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Background: Online social network sites use has been emerged as a most powerful tool for communication and exchange of information all over the world. More recently the Whats app, Twitter, Face book, Instagram apps have provoked a revolution and unlocked a new dimension in the field of communication and technology; this ongoing digital revolution has touched and turned almost every sphere of life of its users whether its physical, social, emotional, moral or ethical.For Online social network users it is the need of hour to be emotionally mature to manage and monitor their own emotions, to assess the emotional state of others, to deal with the situations accordingly and purposefully. Quite often it has been observed that young online social network users get emotionally involved in this virtual world and Act in that emotional flow which sometimes results in an emotional trauma leaving its impression for long. Aim and Objectives: the study emotional Maturity of online Social Network Sites users of undergraduate medical students. Material and Material: Results: online social network sites use on the independence and total emotional maturity.Young adolescents who use more online social network sites are not emotionally stable in comparison to who use less online social networks sites. The implications of the study are discussed in light of the adverse effects of using online social network sites in India. Conclusions: More online social network site users are emotionally less matured compared to those who use less online social network sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The online travel agencies or popularly known as OTAs have become one of the most reliable options for the travellers to make their arrangements. The number of players both across the world and in India have seen a rise and the same has quite successfully helped in planning trips for many tourists. The study here is curious to understand the role of these OTAs in the process of resuming the tourist destination especially in India. The situation in India with respect to the use of OTAs is quite different as the country is an emerging one and there are issues of digital divide still persistent in the economy The study here collected 238 primary responses from tourist across the country to identify their perception about the online travel agencies and recognise the factors that cause an impact in the adoption process. The study has used a number of advanced statistical methods such as principal component analyses and multiple linear regression to establish the factors as well as the relationship with the adoption process. The regression model being formulated is able to estimate of variance of 14% on the intention of using online modes to put the two responses in India by highlighting the two main factors causing an impact on it. The perceived ease of use and the information transparency are the main reasons why a tourist based in India prefers to book their destination requirements using online travel agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Aim:- The aim of the present research study was to study the facilitating factors of pharmaceutical digital marketing challenges and opportunities in the contemporary context. The role of digital marketing plays a crucial role for better interaction, cost-effectiveness, to build a relationship between physicians and people with personalized care. Research Methodology/Approach/Design:- It is a descriptive research design, the data collected through structured closed ended questionnaire with a sample of 50 from undergraduates and postgraduates. Statistical tools:- Applied both descriptive and inferential statistics like: Mean, SD, ANOVA and Chi-Square test to assess the opinion of the respondents. Findings:- The outcome of the research witnessed that the majority of the respondents agreed that Pharma products should be produced for specific purpose, availability of website and online content, usage of whatsApp, twitter, Instagram other platforms plays a crucial role to interact with the customers, recommendations by experts, users, building loyalty and trust plays a significant role to interact with the customers and to increase the sales of the business. Further, product differentiations, advertisements, building the databases are the essential aspects to strengthen the digital marketing. Novelty:- The concept which is novel, as few literatures are available on digital pharma marketing in the contemporary scenario. Generalizability:- The outcome of the research can be generalized under any phenomenon where need arises to strengthen the pharma digital marketing strategies in India. Originality:- The present research on antecedents of digital marketing strategies has not been copied from any source. Type of Research:- It is a descriptive research study where it has taken the advantage of both descriptive and inferential statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 epidemic has interfered with online teaching instruction in a number of countries. It has put to the test whether the academic institutions are ready to handle such a sudden catastrophe. The primary mode of instruction in developing countries like India during the pandemic has switched to online learning in consideration from the traditional mode of teaching. In this regard, the study was conducted among 90 faculty members to evaluate the awareness and perception of online teaching among faculties in Coimbatore District, India. The study was to ascertain how faculty saw online learning. According to the analysis, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, which provides online interactive lessons, and WhatsApp are the most widely used online platforms in India for communicating with students outside of the classroom. Due to COVID-19, online learning can serve as a temporary solution, but it cannot take the place of in-person instruction to a larger extent. The study suggests that using online teaching is to satisfy the need of the hour but a blend of both is demanded in the learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research investigates the role of marketing channel selection in influencing brand authenticity and purchase likelihood in the international marketing domain. Further, perceived firm size is identified as a mediator in this regard. The moderating role of consumer skepticism is also considered. Design/methodology/approach: Three experimental studies were carried out across three different markets (India, the US and the UK) in the context of South Korean brands. Findings: The findings demonstrate that firms utilizing (only) online channels are perceived to be smaller than those that utilize hybrid channels (i.e. both online and physical stores) or offline channels (i.e. physical stores). When consumers perceive firms to be smaller, they also report higher levels of brand authenticity, which in turn increases their purchase likelihood. Further, this effect is weaker among consumers with high levels of skepticism. Originality/value: The findings of the present research contribute to the international marketing literature by demonstrating how consumers perceive online marketing channels, the role of marketing channel selection in driving brand authenticity, as well as providing managerial implications on how to promote products in the international market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India's education system, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 offered a number of key reforms. The NEP-2020 initiatives at the heart of online education are the subject of the current study. The article explains how the strategy promotes the creation and distribution of excellent digital material for primary secondary and postsecondary education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the rapidly expanding digital world over the past decade and more to the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, where online activities have replaced most of the offline activities, it is important to understand bullying, which has crossed from its traditional domain of offline to online and is understood as cyberbullying. Aim: This review aims to assess the concept, types of cyberbullying, prevalence, risk and protective factors, conceptual models explaining cyberbullying, psychological impact, and preventive strategies for cyberbullying. Methodology: Internet sources (PubMed and Google Scholar) were searched for the available literature, and a narrative review was synthesized. Different types of cyberbullying are defined in the literature. The prevalence rates vary depending on the time frame of assessment being considered. The mean prevalence of victimization is 10%-40%, and the prevalence of perpetration is 3%-20%. Results: Different risk and protective factors have been identified for being a victim of cyberbullying and becoming a cyberbully. Cyberbullying can have a significant negative psychological impact on the victims. Prevention of cyberbullying involves guidance for parents, advice for schools, and guidance for the health-care providers. Cyberbullying is becoming a major issue for many teenagers, resulting in unforeseen deviances and negative effects in their lives. Conclusions: Efforts should be taken to successfully avoid and respond to it, as well as to provide kids with tools to lessen their own risk of victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way players, coaches, clubs, federations, sports, corporations and their industry actors engage has changed as a result of social media. Although there has been a rise in academic interest in the use of social media in the world of sports recently, this research looked at how social media platforms have an impact on sports marketing in India. Sports management should consider the consequences of the bibliometric study, and future research on social media in sports is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about alcohol and drug use with sex among Indian men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexually active MSM across India, recruited via social media and MSM-specific mobile dating apps, completed an anonymous online survey in Hindi or English. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with (1) Alcohol use and (2) Drug use ± alcohol (chemsex) surrounding sex. Of the 4321 MSM included in this analysis, respondents came from all states and over 400 localities; median age was 26 years, 15 % lived in poverty, and 18 % had less than college education. Overall, 23 % (996) reported using alcohol whereas 5 % (226) reported having chemsex. In multivariable analysis, alcohol use was associated (p <.05) with lower education, older age, being 'out' to anyone about their sexuality, having a paid or casual male partner, being in a committed relationship with a female partner, and having > 6 sexual partners in the past six months. Chemsex was associated with lower education, being 'out' to anyone, having > 6 sexual partners in the past six months, having casual male partners, living with HIV, and having a STI diagnosis in the past year. This study found that alcohol use surrounding sex was more common than chemsex among a large national sample of Indian MSM. Differing characteristics were associated with either alcohol use or chemsex, which may be related to cultural and contextual factors. These findings indicate a need to further assess what impact alcohol and drug use surrounding sex may have on sexual risk behaviors, and what interventions are needed to mitigate such risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's large and thriving news media is going digital. Spurred by an exponential increase in Internet use and digital advertising, a number of digital journalism startups have been established in recent years. These startups have received popular and academic attention, often narrated as disruptors and revolutionaries. This study considers these claims of disruption from the perspective of those doing the supposed disrupting. Based on 31 semi-structured interviews with founders and journalists working at 18 such English-language startups, this study examines how they work with and against the grain of established media in India. Participants critiqued existing media practices with regard to the business model, the content of news coverage, and the values underlying their journalism and then offered their own site or work as possible redress. While the critiques were aimed at legacy media writ large, they also aligned themselves with and sought legitimacy from print journalism. Their coverage, audience, and values were all oriented toward English-language newspapers, which have historically formed the elite public sphere in India. Participants saw themselves operating in concert with print media, ultimately offering not a disruption to the established order of journalism but rather a distillation of how the English-speaking elite in India access news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sudden outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic shook the entire world and this situation challenged the education system across the world which forced the educators to shift to an online mode of teaching overnight. However the effective use of online leaning method in nursing field is unknown. Methods: A comparative survey research design was used. The sample for the study were second and third year Basic B. Sc. Nursing students. A 5 point Likert scale was used to collect the comparative data. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data from 62 students. Results: For online educational learning method: 36.33% strongly agree, 11% agree, 38.22% neutral, 12% disagree, 3.5% strongly disagree. For offline educational learning method: 42.36% strongly agree, 1.18% agree, 16.02% neutral, 39.89% disagree, 0.10% strongly disagree. Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the findings of the study is that offline learning method is better than online learning method according to second and third year Basic B. Sc. Nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With enhancement in digital capabilities, technology is expected to change the overall outlook of different sectors across the Indian economy. Growing Internet literacy has significantly led to an upsurge in online marketing in India. Easy availability, with wider options of products, is expected to enhance the demand for online shopping among the consumers. Increasing apps for retailer brands, or electronic products, or for shopping stores are also expected to bolster the shopping trends among the people of all age groups. The vast masses of working people across the demographics in India becomes a glee for e-commerce businesses. For instance, the millennials are considerably the most tech-savvy group in terms of technology, owing to the fact that they have grown up with the Internet, be it for games, shopping, music, lectures, food, or other needs. Rising usage of mobile technology is also significantly expected to impact a wider range of consumers and their perspectives in all aspects of life. Factors such as pricing, quality, review ratings, authenticity of the product, and a few more play a pivotal role in impacting the purchase behaviour of the consumers, whether it is for in-store shopping or online. Even while making purchases online, what the consumers are buying and how they are using the product reviews and social media platforms are observed to widely impact the consumer decision making processes (Nielsen, June 2010). This study illustrates a descriptive review about the understanding of the current scenario of online shopping trends in India, with key emphasis on the preferences and behavioural patterns of consumers while making their purchase online. The study involves a questionnaire-based survey conducted with nearly 100 customers of different age groups. The study also focuses on different challenges faced by retailers and consumers, along with the scope of improvement in online shopping processes or the websites which the retail businesses need to overcome to survive in today's competitive world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The year 2019–2020 has seen worldwide pandemic resulting from COVID-19 which posed the closure of teaching institutions including medical colleges and have put the students in dilemma. Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the accessible and preferable educational resources among medical students during this pandemic phase. Materials and Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 undergraduate medical students after obtaining informed consent during April 2020 using a 24-item structured questionnaire with close-ended responses. Existence of clustering within the student's preferred educational resources was investigated using principal components analysis (PCA). Results: The mean age of the study participants was 20.71 ± 1.65 with 51.3% males and 48.7% females. The major response regarding educational resources were online lectures, online teaching videos reading textbook, and written notes. Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that preference for online lectures, online teaching videos, interactive online materials, and medical apps were found to be statistically significant for learning when compared to revision (P < 0.05). The clustering was observed along the online and offline differentiation of resources.Conclusion: This novel study has made an attempt to find out the common educational resources used during COVID-19 pandemic and also analysis using PCA was done to find the clustering of educational resources for new learning or revision of skills and knowledge. Given the increasing number of individuals for online educational resources, it is important to develop a body of evidence supporting teaching excellence and providing information about effective teaching tools in online education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prospective size of the Indian market, sales on e-commerce channels are low, which could be attributed to the low trust in e-commerce vendors that tends to get influenced by culture and local elements. Therefore, the objective of current research is to unearth the primary drivers of trust between consumers and e-retailers for online transactions in India. We further explore difference in the perception of trust among different groups based on age, gender, or income level. The research framework seeks to examine returning consumers of e-retailers through the lens of Mayer and Davis complemented by institutional and transference process of trust. The data from 762 Indian respondents was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Our results show that trust is a function of ability, benevolence, and perception of the e-retailer, along with online familiarity of the users. The findings also confirm variations across groups in their trust-generating antecedents. Our work contributes to existing theory by verifying an integrative conceptual model of trust in a complex sociocultural setting and brings out several insights for the practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nestle faced one of its worst public relations crisis in India when its premium brand of noodles was found with traces of banned substances like monosodium glutamate and heavy metal like lead. The case primarily focuses on how crisis started, the steps taken by the company to address the crisis and the approach adopted by the company to rebuild trust for Maggi again in Indian markets. The case also provides insights about how the company devised an integrated media strategy to address the crisis and regain consumer trust by effectively utilizing digital and traditional media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Internet usage has become a big part of many people's lives, and among the many uses Social Networking Sites (SNS) which became very prevalent. How privacy concerns, trust and control are affecting SNS usage and self-disclosure has become an important question for many people. Aim: Aim of the study is to assess the information disclosure and control on online social network sites among medical undergraduates. Methodology: The study was conducted at Saveetha medical college and hospital among medical undergraduates. A questionnaire on usage of online social networks and information disclosures was administered and analysed it for reliability, social network site usage, privacy concerns, and disclosure of autobiographical memories. Result: Almost 81.1% of the people feel that their browsing history were tracked by social networking sites. Instagram is mainly used app by medical undergraduates (40%). Conclusion: There is an excess usage of social networking sites and easy information disclosure is seen in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global health research has traditionally been rooted in colonialism, with some investigators in high-income countries leading and managing research and investigators in low- and middle-income countries serving as implementing partners. The Community Health Worker-Led Intervention for Vaccine Information and Confidence (CIVIC) Project, conducted in India and led jointly by India- and US-based investigators, leveraged web-based platforms to facilitate a more horizontal, inclusive, and balanced approach to partnerships between researchers and the community. Using web-based platforms to conduct research was found to be an effective strategy to engage researchers at all levels and combat systemic barriers associated with in-person activities such as power, economic, social, and gender dynamics. Connecting online for research meetings created a more equitable environment for community members to engage meaningfully with research. Further, by conducting research through web-based platforms, we found that we were able to strengthen the diversity of participants, provide a space for more marginalized groups to speak up, and minimize logistical barriers to attendance. Harnessing web-based approaches in research provides a pathway toward opportunities to promote equity and contribute to the decolonization of global health spaces., (©Rajeev Seth, Baldeep K Dhaliwal, Emily Miller, Tyler Best, Alexis Sullivan, Betty Thankachen, Yawar Qaiyum, Anita Shet. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 31.10.2023.)

“The Selfie Culture,” practiced globally, is gaining popularity with each passing day. Owing to its ubiquitous fame across the globe, it becomes essential to inquire the grounds for such worldwide recognition. In few years, it also became the center of attraction among researchers and previous studies had recognized two important aspects of selfie: first, why is selfie posting on social media is increasing day by day and second, who choose to involve more frequently in selfie posting behavior on social media? However, these studies focused only on its online popularity on various social media platforms but did not pay much attention on its offline popularity among selfie takers. In addition to this, the multifaceted sides of selfie which may make it different from other pictures and might also play an important role in its popularity in both offline and online platforms remained unexplored. The present study addressed this gap and explored two important aspects of selfie related behavior, First, it emphasized the significance of understanding the user's conception of selfie and second, it explored the determining factors behind both offline (taking) and online (posting) modes of the practice. 60 college going students (44 females and 16 males) living in Delhi, India participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and qualitative thematic analysis was used to cull out the themes. The results showed five factors (looks good, keeping memories, mood driven, mirroring the self and posting on social media) behind selfie offline (taking) involvement. Further, the online (posting) selfie popularity had been driven by three factors (social approval, being the best among the rest, to maintain online presence). Participants' popularity of selfie usage in both offline and online modes advocates the need to explore the offline selfie involvement of selfie takers in future research. The study also extended the existing conceptualization of selfie phenomenon which could help to unravel its wide popularity among its users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Covid-19 has enforced education system across India and the world indeed, to suspend physical classrooms and shift to online classes. While faculty grapples with new ways of managing this sudden transition to online education, students are left clinging on to electronic gadgets. Online education is not as easy as using laptop or phone. There are challenges with this form of education, which are faced at both ends of the spectrum by students as well as faculty. Hence, there was a need to find out the perception of medical faculty regarding tectonic shift from traditional to online teaching during COVID 19 pandemic. Description: An observational, prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted among the faculty of medical domain with online teaching experience during COVID 19 pandemic. Out of 269 faculty participated: 29% Professors, 22% Associate Professors, 25% Assistant Professors and 15% Teachers and others 9%. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to the study. Google form with questionnaire and Informed consent with from knowing them with respect to academics and emotional perspectives, concerned about receiving lower course evaluations, it is more difficult to motivate students in online environment than in the traditional setting As the age increased the satisfaction, rating has decreased with p value 0.03 (statistically significant) between groups and within the groups. The junior faculty responded with increased mean value rating of satisfaction when compared to the senior faculty. Medical faculty (mean value 2.75) were less satisfied rating with online teaching compared to allied health sciences and nursing (mean value 3.44). Faculties across India and world have responded that link were shared with faculty all over the globe. The online facilitation system for students (modified) with 20 questions was used as questionnaire with three subscales: (a) student-related issues, (b) instructor-related issues, and (c) institutional-related issues. SPSS version 21, ANOVA test used for statistical analysis. Where, designation and demographic details considered as independent variables and faculty perception as dependent variable. Outcome: 269 subjects from medical domain comprising of faculty from Medical 89%, Allied Health Sciences 6% and Nursing 5% participated in this study. Males were 36% and females 67%, within the age group of 25 years and above. More than 50% of the responses were obtained from Biochemists and Physiologists. Seventy-five to 100% of faculty agreed that they do not have any control on students while teaching online, students can access online course from any place in India or world, students use a wider range of resources, technical problems discourage teaching online. Not meeting students face-to-face prevents the teacher they are partially satisfied with online teaching and prefer traditional teaching. Conclusion: Online learning is an exciting new way to learn and has a positive impact on students’ education as well as faculty from medical domain during Covid-19 pandemic. Faculty of every age is taking it as a good step during pandemic. The difference was found when perception was compared with the designation and age groups. High-quality online teaching requires candid planning, preparation and more individualised feedback and assistance. Hence, preference is given for traditional teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed paper reviews on various types of digital wallets and its usage in India. A complete comparison analysis of various types of digital wallets was performed. An online survey was conducted and the results were presented in the report form in this paper. This paper provides a complete overview, architecture and usage views of digital wallets in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of Internet banking services is a key management activity that provides information necessary for making effective decisions, monitoring performance, and allocating resources effectively. In this context, the E-S-QUAL scale is widely used to measure service quality in various service industries. This study attempts to measure Internet banking service quality in India based on data collected from a sample of 274 respondents through nonprobability-based convenience sampling. In order to test the reliability of the scale and determine if there are significant differences between respondents' demographic variables and factors related to E-S-QUAL, we employ Cronbach's alpha (reliability test), the t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Our preliminary analysis indicates that, in terms of internal consistency/reliability, the E-S-QUAL (when applied to India) performs just as a scale measuring service quality should. The findings suggest there are no significant differences across respondents relating to gender and age, but there is a significant difference where income is concerned. There is a high and strong level of correlation between the factors of service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is Facebook safe and secure? In several cases, it has been evident that users hardly ever give safety a thought before feeding the social network with sensitive and personal information. That's exactly why such a question rather rattles an average active user that pays little or no heed to the security concerns revolving the online network. As Facebook becomes increasingly popular in India, as in the other parts of the world, a demand for a scientific investigation has risen. Are users aware of the safety risks that Facebook poses? Are they aware of the privacy settings on the site? If yes, how efficiently they manage privacy? Are they proactive when it comes to privacy management on the social network? To find answers to these critical questions, the researchers adopted a scientific survey method covering parts of North and South India. As many as 406 active Facebook users were chosen for the investigation. While a major chunk of them were unaware of the privacy settings, even part of those who were aware were poor at privacy management on Facebook. Another important revelation of the study was that most users' personal data were open to the public, while they were of the belief that their data weren't. And, a majority of the users weren't aware of the privacy concerns associated with the popular social networking website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surveying vulnerable and incarcerated populations is often challenging. Newer methods to reach and collect sensitive information in a safe, secure, and valid manner can go a long way in addressing this unmet need. Homosexual men in India live with inadequate social support, marginalization, and lack legal recognition. These make them less reachable by public health agencies, and make them more likely to continue with high-risk behaviors, and contract human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aims: To understand coping skills and HIV testing patterns of homosexual men versus heterosexual men. Materials and Methods: An internet based study using a secure web platform and an anonymised questionnaire. The brief COPE Inventory was used to assess coping styles. Results: A total of 124 respondents were studied. Homosexual men used negative coping skills such as behavioral disengagement and tested for HIV significantly more often than heterosexual men. Heterosexual respondents used positive coping skills more often. The most commonly used coping skill by heterosexual men was instrumental coping and by homosexual men was acceptance. Discussion: Overall, homosexual men used negative coping mechanisms, like behavioral disengagement more often. The Indian family structure and social support is probably responsible for heterosexual men's over-reliance on instrumental coping, while resulting in disengagement in homosexuals. Conclusion: The lack of legal and social recognition of homosexuality has negatively impacted lives of gay men in India. This is strongly linked to harmful psychological and public health implications for HIV prevention and mental health for homosexual men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online donation platforms, albeit a recent phenomenon, are becoming more important for human service nonprofits, allowing them to reach a broader target population of donors at relatively little cost. In developing countries such as India, internet use is flourishing, and this has allowed fund-raisers to reach a population hitherto difficult to reach. A cross-sectional research design was utilized to survey donors of one online donation program in India (n = 479). This research was exploratory, investigating the factors that influence people's willingness to donate online, including the socio-demographic characteristics of donors. Results show that gender, perception of the organization, and influence from others are variables that influence the likelihood of donating online. Further research and implications for human service nonprofits seeking to undertake online charitable campaigns are discussed., Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presence of a teacher appraisal system plays a major role in deciding the level of professionalism of an educational institution. In addition to this it also plays a major role in improvement in quality of education imparted by the teacher. Recently assessment of the teaching fraternity has become indispensable measure and thus it is necessary to explore a new assessment techniques and proper implementation of the same in an institution. The paper discusses a case study of implementation of teacher appraisal system which initially non existed. In the first phase it was implemented using printed data forms and subsequently in the whole system was converted to online system, at NIT, Jamshedpur, India. The implementation of online system had reduced the man-hours required in manual processing of all data significantly, and also reduced chances of erroneous results in the process making the system robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccine-hesitancy is an important obstacle to attain herd-immunity against COVID-19. Undue fears about adverse effects like allergic reactions may be an important reason for vaccine-hesitancy. Objectives: To assess the online information-seeking behavior of Indian internet users regarding 'allergies' and determine its association with COVID-19 vaccine-hesitancy. Methods: We conducted a Google trend analysis to obtain the relative search volume (RSV) for keywords—'skin allergy,' 'drug allergy,' 'food allergy,' 'vaccine allergy,' 'contact dermatitis,' and 'allergy' using a public domain https://trends.google.com/trends. We further obtained state-wise data and statistically analyzed it to assess any association with vaccine-hesitancy. Results: Higher RSV was found for 'vaccine allergy' after the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, showing the steepest peak. 'Skin allergy' showed two peaks. The first peak was after the advent of COVID-19 pandemic and second peak was after introduction of vaccines. RSV of 'contact dermatitis' remained unchanged. Eastern and North-Eastern states showed the highest RSV for 'skin' and 'vaccine' allergies. Literacy rate showed a significant positive correlation with vaccination, whereas vaccine-hesitancy was inversely proportional to RSV for 'allergy.' Conclusion: Increased online information-seeking behavior is demonstrated by Indians regarding various 'allergies,' particularly after the advent of COVID-19 vaccines. Literacy was directly proportional to vaccination status, whereas vaccine-hesitancy was inversely proportional to search-volume for 'allergy.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased reports of suicide in India. • Abrupt change in the lifestyle, discrimination, stigma about having or contracting COVID-19 infection, and economic stress has been associated with higher rate of suicides in this pandemic. • First week of COVID positive / suspect status, receiving treatment in COVID care centers and male gender are risk factors for suicides during this pandemic. • There is a need to integrate suicide preventive strategies into standard care protocols of COVID-19 confirmed and suspected cases in India. : Suicide reports during the COVID pandemic is an increasing cause for concern. However, there is a limited understanding of suicide among individuals with positive/suspected COVID diagnosis specifically. Hence, this study, using online newspaper reports, aimed to determine factors influencing suicide among individuals withCOVID-19 infection status. : Information regarding positive/suspected COVID related suicide was obtained from online newspapers published in 4 languages between 30th Jan 2020 to 16th August 2020 using google news aggregator. Of 235 online identified, 93 were eligible for analysis after the exclusion and analysed using descriptive statistics. : Median Age of COVID related suicide victims was 45 years (range 15 - 80) wherein 61.3% belonged to 30-59 year age group, and 75.3% were males. 50% of suicides occurred within the first week of COVID diagnosis confirmation, and 50% suicides occurred at COVID centres. Hanging (53.8%) was the commonest method of suicide, followed by jumping (12.9%). : Higher risk for suicide was observed among male gender and those with positive/suspected COVID infection within the first week, while receiving treatment in COVID care centres. Hanging and jumping were the two commonest methods. The above highlight an urgent need to integrate suicide preventive strategies into standard care protocols of COVID-19 positive and suspected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with tighter budgets and the shift to common core standards, many organizations have had to get creative and do more with less. However, the more with less approach can really backfire in many areas of education, especially for kids that need speech-language pathology or occupational therapy to enable them to access the Gen Ed Curriculum and stay on track with their peers. For these kids, earlier and more intensive interventions can transform their future outlook from grim and good. For these kids, timely interventions of appropriate intensity are absolutely key. Schools' best efforts to provide appropriate levels of services can be hampered by the logistics of serving students in remote locations as well as chronic shortages of qualified professional clinicians such as speech-language pathologist (SLP) and occupational therapists (OTs). It is often seen that on-staff clinicians are burdened with large-scale caseloads, negatively impacting the student outcomes, clinicians' job satisfaction, and legal compliance with the individuals with Disabilities Education Act. To combat these challenges, the schools across the country have discovered that they can use online technology to provide live any time anywhere occupational therapy (OT) too. This is a new area for practicing occupational therapists in India. As with SLPs, there is a persistent shortage of OTs in many areas of our country which affect these types of services. The children with special needs require occupational therapy services but do not get because of scarcity ofthese professionals who are needed in for such categories in school setups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]