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Urbanization process that is characterized by radical expansion of urban built up areas and rural urban migration has produced a new type of neighbourhood called Urban Village. In rapidly developing and urbanising countries like India and China, numerous urban villages dot the urban landscape and display typical characteristics of high density housing, migrant settlement, and a deteriorated urban environment. These urban villages are a result of dynamics of land use transformation of agricultural land resulting in an urbanized rural context and population. This research paper discusses some approaches that have been researched to address the sustainable development of urban villages. Sustainable development rests on social, economic and environmental aspects that have been largely ignored in urban planning policies. This research paper compiles the attempt to apply the principles of sustainable development through a multidisciplinary perspective in an undergraduate studio of urban design. The students documented and analysed an urban village, Alipur on Gurgaon Sohna Road in Haryana, through the lens of sustainable development. The proposed interventions pose solutions grounded in social, economic and environmental aspects. This perhaps is an indication that addressing the interconnected layers and issues could generate guidelines for steering urban village towards sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the cryptocurrency adoption (CA) level among Indian retail investors who use cryptocurrency as an investment and mode of transaction. Design/methodology/approach: Through self-administered survey questionnaires, data is collected from 397 retail investors of Haryana (India). This study adopted a quantitative method using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: This paper offered a robust model with a high explanatory value for CA in which four of the five proposed factors of diffusion of innovation theory (trialability, compatibility, complexity and observability) and one of the two proposed factors of consumer behavioral theory (perceived value) significantly influences CA. More specifically, the absence of regulatory support is a barrier to the broad adoption of cryptocurrencies, as its regulations are necessary to mitigate or minimize uncertain outcomes. Research limitations/implications: This research primarily focuses on CA in India. Thus, it can be extended to cover diverse other countries for more precise results. Practical implications: The results provide insights to the government to design the policies, better regulate and make investment strategies that can ultimately enhance CA. In addition, the study's results also inform financial educators, policymakers, employers and academicians about the significance of several variables affecting CA in India. Social implications: From a social standpoint, this study is an advance that directs central banks and governments to develop, regulate and manage digital currencies and implement a digital currency ecosystem. Moreover, the results assist in understanding investors' perceptions and decision-making perspectives toward cryptocurrencies through the country's digitalization. Originality/value: This paper fills the study gap to assist policymakers and cryptocurrency experts in broadening their knowledge base and recognizing prioritized intentions. Additionally, this study provides a theoretical model with the latent variable for a present and pertinent matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Road traffic accident is one of the major avoidable public health problems and is on the rise which can be attributed to increase in the number of vehicles, daily life changes, nasty tendency of violating traffic rules, anarchic traffic system and risky approach. It is a matter of national concern, in view of its extent and gravity and the subsequent negative impacts on the economy, public health and the general wellbeing of the people. The aim of this study was to know the pattern of injuries in victims of fatal road traffic accidents. Material & Method: The present study was a prospective, cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at the tertiary healthcare centre in southern Haryana. Total of 75 cases of fatal road traffic accident cases were enrolled during one year of study period. The basic information about the deceased like age, gender, mode of travel of victim was obtained from investigating officer narration and inquest papers. During autopsy, detailed examination of injuries was carried out and the autopsy findings were recorded and analyzed. Results: It was observed that out of 75 cases male outnumbered female in ratio 5.25:1. Majority of the victims belonged to age group 21-30 year (26.7%). Among the external injuries, abrasions were most common followed by lacerations. It was also observed that majority of the victims had intracranial hemorrhage (60%) followed by rib fracture (41.3%) and 17.3% of the victims had pelvis fracture. Conclusion: From the present study it was concluded that road traffic accidents were more common in the younger age group and two wheeler occupants followed by pedestrians were most vulnerable to road traffic accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the newly developed Decision Support System version 1.0 (DSS v1.0) for air quality management activities in Delhi, India. In addition to standard air quality forecasts, DSS provides the contribution of Delhi, its surrounding districts, and stubble-burning fires in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana to the PM2.5 load in Delhi. DSS also quantifies the effects of local and neighborhood emission-source-level interventions on the pollution load in Delhi. The DSS-simulated Air Quality Index for the post-monsoon and winter seasons of 2021–2022 shows high accuracy (up to 80 %) and a very low false alarm ratio (∼ 20 %) from day 1 to day 5 of the forecasts, especially when the ambient air quality index (AQI) is > 300. During the post-monsoon season (winter season), emissions from Delhi, the rest of the National Capital Region (NCR)'s districts, biomass-burning activities, and all other remaining regions on average contribute 34.4 % (33.4 %), 31 % (40.2 %), 7.3 % (0.1 %), and 27.3 % (26.4 %), respectively, to the PM2.5 load in Delhi. During peak pollution events (stubble-burning periods or wintertime), however, the contribution from the main sources (farm fires in Punjab–Haryana or local sources within Delhi) could reach 65 %–69 %. According to DSS, a 20 % (40 %) reduction in anthropogenic emissions across all NCR districts would result in a 12 % (24 %) reduction in PM2.5 in Delhi on a seasonal mean basis. DSS is a critical tool for policymakers because it provides such information daily through a single simulation with a plethora of emission reduction scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous countries have established local elected governments to improve public goods delivery and reduce information asymmetry between the state and citizens. These governments remain dependent on upper levels for funding which has been found to be influenced by patronage politics and partisan alignment. In this paper, we show that the networks of locally elected officials and bureaucrats determine the allocation of discretionary funds and resources to local governments. Villages whose elected heads reported stronger connections with local bureaucrats were more likely to win a one-time inter-village competition for funds organized by the district administration of Palwal - a district in the North Indian state of Haryana. Locally elected officials in the district also report that bureaucratic connections are at least as necessary as political ties with higher-level politicians to obtain funds for their villages. This centrality of bureaucratic connections can be partly attributed to the institutional design in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper, based on a primary survey, explores the inequalities in access and household investment on the market-based 'supplemental educational services' (SESs) in post-compulsory school education (i.e. secondary level of education) in Haryana, a northern state in India. We find that around 44% of students access SESs in secondary education in Haryana, and it varies considerably across socioeconomic groups such as class, caste and gender. Results from the two-step Heckman selection model suggest that access to and household investment in SESs is significantly determined by household factors and school characteristics. We also find that SESs in Haryana are not homogenous, vary widely in content delivery and private costs. Nearly 56% of the students (mainly from socio-economically underprivileged groups) attend the low-cost and low-quality private tuition centres, while their better-off counterparts attend the more organised medium- and high-cost tuition services, and this widens the already existing inequality in educational opportunities in the state. The study suggests to stringently regulate the flourishing commercial SESs market to minimise growing educational inequality in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the sociological dimensions of interest rates on non-institutional loans among farmers in Haryana state. The universal challenge of debt negatively impacts farmers' livelihoods and agricultural sustainability creating a cycle that hinders investment in modern farming technologies and sustainable practices. In the agrarian landscape of Haryana, where farming is a predominant occupation, access to credit is crucial for sustaining agricultural activities. However, many farmers resort to borrowing from non-institutional sources due to various reasons such as limited access to formal credit institutions, bureaucratic hurdles, and urgent financial needs. Non-institutional loans often come with exorbitant interest rates, leading to a multitude of social and economic implications for the farming community. The research supports for comprehensive measures, including risk mitigation strategies, enhanced credit access, minimum support prices and sustainable agricultural policies, to break the cycle of farmer debt and ensure the well-being of those crucial to our food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the relevance of Marxian class analysis to understand the changing nature of agrarian classes under capital‐intensive agriculture. It is a methodological exercise that builds on Patnaik's labour exploitation index (E‐criterion) in three major respects to construct a new index, namely, the Modified Labour Exploitation Index (MEI), to differentiate peasant classes. First and most important, it incorporates the role of mechanisation, which, so far, has been ignored in the methodological attempts to differentiate within the peasantry. Second, it underscores the importance of non‐agricultural (and non‐rural) bases of simple reproduction in the countryside by incorporating hired‐out labour by agricultural households to the non‐agricultural sector into the classification criteria. Finally, it makes surplus labour exploited through land leasing empirically testable by using Marx's differential and absolute rent to differentiate between subsistence and commercial leasing. The new index is then empirically tested using primary data collected from rural Haryana, India. The paper argues that MEI is an effective criterion for understanding changing class dynamics, the shifting modes of the livelihood of the poor peasantry and the largely hidden accumulation processes in agrarian societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of the physio-chemical properties of milk from three different buffalo breeds in Haryana, namely Murrah, Nilli-Ravi, and Surti. The study aimed to evaluate various parameters including fat content, solid not fat (SNF), total solids, protein content, density, lactose content, titratable acidity, freezing point, pH, and specific gravity. A total of 60 buffaloes, 20 from each breed, were selected for the study, and milk samples were collected twice a day, in the morning and evening. The analysis revealed significant differences among the three buffalo breeds in terms of their milk composition. The Murrah breed exhibited the highest fat content (8.02), while the Nilli-Ravi had the lowest (8.14). For SnF values, Murrah shows highest values of 9.41 and Surti buffalo shows lowest 8.78. Similarly, variations were observed in other parameters across different breeds. These results can assist in breed selection for improved milk production, processing, and product development. Furthermore, the data obtained can serve as a valuable resource for dairy industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and researchers in the field of dairy science and technology. Future studies could explore the relationship between physio-chemical properties and milk yield, as well as investigating the impact of these variations on the processing and quality of dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-regional marriages in rural Haryana, driven by skewed sex ratios, have led to a pattern where women from distant regions and diverse cultural backgrounds, such as ethnic Assamese, Bengalis, or Biharis, are married into local Haryanvi families. This practice echoes broader trends witnessed across East and Southeast Asia. Transcending traditional notions of the family as a culturally sanctioned social network centred on biological and matrimonial ties, these cross-regional unions challenge conventional norms and societal fabric. This paper contends that the marginalization and stigma experienced by these migrant brides severely undermine their children’s future opportunities. Through semi-structured interviews with 24 migrant brides, the study identifies significant concerns related to their children’s educational attainment, social acceptance, marriage prospects, mental well-being, socialization, and overall life potential. The findings indicate that these children face substantial barriers to realizing their full potential due to inadequate familial support and pervasive societal biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 2000s, some Indian states started allowing private traders to buy directly from farmers outside the state-regulated market system. The experience of these states can shed light on the impact of market-oriented reforms and the role of public procurement. Using individual-level National Sample Survey Data on agricultural wages and a new dataset on state-level average real farm income per cultivator for 18 major Indian states between 1987–2012, this paper shows, using both a difference-in-difference and a triple difference framework, that marketing reforms alone did not contribute to higher farm incomes and agricultural wages. However, when these reforms were coupled with public procurement at the minimum support price, farm incomes and agricultural wages significantly improved. Our results suggest that market-reforms and public procurement at minimum support prices were complements which together contributed to raising rural incomes in states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) is the application of elastic adhesive tape to the skin without any tension over the target area. NMT has demonstrated the ability to induce a dilation effect on underlying body tissues, leading to pain relief, improved lymphatic flow, and increased vascularity. The outcomes of the present study will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of NMT in alleviating sensorimotor symptoms associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN).Aim: To assess the effectiveness of NMT in addition to conventional treatment among patients with DPN. Materials and Methods: This pilot feasibility trial was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of 12 participants were recruited and were divided into two groups: Experimental Group (EG) (n=6) and Control Group (CG) (n=6). An 8-weeks physiotherapy intervention was given. EG group received NMT on bilateral tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus muscles and transverse arch of foot and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the course of bilateral tibial and peroneal nerves. CG received sham taping and TENS as EG group. Patients were assessed for pre and post intervention using the outcomes; Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms (LANSS) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) of tibial, peroneal and sural nerves. Results: There was significant improvement in the LAANS scores; p=0.03 and NCV tibial right; p=0.01, NCV tibial left; p=0.01, NCV peroneal right; p=0.04 and NCV peroneal left; p=0.03, NCV sural right; p= 0.03 and NCV sural left; p= 0.01 at p>0.05. Conclusion: The present study suggested that NMT in conjunction with conventional treatment can be an effective approach for managing sensorimotor symptoms of DPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to discern the primary obstacles confronted by the implementing agencies in their efforts to foster financial inclusion through the "Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana" (PMMY). Design/methodology/approach: To collect primary data, a semi-structured questionnaire was developed. Around 120 loan officers from the implementing agencies (Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro- Finance Institutions (MFIs)) of Haryana were randomly selected to fulfill the objectives. To categorize the perceived problems into discrete factors, the "factor analysis" technique was employed. The scales were then regressed on factors linked to the demographic characteristics of the loan officers to validate the hypotheses. Findings: The study highlighted the primary obstacles impeding the advancement of financial inclusion, which encompass a range of factors. These include challenges in management, infrastructure, politics, finance and technology. Furthermore, the study established the association of the explanatory variables, namely gender, age, educational qualification, location and experience of the officers, with the extracted constraints. Notably, the experience of loan officers emerged as the most influential variable contributing to the promotion of financial inclusion through the scheme. Originality/value: The current body of literature lacks any empirical investigation focusing on the perspectives of the implementing agencies regarding the challenges they encounter in advancing FI. Given the significance of FI in India, where access to formal financial services remains a critical issue, this research adds value by addressing the gaps in understanding the problems encountered. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0462 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hernia surgery is one of the commonly done procedures in General surgery. A hernia is defined as an abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through a defect in its surrounding walls. Aims and Objectives: Comparison of morbidity in terms of total analgesic usage, mean length of hospital stay, comparison among open and TEP repair of hernias in primary inguinal hernias among males. Material and Methods: This study was done on 80 patients with clinical diagnosis of primary inguinal hernia over a period of one year to compare the result of two surgeries, open lichenstein repair (n=40) and TEP repair (n=40). Results: Postoperative pain using VAS was found to be lower in patients having laparoscopic TEP hernia repair when compared to open lichenstein tension free repair (p <0.01). Operating time was observed to be more with TEP group with mean of 59 ± 17.02 minutes compared with open group which had mean of 44.92±12 minutes. Mean number of analgesic in open cases was 6.65 ± 1.81 whereas in case of TEP group it was 4.35±1.47 over a period of one month. Conclusion: Lichtenstein tension free mesh hernioplasty still remains the gold standard operation done for inguinal hernia. TEP repair has proven to be superior in terms of perioperative hemorrhage and post-operative analgesia requirement. Study concluded that laparoscopic TEP repair of inguinal repair have a considerable clinical advantage over open hernia repair in terms of postoperative pain and analgesia requirement, hospital stay and postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify the determinants of adopting financial technology (FinTech) in Haryana (India). Further, the authors also compare the behavioural intention among male and female respondents to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the adoption of FinTech. Design/methodology/approach: The current study contains two cross-sectional surveys about males and females. Study M is completed with (333) males, and Study F is conducted on (317) female users towards FinTech adoption. This study used "Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM)" for data analysis. Findings: The outcomes indicate that in both (Studies M and F), perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use substantially impact attitude and behavioural intention. Moreover, the results show that perceived value significantly influences, while perceived risks insignificantly influence behavioural intention. Surprisingly, relative advantage (in Study M) and trialability (in Study F) has insignificant impact on behavioural intention. Further, the outcomes also confirm that in both studies (M and F), attitude and behavioural intention substantially influence the actual use of FinTech. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the preliminary research on FinTech to inspect the role of gender in the technology adoption process. The adoption difference between males and females and the insightful result that the authors found help shed light on the uniqueness of the context. This study is also one of the initial to test three credible technology determinant theories and then offer a robust model for the actual use of FinTech that is to be used by both practitioners and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa) is an obligate root parasitic plant that is known to infest many important crops. It is emerging as a serious biotic threat for Brassica juncea cultivation in India. There is very limited information available about broomrape species and its infestation in B. juncea. Hence, the present study encompassed a comprehensive five-year field survey spanning from 2018 to 2023 of 47 different B. juncea fields in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana in India. The level of broomrape infestation varied from season to season and field to field. In the B. juncea fields, broomrape with blue/violet color corolla, along with occasionally white color type were also noticed. The hairy anther, corolla shape and use of mitochondrial DNA-specific molecular markers revealed that both these broomrape types belong to Phelipanche ramosa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that P. ramosa seeds have varying shapes and seed coat have fibrillar periclinal cell wall. In addition to all the known host species for P. ramosa till date, we also identified a new host, a wild Brassicaceae weed species; Lepidium didymum in Haryana. The presence of an alternative weed host may help P. ramosa survive even in the absence of major crop host species. Overall, the present study revealed some insights into the P. ramosa-B. juncea host-parasite complex and its effect on B. juncea which could be further investigated in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poisoning is acknowledged as a significant contributing factor to deaths in most of the low-income and middle income countries. Even though poisoning is regarded as a global burden, different parts of the world may experience different types of poisoning. For the purpose of creating and implementing appropriate policies to address this acknowledged public health issue, it is imperative to understand the epidemiology of poisoning cases in a given area. Material & Method: The present study was a retrospective study of poisoning deaths that were brought for medico legal autopsy at a tertiary care facility in southern Haryana between January 2018 and December 2023. A total of 264 medico legal autopsies for poisoning deaths were performed during the study period. Relevant information and subjective data like age, gender, marital status & occupation have been collected from medico legal autopsy register from January 2018 to December 2023. Results: It was observed that out of 264 cases female outnumbered male in ratio 1.3:1. Majority of the victims belonged to the second and third decade of life. Married couples were more vulnerable and the majority of the victims (64.77%) had accidentally consumed poison. Conclusion: The epidemiology of poisoning is highlighted in the study, which shows that poisoning fatalities accounted for almost 30% of total autopsies. Since the region is heavily dependent on agriculture, to control deaths caused by poisoning awareness programs should be implemented vigorously to educate and nurture the character of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haryana is primarily an agrarian state. The existing studies of earthworm diversity in Haryana are restricted mostly to the trans-Gangetic plains of eastern Haryana. To explore the diversity in central Haryana, the present study was conducted at six different sites of Tehsil Gohana of District Sonipat in Haryana, India. A total of eight species belonging to three different families were recorded from six different sites. Metaphire posthuma, Metaphire planta, Lampito mauritii and Perionyx excavatus belong to the family Megascolecidae. Three species viz., Eutyphoeus orientalis, Eutyphoeus incommodus, and Octochaetona beatrix, belong to the family Octochaetidae and Pontoscolex corethrurus belongs to the family Glossoscolecidae. Pontoscolex corethrurus, Perionynx excavitus and Eutyphoeus orientalis are the first record. Present findings reveal the first record of three species, namely, Pontoscolex corethrurus, Perionynx excavitus and Eutyphoeus orientalis, belonging to the family Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae and Octochaetidae, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to measure the profitability of spice crops, their marketing channels, marketing efficiency, and price spread effects. The study was based on a field survey of 320 spice farmers of Haryana state in India carried out between 2020 and 2021. The authors presented analytical purposes, compound growth rate, cost–benefit ratio, marketing channels, marketing efficiency and price spread effect. The growth of area and production of spice crops is not very strong compared to the profitability of spice crops. Cost–benefit ratio shows that spice crops are more profitable than traditional crops for farmers. However, due to high cost of cultivation, volatile prices, and fear of crop failure, area under spices cultivation is very small. Price spread effect is very high in channel I and II. The majority of farmers adopted inefficient marketing channel (low price for producer and high price for consumer) due to lack of storage facility and weak financial health. The role of government is important for protecting the rights of producers as well as consumers. Mediators' role should be minimized by government policy in the marketing of spice crops in Haryana so that farmers can charge the right price for their spice crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study deals with water quality (WQ) assessment season-wise ionic concentration in the Mewat district of Haryana, India. A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected, 12 each for the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons of 2016, to know the status of WQ for drinking and irrigation purposes. Piper, Durov, and Gibbs plots were used to find out the water type and the factors controlling the chemistry of groundwater, respectively. Piper diagram reveals that Ca-Cl and mixed Ca–Mg-C1 typed water during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post monsoon season's where- Na-Cl water type indicates salinity problem. Gibb's plot depicted that the weathering of rocks is the major reason behind the ionic chemistry of the groundwater. Water Quality Index (WQI) has been calculated to know the overall WQ based on physico-chemical parameters estimated for this study. It was found that Na+ concentration was dominant among cations and Cl- among anions. Moreover, irrigation indices (KR, RSC, P.I, Cl–/HCO3–,SAR, and Na%) represent that majority of the groundwater samples during pre-monsoon (PRM) season were suitable for agricultural purposes but in monsoon (MON) and post monsoon (POM) season majority of samples lie in an unsuitable zone. The groundwater in the study region presents a high risk of salinization. Using the baseline data generated through this work, there is an immediate need for carrying out a detailed study to address the groundwater issues, understand salinity mechanisms, expansion of salinization in the fresh water aquifers and to suggest suitable management and remedial measures. Extension of this work is being carried out in the form of a purpose driven study under the National Hydrology Project aided by the World Bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure water sustainability, alarming levels of water scarcity across the globe is a critical issue warranting urgent address. The present study aims to bring to light the perception of farmers regarding water conservation and management practices from the selected five districts of the Haryana region of India. By analyzing the responses of 125 farmers, collected through a self-administered questionnaire, the impact of socio-demographic factors, current irrigation system, and cost-benefit perception of the farmers was studied on water conservation and management practices. Using ordinal regression analysis, the study revealed that the cost-benefit perception of the farmers, viz. willingness to pay an additional price for canal water and an increase in the availability of water due to canal lining, are the major factors responsible for undertaking conservation and sustainability measures. Further, socio-demographic variables such as age and education also influence water conservation behavior. The study recommends vital policy reforms and initiatives for efficient water use and management to resolve the grave concern of scarcity of usable water. The present study is unique in its suggestion of a comprehensive water conservation and management framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TB diagnosis has been simplified in India following advances in available diagnostic tools. This facilitates private doctors' "patient first" approach toward early diagnosis; however, costs remain high. India's NTEP established a TB diagnostic network, which is free for patients and incentivizes private doctors to participate. Drawing from this context led to the design and implementation of the One-Stop TB Diagnostic Solution model, which was conducted in the Hisar district, Haryana, allowing specimens from presumptive TB patients from private doctors to be collected and tested as per NTEPs diagnostic algorithm. A subset of data pertaining to private doctors was analyzed for the project period. Qualitative data were also collected by interviewing doctors using a snowball method to capture doctors' perception about the model. Out of 1159 specimens collected from 60 facilities, MTB was detected in 32% and rifampicin resistance was detected in 7% specimens. All specimens went through the diagnostic algorithm. Thirty doctors interviewed were satisfied with the services offered and were appreciative of the program that implements this "patient centric" model. Results from implementation indicate the need to strengthen private diagnostics through a certification process to ensure provision of quality TB diagnostic services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article demonstrates how new media technologies remediate traditional cinematic modes of stardom, specifically in and through small towns in India. Through two case studies, it explores registers of stardom that have emerged through the short video sharing app TikTok – both on the platform and in its filmic renditions. The first case looks at the cinematic construct of a TikTok star, which fuels the formal and narrative force of the 2019 film Bala (dir. Amar Kaushik). Bala illustrates how cinema can self-reflexively interweave traditional tropes with new media technologies. The second case features a 'real-life' TikTok star and political aspirant who brings into focus the political and electoral valence of TikTok stardom in the town of Adampur, Haryana. The cinematic is central to this narrative, where cinephilic nostalgia indicates a shared cultural intimacy between the political candidate and her followers and helps further her political ambitions. While the real TikTok star, Sonali Phogat, directly addresses her constituency, lip-syncing to old movie songs in 15-second videos, her reel counterparts pay homage to their cine-ancestors, 15 seconds at a time. In a setting where 'the star' has traditionally been understood through the prism of cinema, this article brings to light shifting registers invoked through the platformisation of the star and the cinematic in small town India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted with the aim of examining the most relevant constraints, challenges, and experiences of RAS fish farmers in the state of Haryana state of India. Over the course of a year, extensive surveys were conducted among 20 RAS farms in various districts of the Haryana Region, i.e., Ambala, Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Gurgaon, Hisar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Rohtak, Rewari, and Sonipat. These farmers were interviewed face to face using a questionnaire that combined closed- and open-ended questions to gather valuable insight. The results revealed several common constraints faced by RAS farmers in Haryana. The most significant challenges that farmers faced included disease outbreaks (50%), seed quality issues (45%), lack of knowledge about RAS (35%), and misguidance (5%). Additionally, farmers reported difficulties in seed transportation (10%), and approximately 70% of the farmers emphasized the critical need for specialized training in RAS operations. Moreover, 50% of the farmers considered the lack of information regarding suitable fish species for RAS to be a major problem. In terms of RAS equipment, drum filters (35%) and MBBR media (30%) were the most common malfunctioning components for fish farmers, while 55% of the farmers experienced no default in their RAS systems. Moreover, this research revealed that Haryana farmers are interested in the adoption of RAS technology and are interested in a prototype farm with professional guidance to promote its adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The ladybird beetles of Scymninae, a subfamily of Coccinellidae are efficient biocontrol agents. Many earlier studies document their protective role associated with many crops. This subfamily is represented by 5 tribes, 15 genera and 138 species in the Indian subcontinent. However there is no scientific record of taxonomic description of the subfamily Scymninae within the Coccinellidae family of beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) in Haryana, India. In the present study, seven species from three genera and two tribes of sub-family Scymninae i.e. Nephus (Bipunctatus) bipunctatus (Kugelann, 1794), Nephus regularis (Sicard), Scymnus (Pullus) coccivora Ramakrishna Ayyar, 1925, Scymnus (Pullus) latemaculatus Motschulsky, Scymnus (Scymnus) nubilus Mulsant, Scymnus (Pullus) posticalis Sicard and Stethorus aptus Kapur were identified. It included the generation of keys to the tribes, genera, subgenera and species found during the study. It provided detailed taxonomy of the identified species based on various morphological characteristics such as coxal lines, antennae, mandibles, and male and female genitalia. This study marks the first taxonomic exploration of species within the Scymninae subfamily in Haryana, India. It will significantly contribute to understanding the biodiversity of beetles in the region and will lay the groundwork for further research and conservation initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campuses of educational institutions in India serve as important reservoirs for different faunal components, including ecologically sensitive species like butterflies. To record the diversity, status, and occurrence of butterfly fauna in Kurukshetra University Campus, Haryana, a year-long survey was done from July 2021 to June 2022. A total of 710 individuals of butterflies belonging to 39 species, 32 genera, and five families were recorded. Nymphalidae represented the highest diversity with 13 species followed by Lycaenidae (11 species), Pieridae (10 species), Papilionidae (3 species), and Hesperiidae (2 species). The number of individuals encountered was maximum in family Pieridae (n = 158) while the minimum was in family Hesperiidae (n = 4). Species richness, abundance, and diversity differed significantly (P <0.05) across the different seasons. Species richness was recorded to be the highest in summer season (35 species) followed by monsoon, post monsoon, and winter. Among the recorded species, one species, i.e., Common Baron Euthelia aconthea is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act (2022). The findings of the present study support the importance of the higher educational institution campuses in providing valuable habitat and resources for butterflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health awareness days are dedicated to raising awareness regarding health issues and encouraging individuals to take preventative measures to improve their health. Mass media, including television, radio, print, and internet platforms, may significantly spread information and promote health awareness days to a large audience. It can contribute to increasing public knowledge, facilitating behaviour change, and encouraging individuals to take action towards better health. For this study, an interview schedule was conducted in four sub-divisions of the Gurgaon District of Haryana, and 400 respondents were administered the questionnaire. 76% of the respondents are keen on knowing all health days listed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI. Further, 38.2% of the respondents would prefer online news as a mass media medium to know about health awareness days. Health awareness days can play a critical role in increasing the respondents' knowledge about disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conducting a study in rural pre-dominant areas will help to understand the penetration of the vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 health crisis. This study aimed to investigate vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among the rural adult population in India and to identify factors associated with vaccination coverage. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural population in one district of north India from January to February 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed on the SurveyMonkey digital platform for interviewing the participants, which consisted of questions related to socio-demographic profile, health problems, vaccination status, types of vaccine, re-infection after vaccination, and functional difficulties. The data regarding infection with COVID-19 was collected based on self-reported positive testing for SARS-CoV 2 on RT-PCR. Findings: A total of 3700 eligible individuals were enumerated for the survey, out of which 2954 (79.8%) were interviewed. The infection rate of past COVID-19 infection, based on self-report of testing positive, was 6.2% (95%CI: 5.3–7.1). Covishield vaccine was received by most participants (81.3%, 2380) followed by Covaxin (12.3%, 361) and Pfizer manufactured vaccine (0.03,1). The coverage for first, second, and booster doses of the vaccine was 98.2% (2902), 94.8% (2802), and 10.7% (315) respectively. The risk of reinfection at 12 months or more among participants with two doses of vaccine was 1.6% (46/2802, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1). The coverage among those with severe functional difficulties was lesser as compared to those with some or no difficulties. Interpretation: Vaccination coverage against COVID-19 in rural Haryana, India is not dependent on factors like gender or occupation but is dependent on age and education. Although the full and partial vaccination coverage is high, the booster dose coverage is poor. In addition, the presence of severe disability was significantly associated with reduced vaccination coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate English language anxiety among Mewat female ESL learners and the causes and sources of anxiety. It also seeks to investigate if the differences in their demographic profiles shape their anxiety levels differently. As the study deals with how certain independent variables (e.g. level/year of study, parents’ educational level, and their employment profile) shape the dependent variable (English language anxiety), a descriptive quantitative approach was adopted, and the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale developed by Horwitz et al. (1986) was utilized to collect the data from respondents. 214 study participants were selected through a simple random sampling method from the population of undergraduate ESL learners studying at different levels of the graduate program at Government Women’s College, Nuh, Mewat, Haryana, India. The findings revealed that the study respondents experience moderate levels of anxiety. However, their anxiety levels differ concerning different aspects/sources of anxiety. Communicative anxiety is the highest followed by classroom anxiety, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation respectively. One-way ANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the means of the responses of study participants based on level/year of study and parents' educational level. However, no difference of any statistical significance was found in the means of the response of the respondents based on their parents' professional profiles. The study findings would be useful in addressing anxiety, understanding its causes and consequences, and uncovering ways to help students overcome anxiety and learn English properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the banking sector in Haryana from 2007 to 2022. The study is based on secondary data. The number of bank branches, deposits, and credits in the state are just a few economic indicators covered in the Statistical Abstract of Haryana. The compound growth rate is calculated to assess the growth of a bank. The findings reveal a consistent rising trend in bank branches, credit and deposits of commercial banks. Notable trends include increasing bank branches, a surge in deposits and robust credit growth, indicating a dynamic and thriving banking sector. The Credit-Deposit ratio gradually increased from 2007 to 2011, reaching a peak in 2012 at 102.10%. The overall number of bank offices has increased dramatically due to the state's growing financial sector. The steady expansion in bank branches indicates a sustained effort to improve accessibility and financial inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the awareness of young girls and women about menstruation and menstrual hygiene from rural, urban and slum areas of Gurugram and Nuh district of Haryana. Acomparative cross-sectional study. The study was conducted among 240 young women of Gurugram and Nuh districts in Haryana, India, which were chosen on the basis of the female literacy rate of districts in Haryana. A pre-designed semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the data. The data was analysed using MS-Excel. Chi-square test, correlation and paired t-test were used as statistical tools to analyse the data. It was noticed that awareness regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene was found low in Nuh (43.3%) and moderate in Gurugram (42.5%). Level of knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene was found poor among respondents (84.2% from Nuh & 49.2% from Gurugram). Women from Gurugram practiced good menstrual hygiene practices (40.0%) whereas women from Nuh practiced poor menstrual hygiene practices (45.8%). Level of restrictions and myths related to menstruation was high among respondents from Nuh as compared to women from Gurugram. Women still lack sufficient awareness about this important bodily phenomenon, which leads to a variety of unsanitary menstrual practises and misunderstandings regarding menstruation. Through education programmes, young women's knowledge of menstruation and its significance in their lives can be increased. It was recommended that awareness programmes about menstruation and menstrual hygiene should be held in rural and underdeveloped areas so that young girls and women from these areas may appropriately manage their periods and have better reproductive health. Myths and taboos regarding menstruation should be debunked by making people aware about the logical facts of these myths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius plays a major role in the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem and is very specific in selecting roosting sites. The present study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2022 to document the occurrence of roosting colonies, the roosting sites and the population characteristics of P. medius in Kurukshetra district, Haryana. Of the 10 roosting sites identified in four tehsils of Kurukshetra district, 60% were located close to water sources, 20% were near agricultural fields, and the remaining sites were in roadside plantations. Eight roosting sites were observed to be permanent and two were temporary. A total of 233 trees belonging to seven families, eight genera, and nine species were identified as roost trees for this species. Our survey results show that P. medius preferred (77.42%) roosting majorly on trees of the Myrtaceae family (Eucalyptus), while very few individuals (0.5%) were recorded on Phoenix dactylifera. A positive Pearson correlation between the population of the roosting bats and the roost tree characteristics such as height (r = 0.320, p <0.001), dbh (r = 0.226, p <0.001), and circumference (r = 0.293, p <0.001) was also observed. The findings of the current study revealed that P. medius prefers to roost on tall trees with large diameters at breast height, located near water bodies and agricultural fields. Protecting such large and tall trees would benefit the conservation of roosting sites of this species and its populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though millets are nutritionally superior to popular cereals like rice and wheat in terms of various nutrients, the consumption of rice and wheat is higher than that of millets. The present study was undertaken to understand the attitude, preference and consumption patterns of millets among young adults. The study participants were young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 years pursuing studies in various disciplines in Delhi and Haryana. Data regarding the preference, attitude, reasons for consumption, frequency and forms of millet consumption among young adults were collected using a Google questionnaire through WhatsApp and 700 responses were received. It was found that 82 per cent of the participants were aware of millet products available in the market and approximately 66 per cent considered millet superior to wheat and rice. Bajra, jowar and ragi were the most popular millets among them. The majority of respondents considered millets to be good for health and were aware of their nutritional benefits. Lack of knowledge about the preparation methods, being the only one in the household consuming millets, unacceptable taste and long preparation time were identified as factors responsible for not consuming millets. Roti/bread, khichadi, porridge, dosa, ready-to-eat foods and beverages were some of the popular preparations consumed by the respondents. Additionally, the majority of respondents considered millets to be environmentally sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]