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The study aims to examine the readiness of Indian parents towards online classes at kindergarten and junior school levels, by identifying the perceived barriers, perceived effectiveness and health impact of online classes on young children. The study is based on data collected across a random sample of 750 parents of students studying at junior and kindergarten levels in urban private schools which offer online classes. The data was analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. Technological, infrastructural, and personal barriers related to students, and parents, were identified as perceived barriers by parents in availing online classes for their kids. Parents' attitude towards online classes at kindergarten and primary levels gets negatively influenced by the barriers they face, and the perceived negative impact of technology usage on their kids' health, while; perceived effectiveness was found to have a positive impact on the parents' attitude. The study is unique as it includes the interest of such young stakeholders of the education system. The study highlights the barriers faced by parents related to online classes and the health-related concerns which play a major role in the adoption of online mode of education for their kids. Research gives insights to school authorities and the government to work on these barriers and make the online education system effective which is the need of the hour during COVID-19.

This research is identifying and compares the impact of digital transformation on academicians' well-being in public and private Indian universities. To initiate the research, one exogenous construct namely 'virtual transformation in higher education,' and two endogenous constructs called 'workplace well-being' and 'psychological well-being' of academicians have been identified. The data has collected from 395 respondents segregated into academicians from 213 public and 182 private Indian universities. Research hypotheses are developed to find the significant difference among academicians of public and private universities with regard to the impact of virtual transformation on their wellbeing. The Multigroup Analysis (MGA) technique of PLS-SEM has been used to investigate the result. It has been revealed that although the overall association is negative between virtual transformation and academicians' well-being, this negative association also has a significant difference when compared among public and private universities in India.

In terms of scale, shock, and disenfranchisement, the disruption to formal education arising from COVID-19 has been unprecedented. Anecdotally, responses from teachers and educators around the world range from heightened caution to being inspired by distance education as the "new normal." Of all the challenges, face-to-face and formal teaching have been most heavily affected. Despite some education systems demonstrating resilience, a major challenge is sustaining quality and inclusiveness in formal education suddenly delivered at a distance. In probing these issues, this article profiles international perspectives on the role of open education in responding to the impact on formal school and higher education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We proceed by highlighting and analysing practices and case studies from 13 countries representing all global regions, identifying and discussing the challenges and opportunities that have presented themselves. Reports cover the period from the beginning of 2020 until 11 March 2021, the first anniversary of the COVID-19 outbreak as declared by the World Health Organization. In our comparative study, we identify seven key aspects of which three (missing infrastructure and sharing OER, open education and access to OER, and urgent need for professional development and training for teachers) are directly related to open education at a distance. After comparing examples of existing practice, we make recommendations and offer insights into how open education strategies can lead to interventions that are effective and innovative--to improve formal education at a distance in schools and universities in the future.

In India, changes in legislation and policy have increased the number of students with disabilities enrolled in higher education. The purpose of this study was to investigate university teachers' perceptions towards inclusion of students with disability public and private universities in India. The study examined how age, gender, educational levels, years of teaching experience, and frequency of interaction with a person with a disability influence instructors' views about people with disabilities and their inclusion at public and private academic institutions. Data was collected through a digital questionnaire from private and public universities in Pune, India. The population of the study comprised of full time University teachers' (under-graduate, post-graduate and doctoral courses) in Pune. The survey was completed by 309 university teachers. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to examine the data. The researchers found no statistically significant relationships between teachers' perceptions of inclusion in regards to degree level, gender and years of experience. The study did, however, discover a statistically significant relationship between teachers' perceptions of inclusion and their interaction with students with disabilities. Academic and social outcomes of students with disabilities are significantly enhanced when inclusive approaches are used. Goals for future research are discussed.

Student's attitudes towards Statistics are pivotal to their learning process as positive attitudes lead to highly satisfactory course achievement and lead to positive outcomes outside class as well. In this paper we are exploring the perception of students of management apropos Statistics, familiarity with which is imperative in today's world of Analytics. The quantitative approach was used to compare attitudes of the students using the two versions of the "SATS-36" instrument validated and copyrighted by Candace Schau. A Google form was used to collect responses and was sent to all the students who were enrolled in the Business Statistics course. 172 students responded for the pre-test study while 71 students responded for the post-test study. Data was analysed to see if gender, specialisation choices and previous math experiences accounted for differences in perceptions towards Statistics. It was found that students' overall perception of statistics is positive and surprisingly they were more positive towards the beginning of the semester. These results are important as they can lead towards understanding of business student's attitudes towards statistics and a way to refine the teaching learning process so that students are in a strong position to exploit the supply demand gap in the Analytics domain and deliver value to organisations.

Bertrand Russell's educational thoughts significantly deal with reforming education for school going children and he also supported pre-primary education. He favored early childhood education for physical, intellectual and character development. His emphasis on character development of a child shows the significance of early years of life for development of an individual. This paper aims at exploring Bertrand Russell's thoughts on early childhood education. It is an attempt to understand the significance of early childhood education for the holistic development of the children. Though there are early childhood education is prevalent in our country, but it was not mandatory to get early childhood education till the approval of National Education Policy (N.E.P., 2020). It has included early childhood education in compulsory school education for promoting better learning and well being of a child. It is a qualitative research in which historical method has been used where data has been collected from primary and secondary sources. The finding of the study shows that Bertrand Russell's thought on early childhood education is relevant in present Indian context for developing good values, physical and mental development as well as in future learning. This shows that the encouragement to early childhood education and Bertrand Russell's thoughts on early childhood education would be helpful for holistic development of children.

The following paper will reveal the varieties of English pronunciation in India, its features and characteristics. This research helped us to consider the history of occurrence of English in India, the influence of local languages on it, the birth of its own unique English, which is used in India now. The research highlights the impact of English on Indians in general and its modification as the individual language differs from other English variants. The paper illustrates the features of translation and vocabulary in Indian English, which will explore the specification uses of it. The research also provides variations of Indian English as dialect and pronunciation in India because it changes from north to south and east to west. To complete our study, we used a lot of methods, such as observation, comparative, elicitation approaches, collection and analysis of diverse information. Such topic and results of this research could help us to learn the differences in language implementation in different countries and could give some ideas to improve teaching methods that are used in schools and universities all over the world. In conclusion, we found out that the English language has considerably changed since its occurrence, and all these transformations are results of globalisation, the realisation of new technologies, development of media and strengthening of communication between different countries.

Purpose: The quality of vocational education and training (VET) processes plays an important role in international education policies and research. In India, issues of quality came into focus in recent years due to an increased demand for skilled workers, and continuing challenges in the area of quality of VET. Existing quality assurance mechanisms of VET in India are characterised by a lack of comprehensiveness and uniform standards. This paper addresses the contextualised development of an Indian-specific approach for quality measurement. It centres on following research question: Which quality areas, criteria and related indicators are of relevance for measuring quality comprehensively? Approach: Design-based research substantiates the research objective, which is to develop a model that is theoretically and technically sound, as well as adapted to the national context. The question of how to create "cultural-fit" was essential for the research process illustrated in this paper. Starting point for the development of the approach was to build a structured review, and following analysis, with reference to existing models and approaches to quality management. The initial search examined national and international academic sources for quality management in business and education, as well as governmental sources for quality management strategies in VET. A significant number of models were selected, based on inclusion criteria, and these models were aggregated to provide a source for a first own conception of an approach. Results: Quality dimensions and criteria were collected and identified with reference to distribution across models. In total, seven major quality areas are identified, namely Institutional Sphere and Context; Personnel; Educational Planning, Provision and Assessment; Learning and Teaching; Leadership and School Management; Industry Linkage and Learner Achievements. In addition, 40 quality criteria are determined under these major quality fields, and relevant quantitative and qualitative sub-indicators for measurement are derived. Conclusion: The actual results will be a basis for the following pilot-based implementation in India. The model can provide meaningful feedback and data-based recommendations for continuous improvement of the Indian VET system and may furthermore provide for a reflected and contextually adapted implementation in other countries.

This paper traces the location of the principles of India's Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, in the country's most recent National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the documents leading up to the policy. It draws on the capability development approach and critical theory that facilitate understanding education as a fundamental right, moving beyond the narrow understanding of education as a mere instrument for the global economy. It also draws on global education policy literature and critical policy analysis lens to examine the assumed policy rationality. Based on a qualitative document analysis the paper argues that the policy does not demonstrate a commitment to the ideas of public-funded elementary education, child-centered democratic learning environment, and bridging the gap between equity and quality. The recommendations signal a further dilution of the RTE mandates. The policy statements and linguistic choices show an allegiance to neoliberal discourses reflecting the influence of global education policy transfer without systematic consideration of the realities of Indian school education. This approach indicates a missing link between the policy aims and social justice, that does not bode well on the educational rights of the marginalised children.

Under this "new normal" world scenario, online teaching has been essential rather than a choice in continuing learning activities. During the COVID-19 period, virtual teaching platforms played an important role in the success of online teaching in various higher educational institutions. Thus, the current study attempted to predict faculty adoption of online platforms by introducing a set of essential drivers for engaging in online teaching. Following the theory of reasoned action, the study broadened the technology acceptance model variables and security and trust as extrinsic determinants and included resistance to change as moderators to invigorate the research model. Data were collected through an online survey with a sample size of 418 Indian respondents. Our results posit that perceived ease of use, usefulness, security and trust positively influence the faculty's intentions to adopt online platforms. In addition, the study also reported that positive intention leads to the actual use of virtual platforms. Furthermore, the research found the moderating role of the resistance to change dimension in the association of intention and actual use of virtual teaching platforms. The findings provide both theoretical and practical applications of educational technology.

Research indicates that teachers can face challenges in knowing how to support language learners because they often have minimal training in teaching language learners in mainstream contexts (Martin, 2004; Sharma et al., 2011) and may consider language learners using their home language as detrimental to their learning (Franken & McComish, 2003; Mady & Garbarti, 2014; Planas & Setati-Phakeng, 2014; Winsor, 2007). In this article seven volunteer New Zealand teacher participants in a programme to support teachers with no formal teacher education in India are interviewed concerning the strategies used and observed with Indian colleagues when delivering a teacher support programme. The New Zealand teacher participants' reflections evidenced an awareness of the affordances, complexities, and limitations of translation in a multilingual educational setting where the medium of instruction is not the home language of class members. The teachers reported using and observing a range of strategies used to maximise communication in the multilingual setting, including translation, encouraging the use of home languages, using code switching, as well as using paralinguistic cues. Future research concerning the Indian teachers' perceptions of these strategies is suggested.

Purpose: Stress has been a common phenomenon among the working professionals. The stress has been known to affect the job satisfaction level, health outcomes, affect burnout through the physiological, emotional, behavioral and cognitive processes resulting in to low performance. This study aims to identify the factors determining organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry in India and to develop and validate a contextual scale for organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry in India. Design/methodology/approach: This study consisted of women workers who were employed in garment manufacturing companies. The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire, which identifies the factors leading to stress. The respondents of the study included women workers employed in the garment manufacturing units in and around Bangalore. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted and the model fit was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Findings: The measurement scale for the organization stress of women workers in the garment industry was found to be highly reliable and valid for conducting the study in any Indian garment industry. The analysis identified the factors as follows: job-related factor, organization-related factor, social factor and personal factor. Research limitations/implications: Due to limited access to the population, which is the women workers, the authors have not been able to collect a large sample data. The sample size is the limitation of the study. Practical implications: Organizational stress have has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of employees. Organizations need to step up their effort to integrate emotional well-being, conducive work environment, workloads and job responsibilities, social connectedness and job satisfaction with their efforts to support the physical health and mental health of the workers. Originality/value: The study is one of its kind with a focus on women workers in the garment industry in India. The study highlights the factors that result in stress among women workers who have not been studied in past research studies. The strategies to cope with organizational stress in such a work requirement is different and very challenging, making it unique for practitioners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments all around the world to impose lockdowns. As schools were closed and the students could attend schools physically, online education apps were used by the students to continue their education. The purpose of the study was to analyze the students' intentions to use online education apps (OEAs) in the post-pandemic scenario. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 327 first-time users of OEAs for their standard XII education. Various scales related to OEA's aesthetics, students' emotional response to OEAs, and the intentions to use OEAs in the post-pandemic scenario were used in the survey questionnaire. Correlations were analyzed to find answers to the research questions. The findings reflect that the aesthetics of OEA like the app design, graphics, structure, etc. significantly influence the emotional response and the intention of the students to use OEAs in the post-pandemic scenario. The emotional response of the students toward the OEAs, in itself, also influences the intention of the students to use OEAs in the post-pandemic scenario. When the students get pleasure, become excited, and feel in control of the app, their intention to use the OEAs in the post-pandemic scenario is positively influenced. The research adds to the literature related to OEAs, the aesthetics of OEAs, the emotional response to OEAs, and the intention to use OEAs. The OEA industry can use the finding to grow their consumer base in the post-pandemic scenario. The context of OEA and the results are original in nature.

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread rapidly across the globe, most educational institutions tried to address major challenges of engaging students in a productive way and disseminating knowledge through online learning. Given this consideration, the present study qualitatively explores the observations and experiences of a private university and giant strides taken by the institution in adapting and delivering value to all the stakeholders through educational transformation during the pandemic. The data was collected using observations and in-depth interviews. The findings of the study revealed that the university went through certain structural changes and modified teaching pedagogy for virtual delivery like providing support and training to the faculty before shifting completely to online mode and delivering the sessions online in both synchronous and asynchronous mode. The results of the study are likely to help transform and address the major challenges of engaging students in a productive way and disseminating knowledge through online learning during a pandemic.

Active learning promotes the capacity of problem solving and decision making among learners. Teachers who apply instructional processes toward active participation of learners help their students develop higher order thinking skills. Due to the recent paradigm shift toward adopting competency-based curricula in the education of healthcare professionals in India, there is an emergent need for physiology instructors to be trained in active-learning methodologies and to acquire abilities to promote these curriculum changes. To address these issues, a series of International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) workshops on physiology education techniques in four apex centers in India was organized in November 2018 and November 2019. The "hands-on" workshops presented the methodologies of case-based learning, problem-based learning, and flipped classroom; the participants were teachers of basic sciences and human and veterinary medicine. The workshop series facilitated capacity building and creation of a national network of physiology instructors interested in promoting active-learning techniques. The workshops were followed by a brainstorming meeting held to assess the outcomes. The aim of this report is to provide a model for implementing a coordinated series of workshops to support national curriculum change and to identify the organizational elements essential for conducting an effective Physiology Education workshop. The essential elements include a highly motivated core organizing team, constant dialogue between core organizing and local organizing committees, a sufficient time frame for planning and execution of the event, and opportunities to engage students at host institutions in workshop activities.

Objectives: Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms were widely reported. However, data on post-COVID-19 conditions following infection with the Omicron variant remained scarce. This prospective study was conducted to understand the prevalence, patterns, and duration of symptoms in patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A prospective study was conducted across 11 districts of Delhi, India, among individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. Study participants were enrolled, and then returned for post-recovery follow-up at 3 months and 6 months interval. Results: The mean age of study participants was 42.07 years, with a standard deviation of 14.89 years. The majority of the participants (79.7%) reported experiencing post-COVID-19 symptoms. The most common symptoms included joint pain (36.0%), persistent dry cough (35.7%), anxiety (28.4%), and shortness of breath (27.1%). Other symptoms were persistent fatigue (21.6%), persistent headache (20.0%), forgetfulness (19.7%), and limb weakness (18.6%). The longest duration of symptom was observed to be anxiety (138.75±54.14 days), followed by fatigue (137.57±48.33 days), shortness of breath (131.89±60.21 days), and joint pain/swelling (131.59±58.76 days). At the first follow-up visit, 2.2% of participants presented with abnormal electrocardiogram readings, but no abnormalities were noticed during the second follow-up. Additionally, 4.06% of participants exhibited abnormal chest X-ray findings at the first followup, which decreased to 2.16% by the second visit. Conclusion: The most frequently reported post-COVID-19 symptoms were joint pain, dry cough, anxiety and shortness of breath. These clinical symptoms persisted for up to 6 months, with evidence of multi-system involvement. Consequently, findings highlighted the need for long-term follow-up during the post-COVID-19 period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the library anxiety in Teacher Trainees and found it to be a prevalent phenomenon in students. The five dimensions of library anxiety, namely, barriers with staff, affective barriers, comfort with the library, knowledge of the library, and mechanical barriers have been identified. The sample of the study constituted 58 teacher trainees of B.Ed. college of Rohtak District in Haryana. The sample was selected by stratified random sampling techniques. The data collected was analyzed by using the statistical techniques of t-test and percentage. The result of study shows that 28% of Teacher Trainees had low library anxiety, 57% of teacher trainees had average library anxiety, and 15.4% of teacher trainees had high library anxiety. It was further found that library anxiety was more in teacher trainees from rural background than teacher trainees from urban background.

Journal club (JC) is an integral part of postgraduate medical education. Although several innovations have been attempted to improve its effectiveness, the influence of the number of sessions remains unexplored. The current study investigated the effect of the number of sessions (one vs. four) of conduction of journal club on critical appraisal skills of postgraduate students at two institutions. A quasi-experimental study was conducted comparing the effectiveness of JC in a one- versus four-session JC format using two objective tests: Critical Appraisal Skills Test (CAST) and Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) score. The degree of changes (pre-JC vs. post-JC session) after each format exposure, association of prescores to postscores, and correlation between the CAST and PICO scores were discerned. CAST score was higher in the four-session format (P = 0.03), whereas PICO score increased in the single-session format of JC (P = 0.03). Also, the change in CAST score was higher in the four-session versus single-session JC format (P = 0.04). We conclude that a four-session format of JC is more effective in augmenting critical appraisal skills of postgraduate students, whereas a single session is sufficient for improving factual knowledge.

This paper describes the entire methodology for the development of a scale to measure Attitude towards Open Educational Resources (ATOER). Traditionally, it is observed that some teachers are more willing to share their work than others, indicating the need to understand teachers' psychological and behavioural determinants that influence use of OER. The paper presents the methodological rigour in the development of the 17 items two-factor scale that is valid and reliable to measure attitude towards OER. The psychometric properties of the scale include: Content Validity Ratio = 0.9 and Cronbach a = 0.897 with strong inter-items correlation. The two-factors attitude construct in the scale was also subjected to a good model fit using Structural Equation Modelling, which revealed a mediocre fit with 0.8 Root Mean Square Error Approximation value and the chi-square to degree of freedom ratio below 3. We also discuss the significance of the scale and how to use it with other variables effectively in different contexts to help develop appropriate strategies for promoting the use of OER in educational institutions.

In this article eight volunteer participants in a programme for untrained teachers in India are interviewed concerning their motivation to participate in the work, and also the challenges faced and the rewards gained. Findings show similar factors are at play in the motivation for the participants, but new knowledge concerning motivation to return to the same work is revealed. With regard to challenges faced, the language barrier, finances and arranging time off work were evident, and, in addition, family considerations were mentioned, an area not identified in previous work. The rewards of the volunteer work linked mainly to relationships, but the notions of intercultural awareness and of ako were also revealed. Participants went to India to share their teaching experience, but came home with new awareness of their own teaching practice in New Zealand.

The growing global demand for tertiary education has led to the increased use of e-learning approaches around the world. Demand has increased most rapidly in low and middle income countries (LMICs), which account for half of the students currently enrolled in higher educational institutions (HEIs). But the implementation of e-learning programmes in resource-constrained settings faces many obstacles. This paper explores some of the key issues involved in implementation of e-learning in HEIs involved in the education of health professionals, given the resource constraints within which many institutions have to function. We present case studies of three such LMIC institutions of varying size and primary purpose. The paper suggests use of appropriate ICT infrastructure, both in terms of hardware and software, combined with effective access and bandwidth management policies is crucial to the successful implementation of e-learning courses on health within HEIs based in LMICs.

Emerging economies like India are witnessing rapid technological changes. To penetrate in the emerging markets and ensure smooth adoption of mobile wallets it is important to study the constructs that trigger mobile adoption. The study presents a cumulative finding of the research carried out in the field of wallet app adoption by using weight analysis. The study systematically identifies various constructs studied by researchers, delineates significant and non-significant relationships between the constructs and mobile adoption, and performs weight analysis to identify the important constructs of wallet app adoption. The study presents a list of strong, frequently utilized significant predictors of app adoption and experimental predictors (i.e., independent variables not frequently used but tested to be significantly impacting app adoption are also presented). To the best of the author's knowledge, no published work presents the cumulative illustration of the constructs to explain the wallet app adoption is available so far.

The primary objective of this article is to create a conceptual Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) happiness framework for preschool children in India. Although happiness is regarded as one of the key elements that influence early childhood development, an effective happiness framework does not exist for preschools in rural and socio-economically disadvantaged areas in the state of Punjab in India. Therefore, based on research gaps and existing literature, a conceptual framework has been developed to promote social and emotional competence among preschool children through the happiness intervention. The article also discusses (a) the concepts of happiness, and social and emotional competence; (b) the importance of happiness in preschool; (c) the association between happiness and social-emotional competence of preschool children; and (d) the role of preschool teachers in implementing the framework. Future implementation of this framework in the preschools of India will help overcome the limitation that exists in regard to its validation.

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, social distancing became a mandate that led to the transition from traditional classroom-based lectures to computer-based learning. This paper extensively deals with the ranking of the challenges faced by instructors and students. Primary data from 624 participants (399 students and 225 instructors) is collected through a questionnaire. To assign the ranking to the challenges, Technique of Order Preference Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is deployed. A contextual model is developed by using Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) technique that further provides recommendations for prioritizing the challenges that need to be addressed to mitigate the problems faced in online lectures in coronavirus situation. The number of variables is reduced to simplify the interpretation by exploratory factor analysis. The study also provides the basis to formulate the strategies for policymakers and administration after identifying which challenges need to be addressed first for mitigating all the other challenges.

Over the past two decades, the education sector in India has undergone a substantial transformation. Recent advances in technology have provided access to high quality educational resources and information on the Internet. This article examines the role of open educational resources (OER) in addressing the challenges of higher education in India, which range from geographical disparities in access to education, to shortages of trained and qualified faculty. The authors examine and discuss several OER initiatives that are currently advancing India's efforts to create strong institutional mechanisms to overcome the country's educational challenges through a national strategic framework designed to improve access to quality higher education. The authors explore these initiatives designed to increase access to education through OER, as well as those designed to develop OER-related skills for educators. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these initiatives for the development of open educational practices in India.

The present study investigates the effects of the situated learning and effortful control on mathematics anxiety of school students. Participants were 99 seventh graders who studied in two schools. Students in one of these were given instruction through the situated learning model, and the students of other school were treated as a control group. Existing instruments, namely, Mathematics Anxiety Scale by Sharma and Sansanwal (2011) and Effortful Control Scale by Lonigan and Phillips (2001) were used to measure mathematics anxiety and effortful control. Data were analyzed by using 2 × 2 factorial design analysis of covariance. Results indicated that after the experiment students who were exposed to the situated learning model had significantly less mathematics anxiety than their counterparts who were in the control group with effect size 0.35. The implications of the study are discussed.

Didactic lecture is an effective method to quickly pass on a high volume of information to a large number of students. However, if not well designed, lectures can be monotonous and provide only passive learning, with little scope for higher order learning skills. To address this drawback of lectures, we supplemented it with case-based learning (CBL), which has been shown to promote self-learning. After giving an overview of gastrointestinal physiology through lectures, CBL on peptic ulcer disease was implemented for first-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students. The present study aimed to evaluate the students' and teachers' opinions on the notion of supplementing lectures with CBL. In previous reports, discussion using clinical cases was primarily employed as the solitary component for conducting CBL. In the present study, three different but mutually exclusive components, such as case discussion, concept map, and critical thinking exercise on a specific topic in gastrointestinal pathophysiology, were integrated to form the multicomponent CBL (MC-CBL). Students reported that MC-CBL could promote application of the knowledge learned in lectures in a more appropriate context (92.42% positive response), enhance their learning efficiency (98.46% positive response), promote their active participation in the learning process (98.48% positive response), and help them in integrating physiological concepts with clinical science (98.46% positive response). Teachers observed that MC-CBL could promote active learning, analytic, and problem-solving skills of students. In conclusion, MC-CBL appeared to be an effective supplement for the lectures, providing an opportunity for the students to relate the knowledge learned during lectures.

This qualitative study documents perceived benefits of and barriers to engaging in healthy eating behaviors among adolescents in New Delhi, India. Researchers explored factors that influenced the consumption of breakfast, fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks in this population and adolescents' ideas about how to intervene to encourage or discourage, respectively, these behaviors. Students (n=151 6th and 8th graders) from five private schools participated in focus group discussions. Findings showed that the majority of youth eat breakfast that may consist of traditional and Western choices. Despite sound knowledge of the benefits of fruits and vegetables consumption, adolescents do not eat the recommended daily servings due to flavor preferences. Soft drink consumption was, reportedly, universal. Several factors influenced these decisions and details are herein provided. The paucity of studies on this subject provides researchers with the opportunity to explore how eating patterns of Indian youth might be shaping the health and disease landscape of India in the upcoming decades. The study adds to the slim body of literature on the subject and could be used to inform future nutrition interventions in India.

Purpose: To examine the relationships between "westernization" and nutrition and physical activity behaviors among older adolescents in Delhi, India. These relations have not been explored, despite increasingly strong and pervasive socio-cultural influences from the West. Methods: Students (n=1818) in 8th and 10th grades in 4 Private (higher SES) and 4 Government (lower SES) schools in Delhi, India participated in a cross-sectional study. Height and weight were measured to determine weight status. Information on "westernization" and nutrition, physical activity, sedentary, and dieting behaviors was collected in a survey. The measure of "westernization" assessed 4 domains of culture on a bi-dimensional scale that focused on these young people's identification with Indian (a=0.86) and Western (a=0.81) ways of living. Mixed-effects regression models were used to investigate the association between "westernization," weight status, and health behaviors. Gender, school type (SES), and grade were evaluated as effect modifiers. Results: "Westernization" was not directly associated with weight status or BMI (p>0.500). However, adolescents' identification with Western ways of living was consistently related to both unhealthy (e.g., fast food consumption). Conclusions: The influence of "westernization" on nutrition and physical activity behaviors of older adolescents in Delhi, India is complex and not wholly negative, as might be hypothesized. (This work was presented in part at the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, on May 25, 2012.)

Indian women have always been viewed as the object of desire. In the advent of Technological Advancement women are still thought of as inferior to men. Though there is an increase in the literacy rate of the girl child, it does not imply the emancipation of the girl child. Women are bound by the social customs and traditions. In this sense women are not empowered. The word empowerment is misrepresented as the increase in working women. In such a scenario Indian women writers in English have portrayed the challenges women confront at home, in the workplace as well as in their social interactions. Indira Goswami in her Novel "The Moth Eaten Howdah of the Tusker" boldly describes the plight of the women especially the widows and hopes to instill change in the minds of the society. The present paper aims to analyse the characters of Indranath and Giribala from the perspective of Young Adult Dystopian protagonist.

Background The health index of any population is directly correlated with the water quality, which in turn depends upon physicochemical characteristics and the microbiome of that aquatic source. For maintaining the water quality, knowledge of microbial diversity is a must. The present investigation attempts to evaluate the microflora of Baner. Metagenomics has been proven to be the technique for examining the genetic diversity of unculturable microbiota without using traditional culturing techniques. The microbial profile of Baner is analyzed using metagenomics for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Results To explore the microbial diversity of Baner, metagenomics analysis from 3 different sites was done. Data analysis identified 29 phyla, 62 classes, 131 orders, 268 families, and 741 genera. Proteobacteria was found to be the most abundant phylum in all the sampling sites, with the highest abundance at S3 sampling site (94%). Bacteroidetes phylum was found to be second abundant in S1 and S2 site, whereas Actinobacteria was second dominant in sampling site S3. Enterobacteriaceae family was dominant in site S1, whereas Comamonadaceae and Pseudomonadaceae was abundant in sites S2 and S3 respectively. The Baner possesses an abundant bacterial profile that holds great promise for developing bioremediation tactics against a variety of harmful substances. Conclusion Baner river's metagenomic analysis offers the first insight into the microbial profile of this hilly stream. Proteobacteria was found to be the most abundant phylum in all the sampling sites indicating anthropogenic interference and sewage contamination. The highest abundance of proteobacteria at S3 reveals it to be the most polluted site, as it is the last sampling site downstream of the area under investigation, and falls after crossing the main city, so more human intervention and pollution were observed. Despite some pathogens, a rich profile of bacteria involved in bioremediation, xenobiotic degradation, and beneficial fish probiotics was observed, reflecting their potential applications for improving water quality and establishing a healthy aquaculture and fishery section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infection (PANDAS) is a unique constellation of signs and symptoms that exist in a subset of children with rapid onset or exacerbation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders due to an initial autoimmune reaction to a Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcas (GABHS) infection which produce antibodies that interfere with the basal ganglia function. In PANDAS the usual onset is known to be before 12 years of age, however, it may also present (although rarely) in adolescence. With an aim to substantiate the existing database as well as create awareness about the same we report a case of PANDAS with adolescent onset. (Contains 1 table.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of team building and employee empowerment on employee competencies and examine the moderating role of organizational learning culture in between these relationships. Design/methodology/approach: An integrated research model is developed by combining resource-based view, signalling theory and experiential learning theory. The validity of the model is tested by applying moderated structural equation modelling (MSEM) approach to the data collected from 653 employees working in cement manufacturing companies. The reliability and validity of the dimensions are established through confirmatory factor analysis and the related hypotheses are tested by using MSEM. Findings: The findings suggest that organizational learning culture significantly strengthens the relationships of team building and employee empowerment on employee competencies. Research limitations/implications: The research is undertaken in Indian cement manufacturing companies which cannot be generalized across a broader range of sectors and international environment. Practical implications: The findings of the study have potential to help decision makers of manufacturing companies to develop strategies which will enable them to improve employee competency, to formulate effective human resource development interventions and to enhance the capability of the employees to achieve desired goals and objectives of the organization. Originality/value: The research is unique in its attempt to combine three frameworks to build a new theoretical model explaining the importance organizational learning culture along with team building and employee empowerment.

In the world of technology, tools and gadgets, a huge amount of data is produced every second in applications ranging from medical science, education, business, agriculture, economics, retail and telecom. Higher education institutes play an important role in the overall development of any nation. For the successful operation of these institutions, continuous monitoring for improving the quality of education and students is required, which is the subject of this article. A huge amount of data that education systems produce increases every year and it is difficult by traditional techniques to manage, predict and analyze this data. This challenge can be addressed through mining large amount of data. It enables the institutions to use their present reporting trends to unmask hidden patterns and identify data relationships. Through this, institutions easily predict which students are likely to dropout, and their performance. Present paper conducts a detailed and exhaustive study on techniques and approaches implemented in education mining for predicting dropouts.

Objectives: Our paper reviews current teaching practices used to support students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the South Asian region, and to what extent these teaching practices reflect key research based effective practices. We have focused our attention on teaching practices at a time when we are witnessing a greater thrust towards achieving inclusive education at both, regional and global levels. Methods: We have used an eclectic approach for the study by employing a scoping review methodology to identify peer reviewed journal articles from South Asian countries. Having identified 10 articles and three dissertations in total from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, we have used a matrix method to present our data against nine best teaching practices for students with ASD. Results: Results from the review indicate three practices (of the nine best teaching practices) were most frequently used. These are assessments, alternative, and augmentative communication systems, and parentimplemented instruction/program. The other six teaching practices were not widely reported. Conclusions: We identify significant implications for practitioners, educators, and teacher education programs within the Asian region and beyond. The use of an eclectic approach in making choices regarding teaching strategies, incorporating varied research based effective teaching practices, and following a systematic and informed approach of assessments -- teaching interventions -- ongoing evaluation are key to supporting students with ASD.

Lack of planning and regulations around the landfills has resulted and continues to result in severe environmental damage to the immediate environment around the landfills. Our study systematically reviews the literature to understand different processes of monitoring and analysis of a waste disposal site. It further analyses a satellite footprint from Google Earth Engine, of the western part of India around the urban area of Bombay. For the satellite footprint, we compare different algorithms and satellites for detecting landfills using machine learning. We conduct a supervised classification for satellite images for Land Satellite Applied to Remote Sensing (LANDSAT) (2013 to 2023) and SENTINEL (2018 to 2023) using three different classification algorithms: CART (Classification and Regression Tree), Naive Bayes and SVM (Support Vector Machine). The LANDSAT SVM model was generally the most stable and consistently performed well. The model consistently has one of the highest accuracy scores over the years, followed closely by SENTINEL SVM. The analysis can be replicated to other cities and other large-area studies, and can act as a pointer in doing further analysis of the landfill that can further be used to prevent the effects of the waste disposal site on its surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety is one of the major predictors of academic performance. Teacher trainees with anxiety disorder display a passive attitude in their studies such as lack of interest in learning, poor performance in exams, and on lesson plans & assignments. This research observes the relationship between level of anxiety and academic achievement of teacher trainees. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 130 teacher trainees from colleges of Education. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson's correlation, chi-square and independent t-test statistics. The results show that there is a low but significant relationship between anxiety and academic achievement of teacher trainees. So, research on anxiety is one of the most active areas in psychology.

The language of advertisements aims at precise, clear, pointed, and arresting communication. Like all communicative endeavours, in advertising, getting the message across is of prime importance. However, the use of language in advertising is of a particular character because the advertiser cannot afford to be delinquent or uncritical. The aim of this paper is to investigate the extent to which rules or conventions of the English language are broken in print advertising. It also shows the practical usage of linguistic features especially figures of speech in newspaper advertisements. This paper is based on many concrete examples that strengthen the theoretical part of the paper.

In India, rabies in cattle is under-reported. Religious sentiments hamper its diagnosis, discouraging post-mortem examination, particularly opening the cranium. Specimens of peripheral tissue innervated by the cranial nerves could potentially be used as alternative diagnostic specimens to the brain. Herein, we present a case study of a novel approach for diagnosing rabies in a cow suspected of having rabies, using skin tissue specimens of the nasolabial plate obtained post-mortem. Brain and nasolabial tissue specimens tested positive for rabies using conventional reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. This approach has been previously shown to have a high diagnostic sensitivity in animals. We encourage further studies with more nasolabial plate skin specimens for both post- and antemortem diagnosis of rabies in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health is the ability to adjust oneself satisfactorily to the various strains of life. Mental health and Education are closely related to each other. Sound mental is prerequisite for the learner. In this era of severe competition to excel or to be on the top is pressurizing today's adolescents to the utmost. Besides a number of factors like home and school environment, biological and psychological determinants, economic conditions of the family and many more are influencing the mental health status of the students. A mentally healthy person faces the day to day life problems squarely and boldly. Here an effort has been made to study the influence of gender and economic status on the mental health status of high school students. For this Multi Stage random sampling technique was adopted. 600 students were drawn randomly from 10 randomly selected secondary level schools of 2 districts (i.e. Bareilly and Pilibhit) of Rohilkhand region (India). A standardized test was used--Mental Healthy Battery (Arun Kumar Singh and Alpna Sen Gupta). This Battery included six dimensions i.e.emotional stability, overall adjustment, autonomy, security-insecurity, self concept and intelligence. This survey research leads us to a conclusion that male and higher income group students had better mental health than their counterparts

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) of India uses multiple media and modes for reaching out to its distant learners. For most of the programmes offered to these learners, print is the master medium and other media supplement it. Instructions for the Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.), one of the popular programmes of IGNOU, are also delivered similarly. A survey was undertaken to determine the extent of utilization of instructions provided through various media by the students of B.Ed of two Indian metropolises--Delhi and Kolkata, having high penetration of advanced communication technologies. As the students of B.Ed. happen to be teachers who are supposed to be using ICT for teaching in their schools, the survey aimed to determine whether they were also using ICT for learning. The survey was carried out with a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions. It was found that only print medium was used for learning while the other media of the multimedia package remained mostly unused. The reason for this trend was found to be mainly the perception that the print medium is sufficient for assessment purposes. Suggestions have been made that to utilize the multiple media instructional system, interesting programmes that can hook learners be developed for delivery by electronic media and that gradually ICT may be integrated into the programmes from the present supplementary mode so that complacence in using it is reduced among learners.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Body Mass Index (BMI) and the subjective perception of body weight, and body shape satisfaction predict level of self-esteem and depression among female college students. Method: The sample comprised of 124 female college students ranging in age from 16-21 years. Self perception of having a weight problem was evaluated by open-ended questions and Body Shape Questionnaire. In addition, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and General Health Questionnaire-28 was administered. Results: Based on BMI 29.0% were under weight, 67.8% normal and 3.2% over weight. Rating of self-perception of body shape showed that 38.7% felt that they were slim, 27.4% normal and 26.6% as thin. Eighty six percent of the subjects desired to be slim. The perception of weight problem but not BMI contributed significantly to higher scores on GHQ. There was a significant positive correlation between BSQ scores and BMI, age, and weight. Conclusions: Health care providers need to educate female adolescents about normal weight range, proper diet and exercise. In addition, health care providers need to help them attain a realistic, positive perception of their weight in order to prevent depression and lowered self-esteem. (Contains 2 tables.)

Background: Association between parenting dimensions and externalizing behaviors in children was examined. Method: Data on children from the middle class families of Patiala (N = 240) were collected from schools and families. Parents completed questionnaires on parenting dimensions and externalizing behaviors of children. Results: Analysis of variance of externalizing behaviors indicated significant mean differences for gender and age on aggression and conduct disorders. Analysis of variance for parenting variables indicated significant differences for age and gender on indulgence, punitive, physical coercion, and verbal hostility parenting dimensions. Correlations between non reasoning, verbal hostility, physical coercion, autonomy and indulgence parenting dimensions and externalizing behaviors were significantly positive whereas regulation and connection parenting dimensions showed a significant negative correlation with externalizing behaviors. Multiple regression analysis of parenting dimensions to each externalizing behaviors showed that autonomy, non reasoning and indulgence parenting dimensions predicted externalizing behaviors. Conclusions: Parenting significantly influences externalizing behaviors in children. (Contains 3 tables.)

Introduction: In view of the limited studies on the psychosocial environment of children presenting with conversion disorders, the present study was carried out to study the psychosocial factors in children with conversion disorders. Method: 40 patients of Conversion Disorder, who presented with "pseudo seizures" and were diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria, comprised the sample. They underwent detailed psychiatric assessment. The psychosocial events and factors and were elicited by administering the PSLES and by interviewing the parent and child by a semi-structured interview, which covered details of school history, family environment, psychosexual and other behavior: The intellectual level of the patients was assessed by a battery of psychological instruments. Relevant investigations, hormonal assays, radiological, EEG etc. were done wherever necessary. Results: Majority of the patients were educated up to 5th class, had rural domicile and belonged to poor and lower middle SES. They were about equally represented in the two sexes. Borderline Intellectual functioning, improper schooling, family stress and current past/physical illness were present in 37.5-40 % (N=15-16) of the cases. Incidental radiological and EEG findings and unusual status of the child; only son, only child or the youngest child; were present in 33% (N=13) of the cases. Conversion/epilepsy in family/neighbour/friend and improper parenting was encountered in 22.5-20.5% (N=8-9) of the cases. Lastly, recent loss of loved one and sibling rivalry were seen to be significant in 7.5 to 12.5% (N=3-5) of the cases. 80 % of the patients had 2-3 contributory factors; the remaining had either 4 or 5 contributory factors. Conclusion: Stress was apparent in the areas of school, family and body. Greater attention must be paid both by teachers and parents by supervising the children's studies more closely. Parenting skills need to be sharpened for the better functioning of the child. Attention needs to be paid to better physical health during infancy and early childhood. (Contains 3 tables.)

The purpose of this study was to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of the health education profession and discipline in India. Materials from CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, and Internet were collected to conduct the open coding of the SWOT analysis. Strengths of health education in India include an elaborate tiered infrastructure, well trained workforce in health education, resources for information dissemination, school health education programs, and ability to conduct systematic needs assessments. Weaknesses of health education in India include focus on only knowledge-based interventions, primary reliance on print media, inability to reach rural and vulnerable areas, no quality assurance, no promotional avenues for health educators, no organization, and outmoded training of health educators. Opportunities include need to involve folk media, enhance participation of unconventional functionaries such as religious leaders, traditional healers, traditional birth attendants (dais), build systematic patient and worksite health education, apply theoretical approaches such as social marketing, involve physicians, and organize health education and health educators in India. Threats include criticism as motivational manipulation and delivery of health education campaigns as techno-managerial, vertical programs without building the infrastructure at the grassroots level.

This study examined the personality characteristics of 180 boys and girls of ages 8, 9, and 10 with learning disabilities (LD) in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in urban and rural primary schools of Andhrapradesh, India. The subjects were identified based on their scholastic achievement on a spelling dictation test, an oral reading test, a reading comprehension test and an arithmetic test developed specifically for the purpose, along with mental ability tests--Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and Draw-A-Man. An adapted version of the Children's Personality Questionnaire (CPQ) was administered to the subjects with LD and a comparison group of children without learning disabilities (NLD). Examination of scores obtained by LD and NLD subjects on the CPQ portrays the LD child as having problems in social and emotional adjustment. Further, the older LD children tended to show a more maladaptive behavioral disposition than the younger, and there was a significant gender effect among LD children.

In order to delineate the randomness and imprecision in a single framework of time-sequential information, we proposed the notion of a time-sequential probabilistic fermatean hesitant set (TS-PFHS). Triangular time-sequential probabilistic fermatean hesitant number (Tr-TS-PFHN) is also initiated as a triangular version of TS-PFHS along with its fundamental operations and a ranking function. For the employment of our proposed set, we formulated a solid transportation problem (STP) with multiple objectives with TS-PFHS parameters for a sustainable green environment. Consequently, we proposed an algorithm by utilizing fuzzy programming (FP) and weighted sum technique (WST) to address proposed green transportation model. Additionally, to highlight the significance of the suggested technique, a numerical instance based on the transportation of electric vehicles in India is also investigated. Finally, conclusion along with the future prospects and limitations of the work done are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]