Institutions Of National Importance Research Articles

Transforming Hospital Housekeeping: The Kayakalp Journey

Introduction The Kayakalp guidelines for public healthcare facilities under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) focus on improving sanitation, cleanliness, and infection control at public hospitals in India. This study was conducted in a 960-bed tertiary-level teaching hospital in eastern India. Housekeeping has been a challenge in public institutions, with factors like overcrowding and resource constraints. Tobacco and betel nut chewing, spitting, poor sanitation practices, and open urination are major challenges in ensuring sanitation at the hospital. The research objective was to study the implementation of the Kayakalp guidelines for quality improvement in housekeeping services at the institution. Methods A pre- and post-interventional study was conducted using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) quality tool. Plan phases included the gap assessment using the Kayakalp checklist with numerical scoring. Necessary interventions were done under three headings: structure, processes, and outcomes in the “Do” phase. The “Check” phase included monitoring of the activities followed by the “Act” phase, which included a review of the action plan. External experts nominated by the government conducted the final assessments and recommended it as one of the cleanest hospitals. Results A 360-degree improvement was observed in hospital services, with assessment score improvement from 73.68% to 95.0%. The institution received the first prize in 2020 and 2021 and runners-up Kayakalp National Award under category “B” (Institute of National Importance) Hospitals in 2019. Conclusion The implementation of Kayakalp guidelines of the Government of India proved to be efficient in the improvement of housekeeping and infection control practices in the institution.

Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Menstrual Cycle Patterns of Reproductive-age Women: A Multi-centric Observational Study.

The study was conducted to know the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on menstrual cycle patterns and pre- and post-menstrual symptoms in women aged 18-45 years. COVID-19 vaccination was introduced to combat the dreadful impacts of human coronavirus infection. The two indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in India are COVISHIELD and COVAXIN. To investigate the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual cycle, pre- and post-menstrual symptoms and to establish the correlation with the type of vaccine received. Multi-centric observational study conducted in six institutes of national importance in different states of India over one year. A total of 5709 female participants fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data about the impact of vaccines (COVISHIELD and COVAXIN) and prior COVID-19 infection on the menstrual cycle and its associated symptoms were obtained using all participants' online and offline interviews. Of 5709 participants, 78.2% received COVISHIELD and 21.8% COVAXIN. Of the total 5709 participants, 333 (5.8%) developed post-vaccination menstrual disturbances, with 32.7% having frequent cycles, 63.7% prolonged cycles, and 3.6% inter-menstrual bleeding. A total of 301 participants noticed changes in the amount of bleeding, with 50.2% excessive, 48.8% scanty, and 0.99% amenorrhea followed by heavy bleeding. Furthermore, the irregularities of the menstrual cycle (p = 0.011) and length (0.001) were significantly higher in the COVAXIN group (7.2%) as compared to the COVISHIELD (5.3%) group. A total of 721 participants complained of newly developed/worsening pre- and post-menstrual symptoms. These symptoms were significantly higher in the COVISHIELD group (p = 0.031), with generalized weakness and body pains as the main complaints (p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of COVID-19 infection with these vaccines. No significant associations were observed when comparing menstrual abnormalities among those with COVID-19 infection (p > 0.05). COVISHIELD and COVAXIN vaccines were associated with menstrual cycle disturbances and pre-and post-menstrual symptoms in a small proportion of participants, with 94.7% having no change in the amount of bleeding during menstruation post-vaccination. The menstrual irregularities observed were significantly higher with the COVAXIN vaccine. Others: Further, long-term studies are required to confirm that the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual cycle may be short-lasting, with no severe effects on women's menstrual health.

Balancing control and legitimacy in higher education policy implementation

A key policy challenge in establishing new universities is the potential risk of lower academic standards and mission drift, which can affect policy effectiveness and outcomes. While regulation and funding tend to be preferred policy instruments for securing control of higher education expansion and achieving policy objectives, this article reports on a nation-wide reform in which various forms of legitimacy and control were actively used as measures in the design and establishment of almost one hundred new elite universities – the Institutes of National Importance (INIs) – in India. Our theoretical framework is based on the need for reinvention in policy design in higher education, that is based on the possible cross-fertilisation between the field of public administration and organisational theory. Through a mixed-method research design that included archival documents related to higher education reform and case studies of seven new INIs, this article demonstrates how ‘soft instruments’ based on legitimacy may align public policy objectives and stakeholder expectations ensuring quality and mission sustainability of new universities. We suggest that institutional and instrumental dimensions related to legitimacy and control can be integrated into a joint theoretical framework for policy implementation in higher education. We inform higher education policy by uncovering a range of legitimacy-based policy options in higher education, including the significance of reputation, national classification schemes, and organisational archetypes, that can be operationalised to minimise mission divergence.

Nursing Professionals' Awareness of Adverse Drug Reactions and Pharmacovigilance in an Institute of National Importance in India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Globally, there is a growing concern about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) as they can lead to increased hospital admissions and healthcare expenses, lower patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes, and even fatalities. Pharmacovigilance is crucial for minimizing the risks associated with drug therapy, but underreporting of ADRs is a prevalent issue. Nursing professionals are an important stakeholder in ADR reporting, as they are often the first point of contact for patients to identify and report adverse drug reactions. Objectives The objectives of the study were to evaluate the knowledge and practices of nursing professionals regarding ADR reporting in a tertiary care teaching institute and the factors influencing their knowledge of ADR reporting. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study involving 275 nursing officers at AIIMS Raebareli, who gave their informed consent and completed a questionnaire on demographics, knowledge, and practice domains. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to compare independent variables' influences on knowledge scores. SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Results The study revealed that the mean knowledge score was 6.378 (total score of 13), with a standard deviation of 2.299 (95% CI 6.10-6.65). About 50.18% of the participants had a knowledge score below 6.5. Multiple regression analysis revealed that working experience, female gender, working in an emergency department, and previous training on ADR reporting significantly influenced the knowledge scores. Conclusion The study found that nursing professionals had limited awareness about ADR reporting, even though they worked at an Institute of National Importance. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that there is a need for improved education and training on ADR reporting and to address barriers to reporting, such as a lack of awareness about reporting procedures, and alleviate the fear of legal consequences.

Insight into Patterns of Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of Patient attending a Newly Started Psychiatry Outpatient in an Institute of National Importance from North India: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background: Psychiatric disorders constitute a global public health concern. Despite advancements in mental health care, significant disparities persist in the accessibility and quality of services provided, particularly in under-resourced areas. There is no data on mental health from the Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh. This study reports the initial trends in patient profiles in a newly established psychiatry outpatient department.Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients attending a newly started mental health establishment in an Institute of National Importance.Methodology: This retrospective study analyzed case records of psychiatric patients who attended the psychiatry outpatient department from October 2020 to October 2022. Data regarding the sociodemographic profile and clinical profile was obtained. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as appropriate.Results: A total of 5650 patients visited the outpatient department during the study period. The mean age of the patients attending was 37.38 years, with the majority of the patients being males (55.3%), Hindus (93.7%) and married (71.7%). The trends showed that there was rise in patients attending the centers during April and September. The most common diagnosis belonged to the group of F40, neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorder (43.8%) disorders as per ICD 10 classification.Conclusion: The profile of the presenting age of various disorders were in sync with the existing literature. A trend of increase in census could be seen during April and September. This study will be helpful in anticipating and planning the initiation of mental health services at a tertiary level

Compliance With Higher Education-Related Tobacco Control Law Provisions by Institutions of National Importance in India.

Introduction India formulated an anti-tobacco and anti-smoking law in 2003 in response to its resolutions in the United Nations' bodies. This law has been detailed subsequently to make it focussed on educational institutions, which are supposed to perform on-ground action in a decentralized manner. The first step is to put up signboards prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products within 100 yards, the second is prohibiting smoking within the campus, and the third is implementing the law related to collecting fines from the offenders as well as the presence of vendors within 100 yards.Additional information on awareness activities was also sought. The focus of this paper is on India's premier educational institutions called the "Institutions of National Importance" by the Indian legislature. These are India's premier public institutions which have the maximum focus of the Indian government by making them of high quality, and non-compliance with the tobacco control law in these institutions should be taken seriously. Methods The paper checked for compliance with the Indian Tobacco Control Law in 79 of these Institutions of National Importance. The requirement for information to be collected from institutions was first derived from the legal act and the rules. Then, the Right to Information Act of 2005, India's transparency law, was used to file applications for information, and certified information from the institutions was collected and reported. Results Only 39.2% of the institutions had the requisite boards prohibiting sales within 100 yards of the institutions. The requirement of having boards prohibiting smoking fared a little better at 73.4% of institutions complying but was not universal. A total of 43% of institutions denied the information pertaining to the collection of fines, either by not providing a requisite reply or stating that this was not part of the record. The information regarding the presence of vendors was not universally supplied with 65.8% of institutions stating the same to not in record or not within the purview. With respect to the awareness activities though, 72.2% of the institutions stated to have some awareness activity for tobacco control and cessation. Conclusion The results show an overall weak compliance with the law. India's health regulators and educational watchdogs must implement anti-smoking and anti-tobacco laws strictly in Indian educational institutions as this is where young people are found. Something as simple as the installation of signboards by educational institutions cannot be overlooked by them. The law must become stricter with deterrence. This must be most intense in the Institutions of National Importance which form the premier institutions in India and become the role model for other institutions in India.

Organising free health camp: insight into the approach of public and private sectors hospitals

Background: World Health Organization in the year 2019, World Health Day has focused on Universal Health Coverage, with the theme Health for all - everyone, everywhere. It is essential to provide basic primary care to every stratum of society. This article discussed organizing a mega health camp by an institute of national importance in eastern India and the insight into the approaches. Methods: Community-based mega health camp organized at the satellite center to address the medical and surgical problems and their effective management. The organizers are interviewed based on structured questionnaires. A few Marketing personnel were interviewed, and a focused group discussion was made for the beneficiaries to understand their feedback. Results: Total number of patients who availed of the consultation is 2485. The maximum number of patients reported to the specialties like Dermatology (487), Neurology (332), General Medicine (273), Orthopaedics (270), Eye (266), Endocrinology (191), Gastroenterology (188), ENT (153). Conclusions: Meticulous planning within a brief span of time, statutory compliance, event awareness, support of opinion leaders, collaborative efforts, and community involvement are some of the crucial factors contributing to the massive success of a camp. A divergent approach towards health camps by public and private sector hospitals is essential.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students in an Institute of National Importance in North India

Background: According to previous studies, self-medication is becoming increasingly common among medical undergraduates. Only a few studies, however, have been undertaken in Northern India. Aims and Objectives: The current study set out to evaluate the undergraduate medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication, as well as to look into any variations in knowledge and attitude (if any) among different subgroups of participants. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based, descriptive study. The individuals (n = 137) were given a pre-validated questionnaire that included open- and closed-ended questions. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 26) was used to conduct the data analysis, and the findings are presented as counts and percentages. Results: The incidence of self-medication was 58.4%, which was very high. The most common reason for this was its usefulness for fever (91.2%). Antipyretics (82.5%), analgesics (63.7%), and antacids (48.7%) were the most regularly utilized drug groups. Seniors, classmates, and family members were the most prevalent sources of information. Common ailments included fever (91.2%), common cold, and cough (55%). Ironically, 41.6% of those surveyed opined that self-medication should be avoided. Conclusion: Self-medication is more widespread among medical undergraduates, suggesting that they are more exposed to drug side effects than the general population. Medical students are supposed to be trained to be made aware of the need to avoid self-medication; hence, action needs to be taken.

Evaluation of Research Data Management (RDM) services in academic libraries of India: A triangulation approach

Research is a planned and scientific method of increasing knowledge that is typically funded by a country's government or funding agencies. Research activity produces valuable data. Research Data Services (RDS) or Research Data Management (RDM) services are considered vital services provided by an academic library and are focused on the management, archiving, processing, and reuse of critical research data. This study evaluates the current status of the adaptation of RDS or RDM services in Indian academic libraries (which includes a total of 186 institutions, including all of India's Central Universities (54) and Institutes of National Importance (132)). A method triangulation approach was used for the data collection, including a literature survey, library website study, online survey, and telephonic interview with LIS professionals from Indian academic libraries. Academic libraries in India are yet to keep up with those in developed countries in adopting RDM services owing to a lack of RDM policy, institutional support, and technological challenges, according to the data. The study also presents suggestions to decision-makers, higher authorities of academic institutions, and the government to develop a strong RDM policy at both the institutional and national levels defining the role and duties of the libraries in RDM.

Yoga and Integrative Healthcare: Lessons from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India.

There is growing evidence and increasing interest for systemic integration of medicine (synergistic and evidence-based combination of different systems along with conventional biomedicine). The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), an Institute of National Importance and a tertiary mental and neurological healthcare hospital situated in Bengaluru, India, has established one such integrative model. The present manuscript traces the history and describes the important steps followed in this integrative approach. The NIMHANS model followed a stage-wise two-step approach: (1) First stage - Starting with Integration of Yoga: The process began more than a decade ago, with integrating yoga into a clinical department (rather than an exclusive research-based approach) of the institute which had relatively high clinical service load (For example, Department of Psychiatry in NIMHANS). Yoga was gradually formalized into academic and clinical activities (outpatient and inpatient services) by appointing a Yoga faculty with a medical background with an MD/PhD in Yoga. The research was primarily directed by the clinical observations of patients receiving yoga therapy. (2) Second stage: Adding an appropriate and compatible discipline from Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) system (Ayurveda in this case): The center for yoga gradually evolved into the Department of Integrative Medicine with the appointment of faculty from the Ayurveda stream. In this model, specialists from each discipline provide clinical inputs after simultaneous consultation with the patient through systemic integration in clinical, academic, and research domains rather than mere co-location of AYUSH services with mainstream medicine. The NIMHANS model of integration suggests the application of yoga into mainstream clinical service as the first step toward integration. Yoga should be added as a formalized clinical discipline with systemic integration. Gradually, other feasible systems of traditional medicine from AYUSH can be integrated at a later stage in a step-by-step manner based on clinical practice and evidence.

Profiles of Indian Authors Among the Top 100,000 Scientists Worldwide on Standardized Citation Metrics

A publicly available database of 100,000 scientists was compiled by Ioannidis et al. (2019a), which provides standardized author citation metrics based on their SCOPUS records. The scientists were classified into 22 scientific fields and 176 subfields, and career-long data were updated by the end of 2018. Among the top 105,000 authors, 644 Indian authors were identified (0.006%). In this study, the profiles of those 644 Indian authors were explored in citation metrics, functional field and affiliation. The overall quality of Indian authors was lower than the global average based on citation metrics. The majority of the 644 Indian authors were affiliated with Institutions of National Importance or Government research bodies. Also, there was high representation of authors from only three scientific fields; Physics, Chemistry and Clinical Medicine. The paper highlighted few key existent trends in the Indian academic space, and also identified areas of improvement for the future. There remains huge scope for improving the quality of Indian research and publication. Meaningful improvements at all levels of the education sector are essential to achieve quality metrics for the future

Immediate autonomic changes during right nostril breathing and left nostril breathing in regular yoga practitioners.

The ancient Indian science of Yoga makes use of voluntary regulation of breathing to make respiration rhythmic and calm the mind. This practice is called pranayama. Nadisuddhi pranayama means "purification of subtle energy paths," inhalation and exhalation are through alternative nostrils for successive respiratory cycles. Surya Anuloma-Viloma pranayama means "heat generating breathing particle" when the respiratory cycle of inhalation and exhalation is completed through the right nostril exclusively. When completed through the left nostril alone, the practice is called "Chandra Anuloma-Viloma pranayama," which means a heat-dissipating or cooling liberating practice. We compared the effect of right nostril breathing (RNA) and left nostril breathing (LNB) pranayama on heart rate variability. The study was conducted at the Department of Physiology at an institute of national importance, after obtaining necessary ethical approvals from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Twenty healthy kriya yogi volunteers (mean age: 44 years), who are regular practitioners for the last 10-20 years, were inducted into the study. RNB pranayama starts with closing the right nostril with the thumb of the left hand followed by exhalation through the right nostril and inhaling slowly through the same nostril. This forms one round of RNB pranayama. In contrast, inhalation through the left nostril and exhalation through the right nostril exclusively is called chandrabhedana pranayama (chandrabhedana means moon-piercing breath in Sanskrit) with a similar variation called Chandra Anuloma-Viloma pranayama in which inhalation, as well as exhalation, is performed through the left nostril exclusively. The recording of electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was taken by heart rate variability (Dinamika HRV-Advanced Heart Rate Variability Test System, Moscow, Russia). The resting and during readings of heart rate variability parameters were compared and post hoc analysis was done using Bonferroni and Holm multiple comparisons for repeated measures. Time domain parameters: Standard deviation of normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive NN interval differences (RMSSD) were increased at a high level of statistical significance during both pranayama maneuvres. Frequency domain parameters: LF, LF/HF ratio increased significantly. Parasympathetic activity is represented by LF when the respiration rate is lower than 7 breaths per min or during taking a deep breath. Thus, when the subject is in a state of relaxation with slow and even breathing in both RNB-right nostril and Chandra-LNB, the LF values can be very high, indicating an increase in parasympathetic activity rather than an increase in sympathetic regulation. Our study is an acute study, where changes in HRV were seen after 5 min of RNB and LNB. However, statistically, there is not much difference in the immediate effects of the two pranayamas on heart rate variability in regular yoga practitioners.

How Much Does It Cost for a Surgical ICU Bed in a Public Hospital in India.

IntroductionActivity-based costing (ABC) is a costing technique that identifies the activities in an organization and assigns the cost to the activities based on the actual resources consumed for each activity. The method was used to ascertain the cost of surgical intensive care unit (SICU) bed in an institute of national importance, such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, from June 2019 to February 2021.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to ascertain the cost of SICU beds per day by the ABC technique. The different elements of cost were analyzed. The cost for selected patients in the SICU unit was calculated by preparing a cost sheet based on the elements of cost and studying the existing charging system.MethodsA total of 38 cases were selected from the departments of General Surgery, Urology, Orthopedics, and Plastic surgery. Based on the ABC technique, the activity map was developed for SICU (cost center), and the time consumed together with resources for each activity was calculated with respect to human resources, consumables, medicines, and overheads. Thus, the total cost incurred by the hospital for SICU beds per day was estimated using the cost sheet analysis.ResultsThe cost was calculated to be Rs. 11,241/- per day (155 USD) against the hospital charge of Rs. 35/- (<0.5 USD) for general patients and Rs. 1000/- for private ward patients. Exchange Conversion Rate used is 1 USD = 72.60 INR (2020–21).ConclusionThe public sector hospitals in India provide health-care services for free and at a subsidized rate; hence, ascertaining the cost incurred by the hospital is necessary for policy decisions.

Bibliometric Investigation on Research Productivity in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur during 2001-2020

The study attempts to initiate a bibliometric investigation on the publication trend of research articles of the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Kharagpur, the first of the IITs in India recognized as an Institute of National Importance and continued to play a vital role in extending quality education as well as pioneering innovative research in science and engineering. As per the data extracted from SCOPUS on 10.03.2021, IIT Kharagpur contributed 32892 research publications out of which 14130 research publications found in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) in the form of journal articles (11919) and conference paper (2211). The study intends to measure and analyze quantitatively the research productivity of IIT Kharagpur in basic subjects of science, i.e. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) on the basis of the research articles indexed in SCOPUS during last 20 years (2001-2020) with annual growth rate of publications, citations, h-index, authorship pattern, degree of collaboration and other relevant issues. The study also focused on top 15 most prolific authors in terms of productivity count as well as top most favoured sources of publication.

Telepsychiatry During the COVID Pandemic: Reflection from India

Introduction: Recent advancements in information technology and access to smartphone have expanded the scope of healthcare delivery services across the globe. Telemedicine is making healthcare affordable and more accessible to the needy in situations like the present pandemic. Although telepsychiatry services were underutilised initially in India due to various barriers, its role in delivering healthcare services, has gained pace since the last few years. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, India introduced telemedicine practice guidelines (March, 2020), and telepsychiatry operational guidelines (May, 2020), to remove barriers and promote equitable access. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic various mental health institutes across India relied heavily upon telepsychiatry services to provide care. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore being an Institute of National Importance has introduced different modules to provide clinical care to the mentally ill. Objectives: In this article, the authors provide an experiential account of various clinical services provided by our institute through telepsychiatry means across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: These clinical service modules have tremendous potential to increase the use of technology in providing quality care to the unreached population, bridging the treatment gap for psychiatric disorders globally and developing countries in particular.

Central Vigilance Commission: A Perspective Based on Historical Indian World View and Statecraft

Central Vigilance Commission is the apex integrity institution of the nation. It was formed by the government on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee by way of a Resolution on 11 February 1964. Over the period, unparalleled services have been rendered by the Commission to the nation in the field of anti-corruption. However, a far more important role played by the Commission is that it has grown from strength to strength, while many other institutions of national importance kept falling apart during this time. Its functioning has instilled a great degree of trust amongst the common public, and needless to say that this trust is the life blood of a democracy. The Commission is however, faced with an uphill task of fighting corruption raising its head in view of a fast-developing economy in a society which is becoming complex day by day. The Commission is an institution which will be looked up to in the decade to come. Its functioning will be closely scrutinised and criticised. Though much has been written and recorded on the Commission, a perspective about the Commission from the angle of historical Indian world view and statecraft is not available. This is a curious gap in the body of knowledge as the Commission’s formation draws a lot from ancient Indian world view and statecraft. The article attempts to bridge this profound gap in the literature relating to the Central Vigilance Commission.

Handling the pandemic our way: A qualitative content analysis of the guidelines issued by Apex Institutes of National Importance (INIs) of India to combat COVID-19 crisis.

Introduction:The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created havoc within a few weeks of its outbreak affecting over 100 countries. The rapid increase in the established cases urged for the prevention and control of COVID-19 belligerently on both national and worldwide fronts to prevent the healthcare systems from collapsing. For the sake of successfully preventing and restricting a fatal pandemic outbreak such as COVID-19, it requires the apex health institutions to have a uniform, urgent, flexible and effective policy response framework ensuring strict adherence too. In this regard, the Apex Institutes of National Importance in India (INIs) have released a series of documents on COVID-19 prevention and management.Methods:Documents regarding COVID-19 preparedness and management were retrieved from the official websites of the INIs in India. The general population and healthcare workers’ guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs) on COVID-19 prevention and management, action and response plans were included in the study. The full text of each document was analysed in detail and themes and subthemes were derived through content analysis.Results:A total of 68 documents was included in the study. Five major themes and 12 subthemes were formulated after content analysis. A major similarity was found across all INIs on screening and testing and infection prevention control measures. The INIs formulated guidelines adhering to the World Health Organization, Indian Council of Medical Research and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Recommendations.Conclusion:Common measures like quarantine, social distancing, travel bans and mass gathering restrictions were adopted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the initial period. The INIs have developed policies and standard operating protocols on COVID-19 management based on the Government of India guidelines. Better understanding of these guidelines will help in effective implementation of the nationwide pandemic management.

Legal Protection, Consolidation and Evaluation of IP in Academic Units

Intellectual property (IP) is one such legal area that has evolved with time. IP is very precious in today's economy, and its existence becomes crucial if the creator of such IP is unaware of the commercial potential. The IP creator might not have the expertise to understand the economic intricacies which an IP possesses hold. To understand these economic intricacies and to value IP, experts have suggested various IP valuation methods. However, for any IP valuation to follow, the first step is IP evaluation. The statutes' legal protection does not have much to offer when determining IPs' economic potential. In this paper, the authors have tried to pull all the relevant data concerning IP protection and IP management (IPM) of two of the Institute of National Importance (INIs) academic units and tried to structure the same in an IPM Audit Model. Thus, the system will help IP creators to self-evaluate their IP once they are legally protected. The authors have adopted an exploratory, case study research methodology. The research's focus is limited to 8 types of IP generated by an academic institution. The study demonstrates an exploration of the IPM audit framework to reduce the complexity involved in IP evaluation, which substantiates the legal protection offered to IPs.

Gender policy of the European Union in Ukraine: new trends and constant challenges

This article is devoted to identifying new trends and constant challenges of the EU's gender policy in Ukraine, which has become especially relevant and even inevitable in the context of the post-pandemic global crisis provoked by the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. The subject of research in the article is the external and internal steps taken by the authorities to implement gender equality in all spheres of life of the Ukrainian people, from the 90s of the last century to the present day. The purpose of this work is to analyze the main stages of the European Union's gender policy in Ukraine and determine the main ways of its implementation at the economic, legal, social, scientific, and educational levels. Objectives: to draw analogies and identify the main differences in the implementation of various mechanisms of gender equality in our state and the EU member states; carry out a detailed analysis of the key gender milestones and concepts embodied in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP); trace the dynamics and main trends of gender ratings in Ukraine based on the Global Gender Gap Report and consider the prospects for overcoming any manifestations of gender inequality in our state with personal recommendations for their elimination. The general scientific methods that were used in this work are as follows: historical – for a clear chronology of certain phenomena of the international arena, which influenced the development of gender policy in Ukraine in a variety of ways; comparative and content analysis – to highlight the main trends in the development of equality between representatives of both sexes and different genders in the EU countries (taken as a model in this case) and in our country, taking into account the peculiarities of the mentality and the so-called "psychological" genotype of each of the selected peoples. The results obtained: the EU gender policy in Ukraine is a component of the social policy of our state and that is why it is still insufficiently supported by a number of leading institutions of national importance. Conclusions: the actualization of the issue of gender equality in our country is explained at the moment by two main factors - an increase in the number of suicides among males as a result of the psychological and economic crisis caused by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant "jump" in such a phenomenon as domestic violence due to the spread of the above-mentioned infection; it is necessary to introduce national educational programs to disseminate academic knowledge regarding gender equality issues among all clusters of Ukrainian society, especially among children, youth and the elderly, who are usually considered to be the most vulnerable categories of the population in any country.

The Implicit Impact on Retail Management Education/Research in India Owing to Favoritism in the Recruitment of Faculty Members at IIMs, IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISc, and NITIE

Among about 993 universities and approximately 50,000 higher education institutions (HIEs) in India, the Government of India (GoI) has identified a few institutes and accorded them Institutes of National Importance (INI) status. The key assumption was that these institutes would set higher quality standards for other HEIs in the country by delivering world-class research output that is capable of contributing to the overall social and economic development of the country by choosing the research areas that demonstrate National level importance. Undoubtedly, Retail Management education/research is one such area. Besides, these institutes would adopt unbiased practices in the process of student’s admission and recruitment of faculty members that would set higher quality standards for other HEIs to follow. It is evident that these institutes have adopted a transparent and unbiased practice in admitting students, but there is no evidence of such practice in the process of recruitment of faculty members. In this study, we have evaluated the research interests of 1,361 faculty members working in the Department of Management Studies of these institutes. Going by the definition of favoritism by Arasli and Tumer (2008), that is, “the provision of special privilege to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, in areas of employment, career and personnel decisions,” the results indicate a significant level of favoritism in the recruitment of faculty members at these institutes and this practice whether or not adopted consciously is implicitly affecting the Retail Management education/research in India negatively.