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Safe hand wash behaviour is a target to be achieved under Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 by 2030. Safe hand washing can prevent many infections and hence it is the least expensive preventive healthcare intervention. Insufficient hand hygiene can cause different infections like diarrhea. In India diarrhea causes 10.65% deaths every year. Hand hygiene should be maintained at least after defecation and before eating. With an increase in the safe defecation and access to toilets, it is expected that the hand wash with soap and water should be increased. However, 75% of Indian households follow safe hand wash behaviour after defecation but just 40% of households follow safe hand wash behaviour before eating. The present paper is focused to analyze the impact of hand hygiene before eating and occurrence of diarrhea. Technological intervention can bring the positive behaviour change for hand washing before eating particularly at workplaces/hospitals/ food courts. The overall behaviour can be positively changed with nudging through media campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experiencing adverse events (AEs) during mass drug administration (MDA) could affect participation in future MDAs. This study aims to understand the potential influence of AEs during a community-wide MDA (cMDA) trial for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in India on intention to participate in future cMDAs. Methods: This study was conducted using a multi-method quantitative and qualitative approach among 74 participants who experienced an AE during STH cMDA and the 12 participants who subsequently refused cMDA treatment of the ongoing DeWorm3 trial. Path analysis and thematic analysis guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, was used. Principal findings: Among 74 individuals who reported an AE, 12% refused treatment in the cMDA immediately subsequent to their AE and 4% refused in all subsequent cMDAs. Of these 74 individuals, 59 (80%) completed a survey and eight participated in in-depth interviews. A positive attitude towards deworming and perceived ability to participate in cMDA (perceived behavioural control) were significant predictors of intention to participate in cMDA (p<0.05). A positive attitude towards cMDA was associated with caste (χ2 = 3.83, P = 0.05), particularly among the scheduled caste/scheduled tribe (SC/ST) (62%). Perceived behavioural control in cMDA participation was associated with occupation (χ2 = 5.02, P<0.05), with higher perceived control among those engaged in skilled occupations (78%). Intention to participate in subsequent cMDAs was associated with caste and family type (χ2 = 3.83, P = 0.05 and χ2 = 7.50, P<0.05 respectively) and was higher among SC/ST (62%) and those with extended families (67%). In-depth interviews demonstrated that perceived severe AEs may lead to treatment refusal in future, particularly if children were affected. Conclusions: Intention to participate in future STH cMDAs was associated with caste (SC/ST) and family type (extended families). Therefore, community mobilization messages about potential AEs and their management may need to intentionally target non-SC/ST households, nuclear families, and those engaged in unskilled occupations to increase cMDA participation given the possibility of AEs occurring. Trial registration: NCT03014167, ClinicalTrials.gov. Author summary: This paper sampled individuals who experienced an AE during community-wide MDA (cMDA) with albendazole for soil-transmitted helminths in the DeWorm3 trial in India to understand their intention to participate in future cMDAs. This study utilized the theory of planned behaviour, which postulates that an individual's intention to change a behaviour depends on their attitude, perceived expectations of people around them (social norms), and their perceived behavioural control to adopt the behaviour (self-efficacy). This study indicated that positive attitude towards cMDA and their perceived behavioural control in cMDA participation positively influences their intention to participate in future cMDAs. Other factors associated with intention to participate in cMDA were caste, family structure, occupation, and participation in community sensitisation activities. In-depth interviews revealed that while many individuals participate in subsequent cMDAs after an AE because of the presumed health benefits of deworming, some are likely to refuse treatment due to fear of AEs, particularly fears of AEs among children. To increase participation rates in cMDA programs where AEs undoubtably do occur, targeted counselling of groups at risk of non-participation and assuring care and support during AEs may be important strategies to improve coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retail investors are becoming increasingly worried about financial investment, which, after many financial crises, makes it challenging for financial service companies in India to devise marketing strategies. This paper provides a review of scientific, peer-reviewed articles that examine the consumer buying behavior towards investment in life insurance, mutual funds and Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The research articles were obtained following a literature search on prominent databases like Web of Science, EBSCO and Google scholar. There are dozens of studies identifying behavioral analysis of retail investors. However, this paper makes an emphasis on the thematic analysis to identify factors and to uncover nuanced findings of retail investment decisions from an Indian perspective. The discussions that the authors present allow seeing how the investment behavior pattern of retail investors is shaping the financial investment discipline. The review's findings are organized to provide a critical diagnosis of existing research and an opportunity to advance in behavioral analysis of retail investors' research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, about 75 per cent of all cases diagnosed, doctors are not able to discover a specific reason for the disability. The causes of intellectual disability are repeatedly unknown, even among those who have been identified; the majorities are excluded by the rest of society. So, the preset study discussed the various causes of intellectual disability and how to diagnosis or what kind of symptoms where we can realize the intellectual disability. The diagnosis of intellectual disability requires clinical evaluation and judgment as well as a formal testing of the cognitive and adaptive functions. Such formal testing is done by individually administered standardized tests such as; the Stanford Binet Intelligence Test, Behavior assessment scales in Indian setting, Seguin Form a Board test, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Gesell Developmental Schedules, Madras Developmental Programming System etc. The clear and easy idea of classification of ID given by the DSM-5 diagnosed the satisfaction of three criteria: mild, moderate, severe, and profound have been used to describe the severity of the condition. This approach has been helpful in that aspects of mild to moderate ID differ from severe to profound ID. The DSM-5 retains the grouping with more focus on daily skills than on specific IQ range. The research paper also discussed how to treatment of an individual with intellectual disability depends on the identified underlying cause and appropriate support to allow optimal functioning and independent living. Persons who have severe intellectual disability require life-long intensive supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings contribute greatly to global energy use and consumption. The energy consumption of buildings is significant due to the integration of heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. Evidently, the utilization of phase change materials (PCMs) in building design can adequately reduce air-conditioning costs of buildings by diminishing external heat gains and losses. Moreover, the adoption of natural, eco-friendly, and cost-effective materials, such as terracotta bricks, can be valuable from an environmental point of view. This paper intends to assess the air-conditioning cost-saving potential of several PCM stuffed terracotta brick configurations. In that respect, the encapsulated PCMs were filled in the hollows of terracotta bricks. For the aims of this study, five different types of PCMs were considered, in relation to the thermophysical properties of their solid and liquid state (OM18: organic mixture, HS22: hydrated salt, OM29, OM32, and OM37). In addition, three PCM-stuffed terracotta brick configurations were examined with reference to the number of the PCM layers (PCMTB-A with one PCM layer, PCMTB-B with two PCM layers, and PCMTB-C with three PCM layers). Therefore, fifteen PCM-stuffed terracotta brick configurations were analysed numerically, related to environmental conditions that refer to two different scenarios in India (hot dry and composite climates). Results have unveiled that the OM32 PCM assemblies have shown better thermoeconomic performance compared to the other types of PCM. With respect to the most advantageous number of PCM layers, the evidence of this analysis has exposed that the PCMTB-C case has shown the highest annual air-conditioning cost-savings and the highest yearly carbon emission mitigations in both climates (Ahmedabad and Lucknow). In hot-dry climates, the PCMTB-C with OM32 PCM exhibited the highest annual air-conditioning cost-saving ($ 74.7), the highest annual carbon emission mitigation (1.43 ton/kWh), and the moderate payback period (22.5 years) compared to the other cases. To conclude, the findings of this study suggest a suitable way to improve the decision-making process of building design, while bridging the performance gap in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a competency dictionary and model for contractual workers of the steel manufacturing sector of India.Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews with 30 supervisors and behavioral events interviews (BEIs) with 40 contractual workers were conducted to identify and validate the competencies of the contractual workers.Findings The competencies identified are arranged according to the similarity and dissimilarity between it under three broad categories of competencies, i.e., knowledge, skills and attitudes. These categories are used to develop a competency dictionary which has behavioral indicators, and a framework that can be used to map and evaluate the competencies.Practical implications The competency dictionary and the framework developed in the present study will assist human resource practitioners in implementing competency-based human resource processes such as recruitment and selection, training and development and performance management for the contractual workers in the manufacturing sector.Originality/value The present study is among the few empirical studies that provide a competency dictionary and a framework of contractual workers in the manufacturing sector of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Role of vaginal sex in heterosexual transmission of HIV has been investigated but that of heterosexual anal sex (HAS) is not fully understood. This paper examines practice of HAS among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and its correlates in India where the HIV epidemic is being primarily driven by core groups like FSWs. Methods: Data for this paper are drawn from Round I survey of 9667 FSWs in the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Assessment (IBBA) from 23 districts of 4 high HIV prevalent states of India. Bivariate and multivariate analysis identified factors associated with HAS. Results: Ever having anal sex was reported by 11.9% FSWs (95% CI: 11.3%–12.6%). Typology (AOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.64–2.95) and literacy (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.49) were positively associated with practice of HAS. Longer duration in sex trade (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.44–1.99), entertaining larger number of clients the previous week (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.47–2.15), alcohol consumption (AOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.42) and inability to negotiate condom use (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28–1.83) were also correlated with HAS. Self-risk perception for HIV (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.25–1.71) did not impede HAS. Although symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the last 12 months were associated with anal sex (AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.13–1.72) there was no significant association between laboratory confirmed HIV and other STIs with HAS. Conclusion: Practice of HAS by FSWs might significantly contribute to HIV transmission in India. This study also shows that despite self-risk perception for HIV, even literate FSWs with longer duration in sex work report HAS. General messages on condom use may not influence safe HAS. FSWs need to be targeted with specific messages on HIV transmission during anal sex. Women controlled prevention methods, such as rectal microbicides and vaginal microbicides are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to identify the socioeconomic factors that affect farmers' decision-making process regarding the adoption of organic farming. A total of 100 (50 organic and 50 conventional) farmers were interviewed and their demographic, socioeconomic and ecological behaviour differences were studied. The behavioural analysis identified education, environmental concerns and social benefits as the prominent drivers of organic farming, while lack of government support in marketing, managerial and technical spheres as major constraints to its adoption. The probit model confirms that farmers with a smaller size of holding who are educated, younger and practice diversified cropping are more inclined towards organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramakrishnan, B.; Gavali, M., and Jeyaraj, S., 2024. Comprehensive analysis of siltation behavior in the navigation channel of Deendayal Port (India): Field observations, numerical modeling, and engineering solutions. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(1), 138–149. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Deendayal Port, formerly Kandla Port, is one of India's busiest ports, with a deep inland navigation channel that facilitates easy trade but has been plagued by siltation issues for decades because of the hydromorphodynamic characteristics of this region. This study aims to understand the siltation behavior in the port's navigation channel through field observations and numerical modeling and to suggest suitable engineering solutions. The in situ observations of tidal levels, currents, suspended sediment concentration, and multitemporal bathymetry datasets are used to calibrate a numerical model, developed using Delft3D, to estimate the hydromorphodynamics. As an engineering solution, porous barriers of different lengths and layouts are introduced in the numerical model to minimize siltation along the sides of the channel. It is observed that placing three porous barriers has reduced the siltation by 46 to 56% in the main navigation channel leading to the port. In practice, these porous barriers could be a silt curtain–type structure, which has successfully been adopted in several ports across the globe as an effective siltation stopper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses an approach to verbal autopsies that engages with theRashomonphenomenon affectingex post factoconstructions of death and responds to the call for maternal safety. This method differs from other verbal autopsies in its approach to data collection and its framework of analysis. In our approach, data collection entails working with and triangulating multiple narratives, and minimising power inequalities in the investigation process. The framework of analysis focuses on the missed opportunities for death prevention as an alternative to (or deepening of) the Three Delays Model. This framework assesses the behavioural responses of health providers, as well as community and family members at each opportunity for death prevention and categorises them into four groups: non-actions, inadequate actions, inappropriate actions and unavoidably delayed actions. We demonstrate the application of this approach to show how verbal autopsies can delve beneath multiple narratives and rigorously identify health system, behavioural and cultural factors that contribute to avoidable maternal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract  Improving the health of urban residents, particularly those living in slum areas, requires an integrated approach. Appropriate interventions must be based on a well-grounded understanding of health determinants. Social factors are as important as physical factors in determining health status and suggest alternative interventions. Employment, stress, social exclusion, social support, substance use, nutrition, transport, and conditions during childhood are among the most important social determinants of health status identified by the International Center for Health and Society. This paper uses social determinants of health approach to understand morbidity outcomes for people residing in the slums of Surat City, India. To quantify suboptimal health behavior and identify the determinants of health status for this population survey data on household characteristics, health-seeking behavior, socioeconomic status, food and personal habits, social life, and physical activity has been used. After controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors, logistic regression analysis reveals that social exclusion, stress, and lack of social support are significantly associated with morbidity. Thus, understanding of social determinants of health by policy makers is important as the health sector has a crucial role in addressing disparities in social determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: The research has two objectives and employs a serial mediation approach. First, using the general strain theory, it examines the mediating role of negative feelings and impact of economic adversity on people's risk tolerance and prudent financial behavior. The second is determining the various categories' variations according to age. Purpose of the article: The study's main objective is to evaluate financial behaviour of people with lower and medium incomes after the second wave of COVID-19 in India, and to contribute to the body of knowledge on general strain theory. Methods: The study examined the proposed framework and tested the serial mediation model based on the general strain theory used as a survey method for data collection, targeting lower and middle-income individuals in India's most populated state. The study applied PLS-SEM to test the framed hypotheses. Furthermore, the Kruskal Wallis test was applied to identify the difference in the various groups classified based on age. Findings & value added: The results reveal that economic hardship significantly influences improved financial behavior. Risk aversion attitude, loneliness, and depression mediate the relationship between economic hardship and financial behavior. Moreover, the study found quite a few significant differences between the different age groups. The present study will add to the existing literature on financial behavior under the scope of general strain theory and probably be among the few that test general strain theory with financial variables impact on lower and middle-income group individuals from a developing nation in post-COVID-19 period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to depict the experience of the people in enduring the quarantine in the global supply chains breakdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Quarantined Individual's behavior can be defined as the means by which an individual withstands and behaves in response to the quarantine process. The study was a cross sectional, exploratory study carried out in India. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation were performed from the data. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out to validate the Quarantined Individual's Behavior scale which reveals six factors which include quarantine awareness, quarantine anxiety, personal measures, domestic measures, hygiene measures, and societal measures. The survey was conducted online, 382 responses of the internet users of different groups was taken as valid. The first order confirmatory factor analysis was performed and further the Correlation was performed to check the multicollinearity. Thus, the scale Quarantined Individual's Behavior is proved suitable to be used in different context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the hydro-political behaviour of riparian countries in the Mekong River Basin (MRB) vis-à-vis India's attitude towards the Brahmaputra and upstream China. It analyses transboundary water cooperation in the MRB and the active participation of the stakeholders and then compares it with the Brahmaputra River Basin (BRB). It argues that the water management practices in the MRB are comparatively more 'effective' while the BRB is receding in this regard. It analyses various aspects of promoting the North East Region (NER) as a paradiplomatic agent in the BRB in a way Yunnan is performing in the MRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper attempted to profile the contemporary grade level academic performance as well as the frequency, spread and intensity of problem behaviour in relation to a few associated variables, of children adjudged as juvenile delinquents in India. Method: A cross-sectional exploratory survey design was employed, with randomised convenience sampling of 66 inmates, between 9 and 18 years of age, from two representative Observation Homes. To ascertain their current grade levels, a criterion referenced 'Grade Level Assessment Protocol' was prepared exclusively for this study. Another standardised 'Behaviour Assessment Scale for Indian Children with Mental Retardation, Part W was used to profile their problem behaviour. Results: The contemporary academic performance results satisfy the conventional two-grade discrepancy criteria, usually postulated for identifying children with learning disabilities. Among the associated variables examined in this study, inmates who were booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code showed significantly greater academic grade discrepancy compared to the other children. Similarly, poorer academic performance, greater grade discrepancy, as well as higher frequency, spread and intensity of reported problem behaviour were found among children from intact family backgrounds, where parents were illiterates or educated below primary school level, and more among boys than girls, and among those in the 10-12 year age group. Conclusions: While these are tentative findings, they call attention to the need for extensive research on the possible links between academic performance, under achievement and learning disabilities, and juvenile delinquency in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the "To game or not to game: an investigation of the impact of survey visualization and gamification" conducted by two market research company GMI and Engage Research in London, England on November 26, 2015. The survey indicates that the gamification impacts on enjoyment and engagement which will increase the need of gamification. Also the survey reveals less impact from visualisation and from gamification in India. It also noted several comments from respondents of the survey.

Purpose: To measure performance of telecom service providers in Indian telecom market with selected attributes which contribute to customer satisfaction in telecom. Theoretical Design: A model is proposed to understand multi relationship of customer satisfaction, customer churn and customer retention to quality of service, redressal by Telecom Service Provider (TSP) and Customer behaviour trend analysis. Findings: Study investigates that there is lower satisfaction in telecom consumers in India. Here, researcher proposes a new sterility grid model which reflects impact of different factors and relationship between different sterility factors. Sterility Grid Matrix models proposed by researcher is helpful for measuring business performance in telecom which is related to customer satisfaction, customer churn and customer retention. Originality of work- Here used approach is a macro environment analysis to the overall businesses and the forces affecting its microenvironment, which focuses on a Indian telecom sector .There are macroeconomic circumstances or sterility factors that have an effect on how all big business function which, consecutively influence the economy. Scope of study- This study will be useful for Indian telecom service providers (TSP), or any country TSPs with low customer satisfaction in telecom while they design customer retention strategy or Strategies for reducing customer attrition in telecom .Study will be also useful for telecom service providers for improving customer satisfaction in telecom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Researches have already pointed out the linkage between pro-male bias and performance evaluation system. The main aim of this study is to understand how far different dimensions of performance measures are susceptible to gender stereotype. Design/methodology/approach: Two separate experimental researches were designed to understand whether the performance assessment is purely based on objective criteria or it is governed by the gender stereotype. Two different performance dimensions of assessment were considered in this study as follows: interactional (behavioural) and procedural. 129 customer care managers from four metro cities of India voluntarily participated in this experimental research and played the role of performance evaluator. These managers were placed in different experimental conditions related to different combinations of gender and justice variations (interactional or procedural). Findings: This study reveals that in violation of behaviour-based performance norm (interactional justice norm), female employees were rated less favourably than male employee both in terms of performance rating and reward recommendation by the managers, but it is not in case of procedural justice violation. Originality/value: This article has experimentally proved how gender stereotype can distort the performance evaluation of behavioural dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large capacity hydrogenerators are operated at overloads during the period of excess water flow in the river or frequency support to the grid at peak hours. The extensive conditions may extend to six weeks with 20% overload for a typical hydropower plant located in the northern region of India. High-power, low-speed, direct-driven hydroturbine synchronous generators (HTSGs) are having resistance in rising temperature and self-cooling techniques to withstand the multiple loading points. This article presents a 250-MW CB 870/300-28 HTSG machine modeling along with electromagnetic design and simulations through a three-dimensional finite-element analysis software. The temperature distribution of the machine, operates at 10% and 20% continuous overloads, are explored via a coupled thermal and fluid-dynamical analysis. The simulated thermal results at continuous overloads are presented and are validated with a case plant's test report. A parallel study when the load goes unbalanced at overloads is done through simulation and a prototype validation of a 2.2-kW machine is substantiated in addition. The strength and flexibility of the operation of this machine assist the generalized results to operate at 20% overload continuously with the utility of thermal distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transactional analysis is a theory of human personality and social behaviour. It is a comprehensive system of psychotherapy founded in the late 1950s by Eric Berne. Lately, organisational psychologists are waking up to the value of transactional analysis as a valuable Human Resources tool, giving them an insight into various interpersonal transactional styles in various professions. Nursing as a profession has always been characterised as a nurturing, caregiving and comfort providing job, which can emerge as a very taxing and stressful profession in return. The myriad role that nurses play requires certain interpersonal tactics and styles which are very typical demands of their job role. But their personalities and dispositions cannot be ignored. Hence, an attempt is being made in the present study to analyse different transactional styles being adopted by female nursing professionals, along with their back up styles and also the role of their marital status on how they deal with their patients. Methodology: For this purpose, a sample of 120 female nurses, 60 married and 60 unmarrieds, falling in the age range of 25-40 years, working in various private and government hospitals of Chandigarh was taken. The data was collected with the help of Transactional Styles Inventory-Nurses. Results: Results revealed significant differences between married and unmarried nurses. Married nurses were more nurturing while the unmarried nurses emerged to be more regulated in their interpersonal transactions. Conclusion: The overall interpersonal efficacy of nurses needs to be improved so that they can attain the position best suited to help them meet the demands of various roles that they have to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their large numbers, and important role in the HIV epidemic in India, male clients of female sex workers (FSWs) are a difficult to reach population and little is known about their sexual behaviors. Using data from an integrated behavioral and biological assessment of 684 clients in Bangalore in 2012, we examined factors associated with their reports of having sex with three or more different female sex workers in the last month, and anal sex with sex workers. We included sociodemographic and sexual behavior factors and, for the first time in client studies in India, included data on the use of pornography and sexual enhancement products (SEPs) such as pills, oils, and sprays, in our multivariable analyses of client risk. Seventy-eight percent of clients had seen pornographic material and 8% reported ever having used SEPs. The profiles of men practicing the two risk behaviors examined were quite different. Travel in the past year, drunkenness in the past month, young age at first commercial sex, non-use of condoms at last sex, and finding sex workers in public places (but not use of pornography and SEPs) were independently associated with multiple partnering. Sex with a man or transsexual, being a white collar worker, seeking out FSWs at home, pornography and SEP use, and condom use at last FSW sex, were all independently associated with anal sex with an FSW. More research is needed to better understand the links between pornography and SEPs, and HIV risk behaviors, and HIV prevention programs need to be cognizant of the importance of ensuring that condom use is adequately promoted and supported in the context of anal sex in female sex worker-client interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of the Internet by young adults in emerging markets such as India provides an opportunity for marketers to tap an underdeveloped segment of young net users. A better understanding of the drivers of online shopping behavior among young adults can enable online marketers to design more effective marketing strategies. The present research explores the relationship between shopping orientation of young adults in India and their online shopping behavior in terms of online shopping adoption and frequency. Primary data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 831 college students. The study finds a significant difference in the entertainment, experiential and convenience orientation of online and non-online shoppers. Trial and frequent online shoppers also differ in the extent of entertainment orientation but no significant difference is found in their experiential or convenience orientation. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for encouraging young adults to shop online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differentials in the uptake of HIV testing have been reported in a range of settings, however, men's and women's testing patterns are not consistent across these settings, suggesting the need to set sex differentials against gender norms in patient testing behaviour and provider practices. A community-based, cross-sectional survey among 347 people living with HIV in three HIV high prevalence districts of India examined reasons for undergoing an HIV test, location of testing and conditions under which individuals were tested. HIV testing was almost always provider-initiated for men. Men were more likely to be advised to test by a private practitioner and to test in the private sector. Women were more likely to be advised to test by a family member, and to test in the public sector. Men were more likely to receive pre-test information than women, when tested in the private sector. Men were also more likely to receive direct disclosure of their HIV positive status by a health provider, regardless of the sector in which they tested. More women than men were repeatedly tested for HIV, regardless of sector. These sex differentials in the uptake and process of HIV testing are partially explained through differences in public and private sector testing practices. However, they also reflect women's lack of awareness and agency in HIV care seeking and differential treatment by providers. Examining gender dynamics that underpin sex differentials in HIV testing patterns and practices is essential for a realistic assessment of the challenges and implications of scaling-up HIV testing and mainstreaming gender in HIV/AIDS programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoderma is the most commonly used fungal biocontrol agent throughout the world. In the present study, various Trichoderma isolates were isolated from different vegetable fields. In the isolated microflora, the colony edges varied from wavy to smooth. The mycelial forms were predominantly floccose with hyaline color and conidiophores among all the strains were highly branched. Based on morphological attributes, all the isolates were identified as Trichoderma harzianum. The molecular identification using multilocus sequencing ITS, rpb2 and tef1α, genes further confirmed the morphological identification. The average chitinase activity varied from 1.13 units/mL to 3.38 units/mL among the various isolates, which increased linearly with temperature from 15 to 30 °C. There was an amplified production in the chitinase production in the presence of Mg+ and Ca2+ and Na+ metal ions, but the presence of certain ions was found to cause the down-regulated chitinase activity, i.e., Zn2+, Hg2+, Fe2+, Ag+ and K+. All the chitinase producing Trichoderma isolates inhibited the growth of tested pathogens viz., Dematophora necatrix, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium aphanidermatum at 25% culture-free filtrate concentration under in vitro conditions. Also, under in vivo conditions, the lowest wilt incidence and highest disease control on Fusarium oxysporum was observed in isolate BT4 with mean wilt incidence and disease control of 21% and 48%, respectively. The Trichoderma harzianum identified in this study will be further used in formulation development for the management of diseases under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Captive nonhuman animals use enclosure space differentially. Enclosure features strongly influence this. This study recorded both the enclosure space used by 47 captive lion-tailed macaques housed in 13 zoos across India and the behavior of the macaques. The exhibition of abnormal behaviors, food-related behaviors, and social interactions correlated significantly with the use of the edge zone (the part of the enclosure closest to the visitor area). Animals housed in barren enclosures used the edge zone to a significantly greater percentage than did those housed in complex exhibits. Percentages of autogrooming, social interactions, and food-related behaviors significantly correlated with the use of the enrich zone. Space use studies assist in recognizing areas within the enclosure, which captive animals actively use. Conversely, the studies can identify areas infrequently used and show how to make maximum use of these enclosure areas. Further studies targeting both the increase in percentages of natural behaviors exhibited and use of the enrich zone used the current study on captive lion-tailed macaques for their design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]