scholarly journals Using the Self-Organising Map to Identify Regularities across Country-Specific Housing-Market Contexts

10.1068/b3186 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Kauko

The aim of exploring and monitoring housing-market fundamentals (prices, dwelling features, area density, residents, and so on) on a macrolocational level relates to both public and private sector policymaking. Housing market segmentation (that is, the emergence of housing submarkets), a concept with increasing relevance, is defined as the differentiation of housing in terms of the income and preferences of the residents and in terms of administrative circumstances. In order to capture such segmentation empirically, the author applies a fairly new and emerging technique known as the ‘self-organising’ map (SOM), or ‘Kohonen map’. The SOM is a type of (artificial) neural network—a nonlinear and flexible (that is, nonparametric or semiparametric) regression and ‘machine learning’ technique. By utilising the ability of the SOM to visualise patterns, one can analyse various dimensions within the variation of the dataset. Segmentation may then be detected depending on the resulting patterns across the map layers, each of which represents the data variation for one input variable. Utilising an inductive modelling strategy, the author runs cross-sectional and nationwide data on the owner-occupied housing markets of Finland (documentation presented elsewhere), the Netherlands, and Hungary with the SOM technique. On the basis of the resulting configurations certain regularities (similarities and differences) across the three national contexts are identified. In all three cases the segments are determined by physical and institutional differences between the housing bundles and localities. The exercise demonstrates how the inductive SOM-based approach is well-suited for illustrating the contextual factors that determine housing market structure.

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ellis ◽  
H. Van Aswegen ◽  
R. Ross ◽  
P. Becker

To examine the incidence of contamination and current practice of decontamination of nebulisers after use within a ventilator circuit, in public- and private sector intensive care units (ICUs) in Johannesburg; to assess the presence of and adherence to a decontamination protocol in these ICUs and to identify which practices were associated with lower or no bacterial growth. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used which included a semi-structured interview with the ICU manager and an audit of current nebuliser practice. Nebulisers that were identified in the interview were swabbed and streaked on blood agar plates (BAPs). BAPs were incubated and assessed for bacterial colonisation, number of colony forming units (CFUs) and number of different species of CFUs present. Results: Two hundred and sixty-nine ICU beds were surveyed over a two-month period resulting in 45 nebulisers used within a ventilator circuit that could be tested. The majority (93%) were single-use jet nebulisers, all were being re-used and 52% presented with contamination. None of the ICUs had a nebuliser decontamination protocol in place. Contaminated nebulisers that were stored in a sterile drape had significantly higher concentrations of bacterial growth (p=0.03). Conclusion: The rate of colonisation of re-used jet nebulisers is high. Nebuliser decontamination protocols are urgently needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 351-56
Author(s):  
Naureen Waseem ◽  
Aaqiba Rasheed ◽  
Maria Gill ◽  
Ayesha Asad ◽  
Muhammad Omar Shamim ◽  
...  

Objective of Study: The objective of this study is to have an insight on student’s attitudes regarding histology’s clinical relevance in public and private sector medical college. Methodology: A cross sectional survey for attitude analysis towards histology’s clinical importance was carried out among 200 third year medical students from private and public sector medical college. Thurdstone and Chave attitude analysis questionnaire was employed to find the attitude score. Results: Students of both public and private sector medical college show scepticism towards the clinical importance of histology. There was no marked difference in the attitudes of students of public and private sector medical college. Most data remained on the borderline of the attitude scale employed. Conclusion: This study provided useful information for the teachers that students do not appreciate the clinical importance of histology much. Teachers need to devise strategies and to work on the students helping them comprehend the importance of histology.


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
AK Nepal ◽  
A Shrestha ◽  
SC Baral ◽  
R Bhattarai ◽  
Y Aryal

INTRODUCTION: Although the evidences suggest that more than one third tuberculosis (TB) cases are being managed in private sector, the quality of care in private sector is major concern. However, the information regarding the private practices were lacking. Therefore the study was conducted to gain insights on current practices of TB management at private sectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study, applying quantitative method, was conducted at two cities of Kaski among all private practitioners, private pharmacies and private laboratories through self administered questionnaire and structured interview schedule. RESULTS: Nearly one fourth of the TB suspects in the district were found to have consulted private providers with about 20.0% of the total smear positive cases diagnosed in private laboratories. Beside sputum microscopy, Private Medical Practitioners (PMPs) were also found to prefer other tests like X-ray, culture for TB diagnosis. Similarly, PMPs’ varying prescription of anti TB drugs beyond National TB Programme (NTP) recommendation along with their weak recording and case holding were noteworthy, and the cost of TB treatment seemed higher in private sector. Only one third of private institution had their staff trained in TB. Except some informal linkage, no collaboration between public and private sector was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Private sector was managing many TB cases in the district. However, their practice of TB management was not much satisfactory. Therefore NTP should take effective measures for Public Private Mix and to make them aware of the standards through training and orientation in order to improve the quality of care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7085 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):68-75


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Ferrinho ◽  
Nkanga Guimarães ◽  
Helga Freitas

Abstract BackgroundWe describe the profile of Angolan final year allied health workers (AHW) students: where they come from, their experience of training and expectations regarding professional future. MethodsIt was a questionnaire based observational cross-sectional study applied to final year AHW students in 24 public and private sector , higher and mid-level training institutions in 14 of the 18 provinces of Angola during 2014.ResultsMost AHW students were women, satisfied with their choice of training. Satisfaction with teachers was high but low regarding support systems such as access to library, laboratories and clinical cases.After training AHW students wanted to settle in Angola, preferable in hospital practice, preferably in the public sector and in a national or provincial capital, rather than in the municipal hospitals. ConclusionsThis study highlights some of the issues that will have to be addressed by training institutions in order to contribute to a balanced health workforce in Angola, with AHW in quantity with the quality and distribution necessary to address health system and population needs. It highlights the importance of private education institutions in meeting this need. As training is a significant investment by students or their relatives, training institutions must strive to improve support systems in terms of access to libraries, laboratories, clinical cases, informatic support, canteens, accommodation and leisure activities.


Author(s):  
Shweta Goswami ◽  

Background: Preparedness for passive intervention in form of social distancing in cultural setting of India needs to be studied. Objective: To determine the attitude of urban adults of India regarding feasibility of social distancing as a mode of prevention of Covid-19 transmission before complete lockdown in country was imposed. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among adults who were literate in English language and were residing in urban areas of various regions India. Data was collected between 16th to 20thMarch, 2020 before lockdown in various districts were started and Janatacurfew (lockdown) was announced. Questionnaire included hypothetical scenarios to assess attitude of study population on social distancing. Result:There were 264 completed responses. 87.9% among all believed that social distancing will prevent them and others too. Positive attitude towards work place related social distancing was reported by 84.8%. Feasibility towards avoiding market and going to family functions (coping strategies) were showing positive attitude among 52.3% and 72.9% respectively. Giving leave to maid (active prevention) was difficult for 47.4% female respondents, 73.3% employees in public and private sector and 83.3% of age more than 60 years. Conclusion: The urban India with so much of diversities showed a promising favorable attitude towards social distancing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 512-16
Author(s):  
Muhammad Akram Saeed ◽  
Soufia Farrukh ◽  
Wajahat Hussain ◽  
Samina Badar ◽  
Arif Ahmed Zaidi ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine the frequency of academic misconduct among students of medical colleges affiliated with University of Health sciences in Punjab. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Different public and private sector medical colleges in Punjab affiliated with University of Health Sciences, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2018. Methodology: Sample size calculated at 95% level of confidence, 1% required precision and 4.7% 6 anticipated population proportion was 1721. However, to increase the validity of study it was taken as 2000. Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Information was collected on a self-administered questionnaire containing the common trends of academic misconducts. Data was entered and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Results: Total 2000 students were enrolled in the study with equal participation from public and private sector. Mean age of the respondents was 21.82 ± 1.82 years. Overall frequency of academic misconduct was high i.e. 1928 (96.4%). The most frequent academic misconduct was “asking friend to mark the proxy (84.45%)” and the least frequent reported misconduct was “using cell phone for exchange of answers (14.25%).” The difference of academic misconduct among students of public and private sector medical college students was significant (p<0.001). The academic misconduct was also significantly different (p=0.005) among students from rural and urban residential backgrounds. Conclusion: Academic misconduct was found a serious problem among medical students studying in public and private sector medical colleges of Punjab, Pakistan.


Author(s):  
A. Thirupathy ◽  
C. Dhayalan

This research looked at the extent to which identified intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables influenced the retention and reduction of employee turnover in both public and private sector organizations. The research was aimed at achieving the following objectives: identify and establish the key intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables being used by selected public and private sector organizations in retaining their employees; determine the extent to which the identified intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables are influencing employees’ retention and turnover in the selected organizations; and make recommendations to management of the selected organizations on how to effectively retain employees and reduce turnover. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design, investigating the extent to which selected motivational variables influence employees’ decision to either remain or quit an organization. Quantitative research design was used and this design was chosen because its findings are generalizable and the data objective. The study examined two public and two private sector organizations in India. The total population of the research comprised 1800 employees of the surveyed organizations with a sample size of 145 respondents. A self-developed questionnaire, measured on a Likert Scale was used to collect data from respondents. The questionnaire had a Cornbrash alpha coefficient of α = 0.85 suggesting that the instrument was reliable. The Chi-square test of association was used in testing the hypothesis of the study. The result showed that employees in both public and private sector organizations were, to a very large extent, influenced to stay in their respective organizations by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. The following motivational variables were found to have significantly influenced employee retention in both the public and private sector organizations: training and development, challenging/interesting work, freedom for innovative thinking, and job security.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (COVID19-S4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bilal Ahmed Sethi ◽  
Ahsan Sethi ◽  
Sadaf Ali ◽  
Hira Shireen Aamir

Objective: Recognizing the huge potential ramifications of COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores its impact on health professionals personally and professionally along with the associated challenges. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional qualitative survey was conducted from March-April 2020. Participants included health professionals from various disciplines in both public and private-sector institutions of Pakistan. The sample size was not predetermined, and an iterative approach of simultaneous data collection and analysis was taken until data and time saturation were reached. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was carried out by two analysts. Results: Two hundred and Ninety health professionals responded. They reported an impact on their mental, physical and social well-being. The clinicians mentioned facing an unprecedented workload in overstretched health facilities, while those in academia become engaged with planning/providing emergency remote teaching for the students affecting work-life balance. Some challenges associated with work-from-home and in the hospitals were identified. Conclusion: During COVID-19, the health professionals are anxious, overworked and financially unstable while planning, creating and caring for others and their families. We need to support them to do their jobs, be safe and stay alive. Future research should explore the fears and coping strategies of health professionals during pandemics. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2779 How to cite this:Sethi BA, Sethi A, Ali S, Aamir HS. Impact of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on health professionals. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2779 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 085-092
Author(s):  
Huma Ali ◽  
Farya Zafar ◽  
Safila Naveed ◽  
Shabana N. Shah ◽  
Saba A. Baloch ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to assess the pharmacy students and graduateknowledge and awareness about pharmacovigilance & adverse drug reporting (ADR) systemin Karachi, Pakistan. Objectives: This study was designed to identify the trends, perception andapproaches of pharmacy students and graduate towards current scenarios of pharmacovigilanceand ADR contextual to our setting. Study Design: It was cross sectional, qualitative study.Setting: Pharmacy final year students and fresh graduates of two public and two private sectoruniversities were included in the study. Period: Data was collected between January to August,2015. Method: Relevant information was collected using questionnaire with 18 open ended and7 close ended questions. 400 final year participants and 150 fresh graduates were incorporatedin this survey. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the results and Percent, frequencies and meanscores were calculated for various outcomes. Results: Response rate of final year studentsand fresh graduates was found (97%, n = 388) and (88%, n= 132) respectively. Students levelof awareness about pharmacovigilance was found (54%, n =216) in final year students whilelittle higher rates were observed (78%, n=110) in graduates. Concept of pharmacovigilancegained through pharmacy curriculum was calculated 45% rated by final year students. Thepharmacovigilance knowledge mean score was found to be 2.368.5 and 2.886.3 for final yearstudents and fresh graduates respectively. 58% total respondents were aware with relationshipbetween the drug and the ADR. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that pharmacystudents of final year in public and private sector universities of Pakistan are aware with somebasic knowledge of ADRs and pharmacovigilance, but it is a need of time to incorporate morecontents of such aspects in curriculum with some practical exposure that how to report ADRs.


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