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Background: A decline in fertility rate and expansion in life span has resulted in the growth in the percentage of aged populations in the whole world. India and Odisha are no exceptions. Objectives: The objective of the present paper is to find out the incidence of functional ability/inability among the aged people of the rural areas of western Odisha of India. Materials and Methods: Katz Scale of ADL was used to assess the functional ability of elderly people. Six activities of daily living such as (Bathing, Dressing, Toilet, Mobility, Continence, and Feeding) were analyzed as per age and sex of the samples. Results: Of all the samples (1992), 98.5 percent are physically independent and only 1.4 percent are physically dependent. Out of 945 female elderly people, 931 (98.1%) are independent and out of 1047 male elderly people 1033 (98.6%) are independent. The physical dependency of females is more with a χ² -- value of 0.075 and p -- value of 0.466. The age group wise χ² -- value is 20.899 (3) and p -- value of 0.001. Conclusion: Lesser physical dependency is found among the elderly people in rural areas. An increase in dependency is seen with the increase in age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of education in the development of a nation is well recognized all over the world. It is regarded as a way of social transformation as it enhances knowledge and skills of both men and women. But it has been observed that over the last few decades women have been trying to become compatible with men in all aspects of life but still there exist inequalities in some of the sectors and education sector of India is no exception to this. Gender inequality in higher education is considered to be an obstacle in the overall progression of the system of education in India and the state of Assam is no exception to this. In this paper an attempt has been made to showcase the status of gender wise enrollment in the institutes of higher learning within the state of Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education seeks to nourish the good qualities and draw out the best in an individual. Education is a main driver of development. To examine female education in India with special reference to Assam, the paper examines the female literacy rate for the period 1991-2011; female illiteracy rate, never att ended rate and att ended before rate for the age groups 7-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-59, 60+, age not stated for the year 2011; Lower Primary level (LP) and Upper Primary level (UP) female Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and female Net Enrollment Ratio (NER) for the period 2013-14 to 2015-16; LP and UP female Dropout Rate (DOR) for the period 2007-08 to 2014-15; Secondary level (Secondary) and Higher Secondary level (HS) female GER for the period 2010-11 to 2015-16; Secondary and HS female NER for the period 2012-13 to 2015-16; Secondary and HS female DOR for the period 2012-13 to 2014-15 and Higher Education level (HE) female GER for the period 2011-12 to 2015-16 by using secondary data. The paper also investigates the impact of female education on economic growth in India and Assam using time series data and regression analysis. It is found that, although female literacy rate increased in Assam and in India as whole, 100 per cent female literacy has not been achieved. Moreover, females who are illiterates, never att ended and att ended before are found in all the age groups and, illiterate females and never att ended females increased with the higher age groups while females att ended before at fi rst increased with the higher age groups and later it declined with the higher age groups. Although female GER in the LP, UP and Secondary and female NER in LP and UP in India and in Assam are found high, female NER in Secondary, female GER and female NER in HS and female GER in HE in India and in Assam are found to be low. Female DOR is found in all the levels of education in India as a whole and in Assam. Compared to the female DOR in LP, UP and HS, female DOR is found to be higher in Secondary. The regression results reveal that the impact of female education on economic growth in India as well as in Assam was signifi cantly positive. Low household income, performance of household duties, society's att itude, distance of learning place, no knowledge of relevance of literacy or adult literacy or lifelong learning and low level of parents education are found to be factors behind illiterate females' inability to access literacy in Baksa district of Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the literature on the interlinkage between household non‐farm diversification (HND), agricultural feminisation and female autonomy in farming. The study uses unit‐level data from the Indian Human Development Survey for the years 2004 ‐ 2005 and 2011 ‐ 2012. The paper employs instrumental variable regression methods to study such interlinkages. The results show HND to be a significant factor contributing to the feminisation of agriculture. The study finds some evidence that the phenomenon is distress driven. Further, greater participation of women in agriculture, as well as women's access to land rights, significantly contributes to female autonomy in farm decision‐making. The results are robust to the use of alternative indicators of agricultural feminisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, education is provided by the public sector as well as private sector, with control and funding at three levels: federal, state and local. Education in India falls under the control of both union government and the states, with some responsibilities lying with the union and the states having autonomy for others. Education has been made too easy for the students so that more and more students can enter into the scope of education system of the country. The announcements like abolishing compulsory CBSE board exams for Class 10th from session 2010-11, introduction of grading system, the passage of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, reservation policies etc. are a few efforts taken by the government. Now the question arises as to what extent such efforts in the field of education have succeeded in different states of the country. Punjab is served by several institutions of higher education, including 32 universities which provide undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all the major arts, humanities, science, engineering, law, medicine, veterinary science, and business. Primary and secondary education systems are mainly affiliated to Punjab School Education Board. According to the 2011 Indian Census, the population of Punjab is 27,704,236 (males 14,634,819 & females 13,069,417). The literacy rate is 75%, male literacy being 80.23% and female literacy 68.36%. The present paper is an attempt to study the literacy level of the male and female in the various districts of Malwa region of the Punjab. This paper concludes that literacy rate in Punjab increased to 76.7% as per 2011 census, out of which maximum literacy rate has been found in the district Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) (83.8%) and the lowest in district of Mansa (62.8%) of Malwa region. Male-female literacy rate shows an improvement sign. Sex ratio improved in all the districts of Punjab but found to be maximum in the district of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshar) (95%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the choice of employment sector for women is driven by the structure of the labour market or determined by the household socioeconomic condition. Design/methodology/approach: Data for the study were drawn from the National Sample Survey 68th round (2011–2012). The sector of employment was assessed through females' participation as an unpaid labour, employer/own account worker, informal wage worker, formal wage worker and unemployed. A multinomial logit model was used to examine the factors that determine the sector of employment. Findings: Although education increases formal employment among women, most of them are unemployed or entering into informal employment. It indicates that the labour market has not been able to integrate educated women into formal employment. Research limitations/implications: Increase in female education accompanied by a slow growth of employment creates the challenge to accommodate the educated and skilled women in formal employment. Originality/value: This study examines the factors determining the sectoral participation of employment to assess the responses of the current labour market for the females, especially educated females who have not been adequately addressed. The findings of the study have significant implications for formulating appropriate labour market policies for the educated female labour force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is not known as a country to be in for a bisexual person. Homosexual acts even within wedlock are a punishable offence in India. Legal battles over provisions in the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes any sexual act “against the order of nature” are rife. Even though Kerala has been hailed as a paradox inside India (mainly due to its human development parameters), the social, cultural and legal environment in the state is hostile to individuals who question hetero-normativity. Non-judgemental and unbiased scientific therapy or counselling are seldom available to sexual minorities. This paper is an attempt to map the experiences of a female who is openly bisexual, and is living in Kerala. An ethnographic interview was conducted where the experiences of the participant are explored, from the relationship dynamics as seen by her, to sexual experiences and difficulties in relationships. A reference is also made to the personal and social support systems that are in place for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community in Kerala and their role in initiating discourses regarding the topic. A few pointers for future studies in the topic, especially within the context of Kerala are also put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Biology of Platynaspis saundersi (Crotch) was studied under laboratory conditions at the Department of Entomology, Dr YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, India. The mean preoviposition period was 7.00± 0.21 days, while the oviposition period was 43.50± 0.35 days. The female lays 130.30± 5.96 eggs and the hatching was 86.32± 3.12%, with incubation period being 5.0± 0.47 days and the larval period was for 12.40± 0.35 days. The observed prepupal and pupal periods were 1.50± 0.48 and 7.50± 0.21 day, with longevity of male and female being 70.00± 2.00 and 79.00± 0.89 days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the factors influencing poverty transitions among rural households. There is a higher likelihood for the poor rural household in escaping poverty and lower likelihood for non-poor households to fall into poverty over time, with the increase in average completed years of education and mean labor hours supplied by female members in the household. However, the contribution of female labor supply and education toward changes in poverty risks is low due to the low-wage cycle prevalent among women. Further, higher maximum educational attainment of households and a higher level of assets ensures a higher probability of escaping poverty and a lower probability of falling into poverty over time. However, there is a higher likelihood for a non-poor household to enter poverty over time and a lower likelihood for a poor household in escaping poverty over time with an increase in dependency ratio and household size. Efforts need to be made to transform a woman's role from an "income buffering" to an "income generation" role. Women's economic participation and empowerment are powerful tools for poverty reduction at the household level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstrual cups are considered a sustainable solution for menstrual health and hygiene management, as they are cost-effective, environment-friendly, reusable and offer health benefits over traditional menstrual hygiene products such as pads and tampons. However, in lower middle income countries (LMICs), menstrual cup use is limited. Recently, India's current menstrual hygiene program has included menstrual cups as an option for menstrual health and hygiene management. However, the menstrual cup has not been promoted widely in the Indian context. Even if the use of menstrual cups among female healthcare providers in India is minimal, the manuscript identified the crucial challenges in menstrual health and hygiene management, the role of menstrual cups as a solution and the essential strategies to increase menstrual cup use. Programmatic success requires endorsement from healthcare providers as they are trusted sources of information related to healthcare. Good experiences and leading examples from healthcare providers about using menstrual cups is a welcoming step in the path of the dream of a "pad-free country" for India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to girls. However, it has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. In India, the topic has been a taboo until date. Such taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls' and women's emotional state, mentality and lifestyle and most importantly, health. The challenge, of addressing the socio-cultural taboos and beliefs in menstruation, is further compounded by the low girls' knowledge levels and understandings of puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health. Thus, there is the need to follow a strategic approach in combating these issues. The current paper aims to discuss menstruation related myths prevalent in India, their impact on women's life, relevance of addressing these issues in primary care and a brief description about various strategies to combat them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the economic determinants of female-owned proprietorships for 52 metro cities in India. The National Sample Survey (NSS) unit-level data are used for the analysis. The descriptive results show that women's proprietorship is much lower than its counterpart. The Probit regression results at the individual level show that women entrepreneurs do not have a bank account or computer but use the internet, are not registered under any act or authority, and do not expand considerably. They operate within household premises with a limited number of months and duration of a day, undertaking mainly contract basis. They also face several problems that hinder their activities. City-level factors such as work participation rate, consumption expenditure, higher levels of general and technical degrees, and vocational training are essential. The likelihood of becoming a female entrepreneur is negatively impacted by the two agglomeration variables of population size and participation in mixed activity. City-level poverty and inequality also adversely affect it. State-level Human Development Index, Gender Development Index, and Gender Inequality Index are also significant. Finally, we propose important policies to enable the city environment to improve women's entrepreneurship activities for higher and sustainable economic development. • Female-owned entrepreneurship (FOE) is essential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in developing countries. • The agglomeration size, unequal economic distribution, and less female-friendly society discourage becoming FOE. • Knowledge spillovers, labour pooling, availability of public services, and infrastructure encourage FOE. • Cities need to increase investment, employment, level of education, and delivery of public services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer, like other traumatic life events, can generate negative and positive changes in psychological well-being. Negative changes are defined as posttraumatic disorders and positive changes are called posttraumatic growth (PTG). Patients who experience PTG show positive and meaningful changes in their emotional and cognitive life, which has a positive impact on their behavior. Aim: The current study aimed to examine the concept of PTG and its social and cultural aspects in cancer patients from rural background arena. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty-five cancer-diagnosed patients were included in the study from a tertiary care hospital, and PTG Inventory (PTGI) was administered to assess the posttrauma growth Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistics version 23. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed. Results: Cancer patients showed posttrauma growth of 67.95 (standard deviation: 6.65). Of dimensions of PTGI, the highest score was for "relating to others." Women had higher PTG of 70.46 (3.7) than men. Cervical and breast cancer patients showed higher scores of 71.9 (2.9) and 70.1 (3.5), respectively. Conclusions: This study highlighted that women had more PTG and cervical and breast cancer patients had better scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has collected empirical studies, reviewed the data, and presented them in a single report to comprehensively understand the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Indian female adolescents. The findings indicate a dearth of studies on the issue; many studies have excluded females from being sampled. Those included have trivially explored and mentioned prevalence-related data in results or discussion sections only without much attention to spell out the findings per gender aspect. No specific emphasis has been given to female adolescents' alcohol consumption in any of the studies reviewed. Half of these studies have reported less than 20% prevalence, and the remaining half have measured less than 7% of the prevalence rate for alcohol consumption among female adolescents in India. However, the dearth of studies indicates that the actual figure of alcohol prevalence among female adolescents in India would be much higher than that. Empirical studies mainly focused on female adolescents' alcohol consumption are highly desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the spatial determinants of female entrepreneurship in India in the manufacturing and services sectors. We focus on the presence of incumbent female-owned businesses and their role in promoting higher subsequent female entrepreneurship relative to male entrepreneurship. We find evidence of agglomeration economies in both sectors, where higher female ownership among incumbent businesses within a district-industry predicts that a greater share of subsequent entrepreneurs will be female. Moreover, higher female ownership of local businesses in related industries (e.g. those sharing similar labor needs and industries related via input–output markets) predict greater relative female entry rates even after controlling for the focal district-industry’s conditions. The core patterns hold when using local industrial conditions in 1994 to instrument for incumbent conditions in 2000 and 2005. The results highlight that the traits of business owners in incumbent industrial structures influence the types of entrepreneurs supported. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background-Male preference is deeply entrenched in the society. Gender disadvantage predisposes to limited education, employment opportunities and healthcare. Aims and objectives: To assess the Gender disadvantage in rural married females and its impact on their psychological morbidity. Methodology: Analytical Cross sectional study was conducted in a randomly selected village of a rural health block. All the eligible women were interviewed using Door Knock Procedure. Psychological morbidity was assessed using 20 items Self Rating Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS ver 20.0. Tests of significance applied were Chi square test and ANOVA. P value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of Female gender disadvantage was 59.89%. Parental male predisposition and socioeconomic status were found to be statistically associated (p<0.05). The women's own preference for a male child was strongly predicted by their own gender disadvantage from the parents. Statistically significant difference in psychological morbidity was found amongst women who had both parental male predisposition and lack of empowerment in comparison to those who did not have these (p=0.00). Conclusion: Psychological morbidity due to gender disadvantage is a cause of concern. Social awareness and strongly enforced laws like PC-PNDT can reduce these preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study is about the challenges faced by the women doctors in India during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: We conducted an online survey in 2020 for women doctors who were professionally engaged in active patient management in India before the onset of the current pandemic. Results: A total of 260 valid responses were received. Only 28% (73/260) were able to provide at least 50% of professional services as compared to the pre COVID-19 lockdown period. Statistically significant differences related to emotional health (feelings), physical activity, changes in how family sees the lady professional, personal free time availability, and family bonding. Conclusion: COVID-19 has led to the following important concerns for professional women - academic productivity; work-life balance; missed opportunities for collaborating; mental health, the need for equity-minded academic leadership, and decision-making. Our study showed that majority were stressed during the COVID-19 lockdown - with the impact being highest among those giving more than 50% of their time to professional medical services outside their homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction : Every year, it was found that burns caused by fire were responsible for about 265,000 deaths globally. More than 90% of fatal fire-related burns occur in developing or lower and middle income countries (LMICs). Out of this, South- East Asia alone accounts for more than half of these fire-related deaths. In South East Asian region, death due to Burns in girl / women is more than that of Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. In India, burn injury is found to be one of the major causes of death, especially in females. The problem of death due to burns in developing countries like India is primarily due to various socio-cultural factors prevalent in the country. Some of these factors include poor housing conditions, poor maintenance of electrical appliances, and customs of wearing dresses like sarees or dupatta, practice of dowry, illiteracy level and poverty. Material and Method: Materials for the present study were collected from the medico legal autopsies of 296 burn cases, performed at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, during the period from January 2018 to December 2018. A detailed performa was designed with a definite set of questionnaire which formed the basis of this study. Results: In our study, out of the 296 cases, the most common age group involved was 21-30 years with a female sex predilection (female to male ratio of 1.5:1). As far as the marital status is concerned, most cases were of married men and women (66.22%) involving mostly Housewives (43.25%). The most common time period involved was between 4 PM to 10 PM (35.47%). Most of the cases took place at home (75.34%). Conclusion:- Our study primarily focuses on the epidemiological profile of data involving burn cases in this part of India which is relatively a backward area comprising of a majority of tribal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Gastrocentrum Gorham, 1876 is revised to include nine species. Five new species are described in this genus: G. magnum sp. nov. (NE India), G. regulare sp. nov. (Cameron Highlands, Malaysia), G. xiaodongi sp. nov. (Gyirong, Xizang, China), G. zayuense sp. nov. (Zayü, Xizang, China), and G. gaoligongense sp. nov. (Fugong, Yunnan, China). Gastrocentrum nitidum Schenkling, 1916 is transferred to the genus Tillus as a new combination. All the species in this genus are described (except G. brevicolle), and a key is provided for their identification. Illustrations of male genitalia, female reproductive organs, and other important structures are provided. An interspecific phylogeny-estimate of Gastrocentrum is presented based on morphological data, with two main clades recognized: a clade containing G. unicolor and G. laterimaculatum, and a clade containing the remaining six species (the latter a polytomy consisting of G. magnum sp. nov., G. dux, and G. regulare sp. nov., and a well-supported sub-clade representing the remaining species). Additionally, the taxonomic and phylogenetic importance of female reproductive organs is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies of alcohol use among college students in India have reported a male preponderance, but a recent large study suggested that alcohol use is increasing in young females. This increase in use among the young females is of concern as they experience poorer outcomes and a higher risk for addiction. Hence, we aimed to examine the gender-specific correlates of alcohol use among college students in the district of Ernakulum, Kerala. Methods: From 58 colleges, 5,784 students completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed use of alcohol, use of tobacco and illicit drugs, psychological distress, suicidality, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and history of sexual abuse. Results: Of the questionnaires, 342 had incomplete responses and had to be discarded, and the rest (n = 5,442, 94.1%) were analyzed. lifetime alcohol use was reported by 39% males and 12.6% females. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis using a full model, male students using alcohol compared to male non-users were older, non-Muslim, had poor academic performance, and used other substances. Female users, compared to female non-users, were non-Muslim, had urban residence, used tobacco, and had higher psychological distress, higher suicidal thoughts, and higher lifetime exposure to sexual abuse. Conclusion: Gender-specific differences extend across sociodemographic and psychological domains. Incorporation of these may improve the effectiveness of public health strategies addressing alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women constitute 24 percent of the workforce in India, which boasts of one the largest working populations in the world. Information Technology industry is one such industry where women constitute a significant percentage of employees. BPO sector is a major part of IT industry with around 4.5 million employees of which 35 % are women. These women employees are subjected to high work stress, odd working hours and frequent shift changes apart from environmental & domestic stressors leading to increased physical and mental health problems. Aims & Objective: To study the cognitive functions - Learning, Memory & Executive function in female BPO employees exposed to regular shifts. Materials and Methods: 50 female BPO employees exposed to regular shifts were assessed for cognitive functions of learning, memory & executive function. They were compared with 50 female non BPO employees not working in shifts. Data was analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS V.13.0. Results: BPO employees performed poorly compared to their controls in tests for learning and memory, response inhibition & visual working memory. No changes were seen between groups in tests for verbal working memory. Conclusion: cognitive functions are impaired in female BPO employees exposed to regular shift changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the prevalence of hypertension, pre-hypertension and tachycardia among the women in rural areas of West Bengal, identify co-factors associated with the prevalence and contribute to the body of evidence for future health programs to identify at-risk groups. Design: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Setting: The study was conducted in remote villages. Participants: 1186 women participants, aged 18 years or more were included. Main outcome measures: They were interviewed using standard structured questionnaire. Blood pressure and tachycardia was monitored using digital sphygmomanometer. For each participant, we made two blood pressure measurements with an interval of 48 hours. Data was analysed statistically using SPSS software. Results: Overall prevalence of hypertension in the study subjects was 24.7% and that of pre-hypertension and tachycardia was 40.8% and 6.4%, respectively. Both hypertension and pre-hypertension were seen to increase with age. Other identified significant factors were use of biomass fuel for cooking, absence of separate kitchen, higher body mass index (BMI), education and average family income. Conclusion: This study suggests quite high prevalence of hypertension as well as pre-hypertension among the women of rural areas. The findings are significant from the women health perspectives. Early detection of pre-hypertensive and hypertensive subjects will help to formulate intervention strategies to allay the spread of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]