four states in India between May and August 2018. Healthiness was assessed using the Australasian Health Star Rating system and product retail prices were examined. Comparisons in the findings were made across state, community area type, and adherence to current and draft Indian food labeling regulations. Results: Packaged foods and beverages ( n = 1443, 89%) were more prevalent than unpackaged ( n = 172, 11%). Unpackaged products were healthier than packaged (mean Health Star Rating = 3.5 vs 2.0; p < 0.001) and lower in price (median price per 100 g/ml: 13.42 Indian rupees vs 25.70 Indian rupees; p < 0.001), a pattern observed across most community area types and states. 96% of packaged products were compliant with current Indian labeling regulations but only 23% were compliant with proposed labeling regulations. Conclusions: Unpackaged products were on average much healthier and lower in price than packaged foods and beverages. Food policies that support greater availability, accessibility and consumption of unpackaged foods, while limiting consumption of packaged foods, have enormous potential for sustaining the health of the Indian population.

Prevalence of Nutritional Anemia and Its Causes among Adolescent Girls

Background: Nutritional anemia is a disorder that cause due to a lack of one or more vital nutrients, such as iron, protein, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and minerals. In this condition hemoglobin content in the blood is lower than usual. Nutritional anemia has been described as correlated with reduced childhood emotional, physical, and cognitive function and is a major risk factor for maternal mortality. Objective: 1. To assess the prevalence of nutritional anemia among adolescent girls. 2. To assess the causes of nutritional anemia among adolescent girls. 3. To associate the demographic variable with prevalence and causes of nutritional anemia among adolescent girls. Methodology: This is a cross sectional observational study will be conducted among the adolescent girls where age is between 10-14 years, the sample size can be calculated statistically by using the prevalence of previous studies which done in India and the sample size is 220 adolescent girls selected in a particular rural community area of Wardha district. Non-probability convenience sampling will be using for sample collection. The standard haemoglobinometer (Accusure HB meter) for analyzing the haemoglobin according to WHO criteria and structure questionnaire scale is made upon the causes behind the nutritional anemia. According to some previous studies, the prevalence rate has been shown high in the adolescent age group so this study help to find the prevalence rate in a particular community and the causes of nutritional anemia among adolescent girls. Expected Results: In this study the researcher evaluate the prevalence and its causes of nutritional anemia among adolescent girls, this study will show the rate of prevalence in the particular community area and also the causes of nutritional anemia among adolescent girls. Conclusion: The conclusion will be drawn from the results.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera Powder on Level of Pain and the Level of Activity among Clients with Osteoarthritis in Selected Community Area at Vellore District

India is facing a grave public health; with the prevalence of Osteoarthritis is being greater than 40%. An experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera powder on level of pain and the level of activity among Osteoarthritis clients. Quantitative evaluative approach was used for this study and the researcher adopted a Quasi- experimental research design. The sample size of the study was 60 Osteoarthritis clients in selected community area at Vellore, in which 30 were in experimental group and 30 were in control group. According to samples convenient and availability, convenient sampling technique was used to select the samples. The researcher adopted Imogene king’s goal attainment theory as a conceptual framework. Eight different hypothesis were tested in this study. The Structured interview schedule was used to collect the demographic and clinical variables. KOOS scale was used to assess the level of pain and the level of activity. Experimental group received intervention of Moringa Oleifera powder for 21 days and control group advised to follow daily routine and no intervention was given. For both the groups, on 22nd day the researcher was conducted posttest by using same tool. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of frequency distribution, chi-square test. The study revealed that the mean posttest pain and activity score in experimental group was 20&17.37 respectively whereas in the control group, the mean posttest pain and activity score was 26.87&27.17. The mean difference was 6.07 &9.73. The obtained independent “t” value was 6.97 & 8.57 respectively, which is more than the table value (P<0.001) was highly significance. There is significant Association between levels of pain among Osteoarthritis clients Selected Demographic variable marital status in control group. No other demographic variables were shown any association with level of pain. The Frequency and percentage distribution

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STP ON KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS REGARDING WEANING AND RESPONSIVE FEEDING AMONG INFANTS IN SELECTED VILLAGES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Background:Weaning means introducing a wide range of foods gradually until the baby is eating the same food as the rest of the family. Until six months, the baby needs only breast milk or infant formula milk. Around six months of age, the baby needs initially semisolid foods and later on gradually solid foods are introduced in addition to breast or formula milk. Responsive feeding is a component of active feeding that provides complementary foods in an active manner. Active feeding is when the parent or caregiver engages in positive behaviour with the child, while encouraging and bearing in mind the interests of the child during mealtimes. Aim:The aim of this study conducted was to increase the knowledge of mothersregarding weaning and responsive feeding for infants. Methodology: A quantitative approach withpreexperimental, one group pretest post test design was used. Sample And Sampling Technique:This study include 40 samples of mothers. Sample was selected using purposive sampling technique. Setting:The research setting was selected community area of Solan, H.P. i.e. Noun, Dhar ki baid, Sihardimusalmana, Sukhhijhodi. Tools:The Socio Demographic Performa and structured knowledge questionnaires was used to collect the data. After assessing the preexisting knowledge of the sample, (STP) on weaning and responsive feeding was administered to the selected mothers at community area Solan. At the end post test was conducted. Result:In analysis both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used. The pre-test mean score was 13.03. The post test mean score was26.08. The difference in mean % was 32.63. The result of post test depicted that, (87.5%) mothers had very good knowledge, and (12.5%) had excellent knowledge and none of the mother had average and poor knowledge. The conclusion of the study revealed that there was significant improvement in the knowledge on the weaning and responsive feeding.

Peatland ecological restoration based on independent community groups through revegetation in Tanjung Leban Village, Bengkalis Regency, Riau

Ecological restoration of peatlands leads to the destruction of peatland ecosystems caused by human activities, whether intentional or not. As a result of the damage caused various kinds of problems such as land fires. Tanjung Leban Village is one of the villages with a fairly high rate of fire, especially in 2012, 2013, and 2015. Many burnt lands are left unused, which in turn becomes a fire-prone area due to the lack of control over the land. In response to this, it is necessary to carry out peatland ecological restoration activities in Tanjung Leban Village through revegetation activities. Implementation of activities with the mentoring method through village facilitators stationed in Tanjung Leban Village. The implementation process begins with socialization, which continues with group formation, procurement of seeds, land clearing, and planting. The implementation of this revegetation focuses on the participation of the community who are members of the Peat Care Community Group (MPG) in Tanjung Leban Village. This activity was carried out in the community area (group members) with an area of 14.7 ha and 14,381 plants. The number of plants is divided into 2 categories, namely natural wood species and fruit plants.

Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Alternative System of Medicine among the Adults in Rural Community Area

Introduction: The folk medicine which is available such as herb, flora, found and minerals. The people taking some treatment for improving health and treat the person which lies in ancient times. Some of the people of the alternative system such as homeopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, naturopathy and yoga. The alternative system of medicine is widespread. This leads to improving knowledge regarding the alternative system of medicine in the rural community area. Background: The present study has been designed to capture the knowledge and attitude towards the Alternative health care system of medicine in its user and non-users to compare the differences in its source of knowledge among the rural community people. Knowledge regarding the alternative therapies that are living in the rural community area. The person has some knowledge regarding alternative health such as naturopathy, homeopathy, yoga, Unani and Siddha. The people will have known about alternative therapies. Objective: To assess the knowledge of adults in rural community areas regarding the alternative system of medicine. To assess the attitude towards an alternative system of medicine among rural community areas. Methods: The sample size is 100 among the adults in the rural community area. Results: In the present study 98% of the adults were having a positive attitude and only 2% of them had a negative attitude. Association of knowledge score and attitude score with the selected demographic variables there is a significant in the gender and not significantly associated with education, occupation, caste regarding the alternative system of medicine and significant association between attitude score the gender and not significantly associate with education, occupation, caste regarding the alternative system of medicine. Conclusion: This study revealed that in wardha city, there is relatively high public interest in complementary and alternative medicine and a significant number has a produce good awareness attitude toward complementary and alternative medicine.

Land use influence on distribution and abundance of herbivores in Samburu-Laikipia, Kenya

The distribution and abundance of different wildlife herbivores was studied in Samburu-Laikipia landscape. The study sites included; Mpala and Oljogi, both commercial ranches in Laikipia district; Oldonyiro and Kipsing community areas in Isiolo district; West Gate Conservancy, Ngaroni Community area, Kalama Community area and Sessia-Barsalinga Community area in Samburu district; and Buffalo Spring National Reserve and Samburu National Reserve both protected areas in the landscape. The objectives of the study were: 1) Determine the influence of different land use on seasonal abundances and distribution wildlife species and 2) Examine the influence of livestock, human settlements and water on wildlife species in Samburu-Laikipia landscape. Distance sampling was used to estimate wildlife, livestock and bomas densities. Distance to nearest water was projected from GPS coordinates for both wildlife and livestock sighting using ARCGIS. Our analysis showed non-uniform distributions of wildlife groups across the Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem largely driven by seasonal rainfall patterns and land use types. Like predicted, most wildlife groups occurred in higher abundances on protected areas, Laikipia commercial ranches and community conservancies unlike in community grazing areas in both dry and wet season. However, large grazers increased substantially in community grazing areas over the wet season when livestock grazing was heavy, stimulating growth of short annuals plants of high-quality nutrients. Human activities had negative influences on all wildlife groups. Our findings indicate that the type of land -use influenced herbivore distribution and abundance in Samburu-Laikipia landscape. This suggests that human activities, including pastoralism, in conjunction with season rainfall patterns and land-use shape herbivore distribution and abundance in the area. Conservation strategies for successfully increasing survival of wildlife therefore, requires maintenance of a mixture of land-use types with well controlled and sustainable development.

Assessment of Metal Concentrations and Associations with Pulmonary Function among Children with Asthma in Chicago, Illinois

Individuals living in areas with the potential for elevated metal exposure from industrial sources may have reduced pulmonary function. We evaluated cross-sectional associations of toenail concentrations of 17 metals within a community area of residence and asthma control in 75 children, and pulmonary function measures [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; liters), forced vital capacity (FVC; liters), FEV1 to FVC ratio (FEV1:FVC), and mid-exhalation forced expiratory flow rate (FEF 25–75%; liters/second)], in a subsample of 39 children with diagnosed asthma in Chicago, Illinois. Linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted regression coefficients and standard errors (SE) for the associations between ≥ median versus <median metal exposures and natural log-transformed (ln) pulmonary function test parameters. Toenail levels of cadmium, cobalt, iron, manganese, and vanadium were higher among children residing near an industrial corridor than those in a comparison community. Copper concentrations were inversely associated with lnFEV1 (β = −0.10, SE = 0.04, p = 0.01), lnFEV1:FVC (β = −0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.02) and lnFEF 25–75% (β = −0.25, SE = 0.09, p = 0.01); manganese concentrations were inversely associated with lnFEV1 (β = −0.11, SE = 0.04, p = 0.01), lnFEV1:FVC (β = −0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.02), and lnFEF 25–75% (β = −0.28, SE = 0.10, p = 0.004), and vanadium concentrations were inversely associated with lnFEV1 (β = −0.08, SE = 0.04, p = 0.05) and lnFVC (β = −0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.03). Nickel and copper were associated with uncontrolled asthma (OR = 6.8; 95% CI 2.0, 22.8 and OR = 4.6; 95% CI 1.0, 21.0, respectively). These data suggest that selected metal exposures may be associated with impaired pulmonary function parameters and reduced asthma control among children with preexisting asthma.