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In this article, we report the development and psychometric validation of the Teachers' Receptivity to Change Scale (TRCS). The sample included secondary school teachers of Kerala, India. In India, the teachers' receptivity to change becomes important in the context of the newly drafted National Education Policy, (2020) which places teachers' at the center of the reforms. The present study proceeded through five phases namely item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, validation of the scale, and test-retest reliability. The development of the tool started with the generation of a pool of items followed by item analysis. The exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors and the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four-factors namely individual, organizational, educational, and bridging factors. The structural equation modelling established the four-correlated factor construct of teachers' receptivity to change and an additive model indexing teachers' receptivity to change as the sum of the four factors. Both the model fit indices indicated an excellent fit. The validity of the TRCS established by correlating the teachers' receptivity to change and its factors with multidimensional work motivation scale and engaged teachers' scale indicated a moderate correlation. The final 28 item TRCS showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.897) and discriminant validity. The test re-test reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.884) confirmed the temporal stability of the scale. The findings recommend a psychometric reliable and valid scale for assessing teachers' receptivity to change with implications for teachers, researchers, and policy makers.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore a gendered perspective on how learners' intrinsic psychological motivators: valence, technology-innovativeness, self-development and self-efficacy as well as extrinsic social and institutional motivators, such as social norms and management commitment, collectively influence learners' behavioral intention to adopt asynchronous EdTech tools such as MOOCs. Design/methodology/approach: A theoretical model was developed by integrating insights from social cognitive theory (SCT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM). Data were collected from 622 Indian college students across different academic levels who had enrolled in at least one MOOC. Data analysis was performed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The bootstrapping method using IBM AMOS 23.0 software was adopted further for moderation analysis. Findings: The study found that while intrinsic drivers were positively associated with behavioral intention, extrinsic drivers had a limited influence. The results of the moderation analysis showed that gender significantly influenced the relationship between self-development and perceived usefulness as well as the relationship between valence and perceived usefulness. Our study's findings represent a significant contribution to theoretical advancements, indicating a notable shift in students' learning emphasis from social interactions to self-directed approaches. These results align closely with the principles of connectivism within the heutagogy theory framework, underscoring learners' responsibility in shaping their learning journey. Practical implications: Our study findings hold significant practical implications for future applications. Based on our study's findings on the positive impact of self-development and self-efficacy, it is crucial to offer structured and interactive learning options for guided experiences. Integrating digital skills training into MOOC curricula can enhance engagement across diverse learner levels, given the significant predictive power of technology innovativeness. Furthermore, emphasizing the benefits of MOOC certifications, such as career advancement or academic recognition, can increase their appeal and perceived value, considering the significance of "valence" as an influential factor. Originality/value: Asynchronous EdTech tools, notably MOOCs, have emerged as potent catalysts for social change, providing unparalleled accessibility, flexibility and avenues for lifelong learning. Our study pioneers an investigation into the impact of valence and technology innovativeness on learners' perceptions, significantly influencing their willingness to adopt MOOCs positively. By exploring nuanced sociological dynamics across diverse societies, our research underscores the necessity of customizing EdTech solutions to encompass diverse gender perspectives.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. To maintain the pace of development, local government institutions (LGIs) in many countries have started adapting innovative good practices. These practices are being generated as an offshoot of some projects, initiated by local governments, sub-national and/or national governments. However, these innovations are generally so closely associated, and depend so much on those projects, that once the projects officially phase out, the good practices also start falling apart. Those training institutions for LGIs in Asian countries are imparting training and applying participatory methodologies like peer learning. This enhances the capacities of the functionaries of the respective LGIs. However, the learning that emerges from the good practices, that have evolved, is often missed out in these course curricula, despite the fact that both the good practices and capacity for generating good practices, exist at the local level in the form of tacit learning. The Horizontal Learning Process (HLP) helps to overcome the inherent limitations of existing training methodology by capturing, upscaling, and nurturing tacit learning based on good practices. This paper highlights the concept and salient features of HLP, its evolution, process and steps, application areas, achievements and challenges--especially in the context of the SDGs and the role of LGIs.

Report (ASER), shows that even though the number of rural students attending schools is rising, but more than half of the students in fifth grade are unable to read a second-grade textbook and are not able to solve simple mathematical problems. Not only this, the level of Mathematics and reading is further declining. Though efforts are being made, they are not in the right direction. The reasons cited for this problem in surveys are discussed here.

Objective: Anaemia is a health problem for adolescents in India. This paper examines the nuanced transformations triggered by a multi-pronged, community-based anaemia intervention with adolescents and their families, seeking meaningful insights for future nutrition and anaemia programmes. Design: Qualitative study rooted in critical theory. Setting: Three slum communities -- Dharavi and Kandivali (in Mumbai) and Kalwa (in Thane) in Maharashtra, India. Methods: Data were collected through focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews with young people, parents and other stakeholders. Content analysis of drawings of a nutritious food plate by participants supplemented discussion and interview data. Thematic analysis was undertaken manually using a grounded theory approach. Findings: Nutrition education with adolescents and parents led to reduced junk food consumption although reinforcement of the information provided was necessary to sustain the change. Parental support was a crucial factor in ensuring anaemia treatment compliance but was affected by a lack of awareness regarding the consequences of anaemia and the nutritional requirements of anaemic adolescents. Other factors, including the pampering of boys, the neglect of girls and the heavy workload of mothers influenced treatment compliance. Awareness and agency among adolescents contributed to a supportive environment in terms of raised consciousness and better sanitation within families and the community. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to address anaemia among young people. While nutrition and health education are important to address treatment noncompliance, this approach should also focus on factors such as socioeconomic status, gender equity, health prioritisation, family involvement and engaging young people as agents of change to promote an enabling environment.

Background: This single center-based prospective cohort study was conducted, on 157 patients over 60 years old patients requiring major orthopedic surgery, from June 2019 to June 2021. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frailty Scale pre-operatively. Post-operative complications, ambulatory status, readmission rates, and mortality were monitored up to three months post-surgery, and statistical analysis was performed. Materials and Methods: With India's elderly population projected to reach 324 million by 2050, the prevalence of orthopedic surgeries among this demographic is increasing. frailty, a measure of decreased strength, endurance, and physiological function with aging, may significantly affect surgical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between frailty, as measured by the Edmonton Frailty Scale, and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries. Results: The study found that 60% of patients were categorized as either vulnerable or frail. Surgical site infection (15.9%) was the most common postoperative complication across all frailty levels. Cardiac complications and deep vein thrombosis were significantly associated with higher frailty levels. At discharge, 78% of patients were ambulatory, improving to over 91% at the three-month follow-up. However, frailty significantly delayed recovery to ambulatory status. The incidence of death during the study was 3.2%, and readmission within 30 days post-surgery was 3.8%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between frailty levels and post-operative complications, ambulatory status, and, to a lesser extent, readmission, and mortality rates. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant correlation between frailty and adverse postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries. It underscores the necessity of incorporating frailty assessment into preoperative evaluations to tailor care plans and improve surgical outcomes. Tailored rehabilitation programs and preoperative optimization may mitigate the risks associated with frailty, enhancing recovery and reducing the burden of postoperative complications and readmission [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to profile the ocular biometric parameters in a large group of children of South-Indian ethnicity who visited our outpatient children's department and were diagnosed with myopia. Methods: Children <15 years old diagnosed with myopia (Jan 2022–Oct 2023) and who had ocular biometry readings recorded were included. Their demographics, axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), spherical equivalent (SE), corneal radius of curvature (CR), and AL/CR ratio were analyzed. Results: The study included 3728 myopic children; the mean age was 11.85 (4–15) years, and 52.8% were girls. Mean SE was −3.98 D. The mean (SD) AL, ACD, CR, and AL/CR ratio were 24.64 (1.32), 3.73 (0.40), 7.61 (0.27), and 3.24 (0.16), respectively. Female gender was associated with shorter AL, ACD, CR, and AL/CR ratios (P < 0.001) across all age groups. There was a significant increase in ACD with age in both sexes (P < 0.001). A 1-unit (mm) increase in AL was associated with an SE increase of −1.65 D (CL: −1.70 to −1.60). AL/CR ratio could explain 71% of the total variance in SE (P < 0.001). SE showed a mild correlation with age (rho = 0.14, P < 0.001) and ACD (rho = −0.03, P = 0.041) and a stronger correlation with AL (rho = −0.68, P < 0.001) and AL/CR (rho = −0.83, P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this hospital-based study, AL and AL/CR ratios strongly correlate with SE, and the AL/CR better explains the total variance in SE than AL alone in children with myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The oral cavity is a complex environment which harbours the second largest and most diverse microflora after the gastrointestinal tract. The bacteriome in the oral cavity plays a pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of human beings. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gingival tissue, arises due to plaque accumulation on the teeth, often leads to periodontitis. Progression of periodontitis resulting in clinical attachment loss, bone loss and eventually the tooth loss is poorly understood. The present study explores the transitions in microbioata, oxidative stress and polyamine levels during the disease evolution which can contribute to developing effective therapeutic approaches. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from seventy-two individuals after procuring informed consent who were either healthy, gingivitis or stage-specific periodontitis patients. Periodontitis stage was confirmed by clinical and radiographic analysis. Microbiota analysis was carried out by 16S rRNA sequencing on the Nanopore PromethIONsystem platform of Oxford Nanopore technologies. Polyamine levels were quantified with fluorescence spectrophotometer. Ornithine decarboxylase quantification was evaluated by ELISA method. Antioxidant levels of the salivary samples were measured by DPPH, SOD, and catalase assays. Autophagy was measured by acid phosphatase assay. Result: The salivary microbiota exhibited significant changes in their abundance and diversity between healthy individuals and those with conditions such as gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis. A significant increase in polyamines and ornithine decarboxylase was found in gingivitis and various stages of periodontitis. Elevated oxidative stress observed in gingivitis and periodontitis could have resulted in cell death. Conclusion: The current study shows the role of salivary microbiota and polyamines in gingivitis and different periodontitis stages. The progressive elevation of Streptococcus levels from gingivitis to periodontitis, coupled with polyamine concentrations, may serve as a promising identification marker for assessing the severity of periodontal disease. Insight into the oral bacterial flora and associated physiological changes provide a foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions in gingivitis and periodontitis diseases emphasising the importance of personalised oral health management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the teaching methodology across the world. Students are forced to study online in schools as well as in their private tuitions or coaching institutes. According to the IBIS world, the coaching industry is worth more than $15 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $20 billion by 2022. At a time when the industry was waiting to achieve its annual revenue targets in the ensuing month or two, the COVID-19 struck, leaving the once overcrowded classrooms, with stacks of chairs gathering dust. The institutes made a swift transition and soon equipped themselves to provide classes online. After five months into these temporary arrangements, it became imperative to foresee whether online education will be the future trend or is ephemeral. A survey is conducted by taking some of the students' responses to find whether online coaching classes will survive post-COVID-19. A total of one hundred thirty-four (134) respondents stated their opinions and preferential objectives while studying online. This data is collected from India. The findings suggest that online education is acceptable to the students even beyond COVID-19 if institutes can deliver on satisfaction, sophistications of online testing and competition beyond geographical boundaries. The international players in the industry across the world can ponder ways to penetrate and garner market share in this sizable upcoming market.

This article emphasises the discord between 'mobile childhoods' and 'immobile schools' as the fundamental problematic of educational inclusion of migrant children in India. Formal schooling system predicated upon static ideals of age, grade, learning, curriculum and language, fails to accommodate the lived realities of migrant children. By drawing upon field work narratives with migrant children in Bangalore, I show that migrant children's educational exclusion cannot be understood in terms of their mobility alone, instead it needs to be problematised in the context of dominant spatio-temporal ideals of childhood and schooling.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only posed alarming health challenges but also exacerbated the scenarios of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women globally. While global studies indicate a conspicuous increase in IPV during COVID-19 lockdowns; Indian studies exhibit mixed evidence. This ambiguity in world's most populous country underscores a greater need to examine the nexus between exposure to COVID-19 and IPV using a large nationally representative sample of India. This study employs an 'intent-to-treat (ITT) framework' approach to assess the effect of COVID-19 exposure on IPV for women with "exposure (or cases)" compared to those with "no exposure (or controls)". Using data from National Family Health Survey-5, the study employs a methodology comprising three stages: first, descriptive and bivariate statistics that characterize the sample population. Second, a multivariable logistic regression model was employed to examine the influence of COVID-19 on IPV reporting. Finally, the study validated its main findings using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) tool with an ITT framework. The result from multiple statistical approaches indicates a reduction in IPV during COVID-19 — primarily suggesting significant under-reporting of domestic violence cases in the data collected during its exposure period. This underreporting remains consistent across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The study advances that reduction in the incidents of IPV among women surveyed after exposure to COVID-19 compared to their counterparts can be attributable to underreporting or greater socio-emotional cohesion among partners during menaces like COVID-19. While the under-reporting of cases can also be attributed to the lack of accessibility to peer groups and social and community networks, who often help women to identify and report IPV. Further, it can also possible due to the reduction in alcohol consumption and greater dependency of female on male partners due to jobloss during COVID-19 lockdown. This study, thereby, underscores the need for innovative survey tools to capture Violence Against Women (VAW) in general and IPV in particular during an extraordinary situation like COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Current postgraduate curriculum in India lacks practical training in ultrasound for residents in obstetrics and gynecology. The objective of this study was to develop and assess impact of a capacity building program utilizing clinical teaching and simulation to enhance knowledge and skills of residents at a healthcare facility in India.A training program comprising of 14 modules on basic obstetric ultrasounds was created over 3 months. These modules, validated by fetal medicine experts, underwent a pilot study for face validity. A total of 18 newly enrolled junior residents without prior ultrasound experience were recruited. A two‐day workshop included interactive module sessions and 6 h and 30 min of hands‐on training using an obstetric simulator. Pre‐ and post‐tests consisting of 50 multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) assessed knowledge. Follow‐up assessments were carried out at 1 and 3 months. Skill assessment at the third month was conducted using an objective structured practical examination (OSPE), alongside image submission by residents.There was significant improvement in marks over time, with a mean pretest score of 24 ± 2.7 out of 50 marks, post‐test score of 36.81 ± 2.86 and stable scores (34.6 ± 3.21, 34.4 ± 2.96) during follow‐up reviews. OSPE scores at third month averaged at 21.47 ± 2.3 (maximum marks 30); image assessment scores averaged at 83 ± 8.62 (maximum marks 100). Participant feedback indicated a positive response to all program aspects (practicality, content and structured training). Confidence levels in performing clinical ultrasound improved significantly after attending the module (P < 0.0001).Simulation with clinical teaching effectively enhanced knowledge and skills of residents, fostering confidence in performing basic obstetric ultrasounds early on in their residency. Integrating similar capacity building initiatives into residency training programs can improve healthcare delivery by ensuring a well prepared cadre of doctors skilled in obstetric ultrasounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a major global health concern, particularly in India, where it significantly impacts the population's well-being. The interplay of various factors, including education, employment status, and spiritual intelligence, contributes to the complex landscape of depressive symptoms among adults. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural service areas of a tertiary care medical institution in rural India from March 2021 to September 2022. The study employed structured questionnaires and validated scales to assess depressive symptoms, spiritual intelligence, educational status, and occupational status among participants. Structural equation modelling was used for mediation analysis to evaluate the effect of spiritual intelligence and employment status on the association between education and depressive symptoms. Results: The study included 381 participants, with a prevalence of depressive symptoms at 14.4%. Higher educational attainment was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.17, 0.67]). Employment status mediated the relationship between education and depression, with employed individuals exhibiting lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.22, 0.82]). While spiritual intelligence was higher among those with formal education, its direct impact on depression was not statistically significant. The mediation analysis revealed that a significant portion (77.5%) of the total effect of education on depression was mediated through employment status and spiritual intelligence. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of education and employment opportunities in mitigating depressive symptoms among rural adults. It suggests targeted interventions that promote education and employment support to enhance mental health resilience. While spiritual intelligence may influence mental health outcomes, its exact role requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the exclusion of older people using a multidimensional approach to understand the different domains of exclusion. Particularly, it evaluates the risk factors of old-age social exclusion, focusing on the level of exclusion across three domains such as social relations, economic and material resources, and social activities, as well as the total exclusion score. Using secondary data from the Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) survey, the study employed bivariate descriptive and multinomial logistic regression models to assess the factors that affect social exclusion for all three domains, as well as the total exclusion score. Results for the total social exclusion score reveal that older people in their later ages, women, from rural areas, without schooling, living alone, without work, and having poor physical health, experienced a severe risk of exclusion. Notably, older people at later ages (70+) from rural areas without schooling experienced both moderate and severe exclusion in all the domains, as well as in the total exclusion score. While analysing exclusion across all three domains, the study found that older people were most at risk of exclusion in the domains of economic and material resources, followed by the domain of social relations. Thus, ageing policies should consider these micro-level risk factors associated with these two domains to combat the exclusion and improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study analyses the motivators and inhibitors of collective action tendency using the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA). The study was conducted with a minority and state‐based repressed group known as the old settlers in Sikkim, India. The old settlers are a community that have been historically settled in Sikkim prior to the state's merger with India in 1975. They are racially and ethnically different from the majority population of northeasterners in Sikkim and face both institutional and interpersonal discrimination. A qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews with 11 old settlers was taken to delineate SIMCA variables – moral conviction, identity, injustice and efficacy – within the context of northeast India. Collective action was motivated through moral conviction via principles of equality and unequal treatment and outsider status, identity via politicisation of identity, creation of social movement organisations, injustice via anger and fraternal resentment and efficacy via marches and legal recourses. Collective action was inhibited through moral conviction via denial of violation, identity via acculturation, injustice via fear and efficacy via learned helplessness. These findings indicate that in state‐based repressed groups, collective action tendencies must be understood from a context‐specific lens that attempts to understand both motivating and inhibitory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"A picture is worth a thousand words." In a modern-day classroom, students are surrounded by visual imagery through textbooks, notice boards, television, videos, or computers. Many middle school classrooms are filled with colorful pictures and photographs. However, it is unclear how--or if --these images impact the middle school ESL students who are developing reading comprehension. The focus of this article is on ESL middle school language learners' use of these graphics as information organizers while comprehending a passage for main ideas, supporting details, facts, opinions, comparisons and contradictions. This article also examines and proposes different forms of graphic organizers for achieving better understanding of texts. Differences in performance between the students who are exposed to the use of graphic organizers and the students who are not similarly exposed have been analyzed in this article. The experimental and control groups of this research are middle school students in ESL classes. The analytical method, ANOVA, is used to project the performance difference between the controlled and experimental groups. The result of the post-test suggested that the experimental group students have improved in all the five types of reading questions compared to controlled group students. Therefore, using graphic organizers is effective in reading questions like (1) identifying the main idea, (2) finding the supporting details, (3) dealing with vocabulary and (4) fact and opinion & (5) making inferences. Furthermore, the pedagogical implication here is the use graphic organizers during reading comprehension sessions indirectly motivates the students to create their own graphic organizer for the passages they read and comprehend. This improves their creativity.

This paper aims at focusing how the lack of pragmatic competence affects student's communication in L2 (Second language) at tertiary level. The city based Indian students learn English which is their second language from 3 years onwards whereas the rural based students learn English only from 6 years onwards. This exposure of the L2 shows the greatest disparity among technical students who opt for Engineering Studies here in the Medium of English. They join the Engineering courses with a hope of getting placement in good companies but some of them end up in jobs that are not worth their expectations. This leads to severe frustrations. The students at tertiary level lack in communication skills because they learn English but don't acquire it. Most of the times, students aren't able to produce utterances to communicate their "specific intentions" in a second language neither read between the lines. It's because in the pedagogical practice of second language teachers don't focus on this ability. Competence, whether linguistic or pragmatic, is not teachable. Competence is a type of knowledge that learners possess, develop, acquire, use or lose. The challenge for foreign or second language teaching is whether the teacher can arrange learning opportunities in such a way that it benefits the development of pragmatic competence in them. This paper focuses on how the lack of competence in pragmatics deprives the students of good placement for bright future and how this may be trounced.

Background: Isabella Thoburn College at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India has initiated Service Learning Program for its students through 4 issue based centers. One of the centers AIDS Awareness Center for Counseling, Education, and Training (AACCET) is in the field of HIV/AIDS. It follows 6 pronged approach to achieve its objectives and one of the objectives is Human Resource Building. The paper explains the whole concept and methodology of human resource building as an approach to service learning. Focus of Discussion: Paper deals in detail with the various training programs carried out by AACCET. Training is provided to 4 target groups--college students, educators, village animators, and primary health workers. Basic procedure and activities are the same for all the groups but the communicative language, resource material, guest speakers, games, presentations and so forth vary according to the group needs. Variety of experiences provided to the groups transforms them into peer educator, counselor and trainers who go and work with the community. Comments: Human resource building brings teaching and learning, educators and society, theory and practice into new relationships and understanding. Our venture into human resource building is an effort towards modeling a behavior and approach which focuses on sharing so that we can build a better world in the new millennium. Conclusion: Human resource building aims at bringing change in the minds of people. Change is needed in the present world which can be witnessed only when people change at the emotional level and that is what Human resource building is aimed at.

Background: The distal end radius's bony anatomy in relation to three variables—Radial Inclination, Volar tilt, and radial height—has been discussed commonly in the adult population and is not very well defined in the growing skeleton. In children aged 8–16 years old, we measured the osseous distal end radius according to radiography standards. The research comprised 130 patients, 65 males and 65 females aged 8–16. In each child, the norms for radial inclination, volar tilt, and radial epiphyseal height were established. This research defines these radiographic parameters for the paediatric population in India for the first time. Methods: This research is an Unicentric Cross-sectional observational analytical study. We studied 130 normal wrist posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the Indian paediatric population aged 8–16 years who reported to our OPD and calculated the three parameters—(1) Radial height, (2) Volar Tilt, and (3) Radial Inclination. Mean measurement values were analysed statistically. Results: The Mean distal end radius volar tilt is 10.92° ± 1.76° SD with a range from 4° to 15°. The Mean distal end radial inclination is 21.04° ± 2.10° SD with a range from 15° to 25°. The Mean distal end radial height is 11.93 ± 1.44 mm SD with a range from 9.0 to 14.50 mm. Conclusion: In true Postero-anterior and lateral wrist radiographs of the Indian paediatric population, we have established normal values that may be utilized as a guide for the evaluation and treatment of a variety of traumatic and non-traumatic problems in Indian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer poses a significant health threat to the elderly, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer patients aged 65 and above. As life expectancy continues to rise and the population ages, the incidence of cancer in the elderly is expected to increase further. Age is a major risk factor for the majority of common cancers, with the incidence and prevalence rising as individuals grow older. Factors such as chemoprevention and environmental carcinogen elimination may influence the process of carcinogenesis. Studies reveal that the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in the elderly and extremely old individuals are on the rise worldwide, with most types peaking around the age of 75 to 90, followed by a sharp decline. Birth cohort and period effects also play a complex role in the connection between aging and cancer risk. Clinical trials often exclude older individuals, limiting our understanding of cancer treatments' effects on this particular age group. More research is needed to focus on the unique requirements of older adults with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the project is to explore the biosoftening of raw areca nut fibers using two different biological retting methods and assess their impact on fiber properties for improved spinning. The study aims to contribute to the fashion industry's shift toward sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: The project involves collecting raw brown areca shells, subjecting them to two retting methods (stagnant water retting and changing water daily retting) and then extracting and drying the fibers. Various physical and chemical properties of the fibers are measured to evaluate their suitability for spinning. Findings: The stagnant water retting method, especially the fibers obtained on the second day, showed improved properties in terms of fiber strength, elongation, fineness and cellulose content, making them suitable for spinning applications. The method also resulted in better moisture regain. Research limitations/implications: The study focused on two retting methods and a limited timeframe. Further research could explore additional techniques and durations. The labor-intensive nature of the daily changing water retting method may have implications for scalability. Practical implications: The project demonstrates a cost-effective and sustainable method for converting agricultural waste (areca nut husks) into valuable fibers suitable for various end users. Social implications: The research supports the fashion industry's sustainability efforts by promoting the use of eco-friendly natural fibers, potentially benefiting rural farming communities. Originality/value: The project highlights the innovative use of areca nut fibers and their potential to contribute to sustainable fashion. The stagnant water retting method is presented as a reliable and effective approach for improving fiber properties. Additionally, all fiber testing was exclusively conducted at the South India Textile Research Association (SITRA), with sponsorship from the industry and support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Eliminate rheumatic fever (RF) and minimize the burden of rheumatic heart disease by 2025" is the goal of World Heart Federation (WHF). The most important step to achieve the goal of WHF is the implementation of the prevention and control of RF in India. The program can be implemented with minimal fund allocation from government making use of the existing manpower in the government and private health sector and schools with the concurrence of National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Public Education and under the guidance of Cardiological Society of India, National Rheumatic Heart Consortium, Rheumatic Heart Club India, Association of Physicians of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and Association of Otolaryngologists of India. By the successful implementation of this program, the children of 5--15 years in India can be protected from RF. India eradicated smallpox in 1980 and Polio 2012. With this program, we can start our efforts to eliminate RF by 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION What is the functional significance of Tex13b in male germ cell development and differentiation? SUMMARY ANSWER Tex13b regulates male germ cell differentiation by metabolic reprogramming during spermatogenesis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies in mice and humans suggest that TEX13B is a transcription factor and is exclusively expressed in germ cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We sequenced the coding regions of TEX13B in 628 infertile men and 427 ethnically matched fertile control men. Further, to identify the molecular function of Tex13b, we created a Tex13b knockout and conditional overexpression system in GC-1spg (hereafter, GC-1) cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Our recent exome sequencing study identified novel candidate genes for male infertility. TEX13B was found to be one of the potential candidates, hence we explored the role of TEX13B in male infertility within a large infertile case–control cohort. We performed functional analyses of Tex13b in a GC-1 cell line using CRISPR-Cas9. We differentially labelled the cell proteins by stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and performed mass spectrometry-based whole-cell proteomics to identify the differential protein regulation in knockout cells compared to wild-type cells. We found that Tex13b knockout leads to downregulation of the OXPHOS complexes and upregulation of glycolysis genes, which was further validated by western blotting. These results were further confirmed by respirometry analysis in Tex13b knockout cells. Further, we also performed a conditional overexpression of TEX13B in GC-1 cells and studied the expression of OXPHOS complex proteins by western blotting. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified a rare variant, rs775429506 (p.Gly237Glu), exclusively in two non-obstructive-azoospermia (NOA) men, that may genetically predispose these men for infertility. Further, we demonstrated that Tex13b functions in the transcription regulation of OXPHOS complexes. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We examined the function of Tex13b in GC-1 in vitro by knocking out and conditional overexpression, for understanding the function of Tex13b in germ cells. Unfortunately, this could not be replicated in either an animal model or in patient-derived tissue due to the non-availability of an animal model or patient's testis biopsies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study identified that Tex13b plays an important role in male germ cell development and differentiation. The findings of this study would be useful for screening infertile males with spermatogenic failure and counselling them before the implementation of assisted reproduction technique(s). STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was provided by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the network project (BSC0101 and MLP0113) and SERB, the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (J C Bose Fellowship: JCB/2019/000027). The authors do not have any competing interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify the critical factors contributing to India-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) capacity building and value creation for beneficiaries. Design/methodology/approach: A total interpretive structural modeling technique has been used to develop a hierarchical model of critical factors and understand their direct and indirect interrelationships. The driving force and dependence force of these factors were determined by using cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis. Findings: This study identifies 12 critical factors influencing NGO capacity building in India's intellectual disability sector across four dimensions. Internal organizational capabilities include infrastructure, staff qualifications, fundraising, vocational activities and technical resources. Second, coordination and stakeholder engagement highlight government and agency collaboration, dedicated board members and stakeholder involvement. Third, adaptability and responsiveness emphasize adjusting to external trends and seizing opportunities. Finally, impact and value creation emphasis on improving value for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Practical implications: The findings of this study have practical implications for Indian NGOs working for PWDs. The study provides NGOs with a structural model for improving organizational capacity by identifying and categorizing critical factors into the strategic model. Originality/value: There is a scarcity of literature on capacity building for disability-focused NGOs in India. This study seeks to identify critical factors and develop a hierarchical model of those factors to assist policymakers in India in building the capacity of NGOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The acromion process serves as a point of attachment for various muscles and ligaments and is a pivotal factor in the development of shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff pathology. The study aims to evaluate the acromion process of dry human scapulae in residents of North India and understand the implications of these in relation to shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff pathology. Material and Methods. The present study comprised of 100 adult scapulae of unknown sex obtained from Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar. The acromion process was studied for shape of tip of acromion, inferior surface, enthesophytes, os acromiale, acromial facet, maximum length, width, anterior thickness, distance between tip of acromion and coracoid. Results. The most common shape of tip was found to be intermediate. The most common shape of acromial facet observed was oval and it was more medially inclined. The inferior surface of acromion was rough in 79% bones. Enthesophytes were found in 16 bones which were more common in type II acromion and right side. Width, Length, Anterior Thickness, distance between tip of acromion and coracoid was found to be less on left side as compared to the right side. Discussion. The majority of the parameters were observed to be higher on the right side which proved to be significant for orthopedicians. Facts about the common variant and morphometric proportions of acromion process can support to improve understanding and preparation for the treatment of rotator cuff pathology due to the impingement syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience of parents in the context of raising a child with intellectual disability is gaining attention as a mechanism that addresses their inherent strengths to withstand the potential associated strain. Understanding its underlying factors has applications in fostering their resilience. The present study explored the resilience of parents and its relationship with the impact of child's disability. A total of 121 parents were assessed using Connor Davidson Resilience Scale and National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped Disability Impact Scale. The results revealed that parenting a child with intellectual disability posed them with both positive and negative experiences. Their evaluations about the condition of the child significantly influenced their resilience. The positive perceptions about the child's disability operated as a protective element, whereas their negative evaluations acted as a risk element of resilience. The findings have specific importance in designing interventions for families of persons with intellectual disability.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has come out with the draft of 'National Education Policy (NEP) 2016' in April 2016. The new NEP 2016 seeks to create conditions to improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and promote transparency in the management of education in the country. The policy prescriptions enunciated in the policy document are critically examined in the context of the objectives set out in the document. An attempt is made to survey some of the recommendations of the report and examine issues related to higher education in the country. The issues include financing education and the policy initiatives, language policy and higher education, accreditation and quality assurance in higher education, International linkages in higher education and autonomy of higher educational institutions. The general trend seen in the document in support of private investment and justification of moving private involvement from periphery to the centre in higher education is critically commented in the paper.

Impact of rainfall and slopes on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics was assessed under tea and coffee plantations, land covers, in Western Ghats Mountain (WGM). Severe water erosion in the western side of WGM by heavy rainfall and land sloppiness recorded less SOC (3.07%) compared to the eastern side (4.03%) in tea plantations. Similar trend in SOC was observed in coffee plantations, with 1.98% in western side and 3.25% in eastern side. Loss of soil organic carbon stock under tea plantations in western sides was 0.346 million tonnes and in coffee plantations it was 0.190 million tonnes. Hence, the total organic carbon loss was 0.536 million tonnes. Highest SOC content and stocks were recorded in steep slopes in tea and coffee plantations due to dense biomass cover and adoption of soil and water conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skill and health-related components are required for the assessment of football players' functional performance, and there is a lack of literature available to measure football players' functional performance. The study mostly focuses on developing and validating the tool for football players between the ages of 18 and 25. Methods: This study used a research methodology that focused on the development and verification of a scale. The research consisted of two distinct stages, namely tool development and validity testing. Firstly, the expert panel did a comprehensive analysis of the items and domains of the questionnaire. Subsequently, the Delphi approach was used to assess the content validity of the questionnaire. Later on, the evaluation tool was officially named the complete functional performance assessment battery (CFPA) for football players in India. Result: The CFPA's newly developed tool has excellent scale-level content validity, which was more than 0.78 for each item in the tool, i.e., 1 (indicated as extremely relevant), the content validity ratio was bigger than 0.49, and each item's kappa value was found to be 1, which is excellent. Each item's universal acceptance was found to be 1 for both the item's quality and content and Aiken's V index is also greater than 0.81. Conclusion: The CFPA is a valid tool in India that can be used to check the functional performance of football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A decision-making framework to manage occupational risks in petroleum industries. • A novel measure of risk by integrating both objective and subjective measures. • NLP is used on unstructured accident reports to derive the objective weights. • An optimization-based group decision making framework is proposed. • 5 critical clusters of risk factors along with 32 risk sub-factors are extracted. Introduction: Workplace accidents in the petroleum industry can cause catastrophic damage to people, property, and the environment. Earlier studies in this domain indicate that the majority of the accident report information is available in unstructured text format. Conventional techniques for the analysis of accident data are time-consuming and heavily dependent on experts' subject knowledge, experience, and judgment. There is a need to develop a machine learning-based decision support system to analyze the vast amounts of unstructured text data that are frequently overlooked due to a lack of appropriate methodology. Method: To address this gap in the literature, we propose a hybrid methodology that uses improved text-mining techniques combined with an un-bias group decision-making framework to combine the output of objective weights (based on text mining) and subjective weights (based on expert opinion) of risk factors to prioritize them. Based on the contextual word embedding models and term frequencies, we extracted five important clusters of risk factors comprising more than 32 risk sub-factors. A heterogeneous group of experts and employees in the petroleum industry were contacted to obtain their opinions on the extracted risk factors, and the best-worst method was used to convert their opinions to weights. Conclusions and Practical Applications: The applicability of our proposed framework was tested on the data compiled from the accident data released by the petroleum industries in India. Our framework can be extended to accident data from any industry, to reduce analysis time and improve the accuracy in classifying and prioritizing risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) while on thromboprophylaxis, in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU), and to assess its impact on outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the MICU underwent compression ultrasound of the jugular, axillary, femoral, and popliteal veins at admission, day 3 and 7 to screen for DVT. All patients were on pharmacological and/or mechanical thromboprophylaxis as per protocol. The primary outcome was the incidence of DVT (defined as occurrence on day 3 or 7). Secondary outcomes were death and duration of hospitalization. Risk factors for DVT were explored using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The incidence of DVT was 17.2% (95% CI 12.0, 22.3) (n = 35/203); two-thirds were catheter associated (23/35). There was no difference in mortality between those with and without incident DVT (9/35 vs 40/168, p = 0.81). The mean (SD) duration of hospitalization was longer in the DVT group (20.1 (17) vs 12.9 (8.5) days, p = 0.007). Although day 3 INR (RR 2.1, 95% CI 0.9-5.3), age >40 years (2.1, 0.8-5.3), vasopressor use (1.0, 0.4-2.9) and SOFA score (0.9, 0.85-1.1) were associated with the development of DVT on bivariate analysis, only central venous catheters (15.97, 1.9-135.8) was independently associated with DVT on multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Despite thromboprophylaxis, 17% of ICU patients develop DVT. The central venous catheter is the main risk factor. DVT is not associated with increased mortality in the setting of prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report the development and psychometric validation of the Teachers' Receptivity to Change Scale (TRCS). The sample included secondary school teachers of Kerala, India. In India, the teachers' receptivity to change becomes important in the context of the newly drafted National Education Policy, (2020) which places teachers' at the center of the reforms. The present study proceeded through five phases namely item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, validation of the scale, and test–retest reliability. The development of the tool started with the generation of a pool of items followed by item analysis. The exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors and the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four-factors namely individual, organizational, educational, and bridging factors. The structural equation modelling established the four-correlated factor construct of teachers' receptivity to change and an additive model indexing teachers' receptivity to change as the sum of the four factors. Both the model fit indices indicated an excellent fit. The validity of the TRCS established by correlating the teachers' receptivity to change and its factors with multidimensional work motivation scale and engaged teachers' scale indicated a moderate correlation. The final 28 item TRCS showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.897) and discriminant validity. The test re-test reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.884) confirmed the temporal stability of the scale. The findings recommend a psychometric reliable and valid scale for assessing teachers' receptivity to change with implications for teachers, researchers, and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure poses a global health challenge affecting millions of individuals, and access to guideline-directed medical therapy is often limited. This limitation is frequently attributed to factors such as drug availability, slow adoption, clinical inertia, and delayed diagnosis. Despite international recommendations promoting the use of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure management, personalized approaches are essential in settings with resource constraints. In India, crucial treatments like angiotensin II receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitors and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are not fully utilized despite their established safety and efficacy. To address this issue, an expert consensus involving 150 specialists, including cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, was convened. They deliberated on patient profiles, monitoring, and adverse side effects and provided tailored recommendations for guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure management. Stressing the significance of early initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with heart failure, especially with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, the consensus also explored innovative therapies like vericiguat. To improve heart failure outcomes in resource-limited settings, the experts proposed several measures, including enhanced patient education, cardiac rehabilitation, improved drug access, and reforms in healthcare policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Background: Mechanical alignment has always been considered as the gold standard in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but various other coronal alignment strategies have been proposed to enhance native knee kinematics and thus elevate patient satisfaction levels. Coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification introduced by MacDessi is a simple yet comprehensive system to classify knees based on their coronal plane alignment. It categorizes knees into nine phenotypes based on medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA). Materials and Methods: This study investigates the distribution of classification of primary arthritic knees (CPAK) types among arthritic knees in the South Indian population and compares the functional outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using traditional mechanical alignment among various CPAK types. The research, spanning from September 2021 to August 2023, encompasses a comprehensive analysis of 324 patients with 352 knees in the first part and 48 patients with 72 knees in the second part of the study who underwent TKA, incorporating demographic data and radiological evaluations. Results: Results indicate a predominant distribution of CPAK type 1, followed by type 2 and type 4 among the South Indian population. In the functional outcomes analysis, regardless of CPAK type, patients exhibited significant improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores post-operatively. Conclusion: CPAK distribution among the South Indian population is comparable to other Indian study and studies with an Asian population, but varies with studies among the White population. Significant improvement of functional outcome among all CPAK types signifies the robust nature of conventional mechanical alignment strategy. Thus, our study serves as an initial exploration into the knee phenotype of the South Indian population and findings contribute to ongoing research on optimal alignment strategies in knee arthroplasty, paving the way for future, more extensive studies in this dynamic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In most settings, patients receive phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation in CTVS ICU at the hospital, but there are several barriers to follow-up after patients are discharged from the hospital. Physiotherapists play an important role in the enrolment and continuation of cardiac rehabilitation. Thus, we aim to study the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physiotherapists about CR program adherence among patients discharged from the hospital after cardiac surgery. Objectives. (i) To study the knowledge of physiotherapists about the importance of cardiac rehabilitation after discharge; (ii) to know the attitude of physiotherapists towards cardiac surgery patients after discharge; and (iii) to know what approach various centres are applying for patients after discharge to ensure adherence to cardiac rehabilitation. Methods. A questionnaire was developed with reference to the objectives of the study, which was answered by a total of 127 physiotherapists. Results. The overall response rate was 42.3%; nearly 35.4% of the participants indicated that they knew a lot about CR, while 5.5% said they knew very little. Regarding the program's content, 36.2% of participants reported having a medium degree of awareness of the diverse CR components, while 8.6% reported having very little knowledge of them. Only about one-third, 35.7% stated that CR in India is effective and 95% believed that CR will have an added value for the country. Approximately 80% of respondents thought that it would be challenging for a physiotherapist to recommend patients to a CR in the nation. Nearly 35% of respondents believed that they, "themselves as physios," needed to commence CR, and slightly less than 70% thought that doctors were required to choose and refer the patients when asked who should take the initiative to start this kind of programme in the country. A little over 40% of respondents said that insurance firms are also involved in starting a CR programme. Conclusion. Physiotherapists have good knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation. However, their attitude and practice towards adherence to exercise protocols are confounded by various clinician- and patient-level factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:To assess the risk factors of Myocardial infarction among young people in central India. Materials & methods: A total of 100 subjects with age between 20-30 years were enrolled. Informed consent was taken. Only those patients were enrolled which had MI. Detailed clinical history was taken. Information on age, sex, history of type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, substance abuse, and family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and angiographic profile were obtained. The results were analysed using SPSS software. Results: Apart from the male gender, the most common risk factor was dyslipidemia, followed by smokeless tobacco consumption, obesity, and smoking. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is the most prevalent risk factor. Smoking was identified as the most common avoidable risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered to the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) on the severity of task-specific focal hand dystonia. METHODS: In this randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind crossover study, participants received single sessions of low-frequency (1 Hz) inhibitory rTMS (1200 pulses) and sham stimulation to the left IPL. At baseline and after each session, we assessed the Writer's Cramp Rating Scale (WCRS), kinematic analysis using an electrogoniometer, a torsiometer, and the patient-reported improvement on a Likert scale. RESULTS: We recruited 16 right-handed patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia [age: 33.3 ± 11.7 years, 13 male). The mean WCRS score at baseline was 5.8 ± 3.4 in group A (where first 1 Hz rTMS and then sham was applied) and 13.4 ± 5.2 in group B (where first sham and then 1 Hz rTMS were applied). An inhibitory rTMS protocol applied to the left IPL resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the WCRS total score [WCRS difference real minus sham mean (SD): −1 (1.3), (95% confidence interval (CI): −2, −1), p = 0.002] and writing movement score [WMS mean difference (SD): −1 (1.4), CI: (−2, 0), p = 0.005], irrespective of the sequence in which they received the intervention. Secondary outcomes were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia, a single session of rTMS to the left IPL resulted in a modest reduction of focal hand dystonia severity. The results serve as a proof-of-concept for future studies to assess the clinical effects of multiple sessions of left IPL inhibition to modulate the abnormally hyperexcitable premotor–parietal–putaminal circuitry in task-specific focal hand dystonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the role of individual, facility and system-level preparedness in reducing physiological and psychological vulnerability among primary-level health care providers (HCPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Rajasthan, India. Online and telephonic interviews are conducted among 274 HCPs working in 24 primary health centres (PHCs) (17 rural and 7 urban) across 13 districts of Rajasthan. Five dimensions of vulnerability, covering awareness, exposure to infection (daily contact; contact with high-risk individuals), physical and mental health conditions, while three aspects of preparedness—at individual (personal care) and facility (provider safety; management and supervision) level—are measured by employing factor analysis. Generalised ordered logit regression model is used to measure the effect of preparedness on COVID-19-related vulnerability. Among the 274 HCPs, majority of the staff are from rural PHCs (76%), less than 35 years old (87%), female (57%) and married (57%). Almost half have high level of exposure to COVID-19, with mean contact rate of 90. Overall, 26% have comprehensive knowledge of COVID-19, and 32% have any mental health issues. Although more than 70% of HCPs have reported more than one individual-level preparedness, mental health measures adopted by the HCPs are comparably low. The facility-level preparedness for enhancing safety is high such as social distancing (79%) and maintaining record of each visitor (75%). However, management-related measures adopted by the PHCs are perceived to be lower than the safety measures. The regression analyses suggest that safety-related preparedness is significantly associated with reduction of vulnerability by 50%. The management-level preparedness has statistically no significant effect in explaining the variations in level of vulnerability. The facility-level safety measures, which lower chances of acquiring infection, have a positive effect on reducing vulnerability to COVID-19. However, the HCPs do not have adequate preparedness at individual, facility management (PHC) and system levels to reduce COVID-19 vulnerability. Findings suggest that there is a need for a non-conventional approach of monitoring and supervision. In the absence of such measures, there is a chance of moral injury that will make the HCPs at the primary level vulnerable both physiologically and psychologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In developing nations such as India, a disparity exists between the available resources for stroke rehabilitation and the substantial burden of stroke cases. Consequently, the provision of cost-effective and multidisciplinary post-stroke rehabilitation care to stroke survivors becomes of paramount importance. The utilization of mobile applications (apps) for stroke care has been on the rise, offering a personalized and pragmatic solution with the potential for wider reach in settings constrained by limited resources. To address the unmet needs in the prevention and management of post-stroke complications, we conceptualized a strategy known as a mobile application-based post-stroke care strategy for both survivors and their caregivers. Materials and Methods: The scope of the app's focus was determined based on the incidence of post-stroke complications within a prospective cohort of stroke patients, in conjunction with existing literature. An initial "web-based mobile app" prototype was crafted to align with the identified focus area. Before the development of the final app version, a feasibility study was conducted involving 30 participant dyads (comprising a patient and a caregiver). Content validity was evaluated by a panel of 20 stroke experts encompassing neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Results: The "Stroke Home Care" (SHC) mobile app was conceived as a web-based educational tool aimed at preventing and managing post-stroke complications. It seeks to train caregivers of immobile stroke patients in the administration of preventive and therapeutic care procedures, thereby potentially enhancing survivors' quality of life and alleviating caregivers' burden. The feasibility and validity studies indicated "high satisfaction" levels among most caregivers and experts (>75%), with the remainder expressing "satisfaction" and no "dissatisfaction" regarding app utilities. Stroke experts unanimously deemed the app "appropriate", with consensus on contents, video quality, video length, and voice clarity. Caregivers reported "satisfactory" user experiences, encountering no issues during app installation or operation. Suggestions from both caregivers and experts were integrated into the final app version. Conclusion: The "SHC" app represents a feasible and well-received innovation tailored for the use by caregivers of stroke survivors. Consequently, the initial feasibility of the developed app serves as a precursor to a randomized controlled clinical trial aimed at substantiating its effectiveness within the post-stroke survivor and caregiver population. Notably, within resource-constrained contexts, this app has the potential to be a pivotal tool for post-stroke care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of "Industry 4.0" technologies in construction is rising in recent years due to intervention of government and non government bodies for combating environmental challenges. In order to understand various enablers that influence "adoption of Industry 4.0" – technologies, this study is conducted for assessing degree of enablers in Indian construction. A hybrid MCDM approach using – Fuzzy SWARA and Fuzzy COPRAS named as ARank-FSC is proposed. Fuzzy "SWARA" aids in obtaining relative weights of enablers while COPRAS helps in ranking and selecting most efficient amongst them. The proposed approach is applied on a case organization engaged in construction. Results indicate that profitability acts as top ranked enabler that would significantly affect "Industry 4.0" acceptance in Indian construction. Stakeholders coordination, Governmental regulations, strategic planning, building information modeling and risk taking behavior are also critical enablers that significantly affect acceptance of "Industry 4.0" technologies in construction industry of developing countries like India. The present study aims to analyze-the-rank of enablers-in "adoption-of-Industry-4.0". The proposed approach is put through a sensitivity analysis to determine its robustness. This research's conclusions and ramifications-will-be-useful-to-practitioners-and-researchers-in-understanding degree of enablers for implementation-of-Industry 4.0-in-construction-industries of developing countries like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a rare disease. Its diagnosis is challenging clinically as it mimics many other infectious diseases and neoplasms. In this scenario, a simple timely biopsy can come to the clinician’s rescue. Actinomycosis can be reliably diagnosed on histopathological examination accompanied by special stains without losing much time. Culturing this organism is a tedious job in view of its fastidious nature and requires a long waiting time. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be useful and is less time‑consuming, but histopathology is more cost‑effective in our country like India. This case report emphasizes the fact that a rare possibility of actinomycosis should also be kept in mind even in immunocompetent individuals in rare sites like gingiva even if there are no discharging sinuses noted clinically. Actinomycosis requires long‑duration antibiotic treatment, so if diagnosis time is reduced, timely treatment of actinomycosis can be started and complications can be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gottman Couple Therapy (GCT) is based on 40 + years of empirical findings and advocates process research, enabling an understanding of how an intervention works. Dreams-within-Conflict (DWC) is a GCT technique that softens the stand on unresolvable issues by facilitating positive emotion regulation strategies such as expressing vulnerabilities, understanding, and soothing in place of destructive strategies such as criticism and defensiveness. The aim of the study is to understand the emotion regulation process during a one-session DWC intervention using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design examining N = 30 individuals (15 couples) during the DWC intervention. The changes in emotion regulation strategies (Extrinsic/Intrinsic affect Worsening/Improving strategies–EW, IW, EI, II) in partners were examined in the presence of individual characteristics of emotion regulation traits (cognitive-reappraisal and suppression) and beliefs using self-assessment questionnaires, feedback reports, thematic coding of video recordings, and a semi-structured interview. Paired-samples t-test results showed that DWC fosters emotion regulation strategies by significantly decreasing partners' EW and increasing EI and II strategies. Though IW strategies declined during-DWC, the changes were not significant. Hierarchical linear modeling findings showed that before-DWC emotion regulation strategies, gender, and individual emotion regulation traits of cognitive-reappraisal and suppression predicted EI, and before-DWC strategies predicted II, but none of the variables predicted EW and IW during-DWC. To further understand the interventional implications, the emotional regulation strategies and preferences for expression (over suppression) shared by the Indian couples were examined using thematic analysis. The results show that avoidance, conflict behaviors, and prioritizing parents' emotions over partners' (in men) were the most often employed regulatory strategies. Simultaneously, Indian couples unanimously agreed that expression of emotions was a crucial factor for marital satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To describe the beliefs, barriers and promotion practices of Indian nurses' regarding healthy eating (HE) behaviours amongst cancer survivors, and to gain insights into whether their educational qualifications might affect the promotion of HE. Methods. Data was gathered using a validated questionnaire, 388 of the approached 400 nurses who worked at a tertiary care hospital in India gave informed consent to participate in the study. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi square analysis (for continuous and categorical variables respectively) were performed to carry out sub-group comparisons based on the qualification of the nurses i.e., Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). Results. The nurses believed that dieticians/nutritionists were primarily responsible for educating the cancer survivors regarding HE. HE was promoted by nurses' relatively equally across multiple treatment stages ("during" treatment 24.4%, "post" treatment 23.1%; and "pre" treatment 22.3%). Nurses' believed HE practices had numerous benefits, with improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (75.7%), and mental health (73.9%) being the most frequent responses. The most frequently cited barriers by the nurses in promoting HE were lack of time (22.2%), and lack of adequate support structure (19.9%). Sub-group comparisons generally revealed no significant difference between the BSc and GNM nurses in their perceptions regarding HE promotion to cancer survivors. Exceptions were how the GNM group had significantly greater beliefs regarding whether HE can "reduce risk of cancer occurrence" (pD0:004) and "whether or not I promote HE is entirely up to me" (pD0:002). Conclusion. The nurses in India believe in the promotion of HEpractices among cancer survivors across various stages of cancer treatments. However, they do face a range of barriers in their attempt to promote HE. Overcoming these barriers might facilitate effective promotion of HE among cancer survivors and help improve survivorship outcomes. Implications for cancer survivors. Indian nurses employed in the two tertiary care hospitals wish to promote HE among cancer survivors, but require further knowledge and support services for more effective promotion of HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Violence, a notable human rights concern, has a public health impact across the globe. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of domestic violence among ever-married women aged 18–49 years in India. Methods Secondary data analysis with National Family Health Survey 5, 2019–21 data (NFHS-5) was conducted. The complex sampling design of the survey was accounted-for during analysis. The primary outcome was domestic violence. Prevalence was reported with 95% confidence interval (CI). Prevalence ratio was reported to provide the factors associated with domestic violence using Poisson regression. Results About 63 796 ever-married women aged 18–49 years covered under domestic violence module of NFHS-5 survey were included. Prevalence of domestic violence (12 months preceding the survey) was 31.9% (95% CI: 30.9–32.9%). Physical violence (28.3%) was the most common form followed by emotional (14.1%) and sexual violence (6.1%). Women with low education, being employed, husband being uneducated or with coercive behavior had significantly higher prevalence of domestic violence. Conclusions One-third of the reproductive age-group women were facing some form of domestic violence. Target group interventions like violence awareness campaigns, women supportive services and stringent law enforcement should be implemented to eliminate domestic violence by year 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores how comprehensive sexuality education located within a broader positive youth development approach informed transformations among young people from informal urban communities in India. A thematic analysis of data obtained from the young people, their parents, and frontline workers revealed that securing the cooperation of families was possible for the program because sexual and reproductive health education was not a stand-alone intervention, but a part of a larger approach seeking to build capacities of young people. The strategic introduction of sexual and reproductive health communication helped the participants to overcome inhibitions about the topic. Enhanced awareness of gender, pubertal changes, gender-based violence, and child sexual abuse was evidenced post participation. Improved agency was manifest through decision making, critical thinking, confidence, mobility, and articulation, especially among girls. Program interventions to enhance sexual and reproductive health awareness of parents and communities and to improve health services and facilities were bolstered through youth engagement. Such contribution by the young reinforced their knowledge and skills, strengthened agency, and cemented family and community support. A holistic program situated within the positive youth development approach thus seemed a pragmatic vehicle to promote comprehensive sexuality education for young people in vulnerable urban communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Thoracocentesis is a less invasive and expensive procedure than pleural biopsy, enabling sample collection for cytological evaluation. Cell blocks prepared from these samples provide histopathological diagnoses; further, immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be performed for subtyping malignancies, guiding the clinician in choosing the appropriate treatment modality for the patient. We aimed to determine the various histological subtypes of malignancies using cell block IHC and compare the cell block and conventional cytology methods for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion. Material and Methods: All pleural fluid samples from the clinically suspicious cases of malignancy collected at the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College Kottayam, India, during 18 months, except duplicate and inadequate samples, were included in this prospective observational study. IHC was performed on cell blocks that were positive for malignancy. Results: This study analyzed 630 samples, of which 121 cell blocks demonstrated the presence of malignancy. Overall, 80%, 13%, and 7% of cases were negative, suspicious, and positive for malignancy based on conventional cytology, and 81%, 0%, and 19% were negative, suspicious, and positive for malignancy based on cell blocks, respectively. Among all malignancies, adenocarcinomas from the lung (56%) were the most common, followed by adenocarcinomas from the breast (6%), squamous cell carcinomas (5%), and adenocarcinomas from the ovary (3%). Cell blocks helped detect more malignancies (19%) than conventional cytology (7%), despite a moderate agreement between both methods. Conclusion: Adenocarcinomas were the most common cause of malignant pleural effusions, and the most frequent site of origin was the lungs. Cell blocks helped diagnose more malignancies than conventional cytology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This work aimed to develop the whole wheat (common) flour pasta by incorporation of whole wheat flour modified by extrusion process at various percentages and assess the effect of modified extruded whole wheat flour (EWWF) on quality characteristics of pasta. The whole wheat flour was modified by extruding it at 15% feed moisture, 148 °C extrusion temperature and 434 rpm screw speed through a twin screw extruder. The modified EWWF was added to the whole wheat flour at a 10%–40% substitution level with whole wheat flour for the preparation of pasta and its quality was compared against the semolina pasta and pasta prepared from whole wheat flour. The study characterized the functional, antioxidant properties, in vitro starch and protein digestibility, cooking parameters and colour properties of the EWWF pasta. Extrusion increased the water absorption, water solubility and oil absorption characteristics of EWWF. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of pasta (0%—40%) ranged from 170.07 to 146.04 mg GAE/100 g and 156.00 to 137.60 mg CE/100 g, respectively, compared to the semolina pasta. The antioxidant properties of the EWWF pasta decreased after the incorporation of extruded flour. The pasta prepared with the incorporation of 40% EWWF showed the best cooking properties. The colour of EWWF pasta turned darker compared to semolina pasta. The pasta prepared with the use of EWWF could be utilized as a healthy alternative to the existing pasta in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the plains of western North India, traditional rice and wheat cropping systems (RWCS) consume a significant amount of energy and carbon. In order to assess the long-term energy budgets, ecological footprint, and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollutants from RWCS with residual management techniques, field research was conducted which consisted of fourteen treatments that combined various tillage techniques, fertilization methods, and whether or not straw return was present in randomized block design. By altering the formation of aggregates and the distribution of carbon within them, tillage techniques can affect the dynamics of organic carbon in soil and soil microbial activity. The stability of large macro-aggregates (> 2 mm), small macro-aggregates (2.0–2.25 mm), and micro-aggregates in the topsoil were improved by 35.18%, 33.52%, and 25.10%, respectively, over conventional tillage (0–20 cm) using tillage strategies for conservation methods (no-till in conjunction with straw return and organic fertilizers). The subsoil (20–40 cm) displayed the same pattern. In contrast to conventional tilling with no straw returns, macro-aggregates of all sizes and micro-aggregates increased by 24.52%, 28.48%, and 18.12%, respectively, when conservation tillage with organic and chemical fertilizers was used. The straw return (aggregate-associated C) also resulted in a significant increase in aggregate-associated carbon. When zero tillage was paired with straw return, chemical, and organic fertilizers, the topsoil's overall aggregate-associated C across all aggregate proportions increased. Conversely, conventional tillage, in contrast to conservation tillage, included straw return as well as chemical and organic fertilizers and had high aggregate-associated C in the subsurface. This study finds that tillage techniques could change the dynamics of microbial biomass in soils and organic soil carbon by altering the aggregate and distribution of C therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]