International Multidisciplinary Research Journal

Equity in HIV/AIDS management and prophylaxis: How free is the free ART program in India?

Koko Wangjam — 2023-01-30

The concern for most public health policies and decision-makers is the equitable distribution of the nation’s healthcare resources. Also, in the public health care system, the primary aim is assuaging the burden of the disease. This study captures and evaluates some important health equity aspects with its relevance with the ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) program in India. The study is an exploratory and descriptive study based on secondary data. The sources of secondary data are published official reports from NACO (National AIDS Control Organization), United Nations AIDS Program (UNAIDS), World Health Organization (WHO) etc. The roll-out of the ART program in 2004 by the Govt. of India made a paradigm shift in the HIV/AIDS scenario in the country. “The adult HIV prevalence at the national level has continued its steady decline from an estimated level of 0.41% in 2001 through 0.35% in 2006 to 0.27% in 2011”. Equity in plain words means fairness. In the sense of health policy and HIV/AIDS studies, the reduction in prevalence rate equates to positive health equity. The enervation of HIV infection by taking ART drugs had helped in curbing the prevalence and the fact that it is provided free of cost has proven this program to be the epitome of distributive justice in public health.

Morphological variations observed in Trichoderma asperellum isolated from commercial products

Meshu Shewarega Foyate — 2023-04-01

Genus Trichoderma contains many species that are of great economic importance because of their ability to suppress pathogens and enhance their biocontrol capabilities against soil borne pathogens. In order to utilize the full potential of Trichoderma species in specific applications, precise identification and characterization are vital. The use of molecular markers has given a boost to the analysis of the accurate variation among various isolates of bio-agents. The present study was carried out to estimate the morphological diversity among commercial products of Trichoderma. Trichoderma based commercial products produced by different firms and made available for sales were collected from Akola and Nagpur markets. A total of eight isolates were isolated from talc powder carrier based samples on TSM. The Trichoderma isolates were differentiated by colony characters and morphological features. All isolates showed different growth patterns, colony colour, colony type, pigmentation and morphological characters like phialides, conidial size and shape.

Effects of Art Therapy on Autistic Children with Visual Impairment

Charu Verma — 2023-05-05

The use of art in therapeutic form is very popular and its benefits are proven. Many therapists employ artistic methods to address the complications of autism for a long time but the increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder with visual impairment is being witnessed these days. The present study aims to study the effects of art therapy intervention on the dual disability of autism and blindness. For this study two children having moderate autism with visual impairment were selected. Activities planned for them majorly focused on the stimulation of their tactile senses. The art therapy project for these students was divided into four stages: Pre-stage - the exploration of art material. In this stage, children were made familiar with different art materials. The second stage included tactile art-sand drawing, and the third and last stage activities were coins activity and paper weaving activity. It was designed to enhance motor skills and coordinated hand and body movement. There was resistance shown by both of them at the initial stage. However, the results after extensive sessions of their participation in activities indicated positive improvement in concentration. Their typical behavior of avoidance was also reduced. The results suggest that a tailored approach with the coordination of other experts and parents can help to overcome the complexity of their disorder.

Factors influencing consumers’ attitude towards online shopping in Rangpur City

Md. Morsalin Mridha — 2023-05-13

Nowadays Bangladesh is called a “DIGITAL BANGLADESH”. The propensity of online shopping and businesses is increasing these days. The digital environment spreads out not only in the country but also in Rangpur City. Over the last few years, online shopping has improved and the number of people who have access to the web has increased. A positive attitude towards online shopping and selling is being observed in Bangladesh. The young generation is much more involved in space marketing or shopping than in a place. The main aim of this research is to investigate the consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping and the factors influencing consumers towards online shopping. To meet the study objectives a quantitative survey method was employed. Researchers select 150 respondents by the technique of non-probability convenience sampling. The questionnaire of the study was developed from the previous literature. The research result shows that 60% of the respondents are male, and the rest are female between the 16-59 age groups, with a Secondary school certificate to postgraduate educational level. Most of them spend 2-4 hours on the Internet daily. The result also revealed that convenience, time-saving, website design, perceived enjoyment, and people engagement and their review rating have a significant positive relationship with consumer attitudes toward online shopping.