Search

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

This paper explores the different insider employee-led cyber frauds (IECF) based on the recent large-scale fraud events of prominent Indian banking institutions. Examining the different types of fraud and appropriate control measures will protect the banking industry from fraudsters. In this study, we identify and classify Cyber Fraud (CF), map the severity of the fraud on a scale of priority, test the mitigation effectiveness, and propose optimal mitigation measures. The identification and classification of CF losses were based on a literature review and focus group discussions with risk and vigilance officers and cyber cell experts. The CF was analyzed using secondary data. We predicted and prioritized CF based on machine learning-derived Random Forest (RF). An efficient fraud mitigation model was developed based on an offender-victim-centric approach. Mitigation is advised both before and after fraud occurs. Through the findings of this research, banks and fraud investigators can prevent CF by detecting it quickly and controlling it on time. This study proposes a structured, sustainable CF mitigation plan that protects banks, employees, regulators, customers, and the economy, thus saving time, resources, and money. Further, these mitigation measures will improve the reputation of the Indian banking industry and ensure its survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Information on the average and incremental costs of implementing alternative strategies for treating young infants 0-59 days old in primary health facilities with signs of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) when a referral is not feasible is limited but valuable for policymakers. Methods Direct activity costs were calculated for outpatient treatment of PSBI and pneumonia in two districts of India: Palwal, Haryana and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. These included costs of staff time and consumables for initial assessment, classification, and referrals; recommended treatment of fast breathing (oral amoxicillin for seven days) and PSBI (injection gentamicin and oral amoxicillin for seven days); and daily assessments. Indirect operational costs included staff training; staff time cost for general management, supervision, and coordination; referral transport; and communication. Results The average cost per young infant treated for recommended and acceptable treatment for PSBI was 16 US dollars (US$) (95% CI=US$15.4-16.3) in 2018-19 and US$18.5 in 2022 (adjusted for inflation) when all direct and indirect operational costs were considered. The average cost of recommended treatment for pneumonia was US$10.1 (95% CI=US$9.7-10.6) or US$11.7 in 2022, per treated young infant. The incremental cost 2018-2019 for supplies, medicines, and operations (excluding staff time costs) per infant treated for PSBI was US$6.1 and US$4.3 and for pneumonia was US$3.5 and US$2.2 in Palwal and Lucknow, respectively. Operation and administrative costs were 25% in Palwal and 12% in Lucknow of the total PSBI treatment costs. The average cost per live birth for treating PSBI in each population was US$5 in Palwal and US$3 in Lucknow. Higher operation costs for social mobilisation activities in Palwal led to the empowerment of families and timely care-seeking. Conclusions Costs of treatment of PSBI with the recommended regimen in an outpatient setting, when a referral is not feasible, are under US$20 per treated child and must be budgeted to reduce deaths from neonatal sepsis. The investment must be made in activities that lead to successful identification, prompt care seeking, timely initiation of treatment and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Healthcare innovations are one of the drivers of healthcare sector growth in India. Innovation policies are challenging because of the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the innovations. Hence, there is a need to understand the interface between policies and healthcare innovations to identify gaps and propose timely recommendations. Accordingly, this study uses the Indian healthcare start-up sector as a case study to analyse the above linkages, gaps and propose recommendations. Methodology: Quantitative data from the Start-up India portal along with qualitative data from key informant interviews have been analysed to draw insights. Findings: Healthcare start-ups have made significant contributions to the economy and healthcare sector, but there are gaps and room for improvement especially in the areas of awareness, funding and mentoring. Conclusions: Based on the study findings a conceptual framework has been created for understanding the nature of gaps and their linkages in the healthcare innovation lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore themes regarding work-related barriers to access to health care, we conducted 32 interviews, 16 with third gender people and 16 with cisgender women, all of whom were all living with HIV in Hyderabad, India. Most respondents were members of Dalit castes and had been living with HIV for several years at the time of the interview. Using thematic content analysis, interviews were coded by two researchers using a social determinants of health conceptual framework. Themes highlighted in this study include the burden of taking time off from work, the loss of pay associated with missing work, and the interruption of gendered care work responsibilities that respondents faced when seeking treatment. Findings from this study support the claim that equitable work policies and practices for marginalized laborers can increase access to medical care for people living with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing work-life balance among women teachers in secondary schools, with a focus on the role of training programs, emotional intelligence, stress management and supportive work environments. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 422 women teachers in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, using an online survey during period July to December 2023. Through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, the study found that high-quality training programs play a significant role in enhancing work-life balance, with emotional intelligence and stress management acting as crucial mediating factors. Additionally, a supportive work environment was identified as a key moderator in the relationship between training programs and work-life balance. These findings highlight the importance of holistic approaches that integrate training programs, emotional intelligence development, stress management, and supportive work environments to foster a healthy work-life balance among women educators. The implications of these findings for policy and practice in the education sector highlight the necessity of investing in teacher development programs and organizational initiatives aimed at supporting teacher well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol can be provided up to 63 days' gestation in India. This accounts for 67.5 percent of all abortions in the country. We conducted an assessment to determine the availability of medical abortion medicines, specifically the combi-pack, in India. Methods: We applied the World Health Organization landscape assessment protocol at the national level. The assessment protocol included a five-step adaptation of an existing availability framework, including online data collection, desk review, country-level key informant interviews, and an analysis to identify barriers and opportunities to improve medical abortion availability. The assessment was conducted between August and March 2021. Results: Medicines for medical abortion are included in the national essential drug list and available with prescription in India. The assessment identified 42 combi-pack products developed by 35 manufacturers. The quality of medical abortion medicines is regulated by national authorities; but as health is devolved to states, there are significant inter-state variations. This is seen across financing, procurement, manufacturing, and monitoring mechanisms for quality assurance of medical abortion medicines prior to distribution. There is a need to strengthen supply chain systems, ensure consistent availability of trained providers and build community awareness on use of medical abortion medicines for early abortions, at the time of the assessment. Conclusion: Opportunities to improve availability and quality of medical abortion medicines exist. For example, uniform implementation of regulatory standards, greater emphasis on quality-assurance during manufacturing, and standardizing of procurement and supply chain systems across states. Regular in-service training of providers on medical abortion is required. Finally, innovations in evidence dissemination and community engagement about the recently amended abortion law are needed. Plain language summary: Medical abortion is popular in India and benefits from a liberal legal context. It is important to understand the availability of quality abortion medicines in the country. Using the World Health Organization country assessment protocol and availability framework for medical abortion medicines we examined the availability of these medicines from supply to demand. We used this information to identify opportunities for increasing availability of quality-assured medical abortion medicines. We found that the context for medical abortion varies across states. Strengthening procurement and supply chain management, with a greater emphasis on quality-assurance and regulation of manufacturing should be instituted at the state-level. Training is also needed to increase provider knowledge of the latest national guidelines and laws to ensure respectful and person-centered services. Finally, the public should be informed about medical abortion as a safe and effective choice, especially for early abortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of family-based support services along with the preference of the older adults to age-in-place, have increased the importance of neighbourhood and community based support services for the older adults in India. This study first proposes a framework for identification of the neighbourhood-based support services, which are perceived by the older adults to contribute to their overall QoL, by understanding the concerns and perception of overall QoL of older adults living in Kolkata, India. The quality and type of available services also vary considerably based on the different classes of cities in India. This study, through analysis of data collected from structured interviews with older adults living in Kolkata and Midnapore in India, also proposes a framework that can help in exploring if living in different classes of cities impacts upon on the prioritisation of the support services by the older adults. In the process of identification of the support services, the initial list was first identified from literature and interviews with caregivers and beneficiaries of non-governmental organizations providing older adults care services, and the final list of support services were selected on the basis of researchers' judgement. The importance or prioritisation of support services was determined using RIDIT analysis. Considering the limitations of funds for social support services in a developing country like India, the proposed framework of identification and prioritisation can be utilised by future policy makers for formulation of policies and programs catering to essential support services, based on the class of city and the socio-economic and cultural background of the city residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though numerous variables affect academic performance in children, one of the primary underlying causes is poor nutrition. Nutritional status determines how the body develops, how the mind works, and how one behaves and hence should be given sufficient priority in growing children. The likelihood of acquiring type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and adolescents with poor nutrition and unhealthy eating habits. Aim: This study aimed to determine the nutritional status of girls and boys studying in grade 9 and the influence of nutritional status with respect to achievements in academics. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study done based on the permission obtained in a private school located in North Chennai. The sample of 210 children of grade 9 was selected based on their academic performance, socioeconomic status, age, type of school, sex, family size (siblings order), and parent’s educational status randomly. Data were collected in the form of questionnaire to understand the impact of nutritional status influencing academic achievements. Results: Of the 210 participants studied, the nutritional status among boys and girls was perceived differently (P < 0.01). The nutritional status with respect to parental education and sibling order also had a significant difference (P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between academic achievement in the quarterly and half-yearly exams and the nutritional status of the students. Conclusions: The study report clearly indicates that there is a relationship between the nutritional status of the children and their academic achievement. The nutritional status of children has also an impact on their risk of developing diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to address gaps in understanding of the lived experiences of caregivers of persons with mental illness in low-income countries. It was conducted among caregivers of persons with mental illness making use of a free non-governmental clinic in and around Chennai, India. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, with semi-structured interviews and life history exercises (n = 29) and six focus group discussions with caregivers (n = 21) and mental health professionals and community-based workers (n = 39). The experiences of caregivers were analyzed in the framework of "The Banyan model of caregiving," which identifies six phases. Major themes in caregivers' experience were: embarrassment and losing honor; fear; awareness; stigma and social exclusion; and reduced social interaction and loneliness. Posttraumatic growth considered as the result of caregiver experiences was found to consist mainly of personal growth and focusing on positive life experiences. Lost opportunities particular to the context of Tamil Nadu were described as the inability to get married, obtaining less education than desired, and loss of employment. Siblings faced lower levels of burden, while elderly mothers experienced especially high levels of burden and lack of happiness in life. Caregiver gains were identified as greater compassion for other people with disabilities, resulting in a desire to help others, as well as increased personal strength and confidence. Understanding the nuances of the caregiving experiences over time can provide a framework to devise more fine-tuned support structures that aim to prevent reductions in social interaction and lost opportunities, and improve a sense of meaning, in order to assist caregivers to continue providing care for their relatives with mental illness in a context with scarce mental health resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) refers to numbness, tingling, and burning sensation caused by chemotherapy that can cause impairment in Quality of Life (QoL) of the patients. Study assesses severity, risk factors, and quality of life of patients associated with CIPN. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at day care ward, tertiary care hospital India. Total of 98 patients receiving paclitaxel for ≥4 months were enrolled by convenient sampling. Data regarding demographics and clinical characteristics, CIPN severity, risk factors, and QoL were collected by structured questionnaires. Study revealed that median score of autonomic symptoms was higher than sensory and motor symptoms. Mean score of FACT/GOG-Ntx sub-domain was 99.05 ± 20.87on a scale of 0 to 152. ECOG Performance status, current exercise behavior, and fruit and vegetable intake was found to be significantly (at p <.05) associated with sensory, motor, and autonomic symptom score. Therefore, CIPN was found to have debilitating effect on QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for social workers in England has been outstripping supply for more than a decade. As a result, social work continues to be on the UK Shortage Occupation List (2021; available online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-shortage-occupation-list (accessed May 26, 2021), ensuring the migration of social workers will continue. While several studies have examined the experiences of migrating social workers, these studies largely neglected the impact culture plays in this transition. This article will focus on the experiences of social workers who were trained in India and migrated to England. It is part of a much larger study that used a mixed method approach to explore the migration to England of social workers from eight different countries. Indian social workers highlighted the significant differences between the individualistic character of English culture and the much more collectivist Indian culture. This difference shaped a range of attitudes towards the family and parenting, as well as the distinctions between what is 'public' or 'communal' and what is 'private'. Other differences raised were regarding communication resulting from the more hierarchical tendencies of Indian society. In the final section, implications for practice are discussed and recommendations are made for the induction required to help future migrating social workers make a smoother transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand how features of an app can enhance smartphone app retention behavior among its users. Based on the literature review five features (relationship features, self-congruity, presentation style, novelty, and social connection) have been identified to influence the app self-connection, and app self-prominence, which in turn, eventually predict the affective commitment and behavioral attachment (i.e. word of mouth) of the app users. From a value orientation perspective, apps can be classified under three categories, namely, (i) Utilitarian apps, (ii) Hedonic apps, and (iii) Social network sites apps based on their usage and functionality. To enhance the generalizability of the study, data were collected from 750 active app users, i.e. 250 respondents from each category and a multi-group invariance analysis was performed to determine the significant effect of each category of apps on app retention behavior. The empirical results of the analysis highlighted the differential values exhibited by these five app features across three categories of smartphone apps. The findings escort the app-based marketers, and app developers to have a more sophisticated understanding of the respective category app features for desired business outcomes. The uniqueness of the present study is highlighted in its proposed integral framework that conceptualizes specific features of an app that the marketers can focus on to develop better-designed apps the users want. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]