Search

COVID-19 is yet not completely over; however, many people are hesitant to take COVID-19 vaccines despite their availability. Vaccine hesitancy is a major roadblock to attaining normalcy and controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The present research used a multitheoretical framework (Health Belief Model, 3Cs framework, fatalism, and religious fatalism) to comprehend the complexity of vaccine hesitancy. Thus, the present study aimed at exploring vaccine hesitancy in India by using key components of the Health Belief Model, 3Cs framework, fatalism, religious fatalism, and some demographics as predictors. Data were collected electronically with the help of Google Forms from 639 Indian adults following snowballing and convenience sampling techniques with standardized measures (albeit some modifications to suit the context of the study). Descriptive analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were run in SPSS (V-22) to analyze the data. Results revealed that participants of the present study scored relatively high on vaccine hesitancy. Muslims as compared with Hindus and vaccination status emerged as significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy out of the demographic factors. Fear of COVID-19, vaccine convenience, and religious fatalism also significantly predicted vaccine hesitancy. Thus, a comprehensive approach is needed to strategically use these predictors to control vaccine hesitancy.

This appreciation of the work of Alan Roland reviews his pioneering contributions to the field of cross-cultural psychoanalysis based on the clinical experience with patients from non-Western cultures, most notably India and Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies at the juncture of development economics and public health take on considerable responsibility in addressing inequality and related mental health distress. Mental healthcare in economically marginalized populations requires depicting the linkages between socioeconomic status and psychological distress. In the present work, a sequential mixed-methods design was used to study 190 people in such communities in India. Gender-dependent psychological distress was found according to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) with moderate distress in women (M = 26.30, SD = 9.15) and mild distress in men (M = 21.04, SD = 8.35). Regression analysis indicated that gender significantly predicted psychological distress, followed by age, marital status, and the level of education of the head of the family. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews of the six women who scored the highest on the distress scale unveiled three master themes: (1) manifestation of psychological distress, (2) contextual challenges, and (3) sources of strength and resilience. Overall, participants reported a lack of resources, community violence, gender discrimination, and widespread substance use as major contributors to the ongoing distress. These findings can pave the way for future studies to expand beyond independent economic indicators and curate clinical interventions for culturally competent mental healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population in South Asia is increasing ever than a faster rate, subsequently; food security, climate change, and capital intensive agro farming techniques are the prevailing challenges in this region. This is a tri-country penal analysis, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, and the study covers the data throughout (1973–2020). This study has used modern farm input data besides demographic variables in the study. In this study, we use panel data set, ARDL (PMG) approach, autoregressive distributed lag model pooled mean group, which is an extensively dynamic modeling technique for heterogeneous data. The results of the study explore that transition in the demographic pattern in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh is the real cause of low crop productivity and land intensification. Technology innovation is the only ray of hope to fulfill the food demand of the future ahead and climate agriculture practices can hamper the further deterioration of the small farmlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyse the perception of employees towards training and also examine the mediation effect of employee engagement between training and task performance. Design/methodology/approach: An integrated model has been developed highlighting the relationship of the motivation for training and support for training and their implications on task performance through the mediating role of employee engagement. Using the sample of 397, structural equation modelling has been used with the help of SPSS and AMOS to validate the hypothesized relationship and evaluate the responses of employees working in travel agencies operating in Delhi (capital), India. Findings: The findings of this study demonstrated a positively significant relationship between training and task performance of employees in the tourism and hospitality industry. Simultaneously, employee engagement positively mediates the relationship between training and task performance directly and indirectly. This study goes over the ramifications of the findings and offers some suggestions for practical implementations. Practical implications: The findings of this study can be used by managers and HR professionals to organize exclusive training programs for improving employees' performance based on the dimensions used in this study. This study also suggests that training program enhances employee engagement in organizational activities which leads to build up team work and overall organizational as well as individual performance. Originality/value: This study also introduces a conceptual model and theoretical framework that provide a significant contribution to the training and task performance of employees. This study provides a strong theoretical foundation by incorporating the social exchange theory to confirm the role of employee engagement in performance. Further, this novel piece of research explores the relationship between training and task performance with employee engagement as a mediator, especially in the Indian tourism and hospitality industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, constitute significant sources of illness, disability, and mortality among the poor and vulnerable in many countries around the world, including India. Based on the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors study 2019, we analyse the burden of dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, in India from 1990 to 2019. Over this period, there was a reduction in the burden of lymphatic filariasis and leishmaniasis. Notably, dengue emerged as the most common vector-borne disease, exhibiting high fatality rate above 15 years of age and the highest DALY within 15–49 age group. Additionally, dengue cases surged substantially between 1990 and 2019. Leishmaniasis related mortality and DALY declined in the year 2019 compared to the year 1990, with high mortality and DALY in the 0-49-year-old age group. For lymphatic filariasis, DALY was more pronounce among those in the 15–49-year age group, which underwent reduction in 2019. Males had a higher burden in other vector-borne diseases than females, although females had a slightly elevated dengue burden. These findings highlight the evolving epidemiological trends related to vector-borne diseases in India, over the last three decades and underline the critical significance of sustained efforts for the elimination and control of vector-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic was one of this century's deadliest and most widespread viral outbreaks, with higher mortality rates in men than women. Disruptions in funeral rituals and customs, no social recognition of the losses, and limited social support have complicated the grieving process and are linked to disenfranchised (not openly acknowledged, socially recognized, or publicly mourned) grief. Depression is also highly comorbid with complicated grief. Losing a spouse can be devastating, and this is more severe for women with limited or no resources, who are vulnerable because of the patriarchal society. In the current COVID-19 era, increased uncertainty and disenfranchised grief can worsen the clinical scenario and hamper interventions, as highlighted by the present case report on disenfranchised grief with depressive symptoms in a 30-year-old woman from rural India who, after a year of marriage, lost her husband due to COVID-19. This case study emphasizes the impact of multiple types of disadvantages due to sociodemographic and cultural determinants that can complicate the grieving process in the current context. The bioecological model of grief recovery considers individual features and societal/environmental factors to postulate the appropriate intervention. Finding meaning and purpose in life and restoration-oriented coping were successful for the clinical management of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an integrated analytical hierarchy process, remote sensing and geographic information system techniques, the current study aims to map and identify the potential groundwater zones of Kurukshetra District of Haryana, which is located in the Ghaggar and Upper Yamuna Basins in India. This is done in the context of a significant change in the use of groundwater pattern, with respect to its continuously increasing demand due to the growing population, expansion of area under irrigation and related economic factors. The amount and quality of groundwater are anticipated to be impacted by anthropogenic activities as well as natural factors such as geomorphology, soil type, lithology and rainfall variance owing to a changing climatic scenario. The potential index of groundwater for this study was calculated by using nine important factors, including geomorphology, rainfall, soil type, depth to groundwater level, lithology, land use land cover, normalized difference vegetation index, cumulative sand thickness and elevation. The integration of multiple thematic layers was accomplished using the overlay weighted method to generate a potential groundwater zonation map and the accuracy of the resulting map was validated against a groundwater resource potential map. Statistical measures demonstrate an 82% agreement between the two maps, indicating a high level of concurrence. Accordingly, three groundwater zones of good, average and bad potential have been identified in the study area. In the current study, a process that combines weighted ranking with spatial data transformation and harmonization has been developed to obtain information for accurate decision-making. The results accruing from this research have significant ramifications for creating regional sustainable groundwater management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapeworm infections in humans are considered to be a significant public health menace. Despite its public health importance, the data on tapeworm infection remains fragmented and underutilised. The present study reviews the overall burden and distribution of taeniasis and cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium and Taenia saginata in India by conducting a systematic review of the scientific literature based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from 19 eligible articles were analysed and the prevalence of T. solium –associated taeniasis/cysticercosis was found to be 11.06% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.856 to 16.119) and the prevalence of T. saginata –associated taeniasis was found to be 4.7% (95% CI 3.301 to 6.301). This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive analysis of the available literature on tapeworm infections and assesses the burden of Taenia infection from India, identifying areas of high prevalence requiring active surveillance and public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge for humans in the twenty-first century is devising a way to minimize environmental pollution while fostering economic growth that will not deplete the planet's resources. Despite increased awareness of climate change and efforts to combat it, the amount of pollution emissions on the Earth continues to drop significantly. This study employs cutting-edge econometric methods to examine the long- and short-term asymmetric and causal impacts of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and financial development on CO2 emissions in India at both aggregate and disaggregated levels. Thus, this work fills a significant gap in research. A time series from 1965 to 2020 was used for this study. Wavelet coherence was employed to investigate causal effects among the variables, while the NARDL model addressed long-run and short-run asymmetry effects. Our findings indicate that (i) REC, NREC, FD, and CO2 emissions are all interconnected in the long run, (ii) NREC and FD significantly trigger CO2 emissions in India in the long run, and (iii) the results of a wavelet coherence-based causality test support the long-term estimates of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In developing countries, neonatal mortality is the most neglected health issue by the health system, leading to its emergence as a public health problem. A study was undertaken to assess the influence of factors and newborn care practices influencing newborn health in the rural area of Bareilly district. Methodology: The descriptive cross-sectional study was organized in the rural areas of Bareilly. Study participants were selected based on the mothers who gave birth to a baby during the last six months. The mothers who delivered in that area within six months were included and, using the semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 2021 version for windows. Results: Out of 300 deliveries, nearly one-quarter of the deliveries, 66 (22%), were happening in homes, and most of the deliveries, 234 (78%), happened in hospitals. It was observed that unsafe cord care practices were observed more among nuclear families, 8 (53.4%), than joint families, 7 (46.6%), and it was found to be statistically insignificant. The Unsafe feed was given 48 (72.7%) more commonly among home deliveries than institutional deliveries 56 (23.9%). Mothers' initiation of delayed breastfeeding was nearly the same in both home and hospital deliveries. Delayed bathing was observed in nearly three-fourths of mothers, 125 (70.1%), aged 24–29 years, followed by 29 (16.8%) in the age period of 30–35 years. Conclusion: The practice of essential newborn care still needs to improve in Bareilly; there is a need to create awareness among the mothers and family members on newborn and early neonatal care aspects, such as promoting exclusive and early initiation of breastfeeding and delayed bathing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amir khusrow (1253-1325) was one of the greatest poets of medieval India. He wrote in both Persian, the courtly language of the Muslims of the sultanate period, and Hindavi, the vernacular language of the Delhi area. His knowledge of Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Hindi languages allowed him to deal with outstanding jest and amazing fictional trickeries. He is known as Tuti-Yi Hind (the Parrot of India) for his lyrical fluency and effortlessness in Persian. Amir Khusrow has stood as a major ethnic portrait in the history of Indian sophistication for almost seven hundred years. He is specifically evoked as the founder of the 'Ganga- Jamni' Hindustani culture which is an amalgamation of the Muslim and Hindu elements. The third of his historical poems 'Ashiqa' (beloved) also known by the titles Ishqya' (love story) and Dowal Rani Khizr Khan is the figurative union of the two key Indian ethnicities that produced the amusing ethos whose history begins with the poet himself. The Ishqiya was completed in 1315, more than a decade after he had written Khamsa. It is probably his best-known historical tale poem and the one that has been most often demonstrated. It comprises 4200 verses, yet it took him a little more than four months to complete the poem. He continuously seems to prefer the Indian beauty over the splendors of Egypt, Rome, Samarqand, and the rest of the world. He goes on to divulge the delightful refinement of India, its classiness, and its multiplicity. He exceedingly escalates Indian culture and insight into its dialects, predominantly Sanskrit which is in no way mediocre to Persian. The entire form is an incomparable example of the masterwork of romantic poetry. In this article, the condensed similes used in the poem have been analyzed and examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is a disputed territory according to the United Nations (UN) resolutions unless the people exercise their right to self-determination and decide their own fate. India has maintained its special status through specific arrangements in its constitution. On August 5, 2019, the BJP-led Indian government removed the special guarantees given to the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) through the abolition of articles 35-A and 370 of the Constitution of India in an act of clear violation of international law. Since then, it has undertaken numerous actions in legislative and administrative realms to bring about a demographic change in the occupied territory and marginalize the indigenous population, threatening its identity, and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A content analysis of an English Newspaper, The Times of India (the world's largest newspaper by circulation) during the first national lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic identified nine different categories culled out from a total of 129 news categories reporting unprecedented COVID-19 stories. Half of them portrayed two sides of a coin: from daily wagers and migrant workers, including internally displaced people (23/129), harassment and stigma (4/129), and crime (3/129) to stressors and coping strategies for middle/upper class individuals (39/129). Reports evidenced increased vulnerability in the lower layers of Indian stratified society. Yet, two years later, the uneven implications on physical and mental health are scarcely studied by scientific researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phosphorus (P) is among the essential elements for plant growth and one of the main elements of fertilizers. Decreased availability of P may limit agricultural production in the coming years. The magnitude of soil aggregation influences phosphorus access to mineral surfaces. Aim: The present study aims to determine phosphorus adsorption processes affected by soil aggregation under different land‐use systems. Methods: The distribution of soil aggregates was determined in representative soil samples in the district Kupwara of Kashmir Valley in India. To predict the phosphorus fertilizer requirement of a particular soil, we used the Freundlich adsorption equation and Langmuir equation and drew a clear comparison between these two models. Results and discussion: Maximum phosphorus (P) adsorption was recorded at the smallest aggregate size, 0.5–0.1 mm. However, soil aggregates >2.0 mm (the largest category) adsorbed the least amount of P. Our results revealed that increasing the addition of P to the soil decreased the percentage of adsorbed P regardless of aggregate size. The maximum P adsorption of different size aggregates varied between 1869–1924, 1872–1900, 1718–1739, and 1800–1890 mg P kg–1 in irrigated agriculture, forest, orchard and rainfed agriculture soils, respectively. The variation in P adsorption parameters across the different land uses was attributed to their mean weight diameter difference. The maximum bonding energy in the forest resulted in higher P adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich's adsorption equations were fitted to each soil aggregate size and land‐use system. Conclusion: Our results revealed that for all soil aggregate sizes and land use systems, the Freundlich adsorption equation performs better than the Langmuir equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The different anthropometric indices have different predictive values of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in various populations. Since obesity is a common cause of NAFLD and diabetes, therefore, it is critical to correlate the various anthropometric indices as a risk factor in terms of NAFLD and diabetes in the Indian population. In view of reported association between obesity and NAFLD, the study was employed to analyze the relationship of various anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], a body shape index [ABSI], waist-height ratio [WHtR], etc.) with NAFLD and to comment, if possible, which among them has the highest predictive value in patients with type 2 diabetes. Material and Methods: Data of 220 diabetic patients (36–80 years) were analyzed. Anthropometric data were collected using standard methods. Routine biochemical investigations data were used. Ultrasonography was used to assess liver status for NAFLD. Results: Based on the results, Waist height ratio [WHtR] and BMI had better correlation with NAFLD than ABSI. The desirable WHtR cutoff value was 0.545 with 62% of sensitivity and 62% of specificity. The cut off for BMI and ABSI were 24.6 and 0.805, respectively, with 65% of sensitivity and 62% of specificity for BMI and 63% of sensitivity and 42% of specificity for ABSI. Conclusion: There is a strong association of BMI and ABSI with NAFLD in this study. Public health measures to limit overnutrition and management of obesity are essential to prevent NAFLD, and as its negative health effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Intestinal protozoan parasites are responsible for diarrheal diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality. Entamoeba histolytica is the principle protozoan parasite associated with diarrheal infections. The infection is often associated with inaccessibility to clean drinking water and poor sanitary conditions in low- and middle-income countries including India. A comprehensive systematic review was performed to evaluate a reliable nationwide estimate for prevalence and geographic distribution of amoebiasis in India and the complications associated with it. Methods: We used the PRISMA guidelines to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between the year 2001–2020. Two English language databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched to achieve relevant studies. Results: Initial searches resulted in 467 studies out of which 64 eligible articles involving data from 289,659 human subjects from 12 states and 4 union territories were included in the final analysis. Prevalence of amoebiasis ranged from 3-23% in asymptomatic population, 0.64–11% in symptomatic patients and 1–17.5% in HIV-infected patients. Highest prevalence was seen in Tamil Nadu, Andaman Nicobar Island and North East India. Extra intestinal invasion of Entamoeba histolytica leading to complications such as amoebic liver abscess, amoebic colitis, colonic perforation and ameboma were also reported. Such complications have the potential to increase healthcare burden and may prove to be fatal. Conclusion: Amoebiasis remains a significant public health issue in India responsible for diarrheal diseases causing significant morbidity and mortality. Entamoeba histolytica is the principle protozoan parasite associated with amoebiasis. Public health efforts should be directed towards its control and better diagnostic methods should be employed for distinguishing between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are economically signifcant and used in traditional medicines worldwide. The region of Jammu and Kashmir (Western Himalayas) is enriched with the diversity of edible mushrooms, collected by the rural people for food and income generation. This is the frst detailed study on diversity and ethnomedicinal uses of mushrooms from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Methods: Consecutive surveys were conducted to record ethnomycological diversity and socio-economic importance of wild edible mushrooms value chain in rural areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2015--2019. Ethnomycological data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire having a set of questions on indigenous mycological knowledge and collection and retailing of wild edible mushrooms. A total of 923 informants from the study area provided the results identifying the gender, type of mushroom species, medicinal uses, and marketing of mushrooms. Diversity of mushrooms was studied by using quadrat and transect methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were also applied to the dataset to analyse the relationship between species distribution, the underlying environmental factors, and habitat types. PCA identifed the major species-specifc to the sites and put them close to the sites of distribution. Results: A total of 131 mushroom species were collected and identifed during 2015--2019 from the study area. Ninety-seven species of mushrooms were reported new to the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The dominant mushroom family was Russulaceae with 23 species followed by Agaricaceae, 16 species. Major mushroom species identifed and grouped by the PCA were Coprinus comatus, Lactarius sanguifuus, Amanita fulva, Armillaria gallica, Lycoperdon perlatum, Lycoperdon pyriforme, and Russula creminicolor. Sparassis crispa, Pleurotus sp, and Laetiporus sulphureus were recorded most edible and medicinally signifcant fungi. Morels were also expensive and medicinally important among all harvested macro-fungal species. These were reported to use against common ailments and various health problems. Conclusions: Collection and retailing of WEM contribute to improving the socio-economic status, providing alternative employment and food security to rural people of the area. These mushrooms are used as a source of food and traditional medicines among the rural informants and could be used as a potential source of antibacterial and anticancer drugs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) varies over a wide range. Early detection and treatment of PE in AECOPD is a key to improve patient outcome. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PE in patients of AECOPD in a high burden region of North India. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included patients of AECOPD with no obvious cause of exacerbation on initial evaluation. Apart from routine workup, the participants underwent assessment of D-dimer, compression ultrasound and venous Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs and pelvic veins, and a multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Results: A total of 100 patients of AECOPD with unknown etiology were included. PE as a possible cause of AE-COPD was observed in 14% of patients. Among the participants with PE, 63% (n = 9) had a concomitant presence of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Hemoptysis and chest pain were significantly higher in patients of AECOPD with PE ([35.7% vs. 7%, P = 0.002] and [92.9% vs. 38.4%, P = 0.001]). Likelihood of PE was significantly higher in patients who presented with tachycardia, tachypnea, respiratory alkalosis (PaCO2 <45 mmHg and pH >7.45), and hypotension. No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of in-hospital mortality, age, sex distribution, and risk factors for embolism except for the previous history of venous thromboembolism (35.7% vs. 12.8% P = 0.03). Conclusion: PE was probably responsible for AECOPD in 14% of patients with no obvious cause on initial assessment. Patients who present with chest pain, hemoptysis, tachypnea, tachycardia, and respiratory alkalosis should be particularly screened for PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Under a dynamic business environment that is seen today, organizations need to adopt the right blend of strategies to attract, retain and maintain customers. Extant marketing literature has shed light on some key roles that after-sale service and the larger customer support system could play in attaining the same. Specifically, this paper aims to attempt to model the linkages between after-sales service, service quality, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and word of mouth (WOM). Design/methodology/approach: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 280 two-wheeler owners, who had a recent experience of after sales service at their respective authorized service centers, through purposive sampling method. Findings: The findings reveal that both customer loyalty and repurchase intention significantly and positively mediate the relationship between customer satisfaction and word of mouth. This indicates that satisfied customers are more likely to be loyal to the service firms and would spontaneously engage themselves with positive word of mouth. Originality/value: Despite the increasing importance of after-sales service, empirical researches on this subject have been quite limited. This study aims at filling the void in extant literature by examining the inter-relationships between after-sales service, service quality, customer satisfaction and WOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study clinical profile, maternal and fetal outcome in covid positive pregnancies. Methods: A retrospective observational study was done at Lalla Ded hospital, Kashmir, a tertiary care centre. 70 covid positive pregnant women who were admitted from May 2020 to January 2021 were included in the study. Results: The incidence of Covid positive patients in our study was 11.47%. 60% of patients in our study belonged to 26-30 years age group. 50% patients were primigravida, 20% were second gravida. Among the study population, 31(44.3%) patients were term while 22 (31.4%) were preterm. Most patients were asymptomatic (61.4%). Among symptomatic patients, maximum had fever (17.1%) followed by cough (10%) and shortness of breath (4.3%). Associated comorbidity was seen in 33 patients (47.1%). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were seen in majority i.e.15.7%, followed by anaemia (11.4%), GDM (8.5%) and hypothyroidism (7.1%). Out of total study population of 70, emergency caesarean delivery (LSCS) was done in 29 patients (41.5%). 21 patients delivered vaginally (30%). Two post-LSCS patients were shifted to designated Covid Intensive care unit (ICU). One patient from the study group died. There were total of 50 deliveries, 10 babies had Neonatal ICU admission (20%), Low birth weight in 9 (18%). Low APGAR score was in 6 (12%). There were 2 stillbirths in the study population. Conclusion: Covid presents as milder disease in pregnancy, but it may be severe in those with associated comorbidities. More studies on susceptibility of pregnant women to infection by Covid-19 are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Māsh (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper belongs to the family Papilionaceae. It is one of the important legume crops extensively cultivated in India and other parts of the world. Pulses and legumes have been gaining interest because they are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The objective of this present review is to compile all relevant information regarding the medicinal uses of Vigna mungo. It is rich in flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phytoestrogens, phenolic acids, enzymes, fibers, starches, trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, saponins, tocopherols, fatty acids, and proteins. Most of the reported components are from the seed part of the black gram. Various processes like cooking, soaking, and germination affect bioactive components. Studies have shown the presence of bioactive compounds in other parts of the plant like leaves, pods, roots, stems, etc. which are normally considered as a waste product. Hence there is a need to isolate and characterize novel bioactive components from other parts of the black gram plant. This review demonstrates that Vigna mungo is rich in bioactive components and able to cure and prevent diseases in addition to its basic nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to establish the construct validity of short sadistic impulse scale (SSIS) in the Indian context. The relationship between sadism and cyber aggression was explored outside the western world directly as well as through the moderation of moral self-identity. Finally, the study investigated the relationship between moral identity and cyber aggression. The sample of study was comprised of 308 adolescents aged 16–19 years. Participants completed the SSIC, cyber aggression questionnaire, and moral identity scale to measure sadism, cyber aggression, and moral identity, respectively. Pearson correlation and moderation regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships among them. Results show that SSIS is a valid tool in the Indian context, sadism has a direct relationship with cyber aggression and moral identity internalization moderates the relationship between sadism and cyber aggression. Moral identity was found to be positively correlated with cyber aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Kashmir, the entrenchment of political violence in the everyday has marked a shift from understanding Kashmiris as passive receivers of violence to agentic beings; however, much attention has not been paid to the experiences of children. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in one of the downtown neighbourhoods in Srinagar, this article would look at the everyday of children by focusing on their game playing. Analysing two games, that is, Military-Mujahid and PUBG (Player Unknown's Battlegrounds), the article highlights how playing blurs the lines between spectacular and everyday, and actual and virtual/imaginary, establishing itself as a part of children's everyday reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early detection and drug susceptibility analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in the shortest possible time has been the driving force for research that aims to bridge the gap between detection and treatment. In this regard Line Probe Assays (LPA) were commissioned in 2008 by World Health Organisation (WHO) as an addition in the long list of diagnostic tools for MTB. Aim: To assess the utility of LPA for the detection of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and to find out the most common mutations associated with it. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty two smear positive sputum samples and 100 randomly selected smear negative samples were subjected to LPA and cultured on Loweinstein Jensen (LJ) medium. MTB was confirmed taking into account colony morphology on LJ medium, Ziehl-Neelson (ZN) staining and Nitrate reductase assay. LPA was performed as per the directions of the manufacturer. McNemar χ² test was used for statistical hypothesis testing and data was analysed using OpenEpi version 3. Results: Of the 252 smear positive sputum samples, growth on LJ was seen in 238 (94.4%) samples whereas LPA was positive for 241 (95.6%) samples. Of the 100 smear negative samples growth of MTB was seen in seven samples whereas five were positive by LPA. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) for smear positive and negative samples was 100%, 78.6%, 98.9%, 100% and 71.4%, 100%, 100%, 97.9%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of the test was 98.6%. One sample showed low level Isoniazid (INH) mono-resistance whereas two samples were hetero-resistant to INH that corresponded to C15T mutation. One sample was resistant to Rifampicin (RIF) that represents a mutation in 531 codon of rpoB gene. Average detection time of MTB on LJ medium was 31.5 days whereas for LPA it was 3.8 days. Conclusion: LPA due to its rapid turnaround time and high sensitivity and specificity for the detection and susceptibility testing of MTB directly from smear-positive sputum samples can significantly aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of MDR-TB. However, LPA cannot completely replace phenotypic culture methods, as the performance of this test is still low for sputum smear negative cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to examine the application and usefulness of social media and mobile devices in transferring the resources and interaction with academicians in higher education institutions across the boundary wall, a hitherto unexplained area of research. This empirical study is based on the survey of 360 students of a university in eastern India, cognising students' perception on social media and mobile devices through collaborative learning, interactivity with peers, teachers and its significant impact on students' academic performance. A latent variance-based structural equation model approach was followed for measurement and instrument validation. The study revealed that online social media used for collaborative learning had a significant impact on interactivity with peers, teachers and online knowledge sharing behaviour. Additionally, interactivity with teachers, peers, and online knowledge sharing behaviour has seen a significant impact on students' engagement which consequently has a significant impact on students' academic performance. Grounded to this finding, it would be valuable to mention that use of online social media for collaborative learning facilitate students to be more creative, dynamic and research-oriented. It is purely a domain of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, and the strategic implementation of a cervical cancer prevention programme is partly dependent on the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection interpreted within the context of the country's sociodemographic attributes. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of cervicovaginal HPV infection among a healthy, community-based, multiethnic Malaysian population. The HPV prevalence was subsequently correlated to the individual's sociodemographics and sexual/reproductive history. Of significance, the observed prevalence captured was in a birth cohort not included in the national school-based HPV vaccination programme.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where 1293 healthy women aged between 18 and 60 years were recruited via convenience sampling from five community-based clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Cervicovaginal self-samples were obtained and DNA was extracted for HPV detection and genotyping. A comprehensive questionnaire was administered to determine the sociodemographics and behavioural patterns of participants.Results: The median age at enrolment was 37 years old (IQR: 30-47). In total, 86/1190 (7.2%) of the samples collected were positive for HPV infection, with the highest HPV prevalence (11.9%) detected in the subgroup of 18-24 years old. The top three most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV 16, 52 and 58. The independent risk factors associated with higher rates of HPV infection included Indian ethnicity, widowed status and women with partners who are away from home for long periods and/or has another sexual partner.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of HPV infection in this Malaysian multiethnic population was 7.2%, with 6.5% being high-risk genotypes. The top three most common high-risk HPV types were HPV 16, 52 and 58. This information is important for the planning of primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary (screening) cervical cancer prevention programmes in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial inclusion refers to universal access to a wide range of financial services at a reasonable cost. These include not only banking products but also other financial services such as insurance and equity. Financial inclusion broadens the resource base of the financial system by incorporating a culture of savings among the large segment of the rural population and plays its own role in the economic development. The present study aims to investigate the impact of financial inclusion on the economic growth over a period of ten years from 2005-06 to 2015-16. GDP at current price is taken as the proxy measure for economic growth whereas financial inclusion is measured by number of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and credit-deposit ratio (CDR). Secondary data is used and the data has been analyzed by using multiple regression analysis. Before analysis, the adequacy of the data has been checked. To check the multicollinearity and Autocorrelation problems, Variance Inflation Factor and Durbin-Watson tests have been used. Results of the study found that the ATMs have positive significant impact on the GDP whereas the CDR has positive insignificant impact on the GDP of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children who play violent video games can become violent and aggressive. An aggressive emotional change in their behavior and deviation in academic performance is usually noticed. Aim: To assess the impact of violent video games playing among school going adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 400 adolescents recruited from four selected English medium schools of a City of Northern India by convenient sampling. Each student was interviewed by using a self-structured questionnaire which covered demographics, video gaming behaviors, and effects of video game playing on adolescents. Statistical Analysis: Collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and subjected to suitable statistical tests. Results: 83.75% of the participants play video games while 1/3rd preferred to play violent games. 72.24% of the parents did not monitor the video game content of their children. Both boys (58.56%) and girls (17.12%) got aggressive during parent's interference while playing violent video games. Most of the male (62.07%) were willing to apply actions of violent video games in real life. About 63.21% male violent video gamers showed poor academic performance as compared to girls (33.33%). Conclusion: Adolescents and their parents should be updated about the negative impact of excessive video game playing on health and psychosocial functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections affect some of the poorest countries in the world. India is one of the most severely affected countries by these parasitic infections. They primarily affect children by impairing nutritional status, cognitive ability and overall development. Lower haemoglobin levels are a very common symptom associated with Helminth infections. Aim: The present study was conducted to analyse the effect of STH infections on haemoglobin levels in India. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science was carried out. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify studies reporting data on STH infection associated anaemia without any bar on language or date of publication. Full text studies reporting data on STH infection associated anaemia in humans were considered for final analysis. Results: Careful screening resulted in 16 publications that met the eligibility criteria out of which six were case reports and ten were cross-sectional studies that reported data on helminth infections and haemoglobin levels. Odds ratio analysis of five cross-sectional reports indicated that Helminth infections are three times (OR-2.8, CI-95%, 2.4-3.4) more likely to be associated with lower haemoglobin levels as compared to uninfected population. An analysis of case reports indicated severe to moderate anaemia in all patients. Conclusion: Helminth infections are often associated with lower haemoglobin levels resulting in lower cognitive development. We have found evidence that helminth infections are associated with lower haemoglobin levels in Indian population. Implications of Key Findings: This study can provide a guideline to clinicians and healthcare professional in identifying a baseline for haemoglobin level associated with STH infection associated anaemia and might lead to more comprehensive analysis of reasons for anaemia, growth stunting and cognitive impairment in at risk Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dengue has become an endemic problem in India with frequent outbreaks reported from several parts of the country every year. A passive surveillance system is unable to deal with the mounting number of cases every year. In the last couple of years the internet has become a valuable tool to access healthcare related information. Aim: To analyse the correlation between dengue cases reported every year and annual Internet search data for the term "dengue" obtained via Google trends. Materials and Methods: Dengue incidence data was collected from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) database alongside relative search volumes from Google trends for the term "dengue" and correlation was estimated by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient. results: The data was analysed from the year 2004 up to year 2017. In this period, a total of 693,318 cases of dengue were reported from India. Relative search volume for dengue searches on Google trends was found to be highly correlated with dengue incidence data. Google trends indicate a seasonal pattern showing maximum search volume in the monsoon months, which also coincides with most dengue cases. Internet based searches and Google trends can be used in addition to traditional surveillance methods for predicting disease outbreaks. conclusion: The analysis shows an overall strong positive correlation between incidence of dengue cases and Google trends indicating the usefulness of internet searches in gathering healthcare related information during the time of outbreaks. Internet based searches could be an additional tool along with classical surveillance methods for accurately predicting disease outbreaks in resource poor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the challenges faced by the prospective teachers during teaching practice. The sample of the study comprised 34 prospective teachers enrolled in the final semester of B.Ed. (Hons.) program at University of the Punjab and University of Gujrat. The prospective teachers were trained in using student-centered pedagogies in teaching practice. Data analysis revealed that there was a noticeable transformation towards the use of teaching methods other than lecture method in their classroom. The major challenges included dealing with poor physical infrastructure, scarce and underused academic resources, inflexibility in classroom arrangement, non-professional attitude of school administration, and trying out innovation without challenging the prevailing school norms. Teaching practice has helped prospective teachers to strike a balance between their expectations and reality of schools and classrooms. A closer interaction among university, school, prospective teachers and students beyond teaching practice is essential to increase mutual familiarity addressing the surprise element of challenges faced by the prospective teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To ascertain the level of awareness and the preliminary understanding about the importance and the practice of immunization of children among the mothers hailing from an adjoining slum area while visiting a nearby tertiary care hospital at Lahore. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The respondents of this study were the mothers coming from an urban slum area and visiting the pediatrics outpatient department of a nearby tertiary care hospital in Lahore city. Period: May 2016 to July 2016. Methods: 60 mothers of reproductive age and all having children in the ages needing routine immunization coverage through expanded programme on immunization. Convenient sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents. Data was collected through a questionnaire which was filled during face-to-face interview of each voluntary participant. Results: 34.3% respondents had general awareness about immunization of children, and out of them, only 6% mothers had additional understanding of the rationale for the immunization. 45% mothers had only partial awareness about immunization with no understanding of its rationale. 20% respondents had no significant awareness. Overall 10% of all the respondents had the knowledge about the need of booster doses of certain vaccines administered in expanded programme on immunization. The awareness about the names of diseases prevented through the routine and free vaccination programme was associated with the literacy level and socio-economic status of the responding mothers. Conclusion: Inadequate awareness and basic understanding about immunization was found by this small study conducted among the mothers coming from an adjoining slum area of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was aimed to determine the ability of farmers to detect climate change and how they have adapted to whatever climate change they believe has occurred. Farmers have indigenous knowledge of the climate of the area to predict and forecast the changing weather and climate. Knowing such traditional knowledge provides an opportunity to understand how the farmers are adapting to new type of weather. The study was carried out in Balambat Tehsil District Dir Lower. They study is primarily based on questionnaire survey and focus group discussion. A total of fifteen villages out of total 173 were selected for study, 75 farmers were interviewed, 05 from each of the 15 selected villages. A total of 15 focus group discussions were organised, one is each selected village. The key parameters addressed during survey were cropping pattern, sowing, harvesting date and yield per acre of different crops, pests and crops diseases, flowering time of fruits trees, biodiversity and livestock's. Respondents were selected randomly but priority was given to elders and those possess land and practice agriculture. The study reveals that majority of the respondents are well aware of climate change and its effects on cropping calendar, crop variety, crop yield, crop diseases as well as an earlier blossoming of fruit trees. The respondents in all the fifteen villages unanimously agreed that sowing and harvesting dates of crops are 10-20 days earlier than it used to be 20 year ago (1992-2012). Similar change was reported in the time of fruit tree blossoming because of the onset of early summer and shortening of winter season. Majority of farmers believe that warmer climate caused a variety of new crop diseases. Survey reveals that there is not only decrease in the amount of rainfall but the timing of rainfall is also changed. The study demonstrated mixed type of results about the awareness level of the respondents in relation to climate change. The only adaptation strategy opted by farmers in the study area is change in crop calendar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is to examine the impact of cashless monetary policy on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India. The government's initiative towards cashless economy triggers with demonetisation of high denomination currencies. Cashless economy is a financial environment that minimises the use of physical cash by providing alternative channels for making payments, and fosters a clean and digital economic culture. Demonetisation, for a while, slows down all economic activities and imputes to use digital mode for transactions. The MSMEs prefer to do all its transactions with conventional mode; sudden move by the demonetisation severely affected the MSME sector. Stringent reactive policies are required to this segment for surviving in a cashless economy. Economic reform without considering MSMEs will result negative impacts, it acts as a mediating role in economic growth. Currently the dealers and customers are adopting digital infrastructure and slowly it will create a digital economic culture. The objective of the study is to determine possible implications of a cashless economy on micro small medium enterprises in India. It also discusses challenges that MSMEs would face in a cashless society and points out some possible solutions. The study is based on secondary data and simple statistical tools are used for analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), assess its influence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with TB.Methods: In this prospective study, eligible patients at three primary healthcare centres in urban slum region of south Delhi, India, underwent blood glucose screening at treatment initiation. HRQoL scores were determined by conducting face-to-face interviews using Dhingra and Rajpal (DR-12) scale at pre-treatment, end of intensive phase and end of the treatment.Results: In 316 patients, the overall DM prevalence was 15.8%, of whom 9.5% were known to have diabetes, and 6.3% were diagnosed at TB treatment initiation. DM was more common among patients of older age (P < 0.001), with higher BMI (P < 0.001), with PTB (P = 0.02) and with poor psychological status. HRQoL was significantly poor in the socio-psychological & exercise adaptation domain in patients with DM ˃50 years of age at each visit. Older age, poor literacy, loss in workdays, alcohol use and socio-economic status significantly predict poor HRQoL scores in patients with DM. Uncontrolled DM patients demonstrated poor HRQoL at the end of the intensive phase (P = 0.04) of treatment and at its completion (P = 0.03) compared to those with controlled DM.Conclusion: Addressing screening measures and glycaemic control along with social determinants such as literacy level and alcohol consumption could be an important means of improving the HRQoL of TB with DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid growth of hospitality industry, many hoteliers have developed their online capabilities and evolved into competitive dual-channel service providers. In such a case, strategic consumers have more options to book a hotel enabling them to choose the best time and the best channel. This study aims at measuring service quality being offered by traditional hotels in Allahabad with the help of SERVPERF model. Besides, it also attempts to investigate the dimensionality, item structure and psychometric properties of the SERVPERF scale in Indian hotel industry. Findings reveal that SERVPERF scale fails to hold all the original items and hence, fails to confirm the standard item assemblage within the backdrop of hotel industry. In all, seven dimensions have emerged contrary to the original five-dimensions namely-tangibles, assurance, reliability, responsiveness and empathy. Besides this, there were also a number of considerable issues which form the basis for the current research. The outcome of the current study will be of help to managers of Indian hotel industry to analyze their service offerings with reference to the suggested seven key factors and accordingly develop strategies to highlight and prioritize them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections is necessary to plan control strategies and focus on highly endemic regions for preventive chemotherapy and improved sanitation facilities. India is known to be endemic for soil-transmitted helminth infections.Methods: To understand the prevalence, spatial distribution and identify high-risk zones, a systematic search of published literature was carried out based on PRISMA guidelines from the year 2000 to 2015.Results: A careful screening of the identified literature yielded 39 studies that reported the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections from 19 different states of India. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite. Higher than 50% prevalence was reported from six states. Nearly 90% studies reported the prevalence of more than one parasite species in the same sample population.Conclusion: This is the first study to comprehensively review the literature associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections from India giving a clear idea of its prevalence, distribution and high endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Donors commonly fund innovative interventions to improve health in the hope that governments of low and middle-income countries will scale-up those that are shown to be effective. Yet innovations can be slow to be adopted by country governments and implemented at scale. Our study explores this problem by identifying key contextual factors influencing scale-up of maternal and newborn health innovations in three low-income settings: Ethiopia, the six states of northeast Nigeria and Uttar Pradesh state in India. Methods: We conducted 150 semi-structured interviews in 2012/13 with stakeholders from government, development partner agencies, externally funded implementers including civil society organisations, academic institutions and professional associations to understand scale-up of innovations to improve the health of mothers and newborns these study settings. We analysed interview data with the aid of a common analytic framework to enable cross-country comparison, with Nvivo to code themes. Results: We found that multiple contextual factors enabled and undermined attempts to catalyse scale-up of donor-funded maternal and newborn health innovations. Factors influencing government decisions to accept innovations at scale included: how health policy decisions are made; prioritising and funding maternal and newborn health; and development partner harmonisation. Factors influencing the implementation of innovations at scale included: health systems capacity in the three settings; and security in northeast Nigeria. Contextual factors influencing beneficiary communities' uptake of innovations at scale included: sociocultural contexts; and access to healthcare. Conclusions: We conclude that context is critical: externally funded implementers need to assess and adapt for contexts if they are to successfully position an innovation for scale-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-resource settings often have limited use of local data for health system planning and decision-making. To promote local data use for decision-making and priority setting, we propose an adapted framework: a data-informed platform for health (DIPH) aimed at guiding coordination, bringing together key data from the public and private sectors on inputs and processes. In working to transform this framework from a concept to a health systems initiative, we undertook a series of implementation research activities including background assessment, testing and scaling up of the intervention. This first paper of four reports the feasibility of the approach in a district health systems context in five districts of India, Nigeria and Ethiopia. We selected five districts using predefined criteria and in collaboration with governments. After scoping visits, an in-depth field visit included interviews with key health stakeholders, focus group discussions with service-delivery staff and record review. For analysis, we used five dimensions of feasibility research based on the TELOS framework: technology and systems, economic, legal and political, operational and scheduling feasibility. We found no standardized process for data-based district level decision-making, and substantial obstacles in all three countries. Compared with study areas in Ethiopia and Nigeria, the health system in Uttar Pradesh is relatively amenable to the DIPH, having relative strengths in infrastructure, technological and technical expertise, and financial resources, as well as a district-level stakeholder forum. However, a key challenge is the absence of an effective legal framework for engagement with India's extensive private health sector. While priority-setting may depend on factors beyond better use of local data, we conclude that a formative phase of intervention development and pilot-testing is warranted as a next step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite successful implementation of directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) in India, the growing number of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients appears to be a cause in the increasing tuberculosis (TB) incidence, affecting their management. In this regard, a prospective study was conducted on DOTS patients in three primary health care centers in urban slum region of South Delhi, India, to evaluate the effect of DM on sputum conversion, treatment outcome, and adverse drug reactions (ADR) due to anti-TB treatment. Eligible TB patients underwent blood glucose screening at treatment initiation. Disease presentation, clinical outcome, and ADRs were compared between patients of TB with and without DM. Out of 316 patients, the prevalence of DM was found to be 15.8%, in which 19.4% and 9.6% were PTB and EPTB patients, respectively. DM patients have observed higher sputum positivity (OR 1.247 95% CI; 0.539–2.886) at the end of 2-month treatment and poor outcome (OR 1.176 95% CI; 0.310–4.457) at the completion of treatment compared with non DM patients. Presence of DM was significantly associated (OR 3.578 95% CI; 1.114–11.494, p=0.032) with the development of ADRs. DM influences the treatment outcome of PTB patients in our setting and also on the ADR incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research makes a contribution to the ongoing debates about strong changes in the education system of developing countries to overcome the shortage of finance, infrastructure and managerial faults. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is the best solution in this respect. When the Government collaborates with other actors as the private sectors, civil social club, independent experts then it attains its responsibilities finer than doing all this individually, because PPPs can achieve the results by enhancing the potential and boosting up the availability of resources. The main objective of the study was to check the role of public- private partnership in provision of physical facilities in the schools running under Punjab Education Foundation in District Bhakkar. The field based, exploratory type of study was conducted in District Bhakka and was strengthened from data collection. Probability cluster sampling technique and a structured interview schedule was used as a tool for data collection. The findings of the study indicated that public-private partnership has an impact on qualification of teachers, infrastructure, facility of library, laboratory, class rooms, play ground, safety and security. This study highly recommends that the role of PPP should be examined at higher level and comparative studies between public and private schools should also be conducted to examine the strengths and weaknesses in both type of schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fireworks activity causes short-term air pollution. The festival of Diwali is celebrated with firecrackers in India during October/November every year. The ambient air quality was assessed in Vadodara city, Gujarat state of India during Diwali festival for the consecutive years 2009, 2010, and 2011. During the festival day, the average concentration of PM10 was increased 35 times compared with a normal day before Diwali. Similarly, concentration of SO has increased 23 times and NOx has increased 3 times on the festival day. The diurnal pattern of the above pollutants showed an increase in the night. Air quality index calculated for 24 h average during Diwali 2009 in two stations exceeded a value of 125 indicating severe air pollution in Vadodara city. It is also confirmed that the yearly pollution load is getting increased in Vadodara city as the air quality index value has a gradual increase from 2009 to 2011. The good correlation coefficient between different pollutants confirmed the firework as the prime source of pollution. Based on PM10 concentration, the highest mortality rate was found to be 30.4 %. The short-term high accumulation of PM10 is a matter of serious concern for city dwellers as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an account, largely based on field research, of how Muslims in Delhi experience the public healthcare sector. It identifies how negative memories of the Indian Emergency and sterilisation campaigns of that time may still get recalled today whenever any untoward incident happens concerning Indian Muslims in relation to public health services. The research seeks to identify to what extent this kind of historical memory translates into perceptions of disadvantage that then gradually initiate a process of self-exclusion, reinforcing a spiral of disadvantage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study makes an attempt to develop a composite index to measure sustainability of food systems. By assuming three components of food systems, namely availability, access and utilization, the data were utilized on 19 indicators pertaining to these components over the period 1970-71 to 2009-10. The values of overall index showed a marked and continuous improvement in the sustainability of food systems in Punjab. Still about one-third of the districts showed the potential for improving the availability component and the access to food could be improved in one-fifth of the districts of the state. While the availability can be improved by reducing the yield gaps, generation of additional employment opportunities can help in increasing access to food through enhanced incomes. Improvement in literacy and health services will also improve the utilization of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of hemorrhoids is primarily based on the proctoscopic examination. The study evaluates comparative results of rubber band ligation (RBL) and hemorrhoidectomy. This study was conducted over a period of 1½ year from Jan 2003 to June 2004. It includes 100 patients having second- or third-degree primary hemorrhoids who attended surgical OPD of SMHS Hospital Srinagar, Kashmir. These 100 patients were selected randomly and divided into two groups of 50 patients each (hemorrhoidectomy group and RBL group). Each patient was subjected to sigmoidoscopy to exclude other lesion higher up in rectosigmoid. Patients of fissure, fistulae, and malignancy were excluded. All parameters were recorded and finally analysed. The statistical analysis of the study was done using SPSS statistical package in which we used descriptive statistics and correlation analysis for the final evaluation. Hemorrhoidectomy and RBL are equally effective especially in second-degree hemorrhoids. However, RBL should be considered the first-line treatment in second-degree hemorrhoids because being an outpatient procedure, it is cost effective for the patients, saves many a hospital beds for more sick patients, and takes the pressure off the surgical waiting list. Although RBL is not as effective as hemorrhoidectomy in third-degree hemorrhoid, it does improve bleeding and prolapse and is highly recommended for patients who are unfit for surgery or have concurrent disease that contraindicates anesthesia. RBL should be considered as the first-line treatment for second-degree hemorrhoid. However, in the third-degree hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidectomy achieves better results, and RBL is recommend as the first-line treatment for those patients in whom there is contraindication for surgery or anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are of key importance to the Indian Economy. They form the backbone of the Indian Manufacturing Sector. According to the Report of "The Working Group on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises" (MSMEs), Growth for 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017), the micro sector contributes significantly to manufacturing output, employment and exports of the country. It is estimated that in terms of value, the sector accounts for about 45 per cent of the manufacturing output and 40 percent of total exports of the country. The sector is estimated to employ about 69 million persons in over 26 million units throughout the country. There are over 6000 products ranging from traditional to high-tech items, which are being manufactured by MSMEs in the country. It is well-known that MSME sector provides maximum opportunities for both self-employment and jobs and is considered the second largest workforce in the country after agriculture sector. The MSME units are growing swiftly and strengthening their role in the economic growth. The SME units are more concentrated in manufacturing sector compared to service sector (Archana & Disha, 2012). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hypotheses dominate the literature on fertility and religion, viz., “particular theological hypothesis” which argues that religious doctrines and ideologies influence contraceptive use and fertility behaviour of different religious groups; “characteristics hypothesis” which argues that differentials in fertility and contraceptive use between majority and minority religious groups are due to socio-economic and demographic factors; and “minority hypothesis” which asserts that minority-group status exerts an independent influence on fertility behaviour. These hypotheses are the subject of discussion in this paper as to how pervasive general explanation can be a limiting factor to contextual studies or local studies and what are the gaps or missing elements in these theories? In this paper, I would like to attempt to show how generalization can be applicable to any religious group in a pluralistic society and propose a “cultural hypothesis” which postulates that religious group differentials in reproductive behaviour may be due to differences in norms, values, and attitudes towards fertility among different religious groups. An empirical part of this paper attempts to explore the role of culture in the reproductive behaviour of Muslim women in Delhi, India. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]