Special Reference Research Articles

The Causes, Consequences, and Challenges of Development-Induced Displacement with Special Reference to West Bengal, India

The Causes, Consequences, and Challenges of Development-Induced Displacement with Special Reference to West Bengal, India

Assessing the Evolution and Efficiency of E-Banking Services in India: A Comprehensive Investigation with Special reference of NCR

Assessing the Evolution and Efficiency of E-Banking Services in India: A Comprehensive Investigation with Special reference of NCR

Characteristics of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Sumadija District in 2020

Abstract The number of hospitalized COVID patients varies in accordance with the waves of the pandemic. The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and predictors of in-hospital died with special reference to the importance of comorbidity. A retrospective cohort study that included all COVID patients hospitalized at the Clinical Center Kragujevac in 2020. The data contained in the Hospitalization Report are described, and the predictors of hospital mortality are defined by binary logistic regression. 1336 COVID patients were hospitalized. The average age of the hospitalized patients was 58.1 ± 16.5 years, 2/3 of them were males. The largest number of hospitalized patients live in Kragujevac - 62.8%. During hospitalization, 19.4% (n = 206) of patients died, who were on average 13 years older (t = 14.13, df = 504.3, p <0.01), and stayed in the hospital 2 days shorter (Z = -5.36, p <0.01) when compared to discharged patients. 86.5% (n = 1155) of hospitalized patients had comorbidities, most often hypertension and other heart diseases, diabetes mellitus and renal failure. Statistically significant predictors of the lethal outcome of hospitalization were patients’ age (OR = 0.94 95% CI = 0.93-0.95), residence (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75-0.95), length of hospitalization (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.04-1.09) and the presence of comorbidity as the strongest predictor (OR = 5.31, 95% CI = 2.37-11.89). COVID Patients with comorbidities require special attention because comorbidities affect the outcome of hospitalization.

Safety evaluation of some retailed chicken meat products with special reference to their antibiotic residue in Egypt

Safety evaluation of some retailed chicken meat products with special reference to their antibiotic residue in Egypt

Executing marketing through a gender lens: a consumer purchase decision-making study in an emerging economy

PurposeWith rapidly changing marketing landscape, nowadays, the formulation of various marketing strategies is increasingly focused on how consumers tend to make decisions. To meet the highly demanding consumer expectations, market segmentation can be used as an important marketing strategy. Due to gender marketing concept familiarity in the contemporary world, gender difference is one of the reference features in the process of market segmentation for marketers. This research is aimed to examine various determining factors that foster consumer purchase decision-making and the differences between consumers of different genders while making shopping and purchase decisions with special reference to an emerging economy, i.e. Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachBased on a cross-sectional sample of 367 consumers, the study adapted Sproles and Kendall's (1986) Consumer Style Inventory (CSI) to scrutinize the decision-making of both genders in Pakistan. For data analysis, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in addition to the structural equation modeling has been used.FindingsThe study emphasized that, with the exception of quality awareness, brand consciousness, fashion consciousness, option overload and price consciousness greatly affect buying decisions. In addition, when it comes to consumer purchase decision-making, significant gender variations were discovered for both fashion consciousness and price consciousness.Originality/valueDrawing upon the distinctive cultural characteristics of Pakistan and its people, in-depth research was conducted on purchasing behaviors of Pakistani consumers and the decision-making characteristics of customers of different genders were summarized. The outcomes are expected to make a significant contribution to the field of gender marketing by organizations.

Clinicopathological study of pigmented fungal lesions with special reference to subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis: A 3-year study in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Background: Fungal infections are predominantly opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and in immunocompetent adults with a history of trauma. Recently, there is an increase in trends of fungal infections in immunocompetent individuals also without any history of trauma. Pigmented fungi are a group of fungi that have pigment in their cell wall and also known as dematiaceous fungi. These pigmented fungi include phaeohyphomycosis with a differential diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis, cryptococcosis, mycetoma, and aspergillus. Phaeohyphomycosis is a subcutaneous or systemic infection characterized histologically by dark-colored fungal hyphae and yeast forms (black yeast). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to analyze the clinicopathological features of pigmented fungal infections in biopsy specimen based on their histomorphology. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study in which we have analyzed the dematiaceous fungal species by their histomorphological characteristics in biopsy specimens. Results: A total of 21 cases of biopsy specimens (with the clinical presentation of cutaneous/subcutaneous lesions) were studied histologically which showed 13 cases of phaeohyp homycosis, seven cases of eumycotic mycetoma, and one case of chromoblastomycosis. There was male predominance (17, 80.95%) and the majority of the patients were >60 years (16, 76.19%). Most common site of infection was foot with predominant clinical presentation as subcutaneous mass lesion. Conclusion: All the cases of dematiaceous fungal infections were diagnosed by histopathological examination. Melanin in the cell wall of dematiaceous fungi is the pathogenic factor. Phaeohyphomycosis is no longer considered as a rare infection rather there is an increasingly incidence of recognized infection. Although culture and histopathological study remain important tools for final diagnosis, various molecular studies might be helpful for accurate diagnosis.

Macro-microscopic and phytochemical studies of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) with special reference to quality assurance profiles

Abstract Background: Papaya (Carica papaya L., Caricaceae family) is a very popular plant in India (second largest papaya-producing country). The case fatality of severe dengue in Asian countries is around 0.5%–3.5%. The manifestations of this disease is wide, ranging from asymptomatic or mild infection through varying degrees of thrombocytopenia and vascular leakage i.e. typical dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) to severe shock syndrome and multi-organ failure. In Ayurveda, it was claimed that traditionally, fresh tender papaya leaves and matured seeds were being used in DHF to prevent dengue shock syndrome, particularly in thrombocytopenia cases due to any cause of the platelet count. In the present study the authors aimed to develop quality assurance profiles to standardize naturally available fresh leaves and matured seed of papaya for human use. Methods: The fresh, healthy leaves and mature seeds of ripe fruit of the C. papaya plantwere collected from local surroundings for the purpose of the study. The pharmacognostical (viz. Macroscopy, organoleptic study, transverse section and powder drug analysis) and chemical standards were developed using sophisticated analytical techniques viz. phytochemical or high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and physicochemical study. The pharmacognostic parameters and chemical profiling have provided valuable information as the quality standard and tool of identification of mentioned plant parts. Results: Macroscopically the leaf is glabrous having milky latex, without any hair on surface, the seed is mucilaginous with warty surface. Microscopically presence of collateral closed type vascular bundles, anomocytic stomata and both prismatic and cluster crystals in leaf and highly lignified characteristic mesotesta in seed arranged in double plane. The leaves contains carpain, pseudocarpain and dehydrocarpain I & II etc. and seeds contain fatty acids, crude proteins, crude fibre, papaya oil etc. Conclusion: The pharmacognostical study and phytochemical HPTLC study of mentioned plant parts revealed specific histological and chemical characteristics of the plants for proper identification and authentication.

BANKING SUSTAINABILITY IN INDONESIA

Background: As part of the nations economic drive, the public bank company is committed to supporting environmentally sound economic development. The intermediation function in the banking industry is in a unique position in sustainable development. Methods: The study uses explanatory methods. The samples are sustainability and financial report of pubic banking sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2018-2022. This study proves that sustainability reports disclosure a positive response in implementing sustainable banking issues under the guidance of Bank Indonesia as the central bank. Result: The result studies are expected to reveal banking and policy making regarding the concept of sustainable banking on sustainable development in Indonesia. This study shows that stakeholder, legitimacy, and signaling theories can produce strategic design for sustainable development objectives for public banking companies. Conclusion: Therefore, investor can look at the company’s sustainability report disclosures to predict the company’s value. Originality/Value: The novelty of this research is the current policies and implementation status of sustainability in the banking industry of Indonesia with special reference to Financial Inclusion (FI), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Green Banking (GB).

Cultural religion and infertility in South Africa with particular focus on amaXhosa

The challenge of women’s infertility in the South African context, particularly in rural communities, continues to be a plague because of cultural and religious systems that are interwoven in these communities. The amaXhosa ethnic group is no exception to this challenge given that it is profoundly rooted in its ethnological and religious belief systems. Nevertheless, the fair popularity of this conundrum does not denote that it is not a problem that compromises people’s welfare with major adversarial effects on women. Therefore, this article aims to conduct a scoping literature review to reflect on and explore the cultural and religious implications as well as intricacies of infertility among the amaXhosa ethnic group. The principal findings and discussions indicate that amaXhosa, specifically those that are deemed a couple, are compelled to bear children because of cultural and religious expectations that are further linked to societal expectations. On account of this, the principal arguments herein indicate the necessity to contest and examine how African religious systems, in the context of amaXhosa, configure the overall existence of many individuals, with special reference to issues of infertility.Contribution: The scholarly significance of this article lies in the stimulation of ethnological and religious dialogues that pursue to serve as agents of social transformation in the South African context. In addition to this, the emphasis is on the existing gap that points out that some of the injustices that exist in today’s society are profoundly rooted in African culture and its religious facets.

Impact of Digitalization on Employment Pattern in India

Digital enablement has proved to be a game changer all over the world. Earlier the concept of Information and Communication technologies (ICT) was confined mainly to services sector in India, however, with the initiation of Digital India programme in 2015, digitalization has entered in all the walks of human life. Studies round the world depict that digitalization has positive impact on economic growth of a nation by driving entrepreneurial innovation and productivity. Though it has impacted various economic parameters, but the present study will try to analyze its impact on employment in India, with special reference to restructuring of employment and changes in job composition in the aftermath of digitalization. On one hand, it leads to creation of new skilled jobs and on the other hand, it also leads to replacement of routine work and other cyber security risks. Thus, an attempt is made to evaluate the change from the perspective of labor markets and ability of people to adapt to the changing employment pattern in the country and responsibility of education sector to reform according to the changes in required skill sets demanded by the industry. Introduction of digital skill set in higher education curriculum can help in enhancing efficiency and flexibility in labor markets and bridging the digital skill gap in India. The study shows that digitalization has the potential to reduce gender gap in employment and also provide vocational training opportunities to youth which can help in harnessing the benefits of demographic dividend. The Government should aim at reducing digital divide by improving accessibility to internet in both urban and rural areas.

Food web structures of irrigated rice fields estimated from carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes: Special reference to the role of filamentous green algae as a food resource of aquatic consumers

AbstractRice fields are characterized by high algal production and dense mats of filamentous green algae, and they function as habitats for various aquatic organisms. However, how algal production supports the secondary production of aquatic consumers in rice fields has not been assessed. Herein, aquatic food web structures in two adjacent rice fields in northeastern Japan were examined using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses. Filamentous algae often showed higher δ13C values (mean, −23.1‰ to −21.4‰) than other organic matter sources, including particulate organic matter, benthic microalgae, and soil organic matter (−30.1‰ to −25.4‰). A δ13C‐based isotopic mixing model estimated that among 19 taxa of herbivores and omnivores, most taxa depended on filamentous algae‐derived carbon (ca. >30%). Particularly, Peltodytes intermedius larvae, a specialist feeder for filamentous algae, showed the highest reliance (mean, 66.7%–80.0%). The microcrustacean, Ostracoda sp. also utilized a diet consisting of a substantial proportion of filamentous algae‐derived carbon (57.6%). Seven out of 10 carnivorous taxa showed reliance on filamentous algae‐derived carbon by >30%. Particularly, larvae of beetles (Berosus sp., Enochrus sp., and Hydrochara affinis) showed the highest reliance (40.2%–44.3%). They could assimilate filamentous algae‐based carbon by consuming herbivores, such as P. intermedius. Because fresh filamentous green algae were eaten less by aquatic consumers, the herbivores could consume decomposed filamentous algae rather than fresh ones. Our results suggest that filamentous algae are one of the major organic matter sources supporting secondary production in rice field food webs.

A CLINICAL STUDY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GARBHASHAYA GRANTHI WITH SARJADI LEPA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FIBROID UTERUS

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common gynaecological disorder, and as such, it should not be surprising that, over the countries. It is also a well-known fact that fibroid is one of the lifestyle disorders that have risen to numbers that never existed before. Uterine fibroid, considered as Garbhashaya Granthi in this study, is one of the forms of current lifestyle disorder. When the fibroid size is small, it may or may not show symptoms. In the presence of symptoms, the patient may suffer from menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, anaemia, etc. Fibroid is dependent on oestrogen, and therefore, a hyperestrogenic state will be there. It will grow potentially in the childbearing period. An attempt is made to reverse this pathogenesis and reduce the fibroid growth. Aim: To analyse the efficacy of Sarjadi lepa along with oral Chitraka moola churna in the management of Garbhashaya Granthi with special reference to fibroid uterus. Method: A randomised open-labelled controlled clinical study of two groups of 15 patients, the control and trial groups, in each group. Results: Size of fibroid reduction was seen in both the groups, but Group B patients had a little more size reduction compared to Group A. Conclusion: Combined Chitraka moola churna orally along with Sarjadi lepa and alone Chitraka moola churna orally is equally effective in Garbhashaya Granthi with special reference to fibroid uterus.

Public Relations New Trends on Disaster Management: Special Reference of Bihar

India has been historically prone to natural disasters on account of its distinctive geo-climatic conditions. Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides are perennial phenomena. The vulnerability in India is a lot compared to developed countries. this can be leading to vast losses in terms of human, financial, environmental and resource. At the worldwide level, there has been appreciable concern over natural disasters. when the state super cyclone and also the Bhuj earthquake, we tend to complete the necessity to adopt a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach and incorporate risk reduction within the development plans and methods. The new approach of the Government of India takes from the conviction that development cannot be done properly unless disaster mitigation is constructed into the event method. Disaster Management occupies a crucial place in this country's policy framework. This paper is to spotlight the disaster profile of Bihar and Disaster Management in Bihar.

A Review of Classroom Assessment Practices with Special Reference to National Professional Standards for Teachers in Peshawar (Pakistan)

The problem under study was to review classroom assessment practices with special reference to national professional standards for teachers in Peshawar (Pakistan). This study will help to find gap assessments and provide useful information and guidelines for improvement. The population of the study comprised all boys' secondary school teachers working in the district of Peshawar. A sample of 392 (secondary school teachers, 148 from urban & 244 from rural) was selected through random sampling with the help of the Raosoft sampling calculator. The main objectives of the study were to determine the secondary school teachers' understanding of the national professional standards for teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To find out the secondary school teachers' classroom assessment practices in the light of national professional standards for teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A self-made questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, having a five point Likert scale by descriptive analysis and inferential analysis consisting of independent T-tests were used to summarize the responses. Most secondary school teachers needed more knowledge and understanding of the NPSTs and acknowledged their potential inadvertent non-compliance in the classroom. Although newly appointed teachers demonstrated more positive outcomes in terms of their familiarity and comprehension of national professional standards for teachers. It was recommended that for effective implementation of NPST, in-service teacher programs. To cope with new challenges in the field of education, NPST would review, improve and contextualize the latest trends and theories in the field of education.

The Impact of Quality Assurance Practices on Employee Productivity in the Apparel Sector in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to Three Leading Apparel Manufacturers in Sri Lanka

The purpose of this research is to measure the impact of quality assurance practices on employee productivity in the apparel sector in Sri Lanka. In doing so, it is expected to minimize the quality assurance failures and increase employee productivity in the Apparel industry whilst applying quality standards on production. The research is designed as a quantitative study and a sample of 300 participants from three apparel companies is selected through the simple random sampling technique. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire survey. Mean value of variables and multiple linear regression model with forward regression technique are used to analyze the responses and determine the relationship among variables. The questionnaire is checked for validity and reliability. The results reveal that quality assurance practices of six sigma, 5S, and total quality management have a significant positive impact on employee productivity, but benchmarking has an insignificant negative impact on employee productivity. The managers can provide training to employees to achieve positive outcomes of quality assurance practices. Self-accountability can be improved by allocating employee time for work and social networking. Optimizing the organization’s working conditions can be arranged based on infrastructure, ventilation, and minimal disturbances to motivate employees to be more productive. Quality assurance practices explored in this study contribute to providing flexibility and more opportunities for workers and addressing the role conflicts with strong impacts on the employee wellbeing. This leads to positive organizational outcomes. Keywords: Apparel industry, Benchmarking, Employee productivity, Quality assurance, Six sigma, Sri Lanka, Total quality management, 5S.

Successful Treatment of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis during Pregnancy by Cyclosporin and Etanercept: Own Experience and Review of Literature

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting about 2% of the population. Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare variant of this disease, and it can be life-threatening for a pregnant woman and fetus. Medication during pregnancy can be challenging since many drugs can cause marked adverse effects for a fetus or newborn baby. Because controlled studies are difficult to perform, the knowledge grows slowly, e.g., from case reports. Here we describe a review of past and present treatments for GPP patients with a special reference to pregnancy and our experience on two GPP cases treated with cyclosporin and etanercept during pregnancy with successful outcomes of infants.

Effect of Social Media Influencers’ Attributes on Customer Purchasing Behavior in Sri Lankan Context (Special References to Facebook and Instagram)

This study aims to identify how social media influencer’s attributes can be useful to tune the customer purchasing behavior. Since social media influence highly affects the day-to-day life of people, he/she highly impacts on decision making of customers to purchase products in the market. Therefore, it is essential to identify how these significant attributes support him/her to influence customer purchasing behavior. Through the literature, attractiveness, expertise, prestige, follower base, and trustworthiness are identified as major attributes and are considered as independent variables, while customer attitude and customer mimicry desire act as the mediating factors of the relationship between these attributes and customer purchasing behavior. The research is designed as a quantitative study and primary data were collected from a sample of 405 participants through questionnaire. All the Facebook and Instagram users in the country are considered as the population. Reliability and validity of data are ensured through pilot test and data were analyzed through factor analysis, correlation analysis developing multiple regression models and hypothesis testing. Considering the findings, all the attributes show positive correlation, and all the correlations are significant at the point of P = 0.001. The conceptual framework is acceptable since all the hypotheses are supported. The conclusion is that there is a positive and significant impact of social media influencer’s attractiveness, expertise, prestige, follower base, and trustworthiness on customer purchasing behavior while customer attitude and customer mimicry desire act as mediators. Policy implication of the study is to identify the suitable social media influencer and determine the criteria for selecting the social media influencer for social media marketing. The selected influencer will highly support the company by marketing its products and ensuring the customer attraction. He can apply these results and improve his follower base earning more through effective marketing campaigns. Hence, he can ensure high demand for the product, maintain competitiveness, and contribute to profit maximization. Novelty of the study is that it shows the significance of social media influencer’s attributes on social media marketing. By utilizing these attributes, he can attract new customers, retain existing customers, change customer perception towards the brand. Eventually, he will cause the brand to become the market leader. Keywords: Facebook, Instagram, Social media influencer, Social media marketing.

Impact of Terminal Handling Charges on the Performance of Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers with Special Reference to the 2013 Government Regulation

Before the imposition of the regulation, terminal handling charges for containerized cargo were included in the all-inclusive freight listed in the bill of lading and were recovered from consumers at discharging ports. Since the regulation's implementation in 2013, terminal handling charges for containerized cargo can only be recovered from the contractually obligated party to pay them, not from the consumers. In this study, the researchers argue that the former is easier to execute because even though the government has implemented these regulations to secure the consignees and shippers, there are many negative impacts of the regulations on the non-Vessel operating common carriers, as well as indirect impact on the whole shipping industry and the economy of the country. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data gathered through semi-structured interviews, and thirteen initial codes were identified under three themes during the analysis. Through the findings, the researchers have examined the impact of terminal handling charges in the Colombo port on the non-Vessel operating common carriers after enforcing the 2013 government regulations, analyzed the functions of non-Vessel operating common carriers and their relationship with the major shipping lines, and last suggested the strategies to overcome the negative impact on non-Vessel operating common carriers after enforcing 2013 government regulations. This study can guide future researchers and business sectors to construct their plans and processes to ensure that organizations run smoothly and consistently. Keywords: Government regulations, Non-Vessel operating common carriers, Seaport, Terminal handling charges.

Case report on Ayurvedic management of Eczema with special reference to Charma Kushta

Skin inflammation is referred to as eczema, also referred to as dermatitis. Erythema, vesiculation, and oozing are the symptoms of acute eczema, followed by subacute scaling and crusting and chronic lichenification. According to Ayurveda, Charmakushta which is one among the 18 types of Kushta can be correlated to chronic stage of eczema. This condition can be managed with Sodhana and Shamana principles mentioned in Kushta. The subjective parameter like pruritus is assessed with NRS(numeric rating scale) and EASI score (eczema area and severity index) was taken for measuring area or extent along with severity. Sleep disturbance was measured using atopic dermatitis sleep score (ADSS) and DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) was also assessed. All these parameters were assessed before and after treatment and also after follow up. DLQI of the patient was 66.6%before treatment which was reduced to 26.6% after treatment and 13.3% after follow up. NRS score has showed a 5 point decrease in the score and ADSS showed a marked decrease in mean score after follow up. EASI score also showed a marked reduction from 22 to 8.6 after follow up.

Application of Trisootra Chikitsa in the management of Mukhadooshika with special reference to Acne Vulgaris - A Case Report

Mukhadushika, likewise referred to as acne vulgaris, is a prevalent skin condition with significant medical and psychological repercussions, particularly among adolescents. Acne is a widespread skin problem that affects over 85% of teenagers, primarily on the face as well as on the chest and upper back. Due to the changing lifestyle, incompatible food practices and sedentary lifestyle, these types of skin manifestations became more prevalent in the present scenario. In modern cosmetology the treatment of Acne includes topical retinoids, antibiotics etc. which all usually causes adverse effects like skin irritation, peeling, redness and associated with sun sensitivity. A 25-year-old female patient suffering from facial pimples, pain, and related discomfort visited the OPD. Despite prior allopathic treatment, no relief was observed. By the proper analysis of the patient history thereby adopting Trisootra Chikitsa protocol, a substantial improvement in the patient's symptoms, with the absence of reddish nodules and tenderness considerable change in the complexion over the face of patient was achieved. It is observed that adopting Trisootra Chikitsa principles along with suitable Oushadhis is beneficial in the management of Mukhadushika, thereby improving the complexion of the skin.