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Introduction: India has experienced seven outbreaks of the Nipah virus (NiV) since 2001, primarily occurring in the southern and eastern regions of the country. The southern region has been the main site for these outbreaks. In contrast, the eastern region, which borders Bangladesh, has not reported any outbreaks since 2007. However, Bangladesh continues to experience nearly annual outbreaks, indicating a significant lack of surveillance in that area. To improve the country's preparedness and to gather support for enhancing public health surveillance in eastern and northeastern states near the area affected by the NiV, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of NiV in the bat species Pteropus medius in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya states in India, which are adjacent to Bangladesh. Methods: Throat and rectal swabs, blood samples, and organ samples were collected. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized for the detection of Nipah viral RNA, and sequencing was conducted for further confirmation. Bat IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for antibody detection. Results: Throat and rectal swab samples of 212 P. medius tested for NiV using qRT- PCR were found negative, whereas organ samples of two (one each from West Bengal and Bihar) out of the 10 bats collected tested positive. The retrieved NiV genome (~91%) showed close homology to the NiV-Bangladesh genotype indicating the circulation of two geographically distinct NiV strains in India. The seroprevalence estimated by ELISA ranged from 23 to 65% in the studied states. Discussion: The serological and virological evidence obtained from the study indicates that a broader geographical area is under threat of spillover in India. It's crucial to implement a One Health approach connecting bat surveillance studies with human surveillance and risk factor studies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely acknowledged that the agrarian nature of rural economy, combined with policy biases and institutional limits, has contributed to low productivity and slow growth in the Indian agriculture sector. With changing climate and market conditions, the Indian agriculture sector requires an adequate transition in cropping patterns to ensure the sector's viability and the inclusion of land-constrained farmers in the intensification process. The necessity for crop pattern shift has been emphasized further. Besides, input-intensive agricultural practices have resulted in biodiversity losses, groundwater depletion, and soil degradation, raising severe worries about the sector's sustainability, particularly in rainfed areas. This study carried out in the setting of West Bengal, India, which has a substantial population of land-constrained farmers. The objectives of the study include examining the changes in irrigation sources and cropping practices, understanding their implications for the agriculture sector with its local ecology, and assessing the role of the local level institutions in management and use of irrigation facilities and conservation of natural resources. Using standard descriptive statistics from various secondary sources for the period 2004–05 to 2014–15, graphical techniques and policy review the paper identifies crop diversification, crop concentration, cropping intensification, sources of irrigation, fertilizer use, rainfall pattern, and changes in wetland area as the major drivers of the agrarian transition in favor of non-food grains. The study, therefore, suggests that initiatives should be taken for guiding the farmers towards appropriate farming practices for judicious use of water and other natural resources. Moreover, the findings appear to point to the need for additional infrastructure development, they also provide insights into designing organic and more resilient policies and institutions to promote ecology-centric participatory irrigation and farming practices for the long-term growth of agrarian sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of farmers' adaptation measures in addressing climate change has been widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, the assurance of their effectiveness in reducing vulnerability is not always certain, and there are instances where they may worsen the situation by promoting maladaptive outcomes. Despite its significant implications for sustainable development, empirical research has not thoroughly examined this issue. To bridge this knowledge gap, the present study undertook a comprehensive assessment of farmers' adaptation measures and the subsequent maladaptive outcomes in the Eastern-Himalayan foothills of West Bengal, India. The investigation encompassed household surveys, engaging with local stakeholders, and conducting an exhaustive review of relevant literature. This comprehensive approach led to the identification of various maladaptive outcomes, including the decline of groundwater levels, heightened emissions of greenhouse gases stemming from diesel-powered irrigation systems, the emergence of pest resistance, increased investment costs, financial losses, disruptions to social cohesion arising from alterations in cultural practices, among others. The study highlighted that climatic factors do not exclusively drive maladaptation; rather, they can be influenced by factors such as pre-existing vulnerabilities, disregard of socio-cultural norms, inadequate consideration of long-term implications, and the negligence of cost-effectiveness in adaptation endeavors. In light of these findings, the study argues for adopting more inclusive adaptation measures that yield multifaceted benefits conducive to achieving sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt has been made here to examine the probable indicators associated with the child underweight belonging to the age group 0–5 years across different socio-ethnic groups in West Bengal, India using National Family Health Survey NFHS-V (2019–2021) data. Multilevel logistic regression models are employed to examine the direct and joint effects of child background such as gender, birth weight etc., maternal characteristics such as mothers' education, BMI, Anemia status etc., and socioeconomic characteristics like wealth class, caste etc. on the underweight children. We find that indicators from different axes such as gender, birth weight, place of delivery, mother's education, mother's BMI level, household wealth quintiles and social class significantly impact the probability of being underweight among children. The findings of the interactive variables suggest that female children belonging to the poorest of the poor families and disadvantaged groups residing in rural areas exhibit a higher probability of being underweight. The interactive and joint effects results suggest implementing disaggregated public health policies. We recommend integrating the existing health policies to the poverty eradication programme to obtain a socially desirable result of nutritional equity among the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteobrama peninsularis has been reported in southern Indian drainages, particularly in the Krishna River drainage. This study provides new findings of O. peninsularis in two distant locations: the Kangsabati River (Suvarnarekha River drainage) in West Bengal and Wyra Lake (Godavari River drainage) in Telangana. This marks the first record of O. peninsularis in eastern India, specifically in West Bengal. The species can be distinguished from other Osteobrama members by its 28--31 branched anal-fin rays and 55--60 lateral line scales, along with other unique morphological features. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase C subunit I gene sequences from specimens collected in Suvarnarekha and Godavari River drainages cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that the clade of O. peninsularis is distinct and maintains significant genetic distance from its congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Substance-use disorders (SUDs) are a public health problem. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provide evidence of high usage. Hence, the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) WB data were analyzed to estimate the prevalence, pattern, disability burden, and service utilization of SUD. Methodology: The usual NMHS methodology was used. Four districts were selected, and thereafter, a multistage random sampling was done. The validated Bengali version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and other instruments like the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), disability, and health care utilization modules were used. Results: A total of 2,646 eligible members (age >18 years as per 2011 census) were interviewed. It was found that alcohol use as per MINI at least 3 drinks of alcohol within 3 hours on 3 or more occasions was 3.9%, and the weighted prevalence of alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and tobacco-use disorder (TUD) was 3.04% and 14%, respectively. The AUD and TUD prevalence was lower than the national prevalence, yet they were more prevalent in urban areas than in the national trend. The ratio of women to men suffering from AUD in WB (1:5) was one of the highest in the country (all India average 1:18). Also, the treatment gap of 89.2% was more than the national average. Discussion: SUDs are an important public health problem in the state of WB, which requires further research, particularly among women, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Bengal, a middle-ranking Indian state in terms of development indicators with more than two-thirds rural population, is on the verge of becoming a lowest low fertility zone. While the rural TFR (Total Fertility Rate) of West Bengal (1.6 births/woman) is on par with many developed countries (Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.), its developmental stage is not—which poses a paradox. Using data from a primary survey of 405 mothers aged 15–35 years alongside focus group data of parents, the present study employs a society-specific approach to explain contemporary low fertility in rural West Bengal. We argue that the presence of high aspirations for children in an economically insecure setting initiates a distinctive sense of parental responsibility that generates a unique local socio-ecology of low fertility not previously observed in the context of rural fertility decline in India. Responsibility-laden aspirations toward children and reasoned-rational deliberations regarding fertility outcomes act as subliminal motives to have a small family, challenging common assumptions regarding the relationship between economic hardship, rurality, and fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background There is a dearth of research on modern family planning practices in high focus states like West Bengal in India with diverse population groups and distinct health needs. Thus, this study aims to investigate the latest picture of modern contraceptive use and its associated socio-demographic factors among currently married non-pregnant of reproductive aged (15–49 years) women in West Bengal. Methods The study is based on secondary data, collected from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5; 2019-20). A total of 15,841 currently married non-pregnant women were included into this study. With the overarching goal of understanding the determinants and patterns of modern contraceptive use, the study employed a combination of bi-variate and multivariate analyses, including logistic regression. Results The results reveal that female sterilization is the most common modern contraceptive method across the state. Contraceptive use varies by district, from 43% in Puruliya to 77.3% in Birbhum. Women aged 30–34 were significantly more likely to use contraception (OR = 1.47), while those aged 45–49 were less likely to use it (OR = 0.74). Women with mixed gender composition of living children (OR = 1.48) were more likely to use contraception, compared to women with no children (OR = 0.21) or daughters only (OR = 0.80). SC women (OR = 1.63) and Christians (OR = 2.17) showed higher usage. Wealthier women (OR = 1.26) and urban residents also reported higher use. Moreover, son preference continues and women married after 18 are less likely to adopt modern methods. These findings highlight the need to improve reproductive health outcomes and overcome barriers to increasing contraceptive uptake. Conclusion Targeted interventions focusing on education, awareness-building, and improving access to diverse contraceptive options are recommended to empower women in making informed reproductive choices and advancing reproductive rights and health equity. Also, effective modern contraceptive services must overcome legal policy, social, cultural and structural barriers to benefit more women.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a paradigm shift in the landscape of medical education, necessitating a transition from traditional pedagogical methods to digital learning platforms. This study aims to find out the barriers faced by medical educators in West Bengal during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This descriptive type of observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023 with a reference period of March 2020 to December 2020. The study population was the medical educators working during the reference period in the various departments of Government Medical Colleges in West Bengal. One hundred and twenty medical educators were selected using simple random sampling and responses were collected through a predesigned and pretested Google Forms. Collected data were checked for consistency and analyzed in GNU PSPP (v 1.4.2). Quantitative data were expressed as mean (±standard deviation) or median (±interquartile range), and qualitative data were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: Out of the 120 sample population, 100 responded within the stipulated 7 days with a response rate of 83%. Most of the respondents had opined that they did not have a dedicated e-classroom facility for online education (87, 87%) and web camera (63, 63%). The majority had a prevailing teacher-centric approach to education including a lack of incorporating student feedback in deciding mode of communication. Conclusion: The study identifies the deficiency of logistical support and identifies the importance of capacity building of medical educators for tiding over similar situations in future.

The present study aims to analyse the association among length, weight, condition factor, and relative condition factor of Puntius terio (Hamilton,1822), with a focus on seasonal change. The results indicate that the species did not strictly follow the anticipated cube law and had allometric development in all seasons. The length-weight relationship value (b) ranged from 2.14 to 3.21; the condition factor varied between 0.62 and 2.65, and the relative condition factor ranged from 0.61 to 2.98 for P. terio in the study area. The average values of 'b' were highest during the monsoon, but the condition factor (K) was highest during the winter. The seasonal association between length, weight, condition factor, and relative condition factor was significant (P<0.05) according to the Post Hoc test. The current research will support the development of sustainable management strategies for P. terio in its habitats by fishery managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the gradual obsolescence of the lip-synched romantic duet, the sonic texture of Bengali popular cinema has transformed radically in the new millennium. One of the most remarkable components of the rise of the Original Soundtrack in Bengali film specifically has been the incorporation of local pop, folk, and rock bands, whose lyrics are written in Bengali but whose music retains a decidedly western flavour. This paper situates this relationship between cinema and what has traditionally been understood as 'band' music in Kolkata in a longer history of the city and its colonial and postcolonial musical cultures. With the incorporation of the pop/rock stars into the diegesis, the productive tensions between star and singer, visible and invisible bodies and voices have been overturned in recent years. Conversely, the music that is commissioned by these films now contribute to the bands' larger discography and bring their music to a wider listening audience. In some of these films, musicians and bands appear as themselves, bringing together multi-modal sites of fandom and entertainment. Finally, this essay demonstrates that singer/songwriter/filmmaker/actor, Anjan Dutta's oeuvre emerges as the canvas on which many of these developments come to be visible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper uses the mixed-methods approach to analyze farmer position in contract farming (CF) value chain, challenging simplistic “win-win” narratives that ignore power dynamics and “win-lose” ones that overlook economic factors. PepsiCo hires intermediaries as principal agents to control many smallholders, thereby reducing transaction costs and exerting control over quality raw materials. Through secure commissions to agents and fixed prices to farmers, PepsiCo transfers capital and production risks, respectively. The value chain analysis at each farming stage reveals that although CF addressed specific inputs and output constraints for smallholders, the unequal power dynamics and monopsony position of PepsiCo and intermediaries raise sustainability concerns. The existing unequal power relations within CF value chains underline the urgency of establishing a regulatory mechanism. Without such oversight, individual farmers may find it challenging to advocate for their interests in the face of corporations and intermediaries in cultivating high-value crops, for which demand is rising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of freshwater resources and quality of their water is a big challenge inthe path of sustainable development. Based on the findings of more than five decades, it has been established that many algal taxa are regarded as bioindicators. They are pollution tolerant and an integral part of low-cost biological purification systems used for polluted water, especially those having organic pollutants. Keeping in view these attributes of algae, a study of Murguma reservoir and surrounding water bodies of Baghmundi block were carried out during 2020-2021 for algal taxa and physicochemical properties of water bodies. At present 17 parameters have been tested. These physicochemical and biological parameters have been studied from the surface water of selected five reservoirs for three years (2020-2022). One part of the Murguma reservoir shows oligotrophic water quality in physicochemical analysis and is also supported by the algal samples having genera like Cosmarium Corda, Spirogyra Link, Zygnema Agardh, and Oedogonium Link whereas algal samples collected from other sides are used by local communities for various day-to-day purposes including washing clothes, utensils, bathing, domesticated livestock washing etc. The algal flora of this zone of water included the members of Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Bacillariophceae. Algal taxa such as Oscillatoria Voucher, Scenedesmus Meyen, Ankistrodesmus Corda, Phacus Dujardin, and Navicula Agardh, were recorded andare also included in Palmer's genus pollution index. Organic pollution and eutrophication of water are obvious and reflected by algal flora. Awareness regarding the deterioration of water quality at rural and urban levels is always required. Widespread use and popularization of cheap Algal tools in water quality monitoring and phytoremediation can be of great help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents the first record of Lindernia tamilnadensis (M.G.Prasad & Sunojkumar) in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Previously, 16 species of Lindernia have been reported from different parts of India. The newly acquired specimen exhibits distinct morphological characteristics compared to previously described taxa from the Indo-Gangetic plains. A brief description, field notes, photographs, location, and distribution of the species are provided to facilitate identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are epidemiologically interrelated two major public health problems in India. Food security also influences nutritional status. This aspect needs evaluation in diverse geographical areas. This study aimed to assess the level of food security, nutritional status and correlates among adult TB patients in a block of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Nabagram block of Murshidabad district during April–July 2023. All adult (≥18 years) patients registered under the Tuberculosis Unit of the block during a reference period of 6 months (October 2022–March 2023) were considered study subjects. Eighty such eligible participants recruited randomly were interviewed with a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and programmatic characteristics. Household food security was measured using a validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutritional status was determined based on body mass index. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among 80 TB patients, 51% were underweight and 20% were severely underweight. The majority (90%) of them had high or marginal food security, and 10% had low or very low food security. On multivariable logistic regression, Hindu religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–29.39), presence of any chronic morbidity (AOR: 11.61, 95%CI: 2.71–49.78) and receipt of dietary counselling by a health worker (AOR: 7.25, 95%CI: 1.22–43.13) appeared as predictors of underweight. Conclusions: Underweight among TB patients is quite prevalent in the area, and few programmatic interventions are influencing factors. This underscores the importance of nutritional counselling services and the universal provision of Poshan benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, using data from Census 2011, examines the availability of treated drinking water, latrine facility, drainage facility and electricity between villages, census towns (CTs) and statutory towns (STs) in West Bengal, India. Urban areas of socio-economically developed administrative divisions experienced higher household service coverage. Availability of drinking water and latrine facilities is distinctly better in STs over CTs and CTs over villages. Other services like latrine with sewerage facilities and closed drainage facilities recorded insignificant differences in household coverage between cities and villages. Results of multi-variable regression models reveal that type of economic activities and social characteristics of the urban areas; nature of basic services and their institutional arrangements significantly influence the service provision. So, the paper argues for stepping up investment, institutionalization of an integrated planning paradigm and strengthening urban governments to ensure equitable distribution of basic services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are epidemiologically interrelated two major public health problems in India. Food security also influences nutritional status. This aspect needs evaluation in diverse geographical areas. This study aimed to assess the level of food security, nutritional status and correlates among adult TB patients in a block of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Nabagram block of Murshidabad district during April–July 2023. All adult (≥18 years) patients registered under the Tuberculosis Unit of the block during a reference period of 6 months (October 2022–March 2023) were considered study subjects. Eighty such eligible participants recruited randomly were interviewed with a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and programmatic characteristics. Household food security was measured using a validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutritional status was determined based on body mass index. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among 80 TB patients, 51% were underweight and 20% were severely underweight. The majority (90%) of them had high or marginal food security, and 10% had low or very low food security. On multivariable logistic regression, Hindu religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–29.39), presence of any chronic morbidity (AOR: 11.61, 95%CI: 2.71–49.78) and receipt of dietary counselling by a health worker (AOR: 7.25, 95%CI: 1.22–43.13) appeared as predictors of underweight. Conclusions: Underweight among TB patients is quite prevalent in the area, and few programmatic interventions are influencing factors. This underscores the importance of nutritional counselling services and the universal provision of Poshan benefits.

Background: Human rights provide a universal foundation for pursuing justice in public health in order to achieve the dignity of all individuals. In spite of international attempts to promote human rights in the context of health, a significant portion of India’s indigenous population continues to have a limited understanding of these rights. Objective: This study aims to analyze tribal people’s attitudes towards human rights in health care. The population consists of tribal residents from Manbazar – I and Puncha Blocks in the Puruliya district of West Bengal, India. Tribal young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 were the subject of a cross-sectional study. Methods: A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. MS Excel and SPSS 27 were used for analysis. A descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: The participants’ mean scores for awareness, accessibility and communication, autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) were 8.06, 15.76, 7.35 and 32.52 revealing a moderate perception level among the young adult tribal population in the selected blocks. Conclusion: A holistic focus of the governmental and other non-governmental organizations towards the tribals is required. Introducing various aspects of human rights in healthcare in the education curriculum along with community outreach would by all likelihood improve the perception of ‘Human Rights’ and thus help in better utilization of various services including health among tribal populations in India.

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is integrally associated with reproductive health of women. Menstrual health and hygiene needs, particularly of tribal women still remain unmet for many reasons. Inappropriate menstrual behaviour leads to adverse health consequences. Objectives: This study aimed to ascertain the menstrual hygiene behaviour of tribal married women aged 15 to 49 years and its correlates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2020 in the Barabani block of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal. A calculated sample of 530 women was selected randomly from 10 tribal villages of the study area; they were interviewed through a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and menstrual hygiene behaviour characteristics. Menstrual hygiene management score was derived based on five essential components- hygienic absorbents, hygienic disposal of absorbents, frequency of changing of absorbents, cleaning of external genitalia and source of water for cleaning; menstrual hygiene behaviour was categorised as favourable and unfavourable. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed using SPSS v. 20. Results: All 530 women were Hindu and belonged to Santhal ethnicity; 53.4% were illiterate. Sanitary pads were used by 43.8% of women; 63% practised indiscriminate throwing for disposal of absorbents; 86% practised appropriate changing of absorbents. Overall, 63% had favourable menstrual hygiene management behaviour, and the literacy status of women was found to be a significant predictor. Conclusion: Unfavourable menstrual practices are still widely prevalent among tribal women, mainly attributable to lack of knowledge. Awareness generation should be focused on improving those practices, which would also result in the improvement of general health conditions.

Background: Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridge patterns on the fingers, palms, and soles. Correlation of dermatoglyphic patterns with many chromosomal abnormalities and genetic predisposing diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, schizophrenia, and bronchial asthma is evidenced by many researchers. Literature on sexual dimorphism of dermatoglyphic patterns revealed it as an important characteristic feature. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to study the variance of ridge patterns among male and female patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of West Bengal and determine the sex-specific digital and palmar ridge patterns in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study has been done on 100 male and 100 female Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Digital and palmar prints were taken by the traditional ink method. Digital ridge pattern, pattern intensity index, total finger ridge count (TFRC), absolute finger ridge count (AFRC), and a-b ridge count were studied. The data on these patterns was recorded and statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Results: The frequency of ulnar loop is higher in female diabetics in comparison to male diabetics. Statistically significant increase in mean TFRC and mean AFRC is seen in male diabetics. Conclusion: Our study exhibits that dermatoglyphic pattern significantly differs in male and female diabetics. The knowledge and reference range of dermatoglyphic parameters among male and female diabetics are essential in the use of this study as a screening tool or diagnostic tool in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In the contemporary epoch, the demands for hospitality and tourism services are swiftly increasing. Consequently, hotel employees are facing tremendous job pressure at the workplace. Such job pressure leads to job stress among them. However, this study aims to identify the effect of job stress on job satisfaction in hospitality and tourism employees in West Bengal, India. For the purpose of the study, feedback from 353 hotel employees has been considered. Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis have been performed using SPSS. Multiple regression analysis has been carried out to verify the associations between job stresses on job satisfaction. The study has identified five different factors of stress which are 'Working Hours', 'Expectations from Management', 'Social Role of Work', 'Leave and Work Load', 'Over Expectations of Management'. The study concludes with the findings that Working Hours, Over Expectations of Management, and Social Roles of Work are the "Eustress" factors for the hotel employees. On the other hand, Leave and Work Load and Expectations from Management are the "Distress" factors for the hotel employees. However, stress-free employees can perform better and if the employees feel satisfied, the ultimately organizational goals could be achieved smoothly. An organization should establish strong policies to guide employees towards a clear direction and organize frequent training programs for employees as a moderating stress treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe six new species in the genus Globba L.: Globba corniculata sp. nov., Globba paschimbengalensis sp. nov., Globba polymorpha sp. nov., Globba tyrnaensis sp. nov., Globba janakiae sp. nov., and Globba yadaviana sp. nov. collected from the Indian part of the Eastern Himalayas (West Bengal) and Northeast India. We provide a detailed morphological description of all six species along with photographic plates, distribution maps, and tentative conservation assessments. We also provide a dichotomous identification key for all the Indian Globba species and discuss the newly described species in relation to those that are morphologically similar to them. Finally, we highlight the taxonomic collection challenges in the ecologically sensitive Eastern Himalayas and Northeast regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this viewpoint article, we analyse the consolidation of Abhishek Banerjee as the future leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the dominant political party in West Bengal and one of the most influential opposition parties at the pan-Indian level. While the TMC has gone from strength to strength for over a decade under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee (who is also Abhishek's aunt), it has recently found itself in an unprecedented crisis, mired in allegations of corruption and misgovernance. Yet, every crisis presents new opportunities, and in this contribution, we show how the TMC has worked to simultaneously rejuvenate the party's orientation while taking forward a long-unfolding project of political dynasticism whereby 'the nephew' Abhishek is being positioned to take over the party leadership. Our analysis proceeds from an overview of the crises that have engulfed the TMC, to a discussion of how it has been used as a window of opportunity for raising Abhishek's standing. Towards this end, we focus on a series of recent party initiatives – particularly a mass outreach programme called Nabo Jowar (new wave) – as well as the recent 2023 panchayat elections where Abhishek played a key role in securing a landslide victory for the TMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydro-meteorological parameters significantly influence groundwater storage in unconfined aquifers. Although the unconfined aquifer is closer to the surface, the dry conditions have an impact on the water level. The relationship between the hydro-meteorological parameters and the unconfined groundwater level (GWL) has not received much attention or study. Hence, the impact of hydro-meteorological parameters (e.g. rainfall (RF), air temperature (T), and potential evapotranspiration (PEV)) on the GWL is studied over West Bengal, India. The region is categorized into four zones (zone-1, zone-2, zone-3, and zone-4), considering the geo-hydrological scenario. GWL raised by ≈ 1.63 m, 3.51 m, 3 m, and 2.24 m owing to the RF of ≈ 880 mm, 953 mm, 1083 mm, and 1593 mm during monsoon in zone-1, zone-2, zone-3, and zone-4, respectively. The groundwater table is 6.9 m, 95.2 m, 22.3 m, and 80.2 m in the respective zones during winter. The groundwater flows seasonally from zone-2 to zone-1 and zone-3 and, similarly, from zone-4 to zone-3 and zone-1. In zone-1, as RF increased in monsoon, the shallow GWL occurred, and PEV caused water loss. PEV and T have a dependency on deeper GWL in other seasons. PEV and T are critical factors in zone-2's GWL depletion in all seasons. Winter, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon showed a correlation between the deeper GWL and PEV and T in zone-3 and zone-4. When sufficient RF occurred, the deeper GWL enhanced to a shallower GWL. In monsoon, recharge of the unconfined aquifer occurred owing to RF. The deeper GWL developed in post-monsoon because of lower RF and increased PEV and T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How are infrastructures socially appropriated? This article uses my fortuitous presence in a rural locality in eastern India as its residents discussed proposals for its complete electrification, allowing me to reflect on social negotiations around infrastructure prior to its installation. Drawing on a detailed ethnography of electrification in a West Bengal village, I illustrate the nuanced ways in which people inflect infrastructural projects with their collective ideas of what is right and good. As far as they can see, such projects are neither the unalloyed benefit that proponents celebrate nor the unmitigated evil that opponents lament. Rather, they are evaluated in relation to people's imagination of the collective good, to which such infrastructures may or may not be central. Drawing on the insights offered by my interlocutors as well as recent advances in the literature on the politics of infrastructures, this article interrogates the perspective that infrastructures advance governmental rationalities. Building on well-established insights that technological infrastructures are not socially neutral and that infrastructures are socially appropriated, disputed, and negotiated, this article demonstrates that people's engagement with infrastructures politicizes, rather than governmentalizes, them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a desk review and three rounds of the Delphi method, this study examines the impacts of climate change-induced water-related threats on food security in the Indian Sundarbans, and develops management strategies to address the issues. Results show climate change, through its impacts on water, has lowered agricultural output, endangered traditional livelihoods, reduced access to food, and affected food utilization by impacting freshwater availability and creating health hazards. In addition, intensified weather extremes are likely to threaten food security further. A combination of local-level adaptation measures and global-level mitigation initiatives is necessary to ensure food security in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is integrally associated with reproductive health of women. Menstrual health and hygiene needs, particularly of tribal women still remain unmet for many reasons. Inappropriate menstrual behaviour leads to adverse health consequences. Objectives: This study aimed to ascertain the menstrual hygiene behaviour of tribal married women aged 15 to 49 years and its correlates. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2020 in the Barabani block of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal. A calculated sample of 530 women was selected randomly from 10 tribal villages of the study area; they were interviewed through a pre‑designed schedule for socio‑demographic and menstrual hygiene behaviour characteristics. Menstrual hygiene management score was derived based on five essential components‑ hygienic absorbents, hygienic disposal of absorbents, frequency of changing of absorbents, cleaning of external genitalia and source of water for cleaning; menstrual hygiene behaviour was categorised as favourable and unfavourable. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed using SPSS v. 20. Results: All 530 women were Hindu and belonged to Santhal ethnicity; 53.4% were illiterate. Sanitary pads were used by 43.8% of women; 63% practised indiscriminate throwing for disposal of absorbents; 86% practised appropriate changing of absorbents. Overall, 63% had favourable menstrual hygiene management behaviour, and the literacy status of women was found to be a significant predictor. Conclusion: Unfavourable menstrual practices are still widely prevalent among tribal women, mainly attributable to lack of knowledge. Awareness generation should be focused on improving those practices, which would also result in the improvement of general health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human rights provide a universal foundation for pursuing justice in public health in order to achieve the dignity of all individuals. In spite of international attempts to promote human rights in the context of health, a significant portion of India’s indigenous population continues to have a limited understanding of these rights. Objective: This study aims to analyze tribal people’s attitudes towards human rights in health care. The population consists of tribal residents from Manbazar – I and Puncha Blocks in the Puruliya district of West Bengal, India. Tribal young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 were the subject of a cross‑sectional study. Methods: A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. MS Excel and SPSS 27 were used for analysis. A descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: The participants’ mean scores for awareness, accessibility and communication, autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) were 8.06, 15.76, 7.35 and 32.52 revealing a moderate perception level among the young adult tribal population in the selected blocks. Conclusion: A holistic focus of the governmental and other non‑governmental organizations towards the tribals is required. Introducing various aspects of human rights in healthcare in the education curriculum along with community outreach would by all likelihood improve the perception of 'Human Rights' and thus help in better utilization of various services including health among tribal populations in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of adult mortality and morbidity worldwide now days. The NCD like hypertension is emerging as a major health problem in India with increasing prevalence significantly in both urban and rural population. Hence, an investigation was undertaken to find out prevalence of hypertension and its correlates among adult population living in an urban area of West Bengal. Methodology: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in Tangra area of Kolkata. A sample of 100 (45-59 years) individuals was selected by the standard random sampling technique. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were employed using SPSS software package. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 32% and higher among participants of occupation employed/business (22%), regular alcoholic (14%), high BMI (16%). While in the bivariate analysis many of the factors correlate with hypertension, occupation, family history and body-mass index, remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in the study population was found to be on the higher side compared to previous reports from India. Strong public health measures need to be seriously implemented to combat hypertension and its consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridge patterns on the fingers, palms, and soles. Correlation of dermatoglyphic patterns with many chromosomal abnormalities and genetic predisposing diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, schizophrenia, and bronchial asthma is evidenced by many researchers. Literature on sexual dimorphism of dermatoglyphic patterns revealed it as an important characteristic feature. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to study the variance of ridge patterns among male and female patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of West Bengal and determine the sex-specific digital and palmar ridge patterns in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study has been done on 100 male and 100 female Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Digital and palmar prints were taken by the traditional ink method. Digital ridge pattern, pattern intensity index, total finger ridge count (TFRC), absolute finger ridge count (AFRC), and a-b ridge count were studied. The data on these patterns was recorded and statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: The frequency of ulnar loop is higher in female diabetics in comparison to male diabetics. Statistically significant increase in mean TFRC and mean AFRC is seen in male diabetics. Conclusion: Our study exhibits that dermatoglyphic pattern significantly differs in male and female diabetics. The knowledge and reference range of dermatoglyphic parameters among male and female diabetics are essential in the use of this study as a screening tool or diagnostic tool in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the services and facilities provided by rural public libraries in West Bengal, India. In addition, the study aims to evaluate the perceptions of librarians regarding the implementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in these libraries. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data. The primary method of data collection was a survey using a structured questionnaire, which was administered to a total of 102 rural libraries. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the respective librarians to bring more objectivity to the results. The findings revealed that rural libraries possess a moderate collection of printed books, newspapers, and magazines. The results indicate that these rural libraries offer a diverse range of services and facilities that benefit their respective communities. However, findings of the study indicated an acute shortage of staff in almost all the surveyed libraries, with this factor, consequently, affecting services. One significant challenge faced by these libraries is the lack of ICT applications. Nevertheless, most librarians expressed positive attitudes towards the implementation of ICT in rural libraries, recognizing their potential to enhance library services and reach out to a wider audience. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the government should provide the necessary ICT tools in order to provide ICT-based library services. The results of this study can contribute to the upgrading and restructuring of rural library collections, infrastructure, services, and facilities in developing countries.