South Asian Countries Research Articles

Exploring the psychological antecedents of suppliers' sustainability practices: A qualitative investigation in the Indian textile industry

AbstractThe uncertainties associated with modern businesses complicate decision‐making, especially in complex supply chains, such as those of the textile industry, which has its hub in emerging South Asian countries. Using the Indian textile industry as the research setting, this paper explores from a psychological lens how suppliers process uncertainties while adopting sustainability practices. The study uncovers certification agencies, interpersonal trust between suppliers and buyers, and suppliers' size, as key constructs that influence how suppliers perceive and process risks and ambiguities, and in turn how that influences their adoption of sustainability practices. Combining these empirical insights with the stakeholder and relational view theories, we develop a comprehensive framework to model suppliers' sustainability decision‐making in the face of uncertainty. This study uncovers nuances of uncertainty aversion, which provide valuable insights for practitioners while also breaking fertile ground for future academic research to quantify the emergent propositions.

Temporal Mortality Trends Attributable to Stroke in South Asia: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis.

South Asia contributes the most to stroke mortality worldwide. This study aimed to determine the long-term trends in stroke mortality across four South Asian countries and its associations with age, period, and birth cohort. In 2019, nearly one million stroke deaths occurred across South Asia, and the associated age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 80.2 per 100,000. Between 1990 and 2019, India had the largest decrease in the ASMR (-35.8%) across the four South Asian countries. While Pakistan had the smallest decrease in the ASMR (-7.6%), an increase was detected among males aged 15 to 34 years and females aged 15 to 19 years. Despite a 22.8% decrease in the ASMR, Bangladesh had the highest ASMR across the four South Asian countries. Nepal reported a witness increase in the stroke ASMR after 2006. Improved period and cohort effects on stroke mortality were generally indicated across the analyzed countries, except for recent-period effects in males from Nepal and cohort effects from those born after the 1970s in Pakistan. Stroke mortality has decreased in the four South Asian countries over the past 30 years, but potentially unfavorable period and cohort effects have emerged in males in Nepal and both sexes in Pakistan. Governmental and societal efforts are needed to maintain decreasing trends in stroke mortality.

Impact of Account, Transparency, and Accountability Indicators on Economic Growth: Evidence from South Asian Countries

This study examines the intricate relationships between Account, Transparency, and Accountability indicators and GDP growth across a panel of countries, focusing on the Current Account Balance (CAB), Net Capital Account (NCA), Net Financial Account (NFA), CPIA Transparency Rating, and Voice and Accountability (VA). Drawing on economic theory and empirical analysis, we investigate how these variables influence Economic (GDP) growth dynamics. Theoretical underpinnings suggest that positive CAB reflects trade surpluses, contributing positively to GDP through increased economic activity, while NCA inflows stimulate long-term productivity gains. Conversely, negative NFA indicates potential adverse effects on GDP from capital outflows. Empirical findings using fixed effects, random effects, and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) regression reveal significant associations: positive CAB and NCA correlate with higher GDP growth, whereas NFA shows a negative impact. CPIA and VA, while important for governance, do not directly affect GDP growth in this context. This research contributes by providing nuanced insights into the drivers of economic growth, informing policy strategies for sustainable development and institutional enhancement.

Globalization’s effects on South Asia’s carbon emissions, 1996–2019: a multidimensional panel data perspective via FGLS

Researchers and policymakers hold diverse opinions about the impact of globalization on environmental degradation. Over the past three decades, increased economic, social, and political interconnections have fueled this debate. However, prior studies have largely overlooked these facets of globalization concerning environmental implications, particularly carbon emissions in developing countries. We contribute to this discourse by examining how various aspects of globalization (economic, social, and political) and two specific measures, de facto and de jure trade, influenced carbon emissions in four selected South Asian countries from 1996 to 2019. The results obtained through feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) reveal that economic globalization increases carbon emissions while social and political globalization reduces them. These results further confirm that, in South Asia, the pollution haven hypothesis is associated only with economic globalization. In contrast, social and political globalization support the world polity theory, indicating potential for positive change. The results also show that both de facto and de jure measures of disaggregated globalization equally influence carbon emissions, suggesting a significant impact from policy interventions. For future environmental sustainability, the governments of these nations should intensify their efforts to strengthen social and political globalization. Meanwhile, the adverse effects of economic globalization can be mitigated by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and providing financial assistance to businesses to encourage the use of renewable energy and modern technology in production.

Unleashing the potential: a quest to understand and examine the factors enriching research and innovation productivities of South Asian universities

South Asian universities play a crucial role in driving economic development through research and innovation. However, these institutions often face challenges that hinder their productivity in these areas. To address these challenges, this study aims to understand and examine the factors enhancing research and innovation productivity in universities across South Asian countries, specifically Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Using panel data from 2009 to 2021, the study employs the newly developed dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE) approach by Chudik and Pesaran (2015a). The results revealed that the factors found to be enriching research productivity, though the impact is negligible, are patent rights, funding for tertiary education, information technology, and publications. However, tertiary school enrollment is not a significant factor. On the other hand, for innovation productivity, the influencing factors with a negligible impact are patent rights, funding for tertiary education, and information technology. In this case, neither tertiary school enrollment nor publications play a significant role. Furthermore, the research productivity of the universities in South Asian countries is negligibly stimulating the countries’ GDP per capita, while the innovation productivity of the universities is not. Moreover, examining these relations using models such as mean group (MG), pooled mean group (PMG), and augmented mean group (AMG) can produce misleading results due to cross-sectional dependence among the units. Nonetheless, PMG outperformed AMG, followed by MG. Policy recommendations were suggested based on the findings.

Analyzing the Intricate Nexus of Ecological Footprint, Urbanization & Economic Growth in South Asia: A Panel 2SLS Analysis

The depletion of natural resources, environmental degradation, and climate change are critical global concerns. In South Asia, rapid urbanization and economic growth have improved living standards, but they have also exerted significant pressure on the environment. It is crucial to determine interconnectedness and common determinants of these factors to address the environmental challenges effectively and promote sustainable development. This study explores the relationship between environmental degradation, urbanization, and economic growth in five South Asian countries—Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India, over the period 1994 to 2022. To analyze these connections, this study develops indices for infrastructure and governance using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Several tests, including the Im, Pesaran, and Shin test and the Fisher and Pesaran Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test, are applied to ensure the stationarity of the variables. The Variance Inflation Factor is used to check for multicollinearity, and the Wald coefficient restriction test confirms the presence of simultaneity. Findings from the Panel Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression indicate a significant one-way positive relationship between economic growth and ecological footprint, suggesting that economic growth leads to an increased environmental impact. Additionally, urbanization shows a direct positive link to both ecological footprint and economic growth, although the reverse effects are not statistically significant. The study also finds that industrialization and infrastructure development significantly contribute to urbanization and environmental degradation. Infrastructure, however, negatively impacts economic growth, while globalization encourages urbanization and reduces environmental harm. Education is found to have a strong negative relationship with urbanization. The study concludes that achieving environmentally conscious economic growth in South Asia requires focusing on sustainable development goals, investing in green infrastructure, adopting eco-friendly industrial practices, and improving the education system in the region.

Synthetic Colorants in Traditional Sweetmeat (Laddu) available in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Laddus are very popular sweets all over the South Asian countries including Bangladesh. Commercially accessible sweets (Laddus) contain a variety of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 dyes, which are hazardous when consumed in excess. In this study, the amount of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 in twenty-five Yellow-colored Laddus from various sweet shops in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was determined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer at 425 and 482 nm, respectively. Quantification was done using external calibration curves of the standard Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and the calibration curves showed excellent linear correlation co-efficient (R2) of 0.999 and 0.998 for them, respectively. Of the twenty-five samples, eleven had Yellow 5 in the range of 0.915-6.790 mgkg-1, and eight had Yellow 6 in the range of 0.223-4.315 mgkg-1. The rest of the samples did not contain any Yellow 6 as well as Yellow 5. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 72(2): 45-51, 2024 (July)

Tax Audit, Tax Penalty, Religiosity and Tax Compliance

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the impact of tax audit and tax penalty on tax compliance and examine the moderating effect of religiosity on the associations between tax audit and tax penalty with tax compliance in Pakistan. In this study, 400 questionnaires were distributed by using convenience sampling to actual as well as potential taxpayers of Pakistan, after which a total of 247 useable questionnaires were deemed suitable for analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS SEM) was devised using SmartPLS software to validate the measurement model and structural model and the predictive relevance of the study’s model. The findings showed that tax audit and tax penalty were positively associated with the level of tax compliance. They also demonstrated the moderating significant effect of religiosity on the relationship between tax penalty, tax audit and tax compliance. Tax authorities and policymakers in developing majority societies in developing countries and in other South Asian countries, especially in Pakistan may use the results to focus their interest on the formulation of policies founded on the outcomes of the study to strengthen revenue collection. This study extended the deterrence theory in the context of tax compliance by studying tax audit and tax penalty as well as the proposed moderating effect of religiosity in the purview of deterrence theory on tax compliance. The study explored the potential effect of these significant factors of tax compliance among actual as well as potential taxpayers in socio cultural context of Pakistan. Moreover, the suitability for the use of PLS-SEM as a statistical tool in investigating the above-mentioned relationships was also discussed.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARISON BETWEEN LANDED AND VERTICAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LAHORE

Pakistan has experienced substantial housing growth and stands as one of the most urbanised countries in South Asia, yet it grapples with a housing backlog exceeding 10 million units. The affordability challenges in Lahore are particularly acute. In the realm of affordable housing, there is a preference for vertical living over landed homes. However, no prior research has systematically examined the price correlation between apartment living and landed housing, along with the impact of policies in the context of neoliberal ideology within Pakistan. Neoliberalism, emphasising the superiority of the market over the state has been a dominant force influencing affordable housing strategies. With this backdrop of affordability and neoliberalism, this paper aims to examine the performance difference between landed and vertical housing development. This paper aims to draw an affordability comparison between landed and vertical housing development using a document review and market survey. The study used a qualitative approach employing a case study design. For the data collection, interpretative discourse analysis for public documents was performed, and field surveys for pricing evaluation were conducted in Lahore. The analysis revealed that apartments by the private sector are not affordable for low-income people, often characterised by larger sizes and lacking specific quotas for low-income residents. The study recommends a comprehensive review of building regulations, particularly focusing on specific provisions (quota) targeting low-income people in housing development.

An examination of the relationship between risk perceptions, cultural-religious beliefs and coping during COVID-19 pandemic control in South Asian countries: a systematic review

BackgroundCovid 19 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its rapid spread and catastrophic effects on health. It affected around 119 M people with mortality rate of 0.27% worldwide, including South-Asians. This review aims to understand the risk perceptions, cultural religious beliefs and the coping mechanisms of South Asians during the Covid 19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following search engines were used: Medline, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Included studies investigated perceptions and opinions of individuals on knowledge, risk and protective factors, native faith based practices, and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe database search produced 282 articles to screen. The final narrative synthesis included five studies comprising of 13,476 participants from Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Ten studies, comprising 7,893 participants, were eligible and included for meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence with maximum heterogeneity for correct knowledge of symptoms, hand washing or use of sanitizers, face masking use of herbal or traditional remedies and physical distancing or avoidance of contact was reported through meta-analysis.ConclusionThe review brings forth a useful comparison of individual and cultural differences in KAP, risk perceptions and coping strategies. This review highlights the need for and importance of tailored information dissemination, culturally sensitive risk communication, targeted educational interventions, community engagement and empowerment, policy, and infrastructure improvements, as well as continued research and data collection. By addressing these implications, efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 can be more effective and equitable across diverse populations.Prospero registrationCRD42021246475.

Do Remittances Have Asymmetric Impacts on Human Development? Panel Evidence from South Asia

Globally, the remittances have increased significantly recently, most of which have gone to developing countries. In light of recent evidence of the role of remittances in economic development, it is pertinent to investigate how human development responds to remittances. Based on human capital and investment decision theory, the present study investigates the short and long-run asymmetric impacts on human development for six South Asian countries from 1990 to 2021 using the panel asymmetric autoregressive distributive lag model (PNARDL). A robustness check has been done using the dynamic common correlated effect pooled mean group effect model (CCEPMG). The direction of causality is examined using a panel dynamic heterogenous model. The result of this study indicates that remittances have a significant short and long-run asymmetric impact supporting the human capital and investment decision theory. Results suggest positive shocks promote human development while negative shocks have the opposite effect. Causality results suggest a two-way relationship supporting remittance-led human capital development in South Asia. In line with the above findings, the study recommends encouraging higher remittances and integrating development policies with migration policies to promote education, health, and human development.

Prevalence of low vitamin D status in an urban district in Sri Lanka: a population-based study

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency (VDD) is conventionally associated with inadequate sunlight exposure. Ironically, recent evidence suggests a rising prevalence in urban areas of tropical regions like Sri Lanka, where comprehensive data are unavailable. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of low vitamin D status in urban adults and its impact on serum calcium.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1260 adults aged 35–74 years, living in Colombo, the most urban district in Sri Lanka. They were recruited from 63 administrative divisions, using multi-stage, probability-proportionate-to-size, cluster sampling. Non-fasting venous blood was collected without tourniquet. Low vitamin D (< 30.0 ng/mL), VDD (< 20 ng/mL) and vitamin D insufficiency (20.0–29.9 ng/mL) were determined using chemiluminescence assay method, and serum calcium using Calcium Gen2 reagent.ResultsAmong the population (53.3% females; mean age = 51.8 years), the prevalence of low vitamin D was 93.9% (95% CI: 92.5–95.2). This was primarily due to VDD (67.5%; 95% CI: 64.9.0–70.1%), with some insufficiency (26.4%; 95% CI: 24.0–28.9%). Most VDD cases (53.9.0%) were 'mild' (10.0- < 20.0 ng/mL) in severity, with fewer 'moderate' (12.8%) and 'severe' (0.8%) cases. Prevalence of VDD was highest in females, aged 35–44-years, living in 'highly urban' areas and of Tamil ethnicity. Further, VDD showed a decreasing trend with older age groups, while it was significantly more prevalent in females than males (72.6% vs. 61.7%; p < 0.01), across all age groups. Low serum calcium levels were observed in 9.8% of adults with low vitamin D, compared to 22.4% with normal vitamin D, implying that there could be factors other than vitamin D in maintaining serum calcium levels.ConclusionsColombo District, representing urban settings in Sri Lanka faces a high prevalence of low vitamin D, primarily VDD, with higher rates in females, younger individuals and highly urban areas. These findings challenge assumptions about tropical regions being guaranteed of optimal vitamin D levels; and underscore the need for national vitamin D supplementation and food fortification programs, especially in high-risk urban settings in South Asian countries like Sri Lanka.

First report of Morchella galilaea, an autumn species from Pakistan, based on multilocus DNA sequences, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses.

Morchella is highly prized for its distinct and delicious taste, making it one of the most sought-after and valuable macrofungi. Despite Pakistan exporting morels to various European countries, Morchella's diversity in this South Asian country has not been cataloged using multilocus DNA sequence data. Realizing the need for their scientific identity, various collections were commissioned, including those from the low and high altitudinal zones of the Charsadda, Swat, and Poonch districts of Pakistan during autumn of 2015 through 2019. Specimens were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and portions of the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1), second largest subunit (RPB2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) loci. Multigene molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed the autumnal collections were Morchella galilaea Masaphy & Clowez. The species was previously documented in the United States, China, Israel, and Turkey. A detailed taxonomic description, light and scanning electron microscopy, and multigene molecular phylogenetic analyses of the species are reported here for the first time from Pakistan. The study underscores the necessity for further surveys of unexplored areas of Pakistan and systematics of Morchella to augment species diversity and their geographic distribution. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Specimens of Morchella were collected from low and high altitudinal zones in Pakistan during the autumn. Specimens were assessed using multigene (ITS, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1) molecular phylogenetic analyses for the first time in Pakistan. The specimens were identified as Morchella galilaea based on multigene molecular phylogenetic analysis. Updated taxonomic descriptions of macro- and microanatomical characters were provided for clarity and precision. Hitherto-unreported shapes of paraphyses and acroparaphyses are observed and thoroughly reported. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of an ascospore is provided.

Twenty-five years of Nipah outbreaks in Southeast Asia: A persistent threat to global health

ObjectivesNipah virus (NiV), a bat-borne zoonotic pathogen, poses persistent threats to global public health due to severe clinical manifestation and high case fatality rate (CFR). A critical examination of NiV outbreaks is essential for refining strategies and mitigating the impact of future infections. In this study, we provide a concise update on global NiV outbreaks that occurred during the past 25 years. MethodsIn this geospatial study, we conducted an in-depth examination of the epidemiological characteristics of human NiV cases and deaths from 1998 to 2024 through multiple analyses of public data and official reports. ResultsNiV emerged in 1998 in Malaysia during an outbreak among pig farmers. Since then, NiV outbreaks have been documented in five countries of South and Southeast Asia (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore). As of May 2024, there have been 754 confirmed human NiV cases with 435 deaths (CFR: 58%) reported in these five countries. Bangladesh records the highest incidence (341 cases and 241 deaths; CFR: 71%) followed by Malaysia (283 cases and 109 deaths; CFR: 39%), India (102 cases and 74 deaths; CFR: 73%), the Philippines (17 cases and nine deaths; CFR: 53%), and Singapore (11 cases and one death; CFR: 9%). ConclusionsThe clinical outcomes of NiV have been underscoring constant global public health threats as no effective therapies and vaccines are available. Strong global understandings, with an eye on developing vaccines and therapeutics, are required to minimize clinical outcomes and future threats of NiV.

Role of China’s Outward Direct Investment and Outward Lending on Economic Growth of South Asia Countries

This work analyses whether China’s lending and outward direct investment impact the economic growth of South Asian countries. This study used panel data for the years 2004 to 2019 of selected South Asian countries. For empirical estimation, it employed Pooled Ordinary Least Square for baseline regression estimates and to control for possible endogeneity it used fully FOLS, DOLS, 2SLS, and GMM for robustness checking. Furthermore, it also employed Quantile regression for the validity of the results. The empirical estimates report that Chinese lending and FDI have a positive and significant influence on the growth performance of South Asia countries. In addition, the marginal contribution of bilateral trade to South Asian country’s economic growth is nonlinear. Finally, there exists a bidirectional causality between lending and economic growth and a unidirectional causality between GDP and ODI.

Lifestyle Differences in the Metabolic Comorbidity Score of Adult Population From South Asian Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundMetabolic comorbidities are involved in the development and progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There is convincing evidence that lifestyles are important contributors to metabolic comorbidities. This study measured the metabolic comorbidity score of South Asian adults, and identified its relationship with lifestyles. MethodsWe studied five South Asian countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, using WHO's Stepwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance data between 2014 and 2019. This was a nationally representative and cross-sectional survey on participants aged 15-69 years old. The sample size was 27,616. The outcome was metabolic comorbidity score, calculated based on total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, and abdominal obesity. Total metabolic comorbidity score of each participant varied between 0-8. It was then divided into three ranges – the lowest range (total metabolic comorbidity score <3), medium range (total metabolic comorbidity score ≥3 & ≤5), and the highest range (total metabolic comorbidity score ≥6). Based on the outcome of non-parametric receiver operating characteristics analysis, the medium and the highest range together was considered as higher metabolic comorbidity score. The lowest range was considered as lower metabolic comorbidity score. The higher metabolic comorbidity score was coded as “1”and the lower metabolic comorbidity score was coded as “0”. Thus, the outcome variable, metabolic comorbidity score, became a binary variable. Exposures included physical inactivity (<150 minutes of MVPS /week), high daily sedentary time (≥ 9 hours/day), use of tobacco (present or past smoking or daily use of smokeless tobacco products), and consumption of alcohol (at least once/month in the last one year). Binomial logistic regression model produced the odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsThe prevalence of higher metabolic comorbidity score was 34% among South Asian adults, 25% among the male respondents and 41% among the female respondents. Participants who were physically inactive (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.36), had high sedentary time (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11-1.33), and consumed alcohol (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.23-1.53) showed higher metabolic comorbidity score compared with the participants who were physically active, had low sedentary time and did not consume alcohol respectively. However, we found an inverse association (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.71-0.81) between the use of tobacco and metabolic comorbidity score. ConclusionsOne third of South Asian adults had higher metabolic comorbidity score. Physical inactivity, daily sedentary hours and minimal alcohol consumption was associated with higher metabolic comorbidity score.

Delivering Integrated Care for Older People – A Feasibility Study on Online Training of Master Trainers

Abstract Introduction: The World Health Organization has advocated the training of healthcare workers in providing integrated care for older people (ICOPE). Due to physical and financial barriers, training through online mode was adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the online ICOPE training programme. Subjects and Methods: It was an observational study and 102 doctors from seven South Asian countries were imparted ICOPE training online. Knowledge was tested through multiple-choice questions. Feedback was taken through a structured online questionnaire after each session and after 1 year. Results: About 88.4% found the session satisfactory to excellent for grasping the concept. Seventy-nine per cent of participants rated the session interaction to be satisfactory to excellent. About 91.8% of participants rated the utility of the session as satisfactory to excellent as a future master trainer. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge post-training (mean difference of 3.6 ± 2.8; P &lt; 0.001). Post 1-year responses remained positive with 91.3% using the course materials and skills, and 82.6% providing further training to other doctors. Conclusions: The online training programme is feasible and effective in imparting ICOPE training.

Prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in mother–newborn dyads in low-income and middle-income south Asian and African countries: a prospective, observational study

Rectovaginal group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation in pregnant individuals at the time of labour is a major risk factor for invasive GBS disease by age 7days (early-onset disease). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of rectovaginal GBS colonisation at the time of labour among pregnant women and vertical transmission to their newborns across selected low-income and middle-income African and south Asian countries. This prospective, observational study was undertaken at 11maternity and obstetric care facilities based in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan. HIV-negative pregnant women aged 18-45years who were in the early stages of labour and at least 37weeks' gestation were eligible for inclusion. Lower vaginal and rectal swabs and urine were collected from the women, and swabs of the umbilicus, outer ear, axillary fold, rectum, and throat were obtained from their newborns, for GBS culture. Standardised sampling and culture using direct plating and selective media broth for detection of GBS colonisation was undertaken at the sites. Serotyping of GBS isolates was done in South Africa. The primary outcome was the prevalence of rectovaginal GBS among pregnant women, analysed in participants with available data. This study is registered with the South African National Clinical Trials Register, number DOH-27-0418-4989. 6922pregnant women were enrolled from Jan 10, 2016, to Dec 11, 2018, of whom 6514 (94·1%; 759-892per country) were included in the analysis; data from Bhutan were not included in the study due to issues with specimen collection and processing. Overall, the prevalence of maternal GBS colonisation was 24·1% (95% CI 23·1-25·2; 1572of 6514); it was highest in Mali (41·1% [37·7-44·6]; 314of 764) and lowest in Ethiopia (11·6% [9·5-14·1]; 88of 759). Theoverall rate of vertical transmission of GBS from women with rectovaginal GBS colonisation was 72·3% (70·0-74·4; 1132of 1566); it was highest in Mozambique (79·2% [73·3-84·2]; 168of 212) and lowest in Bangladesh (55·8%, 47·5-63·8; 77of 138). The five most common GBS colonising serotypes were Ia (37·3% [34·9-39·7]; 586of 1572), V(28·5% [26·3-30·8]; 448of 1572), III (25·1% [23·0-27·3]; 394of 1572), II (9·2% [7·8-10·7]; 144of 1572), and Ib(6·5% [5·4-7·8]; 102of 1572). There was geographical variability in serotype proportion distribution; serotype VIIwas the third most common serotype in India (8·6% [5·3-13·7]; 15of 174) and serotype VI was mainly identified in Bangladesh (5·8% [3·0-11·0]; eight of 138) and India (5·7% [3·2-10·3]; ten of 174). Our study reported a high prevalence of GBS colonisation in most settings, with some geographical variability even within African countries. Our findings suggest that serotypes not included in current multivalent capsular-polysaccharide GBS vaccines prevail in some regions, so vaccine efficacy and post-licensure effectiveness studies should assess the effect of vaccination on maternal GBS colonisation given the potential for replacement by non-vaccine serotypes. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Fostering innovation through governance systems: empirical insights from South Asian countries

Purpose Innovation is necessary to ensure consistent economic growth and to meet the global competition. In view of this, the purpose of this study to check the effect of governance quality as a tool for fostering innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis was arranged on 20 year’s (2000–2019) data from South Asian economies. Subject to the existence of cointegration, the authors use the fully modified ordinary least square model for regression analysis and check the robustness through robust least square model. Findings The empirical findings infer that all dimensions of governance have a positive significant impact on both research and development expenditures and trademark applications jointly known as innovation performance. In addition, the empirical analysis discloses the positive effect of all control variables, including FDI inflow, banking sector development, economic growth, ease of doing business index and government subsidies on innovation activities. The analysis confirms the “grease the wheel” role of governance in fostering innovation. Practical implications It is apparently recommended to strengthen the exercise of better governance to harvest better innovation scores. Originality/value This study advocates the positive role of individual dimensions of governance recommended by existing literature and complements the literature by jointly exploring the impact of all governance dimensions on overall innovation performance.

Epidemiology of eye diseases in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is densely populated country in South Asia, faces significant challenges in eye health due to various socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare access factors. Limited access to quality eye care services, poor hygiene practices, prevalence of infectious diseases, and a high burden of non-communicable diseases contribute to the prevalence of eye disorders in the region. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with various eye diseases among the population of Bangladesh. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to gather data on the epidemiology of eye diseases in Bangladesh. Published studies, national surveys, and reports from relevant health organizations were reviewed to compile data on the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors of common eye conditions, including cataracts, refractive errors, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. The prevalence of eye diseases in Bangladesh is relatively high, with conditions such as refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal diseases being major concerns. Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, affect a substantial portion of the population, particularly among children and young adults. Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, also pose a significant burden in Bangladesh, with prevalence increasing with age. While the prevalence of glaucoma in Bangladesh is lower compared to some other countries, the condition remains a cause of concern due to its impact on quality of life and the healthcare system. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes mellitus, affects the retina and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness globally in the elderly. In Bangladesh, the rising prevalence of diabetes, fueled by changing lifestyles and an aging population, has contributed to an increasing burden of diabetic retinopathy. Conjunctivitis is prevalent, particularly in densely populated urban areas and rural communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and the community are essential to effectively address the burden of eye diseases in Bangladesh. By implementing preventive measures and improving access to quality eye care services, it is possible to mitigate the impact of these eye diseases and improve visual health outcomes for the population.