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This research examines the transmission dynamics of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 using SEIQIcRVW and SQIRV models, considering the delay in converting susceptible individuals into infected ones. The significant delays eventually resulted in the pandemic's containment. To ensure the safety of the host population, this concept integrates quarantine and the COVID-19 vaccine. We investigate the stability of the proposed models. The fundamental reproduction number influences stability conditions. According to our findings, asymptomatic cases considerably impact the prevalence of Omicron infection in the community. The real data of the Omicron variant from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is used to validate the outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanitarian supply chains (HSC) have vital significance in mitigating different disruptive supply chain risks caused due to natural or man-made activities such as tsunami, earthquakes, flooding, warfare, or the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Each kind of disaster poses a unique set of challenges to the operationalization of HSC. This study attempts to determine the critical barriers to the operationalization of HSC in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, we determined and validated 10 critical barriers to HSC operationalization through a Delphi method. Further, we analyzed the barriers by computing the driving and dependence power of each barrier to determine the most critical ones. To do so, we coined a distinct form of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) by amalgamating it with the neutrosophic approach, i.e. Neutrosophic ISM. The findings indicate, "lack of Government subsidies and support, lack of skilled and experienced rescuers, and lack of technology usage" are the most critical barriers that influence the streamline operations of HSC during the COVID-19 outbreak, unlike other disruptions. This is the first-of-its-kind research work that has identified and analyzed the critical barriers to HSC operationalization during COVID-19 in the Indian context. The results and recommendations of the study can aid policymakers and HSC professionals in formulating suitable strategies for successful HSC operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The procurement of food grains from farmers is one of the biggest challenges under the COVID-19 outbreak due to country-wise lockdowns. The present study aims to reconfigure the existing food grain supply chain network. The study advances the extant literature by proposing a novel mathematical model that considers the government guidelines issued to procure food grains from farmers under the COVID-19 situation. The model includes personal distancing, a key parameter relevant in the COVID-19 crisis, and has remained unaddressed in the existing literature. The proposed model is tested in India. The effect of different parameters like personal distancing cost, carbon emission cost, fixed cost, and transportation cost is also investigated under a given set of procurement centers. Finally, the procurement schedule for each procurement center is generated, which is especially useful for managing its activities and is also helpful to farmers to streamline the process. Results indicate that the proposed model is highly effective under pandemic emergencies like the current COVID-19 crisis. Policymakers and the government will find this model helpful in drafting relevant policies regarding food grain procurement under emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak. The distribution segment of the supply chain network is not part of the present research work. In future studies, this part could be then added to the whole of the procurement process, and both procurement and distribution can be assessed together again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected vulnerable households' livelihoods in developing countries. Using high-frequency phone survey data from the World Bank, we assess rural Indian households' vulnerability and poverty status during the pandemic. Results reveal that over three-fifths of Indian rural households are vulnerable to poverty in the context of COVID-19, despite India's evident progress in mitigating poverty in the pre-pandemic era. Poverty plays a major role in accounting for variations in household vulnerability; however, the impact of risks on household welfare is not negligible. On average, households with more members, older household heads, and more outmigrants are more vulnerable to poverty during the pandemic. The impacts of the gender of the household head, access to masks, consumption loans, and COVID-related information are nevertheless insignificant. Results stress the urgent necessity of deploying concerted interventions to strengthen household vulnerability in rural India., Competing Interests: The author has declared that no competing interests exist. The opinions expressed and arguments employed in this paper are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the organization that the author is affiliated with., (Copyright: © 2024 Junyan Tian. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

This paper analyses findings of the 'PROWELLMIGRANTS' 2 project, which qualitatively investigated COVID-19 impacts on migrants' well-being and mental health in Kerala, India. It draws on a novel conceptual framework that combines assemblage-thinking with theories of social contracts in disasters. The paper first explores how past development processes and contemporary migration policies in Kerala, and India more widely, generated conditions of vulnerability for migrant workers in Kerala prior to the pandemic. Next it shows that Government of Kerala interventions, in some cases supported by the central Government of India, temporarily addressed these vulnerabilities during the pandemic. In acknowledging the helpful response of the Kerala government, we problematise its stance on migrant workers during 'normal' times and speculate that permanently addressing these conditions of vulnerability would be a more logical approach. We acknowledge this involves overcoming many wider barriers. Thus, the paper also contains national-level policy implications., (© 2023 The Authors. Disasters published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of ODI.)

Purpose: The COVID-19 situation affected the whole landscape of retailing in India and around the world. However, some businesses have used the pandemic-related difficulties into opportunities. E-tailing is one of the ways that helped people in India to continue shopping their essential products and choosing their luxury products without making any physical visits during the lockdown. This research understands the current situation through an observation study and suggests the e-tailing model suitable during the COVID-19 and beyond. Design/methodology: We used secondary data to make the observational study. We also conducted two case studies and interviews with grocery shops and an automotive company. Findings: This research suggests a simple collaborative e-tailing model combining all supply chain players to reduce people's movement, timely delivery and enhanced service to meet customers demand during the lockdown period. Originality/value: This paper has considered two real cases for discussion and also obtained information from public domain. The proposed model has been discussed with the case companies, and it hoped to support business planning for online services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine the relationship between foreign ownership and stock return volatility and second, to explore how COVID-19 impacts such a relationship. Design/methodology/approach: This empirical research is based on the non-financial firms of the BSE-100 index over the 2013–2022 period. The ordinary least squares, fixed effects and system GMM (Generalized method of moment) techniques are used to analyze the effect of oversea investors on stock return volatility. Findings: Results indicate an inverse association between foreign ownership and stock return volatility. The outcomes of the pre-and during-COVID-19 period show a negative but insignificant relationship between foreign ownership and stock return volatility. These results reflect foreign investors sold their stocks pessimistically, which badly affected the Indian stock market. Originality/value: This study enriches the previous literature by exploring the impact of foreign investors on the stock return volatility of Indian firms. To date, no study has captured the impact of foreign ownership on stock return volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0179 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the investment decisions of Indian equity mutual funds during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic with monthly portfolio holdings. We find that funds favoured firms with lower risk, higher financial flexibility, and larger size during the early months of the pandemic. The preference for relatively low-risk firms, which reverses later, suggests a reallocation towards safer assets. Funds also preferred growth firms to value firms as the latter with greater invested capital are more vulnerable to the shock. Institutional investors also favoured group-affiliated firms throughout, reflecting their lower crisis vulnerability. We find that the stocks preferred by funds during the pandemic outperform others in the long run. The paper brings out key firm characteristics that impact mutual fund asset allocation during extreme uncertainty. [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 COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on societies worldwide, challenging governments to respond swiftly and effectively to mitigate its impact. India, with its vast population and complex healthcare landscape, faced unique challenges in formulating and implementing a pandemic response strategy. The article examines India's policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the valuable lessons it offers for shaping a more resilient and prepared society in a post-COVID world. It provides a comprehensive analysis of India's multifaceted approach to managing the pandemic, highlighting key elements such as lockdowns, testing and contact tracing, healthcare infrastructure, vaccination drives, and economic relief measures. By delving into both the successes and shortcomings of these policies, it seeks to extract valuable insights for policymakers and public health officials globally. As the world transitions into a post-COVID era, the lessons learned from India's experience offer a roadmap for building stronger healthcare systems, improving disaster preparedness, and enhancing social safety nets. The article underscores the importance of proactive governance, community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and international collaboration in the face of global health crises. The paper demonstrates that India's journey through the pandemic provides a wealth of knowledge that can inform policy development, foster greater resilience, and help societies better navigate the uncertainties of a post-COVID world. By reflecting on the successes and challenges of India's response, this article offers actionable insights for shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and prepared society in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, NeuralProphet (NP), an explainable hybrid modular framework, enhances the forecasting performance of pandemics by adding two neural network modules; auto-regressor (AR) and lagged-regressor (LR). An advanced deep auto-regressor neural network (Deep-AR-Net) model is employed to implement these two modules. The enhanced NP is optimized via AdamW and Huber loss function to perform multivariate multi-step forecasting contrast to Prophet. The models are validated with COVID-19 time-series datasets. The NP's efficiency is studied component-wise for a long-term forecast for India and an overall reduction of 60.36% and individually 34.7% by AR-module, 53.4% by LR-module in MASE compared to Prophet. The Deep-AR-Net model reduces the forecasting error of NP for all five countries, on average, by 49.21% and 46.07% for short-and-long-term, respectively. The visualizations confirm that forecasting curves are closer to the actual cases but significantly different from Prophet. Hence, it can develop a real-time decision-making system for highly infectious diseases., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This paper attempts to estimate long-run forecasting of Indian GDP for the post-COVID period using the factor error correction model (FECM). The model builds on a dynamic factor model that directly and indirectly captures many dimensions affecting the cycles of GDP. The availability of big data enables the extraction of a few common factors from large dimensions, which essentially produces better precision in forecasting estimates. We first extract leading factors and then add proxy policy variables to establish their long-run relationship with the GDP which produces insignificant in-sample bias. The estimated long-run relationship has been employed to predict GDP for 2022–35. We found three major dynamic factors that capture 80% of variations from 56 quarterly variables of the Indian economy. These three factors with their four lags and four exogenous policy instruments have been included in the FECM model for forecasting estimation. We find that the real GDP is expected to grow at 4–8% annually, depending upon the actual realisation of external shocks and policies. The expected rise in temperature and oil prices seems to be dampening the growth. Whereas, the institutional reforms for making more effective public investment and the currency digitalisation that reduces cash requirements could play an expansionary role. If the oil price and the temperature remain at the current level, the growth rate can go closer to approximately 8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unexpected and sudden spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has opened up many scopes for researchers in the fields of biotechnology, health care, educational sectors, agriculture, manufacturing, service sectors, marketing, finance, etc. Hence, the researchers are concerned to study, analyze and predict the impact of infection of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many fields, particularly the stock markets in the financial sector. In this paper, we have proposed an econometric approach and stochastic approach to analyze the stochastic nature of stock price before and during a COVID-19-specific pandemic period. For our study, we considered the BSE SENSEX INDEX closing pricing data from the Bombay Stock Exchange for the period before and during COVID-19. We have applied the statistical tools, namely descriptive statistics for testing the normal distribution of data, unit root test for testing the stationarity, and GARCH and stochastic model for measuring the risk, also investigated drift and volatility (or diffusion) coefficients of the stock price SDE by using R Environment software and formulated the 95% confidence level bound with the help of 500 times simulations. Finally, the results have been obtained from these methods and simulations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a rich narrative on the new dynamics of organizing among informal workers wherein citizenship claims rather labour rights become the basis for negotiation. However, putting citizenship claims at the centre puts migrants at a relative disadvantage. Migrants share their vulnerabilities with other informal workers, but they have additional disadvantages rooted in them being 'non-citizens'. Ironically, migrants are often treated in existing literature as an undifferentiated part of informal labour. Situated in the aftermath of COVID-19, this article locates migrant workers' vulnerability within their inability to organize as a unique group rather than just as trade-based associations of informal workers. Specifically, the paper asks; what explains the lack of organization among migrant workers? What is the role of trade unions in this regard? And, how has an NGO-led initiative during the outbreak of Covid-19, unfolded opportunities for migrant street vendors to organize? Based on a qualitative study using, primary data from two districts in India, it is found that migrants are occupationally designed to remain de-organized, whereas trade unions represent a case of moral hazard. In fact, part of this disadvantage persists because migrants' mobilization is yet to figure as a direct agenda of the trade unions. Alongside, a civil society organization, through iterative negotiations initiates a process that, though unintended, can address the citizenship question for migrants. This process mirrors the dynamics of alternative organizing. However, it also signifies that any claims to organize migrant workers must accommodate their distinct positioning within informal workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to examine the outcomes of pregnant women admitted to intensive care unit with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in India. The primary outcome of the study was maternal mortality at day 30. The secondary outcomes were the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, fetal mortality and preterm delivery. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective multicentric cohort study. Ethical clearance was obtained. All pregnant women of the 15--45- year age admitted to ICUs with SARS-CoV-2 infection during 1st March 2020 to 31st October, 2021 were included. Results: Data were collected from nine centers and for 211 obstetric patients admitted to the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. They were divided in to two groups as per their SpO2 (saturation of peripheral oxygen) level at admission on room air, that is, normal SpO2 group (SpO2 > 90%) and low SpO2 group (SpO2 < 90%). The mean age was (30.06 ± 4.25) years and the gestational age was 36 ± 8 weeks. The maternal mortality rate was10.53%. The rate of fetal death and preterm delivery was 7.17 and 28.22%, respectively. The average ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) were 6.35 ± 8.56 and 6.78 ± 6.04 days, respectively. The maternal mortality (6.21 vs 43.48%, p < 0.001), preterm delivery (26.55 vs 52.17%, p = 0.011) and fetal death (5.08 vs 26.09%, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the low SpO2 group. Conclusion: The overall maternal mortality among critically ill pregnant women affected with COVID-19 infection was 10.53%. The rate of preterm birth and fetal death were 28.22 and 7.17%, respectively. These adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were significantly higher in those admitted with low SpO2 (<90%) at admission compared with those with normal SpO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases have exposed the tribes (scheduled tribes, Adivasis, indigenous people) to more critical risks than other communities in India. Considering their disparate possession of power, privileges and resources, and the available data, the article situates tribes in the context of coronavirus pandemic in India by using the vulnerability framework. It reflects upon the strengths, weaknesses and uncertainties of tribes and the lack of structural support for them in the emergent crisis of pandemic. It argues that compounded vulnerabilities of tribal communities due to Covid-19 are attributed to their historical location in the socio-economic, cultural and political realms and the lack of access to resources and opportunities in the post-colonial Indian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to measure the extent of digital financial inclusion (DFI) and examine the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on using government remittances and the adoption of digital financial services (DFS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The World Bank Global Financial Inclusion (Global Findex) database 2021 is used in this study, with a sample size of 3,000 Indian individuals. The study measured the demand-side analysis of DFI, namely, accessibility and usage of DFS with selected socioeconomic characteristics such as gender, age, income, education, being in the workforce and residential status of respondents. The dependent variable is binary in nature; therefore, the logistic regression model is used for the data analysis. Findings: The results of the study reveal that individuals' socioeconomic factors, such as female, all the age groups, tertiary education, third- and fourth-income quintile and workforce, are found to have a significant association with "accessibility," an exogenous variable of DFS. Besides, respondents' socioeconomic attributes, namely, female, tertiary education, income for all quintiles and workforce, are more likely to use DFSs in the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also finds the residential status of individuals is influencing the accessibility and usage of DFS. Practical implications: The findings of the study provide valuable insights to the service providers and policymakers regarding the rapid expansion of DFS by digital infrastructure, simplifying the banking procedures and highlighting the importance of digital financial literacy to accomplish government goals through serving the unbanked population and also design strategies for achieving the objectives of Digital India: "Faceless, Paperless, and Cashless" of DFI across the country. Originality/value: Notable studies used World Bank Findex survey data to explore the determinants of financial inclusion in general. This research is one among the few studies to explore the determinants of India's DFI. Moreover, this study measured the effect of individual socioeconomic attributes on the adoption of DFSs during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not been included in prior studies. Therefore, this study has added value to the existing literature on financial technology innovation and DFS for the sustainable development of emerging nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In difficult times, people turn to poetry, reading, and writing for solace and peace. In emotionally intense and traumatic times, people use poetry to process and understand the lived eyepieces. The havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals all across the world. Poetry has emerged as a savior in these difficult times. A phenomenon, "lockdown poems", came into existence as individuals all across the globe processed and shared their lived experiences of isolation, pain, and suffering through poems. In the present paper, students of a management program process and share their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdowns, and their community work experience. Poetry as a therapeutic and hope-building tool is discussed in the paper along with the original poems written by the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11th March 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated over time, which has resulted in genetic variation among population of circulating viral strains over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive measures like vaccination, social distancing, using of face mask and hand hygiene practices played a vital role in mitigating the spread of this pandemic. But were these measures effective enough to curtail this pandemic. Purpose: To assess the presenting features of COVID 19 in the third wave and to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures against COVID 19 during the third wave. Methods: This is a hospital based prospective study where participants were regularly followed up till 14 days, conducted in rural part of North of India. Results: A total of 239 participants were included in this study. The study found that 95% of these participants received first dose of COVID vaccine as compared to 49.8% who received second dose. Some of the participants (39.7%) were not obeying the norms of social distancing. 52.1% of the subjects were using masks, which has been proven to be one of the effective measures for prevention of transmission of COVID 19. 71.1% were practicing hand hygiene measures. Conclusion: Vaccination and using face mask were significantly associated with mitigating the spread of COVID-19 among rural population who visited the health care facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is an important enterprise that will supply essential minerals for the country's infrastructural development. Mining is a key industry and a development engine in the Indian economy. The epidemic has had both immediate and long-term effects on the labour and industries in India. Short-term effects include the cessation of mineral production, salary loss due to absenteeism and pandemic limitations, unemployment, and the selling of minerals on the market. The reputation and economic health of industries, fresh mineral deposit exploration, and new mining complex development have all been impacted in long-term. Aside from the mining industry-specific impact of COVID-19, the social fabric of the mining workers has been impacted since they are living in an environment of fear and uncertainty. This paper attempts to analyse the effect of COVID-19 on extractive industries in India. It also focuses the steps which taken by the Indian government. The paper concluded with the negative effect of COVID-19 which disrupts the mining sector and the contribution declined during COVID-19. However, for instance from mineral rich-Odisha, the mining sector takes up by its growth in post COVID-19 period with remarkable increment from negative growth to high positive rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, the incidence of mucormycosis reached high levels during 2021–2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this, we established a multicentric ambispective cohort of patients hospitalised with mucormycosis across India. In this paper, we report their baseline profile, clinical characteristics and outcomes at discharge. Patients hospitalized for mucormycosis during March–July 2021 were included. Mucormycosis was diagnosed based on mycological confirmation on direct microscopy (KOH/Calcofluor white stain), culture, histopathology, or supportive evidence from endoscopy or imaging. After consent, trained data collectors used medical records and telephonic interviews to capture data in a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At baseline, we recruited 686 patients from 26 study hospitals, of whom 72.3% were males, 78% had a prior history of diabetes, 53.2% had a history of corticosteroid treatment, and 80% were associated with COVID-19. Pain, numbness or swelling of the face were the commonest symptoms (73.3%). Liposomal Amphotericin B was the commonest drug formulation used (67.1%), and endoscopic sinus surgery was the most common surgical procedure (73.6%). At discharge, the disease was stable in 43.3%, in regression for 29.9% but 9.6% died during hospitalization. Among survivors, commonly reported disabilities included facial disfigurement (18.4%) and difficulties in chewing/swallowing (17.8%). Though the risk of mortality was only 1 in 10, the disability due to the disease was very high. This cohort study could enhance our understanding of the disease's clinical progression and help frame standard treatment guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research paper highlights the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to Coronavirus outbreaks. It proposes factors that influence the strengthening and survival of SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, resilience is reflected in the following aspects hope, problem resolution and persistence. This quantitative study analyses a purposive sample of 120 small and medium-sized firms in India. The study's primary data are the responses to questionnaires issued to respondents, analyzed and hypotheses formed and tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. Findings: The study results show that all the variables significantly reduce the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The presented model is expected to help researchers, business modelers, analysts and real professionals with further studies in the SME context. Originality/value: This new approach adds to the business resilience knowledge of SMEs and has practical implications for manufacturing organizations seeking to become robust during and after COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For more than a decade, Chennai city in southern India has been evidenced with informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling and open burning practices as the potential sources for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs can bioaccumulate in livestock particularly cows grazing on the contaminated soil. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to additional challenges associated with waste management practices. Hence this study aims to elucidate twenty-five PCB congeners in bovine milk from the previously reported PCB source regions in Chennai and the suburbs before and after about three years of the pandemic outbreak along electronic waste recycling (EWR), open burning dumps (OBD), and residential (RES) transects. The geomean concentration of Ʃ 25 PCBs in ng/g lipid weight (lw) followed a decreasing trend of EWR (13 ng/g lw) > OBD (8 ng/g lw) > RES (4 ng/g lw). Over 80 % of PCBs stemmed from EWR and OBD transects before and after the pandemic. However, a significant surge in the level of PCB-52 was observed in the OBD transect after the pandemic outbreak. Most toxic PCB congeners, PCB-126 and -169 were significant contributors to TEQs in EWR and OBD transects and can be reasoned with the burning of waste materials and mixed plastics in these transects. The highest average daily dose (ADD) exposure risk was for children from EWR and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than other transects. Mean ADD-induced TEQ (6.6 pg TEQ/kg-bw/day) from the cows grazing around Kodungaiyur dumpsite slightly exceeded the EU guideline of 5.5 pg TEQ/kg-bw/day after the outbreak of the pandemic due to PCB-126. However, none of the samples exceeded the US FDA (1.5μg/g milk fat) recommendation limits for PCBs in milk fat. Prolonged exposure to such persistent organic pollutants interlinked with the burning of mixed waste in the open dumps can be a public health concern., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Plastic pollution is pervasive, as it has infiltrated every corner of the planet and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a depletion in the production, consumption, and disposal of plastics. To find out the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, a comparative assessment of microplastics (MPs) observed before and after the pandemic was evaluated in surface water and sediment from the major rivers of Goa, i.e. Mandovi and Zuari. To comprehend the relative difference in the abundance, characteristics, and source of MPs, samples were examined in both the dry and wet seasons. We found a sharp decrease in the concentration of MPs immediately after the isolated pandemic. During the dry and wet seasons, two to seven times less concentration of MPs was recorded for water and sediments after the pandemic period compared to the prior pandemic. MPs size, >300 μm were relatively abundant after the pandemic period in contrast to the prior pandemic (<300 μm sized MPs were more). Polyamide (PA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the dominant polymers after the pandemic whereas earlier the dominant polymers were polyacetylene, polyacrylamide (PAM), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The risk assessment of MPs in sediments (Polymer load index) was higher prior to the pandemic. The water quality parameters also indicated an improvement in the water quality during the pandemic. The present study clearly exhibited that due to the reduction of overall anthropogenic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic period, a sharp decline of plastic waste and MP abundance in the coastal water body in Goa, west coast of India was found. This study unveils the controlling factors (such as total solid waste generation, plastic waste, tourism activities, and the effect of monsoon) which influence the abundance and distribution of macro- and microplastics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess, analyse, and infer the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people living with locomotor disability in North India. Methods: Patients with locomotor disabilities who met the inclusion criteria received a questionnaire that had already undergone testing and validation. It covered topics highlighting the effect of the pandemic on general health, financial burden, psychological and mental health, social life and behaviour, disability and comorbidity management, transportation, and healthcare accessibility during the pandemic. In order to gauge the pandemic's effects on the population of people with locomotor disabilities, the answers to the questions were collected and analyzed. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected people living with locomotor disability, ranging from loss of wages and financial crisis to anxiety, depression and lack of sleep. People with disabilities had limited reach to health and community services that were vital for them, including basic life and functional needs, besides risks of mistreatment and other psychological consequences. Conclusion: This analysis suggests that the root cause of pandemic disparities is the lack of disability-inclusive planning and, more significantly, the pre-existing socioeconomic disparities and challenges that disabled people have been experiencing for a long time. We suggest that unambiguous public health and policy responses should be incorporated, and health, social participation, and socioeconomic disparity causes for disabled people should be addressed in tandem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse migration was the trending issue in several news articles and channels during the pandemic. The authors attempt to investigate migrants' sensitivity during COVID-19. Reverse migrants are sensitive to crucial aspects that bother them during their reverse migration such as mental stress, social issues, transportation issues, job loss, and income loss. The Government of India launched several initiatives to help the reverse migrants, but it is not reaching the migrant people adequately. Hence, in this article, authors critically analyzed the Indian Government's commitment to the post-return situation and sensitivity toward the rural reverse migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the significance of digital agricultural technology concerning food security for smallholder farmers and their communities in Odisha, India, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is a collaborative effort between academic researchers based in Canada, 15 small-scale farmers from Odisha, and the India-based social enterprise, eKutir. The farmers' experiences utilizing eKutir's technology are examined to understand how it aids them in meeting their food security requirements, sustaining their livelihoods and participating in local food systems before and during the pandemic. eKutir shares transactional data that illustrate how their platform facilitates food movement through local food systems during the pandemic while exploring its potential to enhance food security and food system resilience further. The primary goal of this research is to strengthen the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers and the food systems dependent on them, particularly during non-conflict crises like the COVID pandemic, that affect economic, physical, and social aspects of life. This research is also intended to contribute to the continued development of digital technology in a way that supports smallholder farmer interests. Our findings reveal that access to eKutir's platform enabled farmers to remain connected to essential markets, continue earning income, and support local food systems during the COVID pandemic. While potential negative consequences associated with datafocused agricultural technologies can acrue, when technology design is guided by and tailored to the needs of resource-constrained farmers, it can substantially contribute to their resilience in the face of contemporary challenges and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This review analyzed the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic globally and in India and the measures to counter its effect using natural and innate immune booster molecules. The study focuses on two phases: the first focuses on the magnitude, and the second on the effect of antioxidants (natural compounds) on SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The magnitude of the prevalence, mortality, and comorbidities was acquired from the World Health Organization (WHO) report, media, a report from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), newspapers, and the National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC). Research articles from PubMed as well as other sites/journals and databases were accessed to gather literature on the effect of antioxidants. Results: In the elderly and any chronic diseases, the declined level of antioxidant molecules enhanced the reactive oxygen species, which in turn deprived the immune system. Conclusion: Innate antioxidant proteins like sirtuin and sestrin play a vital role in enhancing immunity. Herbal products and holistic approaches can also be alternative solutions for everyday life to boost the immune system by improving the redox balance in COVID-19 attack. This review analyzed the counteractive effect of alternative therapy to boost the immune system against the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Triage is a dynamic and complex decision-making process to determine fair access to medical care in mass casualty situations. Triage takes place through healthcare settings including Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Triage governing principles have been subject to ethical debates for a long time specifically with the recent global pandemic of COVID-19. This study aims to revisit the ethical principles guiding patient prioritisation during recent COVID-19 disaster triage in the Indian subcontinent and attempts to look for principles with consideration of social justice. Methods: Key electronic databases such as WHO, EMBASE, and DOAJ were used to access published literature relating to ICU triage in the Indian subcontinent. Literature on and from 2015–2022 were included in this study. The SPICE framework was used to identify the literature. The Inclusion criteria were as follows: Literature with ethical connotations focusing on India and neighbouring countries, and in an ICU setting during pandemics. The Exclusion criteria were as follows: Literature focusing on other countries, without ethical foundations, hospital admissions, and non-COVID-19 ICU admissions. The PRISMA standard was applied to screen the appropriate literature. The BOOLEAN operator "OR" was used to enhance the literature search. Finally, six papers were found suitable for this study and thus were included in the literature review. Additionally, for the second time, the frequency of certain ethical phrases was reassessed in the plans and guidelines to check the changed awareness of ethical pandemic planning, if any. A thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data and generate findings and new knowledge. Results: The findings highlight gaps in knowledge around ICU triaging in the region which indicates the scope of better ethical pandemic preparation at the regional level. The findings show that there is a debate between researchers on prioritisation from available resources and ethical perspectives and principles associated with fair access to healthcare even during pandemic times. The literature also highlights enhancing the regional capacity and building equitable approaches to reduce existing health inequities and the need of the social justice framework for ICU triaging during a pandemic. Conclusions: ICU triaging in five South Asian neighbour nations was studied for the presence of a guided ethical framework. Additionally, for the second time, certain ethical phrases were reassessed in the plans and guidelines; however, usage of those terms was found to be significantly low. The discussion shows that the plans and guidelines have the scope to improve ethical ICU triaging in these countries and in the specific region. After analysing different ethical guidelines, this study emphasises that there is a need for a just and fair framework, specifically a social justice framework in ICU triage in the subcontinent to address the underlying health inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant concern for people of all age groups, including geriatric individuals. The elderly population has faced unique challenges during this time, which can contribute to increased anxiety levels. The uncertainty and fear surrounding the pandemic can lead to increased anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact sleep quality and duration. Purpose: The aim of this study is to find out the effect of vagal nerve stimulation on anxiety and sleep disturbances among geriatric population. Methodology: Using the Purposive Sampling method, a total of 20 individuals were chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were divided into two groups using the closed envelope method, and they took part in therapy sessions lasting 30 minutes, three times per week for a period of four weeks. The control group received Jacobson's progressive relaxation technique, whereas the experimental group received non-invasive Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation. Result: With a p value of 0.001, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve activation significantly improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety after 4 weeks. Conclusion: Study showed that transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation was effective in reducing Anxiety and improving sleep quality in geriatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a worldwide abrupt and significant rise in admissions for pneumonia with multiorgan diseases. Aims and Objective: To determine the positive prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare professionals over 6 months. In addition, to make a subgroup analysis and estimate the age, gender, and workforce-based prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 healthcare professionals during 6 months. After taking proper informed consent, the study was started. We included subjects aged ≥18 years in this study. Not receiving any other vaccine during the study, suspected or confirmed immunosuppressive condition, imaging confirmed COVID-19 or recent blood transfusions were excluded from the study. Results: Most patients were 26-30 years old. Out of 200 patients, 116 (58%) were males, and 84 (42%) were females. The total positivity of the titers amounts was 57%. In addition, the males had higher mean titers than the females, with 24.186 versus 13.304. Of the 116 males, 68 were positive (58.6%), and of the 84 females, 46 were positive (54.7%). The age-wise positivity of the titers was high among the 26-30 years of age group, of which, in the 53 people, 33 were seropositive, which is 62.2% of this age group and lowest in the 51-55 years age group, of which in the 23 participants 9 were positive (39.31%), and 14 were negative (60.85%). Conclusion: We concluded that male doctors and adults had a greater seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that they are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 through patient contact or surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This exploratory study aims to discover the different forms of challenges encountered by school stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents and management due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative methodology was deployed for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents for a semi-structured interview. Data were examined using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Findings: It was found that each stakeholder faced four different challenges: mental distress, physical immobility, financial crunches and technological concerns. Findings suggest that teachers are experiencing higher financial, technological and physical challenges as compared to other stakeholders followed by parents. Originality/value: This paper discusses the major challenges faced by each stakeholder along with the opportunities. These findings will be useful for educationists, regulatory authorities, policymakers and management of educational institutions in developing countries to revisit their policy frameworks to develop new strategies and processes for the smooth implementation of remote learning during a period of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we formulate an eight-compartment mathematical model with vaccination as one of the compartments to analyze the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission. We examine the model's qualitative properties, such as positivity and boundedness of solutions, and stability analysis of the illness-free equilibrium with respect to the basic reproduction number. We estimate ten significant parameters and also compute the magnitude of the basic reproduction number for India by fitting the proposed model to daily confirmed and cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases in India. Sensitivity analysis with respect to basic reproduction number is conducted, and the main parameters that impact the widespread of disease are determined. We further extend this model to an optimal control problem by including four non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical intervention measures as control functions. Our numerical results show that the four control strategy has greater impact than the three control strategies, two control strategies, and single control strategies on reducing the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a major global health crisis in recent years. Despite this, there have been few studies that have utilized reliable methods to assess changes in taste and smell perception. Therefore, our study aims at the number of fungiform papillae and objective measures of taste perception relationship among COVID-19 patients with olfactory and gustatory disorders. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study in which 57 COVID-19 patients were recruited who confirmed the dysfunction of taste and smell. Objective assessment of the sense of taste was evaluated using four different standardized solution preparations, and the scores were given according to the patient's statements. Digitalized quantification of fungiform papillae was counted. The data were analyzed with the Pearson's correlation coefficient using the SPSS version. 23 [Licensed JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India], and the level of significance was set at <0.001. Results: In terms of altered or reduced taste and smell, male patients exhibited a higher incidence compared to females. Compared to the sour taste, a substantial number of COVID-19 patients have displayed a notable decrease in their ability to taste sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between taste scores and fungiform papillae density (r = 0.518, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our Study demonstrated that the quantitative evaluation of taste perception and the count of fungiform papillae can serve as important indicators of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and could potentially help in the early detection and treatment of COVID-19 patients, as reduced taste function is a significant marker of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-induced lockdowns have increased the importance of technology in education. Though access to technology as well as availability of the internet remain a major concern for a lot of children in the global south, children with intellectual disabilities are disadvantaged even more as most of the e-content is developed keeping in mind the average learner. Unstructured interviews were conducted with children with intellectual disabilities studying in government schools in Haryana as well as their teachers and parents. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted to understand the use-patterns of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities. Findings suggest that these children are learning to use mobile phones on their own or with some support and are able to navigate the complexities of these smartphones quite well. They use these devices mostly for their entertainment. This paper then reflects on the need and strategies to develop these technologies in ways that they can be used as effective tools for teaching children with intellectual disabilities, especially in the inclusive education system in developing countries. The paper reflects on the need to develop technology and tools using flexible and exploratory designs to enhance the learning processes for children with intellectual disabilities from the lower income strata. This study highlights the importance of being able to use mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities belonging to low income families. Following this, the article argues for designing of mobile phones suitable for use by children with intellectual disabilities using playfulness and explorations, and Building e-content keeping the elements of playfulness and exploration which can enhance the learnings of this group of students which is often ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, India's government instituted a severe nationwide lockdown in late March 2020. In this paper, we analyze household survey data on income from an Indian state, Punjab. We analyze the impacts of the pandemic and lockdown on total household income, as well as its components, including wages, business income and transfers. This paper innovates in this area by using Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood estimation to deal with the skewed distributions of various income components, as well as quantile regressions to examine differential impacts across the income distribution. We examine the differences between rural and urban households, differential impacts on female-headed and laborer households, and the time pattern of impacts. We find that rural households experienced more persistent income declines than urban households, and their wages suffered relatively more. Households with daily laborers were most badly affected, and this was especially true at the bottom of the income distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 pandemic brought novel challenges for society and businesses. Along with psychological impact on humans, COVID‐19 led to significant changes in business processes. Managerial competencies, which positively impact performance of both the employees and businesses, are influenced by changing social and business context. In this milieu, there is a call for research to understand the impact of recent changes on managerial competencies to make them future‐ready. Further, in light of prior studies that present opposing findings, a related question worth exploring is—does the importance of managerial competencies differ across countries? By answering these questions, key competencies, that can boost both employee performance and business profitability, can be assessed and nurtured for a positive global impact. This paper presents theoretical background, methodology, findings and implications from a two‐part study that was conducted to answer above questions. Phase 1, which included literature review, analysis of US Government's O*NET database and expert validation, yielded a unique 9 × 51 Managerial Competencies Framework. Using quantitative methodology, that involved primary survey of Indian experts and hypothesis testing on matching data‐sets, Phase 2 of this cross‐country study reports a broad agreement amongst US and Indian experts on the importance of key managerial competencies. Study offers many theoretical and practical implications, along with directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 11 2020, the WHO designates a coronavirus disease 2019 a global pandemic. Hospitals and medical facilities now require a greater number of ventilators due to the new respiratory infection-causing virus known as COVID-19. The situation like Covid-19 not only India, the whole world is facing the shortage of ventilator. India may witness massive third wave of Covid-19, warns IMA. Here is an immediate need to Create and build a cheap portable ventilator for on-site usage by patients. This project proposes the creation of a low- cost portable ventilator that provides a breathing mechanism for a patient who is physically unable to do. The proposed Ventilator uses the Microcontroller and an OLED display to monitor the patient BPM rate and pulse wave according to the specific input of the patient. The Ventilator delivers air by using blower motor drive mechanism. This gadget may be utilised in ambulances, medical facilities, and isolated areas that are challenging to access. The user or a professional can change the primary parameters of the installed device. In this project, a portable, restricted ventilator will be designed to act as a patient's breathing system if they are literally incapable of doing so themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to ratify skills necessary to bridge the gap between the existing models and emerging needs of a technology-enabled workspace; especially in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: This paper extends the ongoing debate on a relevant employability framework suitable both for higher education institutes and corporates. To remain resilient to future catastrophes similar to the ongoing pandemic, the relevancy of established employability skills to suit the changing scenario needs to be established. Findings: The partial least squares (PLS) technique has been used to present a framework confirming the importance of digital competencies, business fundamentals and behavioral skills. In-depth discussions with specialists ratified the proposed framework and recommended potential changes in curriculum and pedagogy. Research limitations/implications: This study validates an explicit and comprehensive employability skill framework and useful recommendations in teaching strategies, which may provide a broad skill base for graduates to prepare for the volatile business environment in the long run. Practical implications: The study has been able to put forth significant employability skills as deemed significant by the three stakeholders. This will provide guidance to higher educational institutions (HEIs) to come up with a broad skill-base for the fresh graduates and prepare them for the volatile business environment and encourage life-long learning to remain productive in the long run. Originality/value: The study is unique as it incorporates the perceived importance of the competencies assumed by each stakeholder, namely, employers, faculty and management graduates, which was unfortunately lacking in earlier researches.

Background: COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, prompting lockdowns in practically every country. To prevent the spread of the disease, India has enforced a rigorous nationwide lockdown that commenced in March 2020. The lockdown imposed amid the pandemic ensured that most commercial activities and vehicle transportation ceased, resulting in a significant reduction in air pollution levels. Material and Methods: The value of air pollutants PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 from January to May 2020 was obtained from the Indian Central Pollution Control Board. Before lockdown and during lockdown, relative fluctuations in ambient concentrations of four air contaminants were investigated. The Box-Jenkins approach was used to estimate future air pollution data points using time series data analysis. Results: The PM10 level reduced by 61%, 30%, 68%, 37%, and 43% in the selected cities, respectively. Comparison of other pollutant concentrations before and after the lockdown also found a reduction in ambient pollutant concentrations, resulting in improved air quality. Inference of predicted model values to observed values revealed a significant increase in the concentrations of all pollutants. The percentage increases in AQImean from predicted to observed values were 206% in Ghaziabad, 148% in Delhi, 59% in Hyderabad, and 160% in Cochin. Conclusion: The strict lockdown has resulted in a significant drop in air pollutant levels. Upgrading present technologies could help keep pollution to a minimum of 37% under control. The findings would prompt the government to consider how to strictly reduce vehicle and industrial pollution to improve air quality and maintain improved public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current educational scenario is changing and inclining more towards digital technologies for teaching-learning. Interactions during the classrooms or virtual sessions are vital for students' learning engagements. Learner-learner interactions and educator-learner interactions during online classes are to be promoted and sustained for a better teaching-learning experience. The use of social media in education is noted in previous research. This paper aims to explore the role of social media in learner-learner interactions and its impact on students' learning engagement. A theoretical model is proposed in the study through a review of existing literature. The model testing is done with data of 344 respondents through a self-designed structured questionnaire. The respondents are selected from an urban city in western India. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling are applied for the hypotheses testing and regression analysis. The results indicate that the learner-learner interactions, as well as the educator-learner interactions, are imperative for student learning engagement in online teaching. Also, learner-learner interactions are positively affected by the students' self-efficacy concerning the technology. The study also noted that the use of social media improves learner-learner interaction and student learning engagement in a technology-mediated learning environment.

Infectious COVID‐19 transformed the world overnight, freezing all physical activities and forcing the majority toward online mode. Technology came up as a savior to alleviate the consequences of COVID‐19 on the economy, causing a rapid transformation in consumers' behavior, and an overall jump in the sale of e‐commerce could be witnessed globally. This paper aims to explore the factors that caused the transformation in consumers' behavioral attitude (AT) and intention toward online shopping (BITOS). The study integrates the TPB and UTAUT models while adding two additional variables, namely, perceived risks (PR) and perceived benefits (PB), to predict consumers' BITOS. A survey was conducted to collect a sample of 402 consumers Aligarh city, and the National Capital Region of India using the mall intercept sampling method. The data were analysed to establish the measurement model and test the hypothesized structural model with the Smart‐PLS software. The study's findings confirmed that PB, subjective social norms, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness positively affect AT and BITOS, whereas PR does not influence AT and BITOS. The study also indicated that AT has a positive effect on BITOS. Concerning AT, it does not mediate the relationship between PR and BITOS; however, it mediates between the direct link PB and BITOS, making it stronger. The study's findings help the E‐commerce industry understand consumers' transformed attitudes/intentions and restructure their strategies to strengthen their online business further. Despite its regional and design limitations, it contributes significantly to the current research on online shopping behavior in India during COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to apply systems modeling to explore the usability of the online learning platform in the future compared to its usefulness during the pandemic era. Design/methodology/approach: The applied systems research methodology has been used to develop a stock-flow model encompassing enablers and constraints for learning platform usage from the primary data collected through a survey of 163 respondents. Findings: The model simulation observed promising trends over one year for online learning platforms provided the challenges are reduced in seven to eight months. Challenges linked to the Internet and interaction need must be removed for future usage. Research limitations/implications: The results of the survey and model simulation suggest actions for product planning and development of online learning platforms based on customer insights. Product customization and feature enhancement will be required for the continued usability of online learning products. Actions for Internet service providers are to capture the online learner market by removing issues of Internet access bandwidth, and quality of content. Also, there should be sufficient teacher--student interaction in the online learning mode. Originality/value: This is an original study using systems modeling to evaluate factors contributing to students' intention to use online learning conducted at Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University) Dayalbagh Agra, UP, India, 282005.

This paper aims at identifying and explaining the correlation between the Covid-19 and multi-lingualism through cross-country research, drawing on three datasets: WHO data on the expanse of the pandemic, UNESCO data on endangered languages, and the LDI (Linguistic Diversity Index). Results establishing a direct correlation between the pandemic and multi-lingualism vary across the countries, except the USA, India, and Brazil. The three countries experiencing the highest global pandemic caseload occupy the top positions in the number of endangered languages and are among the top ten linguistically diverse countries. Drawing from the research findings, the paper addresses the criticality of investing in multi-lingualism and calls for a shift of perspective among policymakers driven by neoliberal rationale towards greater recognition and higher funding for multi-lingual education.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the debate on innovative work behaviour (IWB). Employees are expected to exhibit innovative behaviour that can realize, sustain and implement new ideas. This study explores the role of workplace spirituality (WPS) in advancing employees' innovative work behaviour (IWB). Furthermore, this study investigates how employees' perceived working conditions moderate the relationship between WPS and IWB. Design/methodology/approach: The sample comprised 516 employees working in different supply chain companies in India. The researchers used correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Findings: The results highlighted that the four measurements of WPS (Swadharma, a sense of community, authenticity and Lokasangraha) significantly predict IWB among employees of selected companies. Also, the results suggested the significant moderating effects of decision authority, social support and autonomy on IWB. Originality/value: Drawing from broaden and build theory and theory of intangible resources, the present study demonstrates that WPS positively impacts the employee's IWB. Further, this paper also shows the moderating effects of three dimensions of perceived working conditions between WPS and IWB, which is under-explored in previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted organizations, bringing in unforeseen situations and highlighting the need for organizational leaders to develop a capacity for resilience, i.e. the ability to recuperate, exhibit agility and rebound. Hence, this paper aims to explore leaders' views on what resilience capabilities are needed to manage themselves, the team and the organization. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative research study uses an in-depth interview tool and adopts a reflexive thematic analysis. The capabilities approach and resilience theory framework were applied to view resilience capabilities. The sample comprises 19 middle and senior leaders, both men and women, from the information technology Industry in India. Findings: This study unravelled different capabilities to manage individuals, teams and organizations. The three key themes of resilience capabilities observed were as follows: self-leadership capabilities – where leaders focussed on capabilities that developed themselves; people leadership capabilities – which focussed on leading people and the team; and organisation-focussed leadership capabilities – which focussed on the macro level. Originality/value: The findings of the study benefit organizations, leaders, human resource professionals, talent management strategists and academic leadership scholars to identify, train, conceive and deliver resilience capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections can present with respiratory signs and progress to complicated pneumonia. In the recent Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is crucial to test all Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) patients for other microbial infections in addition to COVID-19, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. The automated system, BioFire FilmArray, utilises multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to rapidly detect and identify multiple respiratory pathogens, including selected Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) genes, within an hour. Aim: To detect bacterial and/or viral pathogens associated with hospitalised COVID-19-negative SARI patients using the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel (BFPP). Materials and Methods: This laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, from June 2020 to February 2021. Respiratory samples, such as sputum, tracheal aspirate, Endotracheal (ET) secretions, and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), were collected from COVID-19-negative hospitalised SARI cases. A total of 81 patients were included in the study. The samples were tested using the BFPP (multiplex PCR) system and processed using conventional culture techniques. Patient characteristics, clinical and laboratory investigation data, and findings of respiratory viral and bacterial agents, as well as antibiotic resistance genes detected by BioFire FilmArray, were recorded using paper case reports. The data were collected and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Out of the 81 clinical samples processed, the BFPP detected 168 bacterial and 18 viral pathogens. Bacterial-viral codetection was observed in 13 (16%) samples. Atypical bacteria were detected in 3% of cases. Among the bacterial pathogens, the AMR gene for New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamases (NDM) was detected in 42 (25.9%) cases, followed by CTX-M betalactamases, VIM, and the oxacillinase group of β-lactamases. Conclusion: The BFPP test is a valuable tool for the rapid detection of a wide range of pathogens, including associated AMR genes, with high sensitivity and specificity. This can greatly aid in treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study focuses on examining the impact of the supply shock on the Indian macroeconomic variables during the COVID-19 period. Design/methodology/approach: Time-varying factor augmented vector autoregressive model has been employed to study the asymmetry in transmission of supply shock on Indian economy during pre- and post-COVID-19 times. Findings: The authors find that with supply shock, retail food inflation outpaced in COVID-19 times. Production levels reported by IIP fell to abysmally low levels in the post-COVID-19 times when the economy stalled. The liquidity stimulus provided by the central bank led to the negative response of policy rates to the supply shocks during the COVID-19 times. Originality/value: The study stands novel in examining the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Indian economy through the lenses of asymmetric transmission of supply shock during pre- and post-COVID-19 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the association of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths with mental health, unemployment and financial markets-related search terms for the USA, the UK, India and worldwide using Google Trends. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use Spearman's rank correlation coefficients to assess the relationship between relative search volumes (RSVs) and mental health, unemployment and financial markets-related search terms, with the total confirmed COVID-19 cases as well as deaths in the USA, UK, India and worldwide. The sample period starts from the day 100 cases were reported for the first time, which is 7 March 2020, 13 March 2020, 23 March 2020 and 28 January 2020 for the US, the UK, India and worldwide, respectively, and ends on 25 June 2020. Findings: The results indicate a significant increase in anxiety, depression and stress leading to sleeping disorders or insomnia, further deteriorating mental health. The RSVs of employment are negatively significant, implying that people are hesitant to search for new jobs due to being susceptible to exposure, imposed lockdown and social distancing measures and changing employment patterns. The RSVs for financial terms exhibit the varying associations of COVID-19 cases and deaths with the stock market, loans, rent, etc. Research limitations/implications: This study has implications for the policymakers, health experts and the government. The state governments must provide proper medical facilities and holistic care to the affected population. It may be noted that the findings of this study only lead us to conclude about the relationship between COVID-19 cases and deaths and Google Trends searches, and do not as such indicate the effect on actual behaviour. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the USA, UK and India and at the global level and RSVs for mental health-related, job-related and financial keywords. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although many negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are reported for adults, little is known about its impacts on children, especially in terms of the relative roles of joint and nuclear families. Using a qualitative design, we explored the protective roles of joint and nuclear families in shaping the children's life outcomes during COVID-19. Methods: In a qualitative study, 16 full-time mothers of children aged 9-12 years (8 each from joint and nuclear families) from Sagar City, India were interviewed during June and July 2020. Interview contents were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: Five major themes were identified, negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, differences in positive engagements, emotional protective benefits, promotion of positive health habits, and routine activity management strategies. The results showed that the joint families availed and utilized more resources to positively engage their children in creativity, studies, exercise, and entertainment during the restrictions of the lockdown compared to the nuclear families. Contrary to the nuclear families, the joint families emphasized resolving emotional grievances, promoting positive emotional engagement, and extending more emotional support to their children. The joint and nuclear families also differed in their children's food habits, health grievances, and physical exercise. Also, the joint families played more positive roles in managing children's play behaviors, sleep habits, television watching, and other children's activities compared to the nuclear families. Conclusion: The distinctive availability of experiential, emotional, relational, and positive value resources and knowledge repertoires of the two family systems may have extended differential protective benefits to their children during the COVID-19 lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]