Felt Need Research Articles

Past and Present in the Folk Fiction of Thomas Cooper

abstract: This paper examines different uses of old-fashioned folk characters in radical and reformist fiction from the 1840s. Focusing on Thomas Cooper's Wise Saws and Modern Instances (1845), it argues that Cooper revised the folk figure to articulate radicalism. Cooper's folk figures contrast the middle-class reformer's counterpart in that the former are a disappearing breed representing quaint values, thus underlining a shift towards a working-class political consciousness and the need for a new critique of industrial-era corruption. Folk nostalgia was more than a means to critique industrialism, capitalism, or the factory. This analysis offers a new approach to the study of interclass relations by demonstrating the felt need for an alternative political vocabulary for working people under industrialism, capitalism, and the factory. By reading radical folk stories in the context of aesthetically elevated Chartist poetry, this analysis complicates the ways Chartist poetry has been said to aspire to middle-class tastes.

“Cinemeducation” as a teaching–learning tool in Community Medicine for Phase II MBBS students

ABSTRACT Background: Many public health topics in the subject of Community Medicine have a psycho sociocultural aspect to them, and these are taught by traditional methods like didactic lectures with little or no interaction of faculty and students. This limits the comprehensive understanding of the students regarding sensitive issues. There is a felt need to improve the knowledge and understanding of many of these competencies among students through available cinema movies addressing these concepts. Objectives: 1. To assess effectiveness of “Cinemeducation” as a tool to teach identified competencies in Community Medicine subject. 2. To assess perception of students for “Cinemeducation” to enhance learning and communication skills. Methodology: Study Design: Nonrandomized intervention study. Setting: Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Pali, Rajasthan. Participants: Year 2 from 2020 Batch. Sample Size: 159 students. Sampling: Complete enumeration. Intervention: All 159 students were divided into two groups and alternately shown movies, Toilet–Ek Prem Katha, Padman, Outbreak, and Steel Magnolias, or exposed to didactic lecture and were assessed using pre- and post-tests and student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning scale. Results: The post-test scores of cinemeducation showed an improvement by a mean of 1.88 ± 0.7 points. The self-confidence and learning scale showed that 86% of students agreed that cinemeducation was better than didactic lectures. The mean satisfaction index of cinemeducation as a teaching–learning method was 97.6. Three out of the four movies addressed the competency well, and the difference between the pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant following cinemeducation as compared to lectures. Conclusions: As the student correlates real-life situations in movies like Toilet–Ek Prem Katha, Outbreak, and Padman, they definitely understood the topic better with cognitive scores showing an increase.

The hidden and the seen: Art as an intersubjective medium

ABSTRACT This paper explores the intersection of art and psychoanalysis, specifically the various ways in which the introduction of works of art into treatment can open pathways of intersubjective exploration and understanding of the patient’s unconscious processes that may have been otherwise hidden. Similar to the function of dreams and free association in psychoanalysis, a patient’s connection and identification with specific works of art may illuminate aspects of their unconscious organizing activity, or simply reiterate and re-confirm already-discovered dynamics of their internal world. Art in this context acts as an intersubjective medium through which associations from both the analyst and the analysand reflect one another and reveal deeper interpretations. This topic is explored by way of a clinical vignette in which the patient’s love for a particular painting opens up associations for both the patient and the analyst, areas of exploration that lead into deeper realms of the patient’s internalized relational world and his exhibitionism. Although the patient in this vignette has had significant experience with psychoanalysis, elusive areas of unconsciousness remain. His associations to his favorite painting by the Renaissance painter Giorgione and the analyst’s own associations to the painting help to illuminate hidden sectors of the patient’s unconscious processes, including how his developmental longing for admiration is in direct contradiction to his felt need to remain hidden, and how this conflict expresses itself in his exhibitionism.

Restoring the Spirit through the Redemption of Memory

Restoration and redemption of the soul are, in biblical terms, essentially life-bringing acts. Yet even the present reality is so frequently a spirit deeply in need of renewal and new life. Memories contribute greatly to this felt need: as the psychological building blocks of an individual’s sense of self, their joy and their pain reverberate through the self, reaching deeply to shape identity and worldview. What is needed is not only the redemption of our souls but the redemption of our memories as well. Such an inner transformation would indeed prove both a restoration and a transformation, an experience now of the future kingdom in which God will reconcile all things to himself (Colossians 1:20). This article explores how the New Testament text provides a psychologically and neurologically coherent model to leverage memory formation and reconsolidation toward restoration and renewal.

Survey of Felt Needs Among Teachers of Psychiatry in Institutes of National Importance (INI) to Improve the Quality of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training.

Several institutes of national importance (INI) have been established in the last few years to improve the quality of medical education in the country. Most INIs are autonomous and outside the purview of the National Medical Commission (NMC). Little is known about the needs of the psychiatry teachers working in INIs. The current study was planned to obtain feedback from the psychiatry teachers in INIs about the various issues pertaining to training in psychiatry. This was an online survey conducted using Google Forms involving psychiatry teachers working in autonomous INIs outside the purview of NMC. The questionnaire had mandatory items (which provided quantitative data) and optional questions (which were used for thematic analysis). Our study's response rate was estimated at 48.73%. About 92.7% of respondents appreciated the need for training in undergraduate psychiatry. Though fewer residents were trained in medical education, the felt need for training among residents was comparable to that among faculty members. The major themes of targeted training, as reported, were found to be in sync with the current demands of the curriculum. There is a substantial need for training among the teachers of psychiatry in the INIs. This study provided with some groundwork regarding the strengths and weaknesses of teaching psychiatry in INIs. Further studies on this topic, using a qualitative design, should be planned to understand the nuances of working in an autonomous institute.

Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Primary Hyperhidrosis in Indian Patients: Single-center Experience

Abstract Background: Primary hyperhidrosis (PHH) is characterized by excessive sweating which is focal, bilaterally symmetrical, idiopathic with age of onset before 25 years of age. The QoL derangement comparable to chronic disorder like psoriasis. There exist a scarce data about prevalence, facto associated with PHH and its correlations with hyperhidrosis disease severity score (HDSS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in Indian population. This study aimed to bridge this gap. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study is to understand the features associated with PHH and to describe distribution of known etiologic factors of hyperhidrosis in individuals visiting the Dermatology OPD. Also this study assess the impact of excessive sweating on the QOL. Material and Methods: The study design is prospective observational study in patients visiting Dermatology OPD at tertiary care hospital. The study was questionnaire based and for appropriate case multispecialty referral and necessary investigation to rule out secondary cause was done. The study period was of total 18 months from Dec 2016 to May 2018. Data collected was analyzed by SPSS V 23. Results: In our study the male predominated with M: F ratio of 1.4 :1. Total 42,365 patients visited to dermatology OPD in this time frame and prevalence was found to be 2.6%. The mean age at presentation in our study was 24.5 years, with mean age of onset being 15.33 years (90% before third decade). Family history was present in 52.6% patients. Most common site affected was palmoplantar (43.8%) followed by palmar (36.3%). DLQI score was more in students as compared to salaried individuals or housewife similarly the palmoplantar HH patients has more DLQI score as compared to other site affected patients. Similar finding was applicable for HDSS scale. Conclusion: The PHH is underreported entity with prevalences of approx. 2.6% in our study. The impact on QOL is very profound and it is positively correlated with HDSS. There is felt need to carry targeted data collection for PHH.

Understanding parental hurdles in accessing strabismus treatment

PurposeTo explore the parental factors that impede early intervention for strabismus and thus identify strategies for improving access to specialized care. MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional study included 110 parents of children under 19 years with strabismus receiving treatment at the squint clinic of a tertiary health care center in north India. A pre-validated survey questionnaire was administered to the participants, that had a section about the socio-demographics of the participants, another section addressed the parental knowledge about strabismus about diagnosis, and the need for an eye examination. It also sought information about referral source, the felt need for squint examination, and reasons for not seeking treatment. ResultsA total of 110 parents/guardians of strabismus patients (59 exotropes and 51 esotropes) were interviewed using a survey questionnaire. Parents themselves identified 80% of cases, and a substantial link (P ​< ​0.0001) was found between the education status of parents and the age of identification of strabismus. Fear of surgical outcomes (41.79%) was a significant barrier to timely surgery with a higher percentage of parents expressing fear of surgical outcomes (P ​= ​0.025). The cost of surgery (34.33%) and the non-availability of facilities (23.88%) also delayed the intervention. ConclusionsIt is essential to educate parents about the importance of strabismus therapy at an appropriate time, stressing its reconstructive rather than merely cosmetic nature, as there are notable gaps in their knowledge. Also, we need to do away with the fear of surgical outcomes of surgical interventions for strabismus.

Cardio-Oncology Awareness: A multidisciplinary survey amongst health care trainees and practicing professionals at academic institutions.

e24023 Background: The awareness of cancer therapy-related adverse cardiac effects is incited by recent literature on cardiotoxicity incidence and detection strategies. Despite availability of guidelines, cardiotoxicity monitoring and treatment are not structurally performed across institutions. Aim: Assessing knowledge of health care professionals’ cardiac complications of cancer treatments, current perspectives on cardio-oncology ultimately to determine an agenda for improvements in practice. Methods: A web-based survey (Google Forms) was adapted from that of Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s survey, consisting of 45 questions organized into 7 sections, modified according to our local needs and circulated to cardiologists, oncologists (radiation, medical) practicing or training in a multi-disciplinary setup and academic centers. Fortnightly reminders were sent for to receive a maximum response. The survey enquired about implementing respondent’s perception of cardio-oncology, availability of cardio-oncology services at the respondent’s institution, opinions towards current practice. A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Results: Fifty-five professionals completed the survey, of which 12 were cardiologists, 31 radiation oncologists, and 12 medical oncologists. Majority, 31 (54.5%) were trainees and only 1.8% had some formal training in cardio-oncology while 20% respondents reported to have a formal cardio-oncology training programme. Nearly 90% understood cardio-oncology as a stream to be able to identify side-effects and refer for treatment to the cardiologists while 84% felt that timely referral would improve outcomes.72% recognized follow-up and 67.3% felt patient education to be important component. Awareness of cardio-oncology guidelines was reported by 38.2% respondents. In the setting of metastatic cancer, there was a difference in risk tolerance for cardiotoxicity with the majority accepting 1-5% risk in curative setting and 56% accepting &gt; 5% risk of cardiotoxicity in the metastatic setting. None of the institutions reported on having a formal training programme. Limited infrastructure (54.5%) and limited interest (47.3%) were cited the most common reasons. Conclusions: This survey identified that professionals recognize cardio-oncology services to be an important component of cancer treatment. Lack of formal training and awareness about guidelines was reported. There is a felt need for collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists to improve cardiovascular outcomes of cancer patients.

Supplementation of Amra Beej Majja Churna in Vitamin B12 Deficiency - A Case Study

B12 is an important vitamin needed by red blood cells for maturation and DNA synthesis of myelin- producing oligodendrocytes. It remarkably supports the regeneration of nerves after injury. B12 is also involved in Hcy metabolism, transmethylation processes, fatty acid and nucleic acid synthesis, energy production etc. The symptoms of its deficiency range from glossitis to severe demyelination of nervous tissue. Indian population, with largely vegetarian food habit, is prone to harbor Vitamin B12 deficiency. There’s a general belief that vegan diet is devoid of Vitamin B12 but a few recent researches have shown that the Amra Beej Majja can act as a cost effective food supplement not just for calcium, vitamin A and C but also for Vitamin B12. So, there’s a felt need to evaluate therapeutically, the acclaimed role of Amra Beej Majja Churna as a supplement in people with Vitamin B12 deficiency. This paper presents a clinical study on the administration of Amra Beej Majja Churna in a patient with vegan dietary habits having Vitamin B12 deficiency which was clinically verified with low serum levels of the same. She presented with symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, tingling sensation in lower limbs and pain in calf muscles. The study was conducted for 2 months after which blood tests revealed increased serum Vitamin B12 levels from 189pg/ml to 217pg/ml along with significant symptomatic relief especially in tingling sensation and hair loss.

Legal and Historical Perspective of Plant Breeders Rights Act of Pakistan

Pakistan is an agricultural country and numerous plant varieties have been developed indigenously by local scientists. There was a long felt need to introduce any sort of protection mechanism for these novel plant varieties to protect the research and development (R&amp;D). Being a World Trade Organization (WTO) member, Pakistan acceded to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement in 1995, and since then, legislation was due to protect the rights of breeders of new plant varieties. In 2016, the Government of Pakistan passed the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act (PBRA), in alignment with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants Convention of 1991 (UPOV), balancing the interests of biotechnology companies and traditional plant breeders. The current study highlights Pakistan's strengths and areas that still require improvement to meet the nation's demands for plant variety protection.

IJCM_326A: Access to Contraceptives for Migrants: Understanding how to improve family planning coverage in Brick Kiln in Northern India- A mixed methods study

Background: Family planning is a key means to achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals. Lack of data in marginalized populations on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) hampers efforts to improve modern contraceptive practice. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and family planning practices and understand the facilitators and barriers for adopting family planning methods. Methodology: Cross-sectional study among men and women workers of reproductive age group and in-depth interviews (IDIs) in selected women worker of reproductive age group; were conducted. Qualitative data were described in proportions and compared using standard statistical tests. Qualitative data were coded and grouped and discussed using identified themes. Results: Among 85 migrant workers studied, more than two-third of the workers had no formal schooling. Only 38% were found to have practiced any Family Planning Methods (FPM), among the non-usage of any FPM, it has been found that 37% were never felt the need for FPM, 21% had no knowledge regarding any FPM. The facilitators identified for FPM were knowledge &amp; practice about FPM, felt need for a small family, health system support, family support. As a migrant worker, they face multiple barriers like, difficulty in identifying the health facility, increased work time, difficulty in comprehending the local language and inaccessible frontline healthcare workers. Conclusion: The finding stresses the need to shift focus towards building intention, in addition to ensuring access of trained staff, and commodities drugs and equipment, and building capacities of health care providers

IJCM_385A: Establishment of a CKD Screening and treatment program at a secondary care hospital in rural Karnataka - A case study

Background: With the rapidly increasing incidence of kidney disease due to the rise in non- communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension in India, a felt need for easily accessible Dialysis unit was found during the community assessment. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) education and screening program was also proposed to be established along with this to improve awareness and early detection. This would help in health system strengthening and prevent patients from travelling to far away locations for the dialysis sessions. Objective: 1. To conduct CKD education and screening camps in rural areas of Karkala taluk Methodology: The project was implemented for a duration of 12 months starting from July 2021. Camps were held along with help from local clubs &amp; Rotary Club. The following blood tests were carried out: Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Random Blood Sugar (RBS) or Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Serum Creatinine and Lipid Profile. These tests were done free of cost for all camp attendees. If the parameters were found to be abnormal, they were referred to Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala for confirmation of the diagnosis and further management. Along with screening, Health education sessions were also be carried out to create awareness regarding diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease among the rural population. The Dialysis unit was set up with 3 dialysis machines with funding from Rotary International under the Global Grant scheme. Dialysis was provided at subsidized to Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients. Results: A total of 10 CKD screening &amp; awareness camps were held during the project period. A total of 588 patients were screened. 132 were referred for further management. 8 patients were referred for Dialysis. Average of 170 dialysis sessions are carried out per months. 805 participants attended the training sessions. Conclusion: Similar set ups in rural areas will help in early detection of CKD and make dialysis more affordable and accessible.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Acceptability among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Persons in India: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

With increasing importance being given to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons (TG), we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of PrEP awareness and acceptability among these key populations in India, and their sociodemographic and behavioral determinants. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023390508). Studies were included if they provided quantitative data on PrEP awareness or acceptability among MSM or TG in India. MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from inception to February 29, 2024, using keywords and database-specific terms. Relevant websites were also searched. Critical appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was done for common outcomes reported by the studies. Reporting was as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 statement. Ten studies providing cross-sectional data, mostly from South West India, were included for qualitative synthesis. All were conducted in settings where PrEP was not available. The pooled prevalence among MSM and TG was 18.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.7%, 28.7%) for awareness and 79.8% (95% CI 57.4%, 100.0%) for willingness to use daily oral PrEP. This review highlights the felt need for PrEP among MSM and TG in India. Further research is needed to understand user attitudes in different parts of the country.

From Return to Normal to a “New Normal”? A Call to Revive Music Teacher Motivation and Reflection

What might the field of music education do to learn, grow, and reinvent itself as we emerge from COVID-19 and virtual learning? Implied in the “return to normal” discourse, permeating all areas of music education in the year or more following virtual learning is the felt need to keep going and return to music education as usual. Yet significant changes, both positive and negative, occurred during virtual learning and music teachers have not received adequate time to reflect and consider new possibilities. In this article, I reject the idea of “return to normal” and call for a “new normal.” While this new normal might take many forms, I offer one possibility for middle level general music focused on student (as well as teacher) motivation. As music educators, we face a potentially exciting time to re-envision the future of music education—but only if we pause, reflect, and imagine a “new normal.”

Examining the nexus of relationship marketing and patient loyalty: The mediation and moderation analysis

Studies on association amongst relationship marketing and loyalty of patients are still trying to establish its presence in the healthcare management. Also, the variables impacting this association are still in exploratory phases. The research is being carried out for determining the nature of that relationship and also examining mediating and moderating effect of different variables. Data collected through various Scopus and other online databases have been used for this study. Literature review has been carried out by dividing it into three parts, relationship marketing, patient loyalty and variables like patient satisfaction, age, gender, family size, health insurance, etc. Primary data was collected from 938 patients of private healthcare providers by administering questionnaire online as well as in person. PLS-SEM was applied to analyze the data, which was used after testing the instrument for reliability and validity. After Covid-19 pandemic everyone felt need of a good health insurance but in actual many people were not having a simple health insurance cover also. Hospitals will have a major role in promoting health insurance and in turn providing quality service, but their role is currently limited to processing of health insurance and nothing more. Model from the study will help understand organizations the strength and direction of relationship between patient loyalty and efforts taken for marketing along with impact of moderating and mediating variable on the same. Future research can look into the other variables that will moderate or mediate the relationship in turn will help not only healthcare organizations but insurance companies also to develop product or service according to requirement of relationship. Research focuses on impact of moderating effect of health insurance on association amongst marketing efforts taken for relationship marketing and loyalty of patients through patient satisfactions’ mediation which was not studied before this. The study aims to test the conceptual model of moderating impact of health insurance on association between relationship marketing, patient loyalty and patient satisfaction using SEM.

Utilization of Untied Fund and Factors Affecting the Utilization at Sub-Centers of Rural Odisha: A Mixed-Method Study.

The untied funds at sub-centers provided flexibility for local action at block and down below levels. Effective utilization of untied fund can strengthen the healthcare. So, our study aims at assessing the knowledge of health workers, male/female (HWF/M), and effectiveness of utilization of untied funds at the sub-center (SC) level. A mixed method (cross-sectional study and qualitative study) was conducted at Tangi Block, Khordha district, Odisha, in the year 2020. Health workers, male and female in sub-centers, and local stakeholders were interviewed using a structured interview schedule. The tool comprises financial records, a semi-structured questionnaire, and an in-depth interview guide. Universal sampling was adopted. For the cross-sectional study, 24 health workers were male/female, and for the qualitative study, all local stakeholders and 24 health workers female/male were interviewed. The study was conducted as a part of an academic program, and ethics approval was approved by AIIMS Bhubaneswar Institute Ethics Committee. Seven out of 24 sub-centers did not spend any money, with a median unspent amount of 4260 INR (Q1-0, Q3-17300). As many as 36.8% of sub-centers had a delay of 9 months to get the untied fund, which significantly affected the utilization of funds. 37% of HWF/M utilized the fund inappropriately. None of the health workers had complete knowledge regarding the appropriate usage of untied fund. Communication gap, multiple engagements, non-cooperation from officials, delay in technical processing, and irregular Garam Sabha meetings were found to be barriers. Our study found out under-utilization of money in untied fund. Communication gap, non-cooperation form village leaders, poor knowledge, overburdened health workers, improper reporting, and lack of felt need were found to be barriers for prompt utilization.

Perceptions on hypertension, barriers and facilitators on non-communicable disease prevention in urban Shivamogga: a qualitative study

Background: The world’s health care needs are changing drastically due to significant population and demographic impact. The socioeconomic transition in India have influenced the health risk behaviour leading to the increasing burden of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Primary care facilities play a vital role in preventing and controlling NCDs. Objectives were to assess the perceptions of healthy lifestyle behaviours among urban migrants of south India. To qualitatively assess the facilitators and barriers of NCD prevention. Methods: Study was conducted in urban Shivamogga from May to August 2023 using non-purposive sampling technique. It was a qualitative study design-focus group discussion (FGD). It involves two FGD of 8 members each. One FGD is from urban school and other FGD is from nationalized bank. This study aimed at providing grounded approach to develop an understanding about the perceptions of hypertension (HTN) and facilitators/barriers in obtaining treatment of the same. The data was subjected to brief reading and analysed by segregating the text under different themes. Responses were recorded by audio-taping and translated into codes. The results were obtained after drawing inferences. Results: Mean age of study participants was 38.8±3.8 years (FGD1) and 36.8±2.6 years (FGD2). They identified stress, nuclear family, physical inactivity, dietary habits and urban living as the causes of hypertension. They perceived that illiteracy, ignorance, work-pressure, time-constraints, home-remedies could be the barriers for seeking treatment of hypertension. Conclusions: Hypertension has been perceived as a common and serious problem in our community. There was a felt need about awareness campaign and screening of HTN that may help in implementation of prevention and control activities.

Is there a felt need from head teachers to support their wellbeing through the offer of professional reflective supervision? If so, what model would suit them best?

RationaleSchools provide direct support to a range of pupils, many of whom have social/emotional needs or are vulnerable due to their economic status or family circumstances. Teaching can therefore be considered a profession with a high level of emotional demand, that requires the need for reflection, support, and a consideration of the emotional and psychological impacts on children, their families, and other colleagues within schools. The provision of supervision has been found to support the emotional wellbeing of education staff who engage with it, but this offer is not made to all. In addition, the model of supervision used in schools is often one ‘borrowed’ from another discipline and may not be completely suited to meeting the wellbeing needs of HTs who carry a significant emotional load in schools.AimThis small-scale research study was undertaken with a group of twelve head teachers (HTs) and eight educational psychologists (EPs) in one Scottish local authority. The research considered whether professional reflective supervision (PRS) could have a role in supporting HT wellbeing and if so, what form this should take.MethodBoth qualitative and quantitative information was gathered from questionnaires and from four workshops. HTs discussed whether PRS could be a helpful support to them. This was then offered by EPs, based on a model created by the HTs and was evaluated through an end of trial questionnaire and two workshops.FindingsHTs agreed that PRS could support their wellbeing but that a bespoke model was required. Both HTs and EPs provided positive feedback on their experience of this model, where the wellbeing of HTs was central. This led to the creation of guidance, training and the ongoing offer of supervision for all HTs within the local authority, delivered by the EP Service.LimitationsThis research was context specific and small scale and so no causal claims are made from the patterns and trends emerging from the findings.

Information needs of farmers on cultivation of salad cucumber Cucumis sativus under polyhouse

The conventional practice of crop production is now giving its way to hi-tech farming practices. Salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus), is a relatively new crop in Kerala and has proven yield benefit under polyhouse conditions. The study intended to assess the information needs of farmers regarding various technical and cultivation aspects of salad cucumber production under polyhouse. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and mean values were used to identify the information needs. Most of the cultivation aspects fell under either the ‘highly essential’ or ‘moderately needed’ information category. The technical aspects of construction, maintenance and repair of polyhouse were the most critical information need of farmers along with the specifics of fertilizers for polyhouse and fertigation system. Pests, diseases and nutrient deficiency problems were also the main concerns of farmers. Weed management and pollination, with low mean scores were among the least felt information need. Hence, these aspects are also found to be among essential needs. The study elucidated that an efficient information delivery system through appropriate channels is required to boost polyhouse cultivation of vegetables in Kerala.

The Geospatial Analysis of Patients Seeking Dental Care at a Private Dental Institution in Chennai, India.

Background and aim Assessing the priority of the patient towards dental needs while considering the distance traveled by them is important to improve a dental service.The purpose of this study was to rank the patients' felt needs for dental care in the private dental institution in order of importance. The objective is to count the number of patients with various major complaints and compare how far patients traveled for various treatment plans tailored to their individual needs in a private dental institution. Material and methods The sample consisted of all new patients who sought dental care at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India, between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Retrospective data from the dental information archive system was gathered on their primary chief complaint and residential address.Frequency distribution of patients with different chief complaints was found. The mean and standard deviation of distance traveled by patients for different treatment plans was done using descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The priority order of the felt need by the patients was dental pain in which n=1299 (15.4%) >missing teeth with n=1224 (14.59%) > deposit/stains/halitosis n=1149 (13.6%) > shaking tooth n=936 (11.15%) > irregularly placed/proclined teeth n=852 (10.15%) > dislodged crown/restoration n=843 (10.05%) > tooth decay/discoloration n=759 (9%) > general checkup n=723 (8.6%) > swelling/ulcer/wound n=246 (2.93%) > painful jaw/facial pain/difficult mouth opening n=198 (2.26%). In 2022, most patients requiring caries preventive measure (0.8%) located at the mean distance of 10.75±2.2 km, while patients requiring scaling (16.9%), dental filling (10.9%), endodontic management (18.6%), extraction (23.7%), prosthetic replacement (13.9%), orthodontic management (10.9%), and facial pain management (2.2%) were located at the mean distance of 14.49±8.2 km, 10.28±6.25 km, 18.43±13.9 km, 14.29±6.6 km, 23.49±11.8 km, 11.76±8.13 km, and 45.32±17.35 km, respectively. Conclusion More number of patients traveled long distances even more than 50 km for painful tooth decay. Also, lots of patients were found to seek replacement of their missing teeth next to pain. Thus, dental pain and missing teeth form a major priority of the patient's felt dental need. Also, the patient had traveled a lot for facial pain management compared to other treatment needs which shows the lack of facial pain management practice by dental care centers near their local residence.